IR Touch Screen Switch for Digital Sign Content Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computing systems for digital signs are costly and complex, making it difficult for non-technical employees to update multimedia content, especially in environments like fast food restaurants where frequent updates are needed, and there is a desire for manual control over digital displays.
Innovation Solution
A manual switch system with infrared (IR) touch screen capabilities that allows users to select and control multimedia content from multiple source inputs for display on a digital device, featuring source input ports, a switching mechanism, a processor, and an IR touch screen for user input, enabling easy switching and updating without requiring extensive computer knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a personal computer is used to generate multimedia output for digital display, then the display can be updated digitally, but the system becomes excessively complex and difficult for non-technical employees to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential digital update capability from a full personal computer system. Instead of using a complete PC with operating system and software complexity, the invention isolates the core functions needed for digital sign updates: a simple controller that can receive update commands and change display content, eliminating unnecessary computational complexity while preserving digital adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive controller device that replaces the need for expensive, complex personal computers. This controller is designed to be functionally sufficient for the specific task of updating digital signs, using minimal hardware and software resources, thereby reducing both cost and operational complexity while maintaining the ability to update displays digitally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a personal computer is used to update digital signs, then content can be updated remotely, but employees without computer skills cannot operate the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service update mechanism where the simple controller automatically receives and processes update commands without requiring user intervention in complex computer operations. The system is designed so that employees can easily initiate updates through simple interfaces or automated scheduling, and the controller handles the technical complexity of receiving, validating, and applying content updates independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a simplified controller as an intermediary between the remote content management system and the digital display. This intermediary device handles the complex communication and content processing tasks, allowing employees to interact with a simple, intuitive interface while the controller manages the technical complexities of remote content delivery and display updates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a full personal computer system is deployed for digital signage, then functionality is comprehensive, but the equipment cost and space requirements are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential content update functionality from a full personal computer system. The simple controller is designed to perform specifically the task of receiving, processing, and displaying updated content, eliminating all other unnecessary PC components and software, thereby reducing equipment quantity and space requirements while maintaining comprehensive content update capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the simple controller to be a universal solution that can handle various content formats and update methods (manual updates, scheduled updates, remote updates) through a single integrated device. This multi-functional controller replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized devices or a full PC system, reducing the total quantity of equipment needed while maintaining versatile content update 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
The system provides an inexpensive, easy-to-use, and secure solution for updating digital signs, allowing local control over multimedia content while simplifying the process of switching and updating content, even in environments with limited technical expertise.
Implementation Method 1
an IR touch screen switch for receiving user input for controlling the position of the switching mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention extends to a switch system for selecting multimedia content from one or various source inputs to be provided to a digital display. The switch system of the present invention provides a compact, convenient, and simple to use solution for updating a digital display in many environments. The switch system employs an IR touch screen for receiving user input. Based on the user input received by the IR touch screen, control signals are generated that control the position of a switch for selecting a source of content for display.