Matrix Screen Zone Redefinition Without Graphics Processor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dedicated screens for displaying symbols lack flexibility, as they cannot be easily modified in size or segment number without developing new hardware, and require complex and costly graphics processor architectures for matrix displays, leading to high power consumption and maintenance issues.
Innovation Solution
A matrix screen device using non-volatile memory, such as FlashPROM, to redefine zones and symbols without a graphics processor, allowing for easy reprogramming of zone sizes and symbols, reducing the need for new hardware and simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated screen with predetermined zones is used, then the display structure is simple and reliable, but the flexibility to modify zone size and segment number is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability of the matrix screen by allowing software-defined zones and segments. The screen can be reprogrammed through a configuration interface to create different zone arrangements, segment distributions, and display layouts without any hardware modifications. This dynamic approach enables the same physical screen to adapt to various application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters of the display system from fixed hardware definitions to software-configurable parameters. Zone boundaries, segment positions, and display characteristics are defined by programmable parameters that can be modified through software, allowing flexible adjustment of the display configuration to match different application needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a matrix screen with graphics processor architecture is used, then flexibility in displaying symbols is improved, but power consumption increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the graphics processing functionality from a dedicated graphics processor and implements it through a simplified control system specifically designed for symbol display on matrix screens. This extracted approach uses only the essential processing needed for symbol representation, eliminating the excess processing power and associated power consumption of general-purpose graphics processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex graphics processor hardware with a simpler, more cost-effective control system that is optimized for the specific task of displaying symbols. This approach uses readily available, inexpensive components that consume less power and are easier to maintain, sacrificing the general-purpose capabilities of graphics processors for the specific benefit of efficient symbol display.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a matrix screen with graphics processor architecture is used, then display flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the graphics processing functionality from a dedicated graphics processor and implements it through a simplified control system specifically designed for symbol display on matrix screens. This extracted approach uses only the essential processing needed for symbol representation, eliminating the excess processing power and associated complexity of general-purpose graphics processors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical/electronic graphics processor architecture with a software-based control system that runs on a simpler microcontroller or processor. This substitution eliminates the need for complex graphics hardware while achieving the same display flexibility through programmable software routines.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a matrix screen with graphics processor architecture is used, then display flexibility is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses software-based display configuration that can be copied and transferred between systems. The zone definitions, segment configurations, and display parameters are stored as software data that can be easily replicated, updated, and maintained, replacing the need for complex hardware modifications and specialized maintenance procedures.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for displaying symbols on a matrix screen. Said device comprises means for storing (11) a plurality of static zones (2, 3) of the screen (1) and a plurality of symbols (4, 5) to be displayed in each zone (2, 3), a zone table (12) defining the symbol (4, 5) to be displayed for each zone (2, 3), and means (10) for controlling the display of each point of the matrix according to the symbol (4, 5) retained in the zone table (12) and of the allocation of each point to a given zone (2, 3) determined by the storage means (11). According to the method, in each point of the screen: the zone (2, 3) to which the point belongs is determined by the storage means (11), the symbol (4, 5) to be displayed is determined by the zone table (12), and the display of the point is generated.