Inductive Display Card for Transit Status Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers in mass transit systems face difficulties in obtaining relevant network status information due to overwhelming data and reliance on smartphone services that are unreliable in areas with patchy mobile phone service.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a display device with a bichromal display, a transaction card, and a card reader that uses inductive coils to receive and display transportation system updates, allowing for power delivery and data transmission without the need for constant cellular connectivity, enabling users to access relevant information about their specific transit stop or route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If smartphone services are used to deliver transportation updates, then information delivery is achieved, but reliability deteriorates in areas with patchy mobile phone service
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary display device that acts as a mediator between the card reader and the user. This display device receives power and data through inductive coupling from the card reader, eliminating the need for cellular signals. The intermediary device processes and displays transportation status information locally, ensuring reliable information delivery in areas with poor mobile service coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic communication system (cellular network) with an electromagnetic induction system. Instead of relying on cellular towers and mobile networks, the system uses inductive coils to transmit both power and data wirelessly over short distances. This substitution enables reliable operation in underground or remote areas where cellular service is unavailable.
2Loss of information
If large board of transport information is provided, then network status information is available, but ease of operation deteriorates due to confusion and time-consuming search
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing the displayed information based on the user's specific location and route. Instead of showing all network status information on a large board, the system uses the transaction card to identify the user's route and displays only the relevant transportation status information for that specific route and stop. This localized information presentation makes it easy for users to find relevant information without being overwhelmed by unrelated data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the information display into route-specific modules. The display device divides the overall transportation network information into separate, manageable segments corresponding to different routes and stops. Each segment can be independently displayed and updated, allowing users to quickly locate information for their specific route without searching through unrelated network-wide data.
3Reliability
If inductive coil technology is used for power delivery, then reliability in poor service areas is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power delivery and data transmission functions into a single inductive coupling interface. The card reader uses the same inductive coil that would traditionally be used for card authentication to simultaneously deliver both power and data to the display device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate power delivery infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable operation in areas with poor cellular service.
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 efficient and reliable delivery of transportation system updates to users, even in areas with poor mobile service, by using inductive technology to power and communicate relevant status information directly to the display device, prioritizing information based on user-specific needs and route data.
Implementation Method 1
When the display device's inductive coil is in the presence of a proximate electromagnetic field, the inductive coil delivers power to the driving circuit
Implementation Method 2
the driving circuit may cause the display screen to display updated status information by inducing a voltage change in a portion of the conductive substrate. The voltage change then causes a corresponding change in an image displayed by the bichromal material
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A method and system enables users of a system such as a mass transit system to receive status information about the system. The information may relate to one or more stops or vehicles along various routes of the system. The user is provided with a display device (100), and one or more readers are positioned throughout the system. The display device (100) includes a display screen (16) that displays system status information, a driving circuit (18), an antenna (30) and an inductive coil (24). When the display device's inductive coil (24) is in the presence of a proximate electromagnetic field and the antenna receives a data signal, the inductive coil delivers power to the driving circuit, and the driving circuit causes the display screen to display updated system status information.