Bi-stable Display Tag Wireless Power via NFC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bi-stable display systems often rely on battery power, leading to rapid depletion and require additional cabling or user authorization for updates, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A bi-stable display system that uses near-field communication (NFC) for wireless power and data transmission, allowing the display to be updated without batteries or additional cabling, and enabling autonomous image changes based on NFC interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery power is used to update bi-stable displays, then the display can be updated frequently, but the battery depletes rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic NFC interactions to transfer power and data in discrete bursts rather than continuous power consumption. The display updates only when triggered by an NFC device, creating periodic action patterns that reduce overall energy usage while maintaining update capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bi-stable display leverages its inherent ability to maintain images without power (self-service characteristic) and combines it with NFC-powered updates. The display serves itself by retaining images passively, requiring power only for state changes, thereby minimizing energy consumption while maintaining productivity.
2Reliability
If additional cabling is used to provide power to controllers, then power can be supplied reliably, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical cabling with wireless NFC technology for both power and data transmission. The NFC interface uses electromagnetic fields instead of physical connections, eliminating the need for additional cabling while maintaining reliable power delivery to the display controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFC interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides wireless power delivery, data transmission, and communication control all through a single interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cabling for power and data, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliability.
3Reliability
If user authorization is required for each display update, then security is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authorization during the NFC pairing process, establishing trusted relationships in advance. Once paired, the NFC device can trigger display updates without requiring repeated user authorization, maintaining security through pre-established credentials while significantly improving ease of operation for subsequent updates.
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
The system enables continuous, low-power display of information with minimal battery consumption and allows for automatic updates without user intervention, enhancing convenience and reducing power usage.
Implementation Method 1
The display module is configured to be operatively coupled to a near-field communications (NFC) module and configured to be wirelessly powered by an external NFC power supply
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments an apparatus includes a display module and a bi-stable display. The bi-stable display is operatively coupled to the display module and is configured to display a first image at a first time. The display module is configured to be operatively coupled to a wireless module and configured to be wirelessly powered by an external wireless power supply. The display module is configured to receive, at a second time after the first time and in response to a wireless interaction with a wireless device, (1) power from the external wireless power supply and (2) a signal from the wireless module indicative of a second image different from the first image. The bi-stable display is configured to display, in response to a signal indicative of an instruction from the display module, the second image at a third time after the second time.