Programmable LED Sign Using USB Flash Drive for Message Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional LED signs are bulky, heavy, and require a computer for operation, making them difficult to transport, costly, and susceptible to malicious tampering, with issues such as electricity loss, overheating, and hacking.
Innovation Solution
The development of lightweight, compact LED signs that can be assembled from kit components and operate without a computer, using a USB flash drive to program and display user-defined messages, allowing for easy transportation and reduced susceptibility to tampering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LED signs use a computer to control the display, then the sign can display complex messages and images, but the sign becomes bulky, heavy, and susceptible to malicious tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the computer from the LED sign system, separating the control function into an external USB flash drive. The receiver unit contains only the essential control circuitry and EPROM to execute programs from the USB drive, eliminating the need for a built-in computer and significantly reducing weight and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB flash drive serves as an intermediary between the user and the LED sign system. It carries the display program and message data, interfacing with the receiver unit through a standard USB connection. This mediator approach allows complex display capabilities without embedding a computer in the sign itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LED signs include a computer for control, then the sign can be programmed to display various messages, but the sign becomes costly and vulnerable to hacking and physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The computer is extracted from the sign system and replaced with a USB flash drive for program storage and a simplified receiver unit for execution. This extraction eliminates the vulnerabilities associated with built-in computers while maintaining full programmability through USB-based program loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive, replaceable USB flash drives and a simple receiver unit with EPROM instead of a costly, complex computer system. The USB drive can be easily replaced if compromised, and the receiver unit is designed to be robust and resistant to tampering, improving overall reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional LED signs are designed for permanent installation, then the display is stable, but the sign is difficult and costly to transport to different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The LED sign is divided into modular components: a receiver unit, power supply, and LED display elements that can be separately assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the sign to be easily transported and reassembled at different locations while maintaining stable operation once assembled.
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 solution enables cost-effective, reliable, and tamper-resistant LED signs that can be easily transported and displayed, eliminating the need for a computer and reducing the risk of malicious interference.
Implementation Method 1
a receiver having erasable, programmable read-only memory and a USB printer port plug
Implementation Method 2
one or more faces, wherein each face is comprised of a plurality of light emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
A LED sign which can be programmed to display a desired message can be made utilizing a sign kit comprising (1) one or more faces, wherein each face is comprised of a plurality light emitting diodes; (2) a receiver having erasable, programmable read-only memory and a USB printer port plug; (3) a power supply; and (4) a USB flash drive which is adapted to connecting to the receiver through the USB printer port plug; wherein the USB flash drive is programmed to reset the erasable, programmable read-only memory of the receiver by erasing any preexisting data which may reside in the read-only memory of the receiver and to program the erasable, programmable read-only memory with auto executing script to set the desired message to be displayed. The LED sign can be mounted on a trailer for display as the sign is moving or for display in a stationary location.