Cyber-Enabled Display Encoding Human and Machine Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic displays, such as digital signs, are typically limited to a single display purpose and lack the capability to convey both human-readable and machine-readable information simultaneously, with machine-readable data remaining invisible to humans.

Innovation Solution

A cyber-enabled display system that uses light-emitting diodes to create an image with two underlying patterns changing at different rates, where the rapidly changing pattern encodes machine-readable data and the slower changing pattern encodes human-readable data, allowing for simultaneous human and machine communication without affecting human visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If a display shows only human-readable information, then human visibility is maintained, but machine-readable data cannot be conveyed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine-readable dataVSAvoiddisplay structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display output is segmented into two distinct patterns: a first optical pattern that changes rapidly and encodes machine-readable data, and a second optical pattern that changes slowly and encodes human-readable data. This segmentation allows both types of information to be conveyed simultaneously through the same display medium without interfering with each other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display utilizes periodic action by changing the first optical pattern at a first rate and the second optical pattern at a second rate, where the first rate is faster than the second rate. This periodic modulation at different frequencies enables machines to decode the rapidly changing pattern while humans perceive only the slower-changing human-readable content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of information

If the display changes patterns rapidly to encode machine data, then machine readability improves, but human visibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine-readable dataVSAvoidhuman visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The display utilizes periodic action by changing the first optical pattern at a first rate and the second optical pattern at a second rate, where the first rate is faster than the second rate. This periodic modulation at different frequencies enables machines to decode the rapidly changing pattern while humans perceive only the slower-changing human-readable content.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the display by simultaneously maintaining two different change rates for the two optical patterns. The first pattern dynamically changes at a high rate for machine reading, while the second pattern dynamically changes at a lower rate visible to humans, creating a dynamic multi-layer information system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If separate networks are used for machine and human communication, then communication reliability improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges machine communication and human communication into a single display system. Both types of communication are combined in one optical output, with machine-readable data embedded within the same display medium that shows human-readable information, eliminating the need for separate physical networks or communication channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display system achieves universality by serving multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a human-readable information display and a machine-readable data transmission device. This multi-functionality allows a single system to communicate with both human users and machines without requiring separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the display of human-readable information while embedding machine-readable data that can be captured by cameras, enhancing the utility of displays in intelligent transportation systems and mass transit applications, and providing secure, efficient communication without the need for separate networks.

Implementation Method 1

producing, using a plurality of light-emitting diodes, an illuminated pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-emitting diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10916165B2Cyber-enabled displays for intelligent transportation systems
Publication Date: 2021.02.09 RES FOUND THE CITY UNIV OF NEW YORK
  • US10916165B2 patent drawing
  • US10916165B2 patent drawing
  • US10916165B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display system that produces an image that encodes both machine-readable and human-readable data is described. The image has two underlying patterns that are changed at two different rates. The rapidly changing image encodes the machine-readable data and the slower changing image encodes the human-readable data.