Charged Pigment Display Module for Programmable Infrared Target Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing target systems are inflexible and lack programmability, limiting their ability to provide dynamic and cost-effective testing solutions for equipment, as they often rely on expensive mechanical means or resistor emitter arrays.
Innovation Solution
A target system comprising a display module with charged pigments and an electrical contact to create an electric field, coupled with a computer-readable storage medium and heating element to generate and modify infrared patterns dynamically, allowing for programmable and cost-effective dynamic targets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical means are used to provide dynamic targets, then the target can change dynamically during testing, but the system becomes custom, cumbersome, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical means with an electric field-based display module. The display module uses charged pigments that respond to electric fields to create dynamic target patterns without any moving mechanical parts. This substitution eliminates the complexity, customization requirements, and high costs associated with mechanical dynamic target systems while maintaining the ability to change targets dynamically during testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state or parameters of the pigments through electric field application. By applying different electric field configurations to the charged pigments in the display module, the system can dynamically alter target patterns without mechanical movement. This parameter-based control enables dynamic targeting functionality through a simpler, more cost-effective non-mechanical system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If resistor emitter arrays are used to provide programmable targets, then the target patterns become programmable and modifiable, but the system becomes very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive resistor emitter arrays with a display module using charged pigments and electric fields. This substitution maintains full programmability and modifiability of target patterns while dramatically reducing manufacturing costs. The electric field-based approach uses simpler, more cost-effective components compared to resistor emitter technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a display module with charged pigments that is inherently less expensive than resistor emitter arrays. This approach uses cost-effective materials and manufacturing processes while achieving the desired programmable target functionality, making the system economically viable without sacrificing adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If static target systems are used, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but the target cannot change dynamically during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a display module with charged pigments that responds to electric fields, enabling dynamic target changes without the high costs of mechanical systems. This maintains cost-effectiveness while adding dynamic capability that static systems lack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static target system into a dynamic one by implementing a display module where charged pigments can be repositioned or reconfigured through applied electric fields. This enables the target to change dynamically during testing while keeping the system simple and cost-effective, avoiding the complexity of mechanical dynamic systems.
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 the creation of inexpensive, programmable, and dynamic targets, enhancing testing capabilities by providing adjustable and variable infrared patterns, which can be used for calibration and alignment of equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element coupled to the display module and operable to emit an infrared pattern that is modified by the plurality of pixel elements
Implementation Method 2
an electrical contact coupled to the display segment and operable to receive signals which cause an electric field to be present in the display segment
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a target system includes a display module comprising a plurality of pixel elements operable to display target patterns. Each pixel element includes a display segment, a plurality of first charged pigments housed within the display segment each having a first charge, a plurality of second charged pigments housed within the display segment each having a second charge, wherein the first charge is opposite the second charge, and an electrical contact coupled to the display segment and operable to receive signals which cause an electric field to be present in the display segment. The system also includes at least one computer-readable tangible storage medium comprising executable code that, when executed by at least one processor, is operable to transmit signals to the display module that cause an electric field to be present in at least one pixel element of the plurality of pixel elements. In addition, the system includes a heating element coupled to the display module and operable to emit an infrared pattern that is modified by the plurality of pixel elements.