E-Ink Display for Dynamic Service Code Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current component labeling methods are complex, expensive, and prone to errors, especially when components are updated or maintained, as they require manual or special printer application and do not easily adapt to changes in software versions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a memory, processor, and E-Ink display that generates a machine-readable code for service information, allowing access to maintenance data even when the device is switched off, using a terminal device to read and decode this code, which can also facilitate software updates and secure data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional displays are used to display service information, then the information is accessible when the device is switched on, but the information cannot be accessed when the device is switched off or during defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an E-Ink display that functions like a disposable label - it displays information without requiring continuous power and can be replaced or updated easily. The display shows machine-readable codes that encode service information, allowing access even when the main device is powered off, similar to how a physical label provides information without energy consumption.
2Ease of operation
If service information is displayed directly on the device, then the information is immediately accessible, but the limited display space cannot accommodate all maintenance information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional physical display space to multi-dimensional digital information storage. The E-Ink display shows compact machine-readable codes (QR codes, barcodes) that encode references to extensive service information stored in memory or accessible via communication interfaces, effectively expanding the information capacity beyond the physical display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine-readable code acts as an intermediary between the limited display space and the extensive service information. Instead of displaying all information directly, the display shows a code that terminals can read and decode to retrieve the full service information from memory or external sources.
3Stability of the object's composition
If labels are printed or embossed on components, then the labeling is permanent and unalterable, but the information cannot be updated when software versions change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static physical labels with a dynamic electronic display system. The E-Ink display can be updated by sending new data to it, allowing service information to change when software versions are updated, while maintaining the appearance of a permanent label when the device is powered off. The information in memory can be modified without physical changes to the device.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual labeling methods are used, then the labeling can be applied directly to components, but the process is complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs its own labeling function through the E-Ink display that shows machine-readable codes. Instead of requiring external labeling processes, the device automatically displays its service information, making the labeling process integral to the device itself and eliminating separate labeling operations.
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 provides cost-effective, error-reduced maintenance by enabling easy access to service information and secure data transfer, reducing downtime and maintenance effort through E-Ink displays that can function without electrical energy and adapt dynamically.
Implementation Method 1
an E-Ink display. The processor is designed and configured to read service information from the memory, generate a machine-readable code based on the service information, and transmit the machine-readable code to the E-Ink display so that the E-Ink display displays the machine-readable code
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) comprising at least one memory (20), a processor (18), and an E-Ink display (24, 26), wherein the processor (18) is configured and set up to read service information from the memory (20), generate a machine-readable code (34) based on the service information, and transmit the machine-readable code (34) to the E-Ink display (24), so that the E-Ink display (24) displays the machine-readable code (34), which, when read by an end device (36), causes the end device (36) to retrieve the service information. The invention further relates to a method for operating a device (10) with an E-Ink display (24, 26).