Bar Graph Display Device Using Three Brightness States
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bar displays can only represent a limited range of values with poor readability, especially when encoding values, which hinders quick and precise representation in applications requiring clear visibility.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit for a display device that allows each display element to have three states: a first state, a second state, and a third state, enabling the display of intermediate values by activating preceding or subsequent elements, and using light-emitting diodes to achieve three brightness levels, thereby expanding the value range while maintaining readability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional bar displays activate only one or multiple display elements to represent values, then the structure remains simple, but the value range is limited and readability deteriorates for intermediate values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a third brightness state (intermediate brightness level) for display elements in addition to the conventional on/off states. This allows display elements to represent three distinct value levels (off, intermediate, full brightness), thereby expanding the value range from 7 to 21 representable states while maintaining clear visual distinction through controlled brightness parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by enabling display elements to dynamically switch between three brightness states (off, intermediate, full) based on the value to be displayed. This dynamic control of brightness levels allows the same physical display element to represent multiple values, expanding the value range without adding more physical elements while preserving readability through distinct brightness levels
2Adaptability or versatility
If more display elements are added to expand the value range, then the value range increases, but the device complexity and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to represent multiple values with the same number of display elements. By controlling each display element to operate in three brightness states (off, intermediate, full) instead of conventional two states (off, on), the system expands the value range from 7 to 21 representable states using the same seven display elements, thereby increasing adaptability without increasing device complexity or material costs
3Adaptability or versatility
If binary encoding is used to display values, then the value range expands, but the readability and quick recognition deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different brightness characteristics to different display elements based on their position and the value to be displayed. Each display element can independently exhibit off, intermediate, or full brightness states, creating a localized visual pattern that maintains the intuitive bar display format while encoding additional value information through brightness variations, thus preserving quick readability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent overcomes the readability issue of binary encoding by using parameter changes in brightness levels. Instead of relying on positional encoding alone (which can be hard to read quickly), the system varies the brightness parameter of display elements to represent values, creating visually distinct patterns that are both information-rich and quickly recognizable, maintaining the advantages of bar displays while expanding value range
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for the display of significantly more values, up to 21 states with seven elements, while ensuring quick and clear legibility, reducing material costs by one-third compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
A third display state, which can be realized when using light-emitting diodes as display elements, for example by driving the light-emitting diodes at half brightness
Data Source
Figure 1a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
The display device has display components which are arranged in the shape of a bar, and represent a first display state and second display state. The value shown by the display device can be indicated by the second display state utilizing display component assigned to the value, and an intermediate value between the displayed value and succeeding or preceding value can be represented by activating a corresponding preceding or corresponding succeeding display component. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) a utilization method for display device; and (2) an actuation circuit for display device.