Self-Addressed Mosaic Display Synchronization via Optical Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current large display systems, such as those used in entertainment venues, are limited by high costs and the inability to place lighting in areas where fans are located without obstructing their view, and synchronization of independent lighting devices is challenging, especially in large-scale applications.
Innovation Solution
A system where lighting devices, including mobile devices like cell phones and tablets, are assigned unique addresses through light patterns, allowing an imaging device to determine their spatial location and synchronize them optically, enabling the creation of a self-addressed information display that can be controlled and synchronized across multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional large display systems (LCD panels, LED sign boards) are used, then display size and visibility are improved, but cost increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into multiple independent lighting devices (smartphones, tablets, or dedicated lighting units) that can be individually controlled. Each device displays a portion of the overall image, and the collective output forms the complete display. This segmentation eliminates the need for expensive large-format panels while achieving comparable or superior display areas through the aggregation of many smaller, cost-effective devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copies of standardized lighting devices (smartphones with cameras and displays, tablets, or dedicated lighting units) to create the display array. Instead of manufacturing custom large-scale display infrastructure, the system replicates multiple identical or similar devices that can be mass-produced at low cost, then synchronizes them to function as a unified display system.
2Area of stationary object
If lighting devices are placed in areas where fans are located, then display coverage is improved, but view obstruction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically assigns different display content to different devices based on their spatial locations and viewing angles. Devices in fan areas display content optimized for that location, while avoiding uniform illumination that would cause obstruction. The temporal and spatial patterns are adjusted in real-time to minimize view obstruction while maintaining display coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display array are assigned different display characteristics based on their location. Devices positioned in fan areas use different patterns, timings, or content than devices in other areas. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize for each location's specific requirements, reducing view obstruction in fan areas while maintaining overall display coverage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If independent lighting devices are synchronized, then display coordination is improved, but synchronization complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from imaging devices (cameras) to detect the actual positions and states of lighting devices in real-time. This feedback is used to dynamically adjust synchronization timing and patterns, allowing the system to automatically coordinate independent devices without complex manual configuration. The feedback loop enables adaptive synchronization that handles device movement and positioning variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical or wired synchronization mechanisms with optical and wireless communication methods. Imaging devices capture visual information to determine device positions, and wireless signals transmit synchronization commands. This substitution eliminates the need for physical synchronization hardware or complex wiring while achieving coordinated display across all devices.
4Measurement precision
If temporal patterns are used for device identification, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic temporal patterns (sequential lighting sequences) emitted by each device to enable identification. By cycling through distinct time-based patterns, devices create detectable signatures that imaging systems can recognize. This periodic action allows accurate device identification while the patterns are designed to complete detection within acceptable timeframes through optimized sequencing.
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
This system allows for the creation of large, synchronized displays without the need for costly infrastructure, enabling flexible and efficient use of lighting devices to form dynamic images and patterns, improving viewer experience and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
A device which includes a light emitter is assigned an address. A light pattern is generated by the device which describes the address of the device based on the emitted pattern.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are described for creation of a mosaic display system. A device is assigned an address which may be used to produce unique sequence of illumination which is based on a code determined by the address. A sequence of images of a number of devices may be used to determine a spatial location associated with a device address.