Diving Computer Programmable Dot Matrix Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Diving computers have limited flexibility in displaying information, often requiring multiple screens and leading to a cluttered interface, which can confuse divers and reduce the visibility of critical data.

Innovation Solution

A diving computer with a user-programmable dot matrix display that allows users to customize the arrangement, size, and position of information, using an interface to select and 'drag and drop' parameters onto the screen, ensuring essential information is prominently displayed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a predefined segment LCD display is used to show multiple dive parameters, then more information can be displayed, but the display becomes crowded and confusing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequantity of information displayedVSAvoiddisplay clarity and usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display layout transitions from static predefined segments to dynamic user-configurable arrangement. Users can move, resize, and reposition display elements during surface functions and customize their positions for dive mode. This dynamic flexibility allows optimization of display clarity while maintaining comprehensive information presentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display is divided into independently configurable elements rather than fixed segments. Each dive parameter can be individually positioned and sized, allowing users to create customized layouts that prioritize critical information while maintaining overall display comprehensiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If more dive parameters are displayed simultaneously, then comprehensive information is provided, but the individual parameter size decreases and visibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of dive parameters displayedVSAvoidparameter size and visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the display can have different parameter sizes and information densities based on user preferences and importance. Critical parameters can be enlarged and positioned in prominent locations, while less critical parameters can be smaller or placed in peripheral areas, creating a hierarchically organized display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If surface functions like logbook and dive planner are included, then the device becomes more versatile, but the area available for dive information display is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface function capabilityVSAvoiddisplay area for dive information
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display configuration is dynamic and mode-dependent. During dive mode, the layout optimizes for dive parameters, while during surface functions, the layout automatically or manually adjusts to accommodate menus and surface-related information. This allows full utilization of display area for each specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of manufacture

If a fixed display layout is used, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but user customization and preference accommodation are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay system complexityVSAvoiddisplay customization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display system incorporates user programmable capabilities that allow customization during surface functions. Users can define custom layouts, parameter selections, and display preferences that are stored and automatically applied during dive mode, providing both manufacturing simplicity and user adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP1867565B1Diving computer with programmable display
Publication Date: 2010.07.28 JOHNSON OUTDOORS INC
  • EP1867565B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1867565B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6
  • EP1867565B1 patent drawingFigure 7~10

AI summary

A diving computer (10) is provided. The diving computer (10) includes a computer (20) connected to a dot matrix screen (18) to display information concerning a dive. The computer has an interface (14) to an external personal computer (11) for reprogrammably configuring the information displayed on the screen (18). The user may customize the information on one or more views of the screen (18) in several ways. The user may select the desired information to be displayed, and may customize the size and placement of the information on one or more views. The diving computer (10) also has a number of pre-programmed displays that may be selected, each of which present different layouts and organizations of diving related information.