Feedback Circuit for Variable Message Sign Remote Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Variable message signs lack a reliable feedback mechanism to remotely monitor their legibility and operational status, leading to potential errors or misdirection, especially when lights are not functioning correctly.
Innovation Solution
A feedback circuit comprising a resistor coupled with lights, a voltage measuring circuit, and a comparator, which allows for the determination of electrical characteristics of the lights and comparison to a reference voltage, enabling remote monitoring of the sign's operational status through a microcontroller and digital-to-analog converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If variable message signs use lights that can be remotely controlled, then convenience and adaptability are improved, but reliability deteriorates because there is no feedback mechanism to monitor if the lights are working correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback circuit that monitors the operational status of lights in variable message signs. The circuit includes a voltage measuring circuit coupled to a resistor in series with the lights, and a comparator that compares the measured voltage to a reference voltage. When the comparator detects a voltage difference exceeding a threshold, it generates an output signal indicating a light failure, enabling remote monitoring and alerting of sign legibility issues.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual character signs are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates because characters can be blown off or fall down and go unnoticed
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback circuit continuously monitors the electrical characteristics of lights and compares them against expected values. When a deviation indicating light failure is detected, the system generates an alert signal that can be remotely transmitted to notify operators of the sign accuracy issue, preventing undetected errors from persisting.
3Adaptability or versatility
If variable message signs with multiple lights are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases making monitoring difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system divides the complex array of lights into manageable segments or groups, with each group monitored by dedicated circuitry. The voltage measuring circuit and comparator are configured to monitor specific subsets of lights, allowing the complex display system to be broken down into smaller, more manageable monitoring units that can be independently tested and maintained.
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 remote monitoring and self-calibration of variable message signs, ensuring accurate and legible displays by identifying inoperative lights and sending alerts for immediate action, thus improving the reliability and effectiveness of outdoor signage systems.
Implementation Method 1
A voltage measuring circuit is coupled to the resistor
Implementation Method 2
The voltage measuring circuit may include a comparator having a first input coupled to a node of the resistor and a second input coupled to a reference voltage
Implementation Method 3
A digital to analog converter having an input may be coupled to the microcontroller and have an output coupled to the second input of the comparator
Data Source
AI summary
A feedback circuit for a display sign has a number of lights. A resistor is coupled in series with the lights. A voltage measuring circuit is coupled to the resistor.