PDU Display Encoding via Flashing Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power distribution units (PDUs) have small displays that are inadequate for quickly retrieving and analyzing operating data, making it difficult to efficiently monitor and manage power distribution information.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that includes a processor, memory, and display coupled with tracking circuitry in PDUs, allowing data conversion into a stream of character sets visible only at a frequency not detectable to the human eye, which can be interpreted by mobile devices for real-time human-readable information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small display is used on the PDU, then the device complexity is reduced and cost is lowered, but the quantity of information that can be displayed is limited and data retrieval efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial display dimensions to temporal display dimensions by using time-varying visual patterns (flashing sequences) to encode data. Instead of expanding the display area spatially, the system uses time-based encoding where different flash patterns represent different data values, allowing extensive information to be conveyed through a compact display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device with camera and processing capabilities as an intermediary between the PDU display and the user. The mobile device captures the flashing display patterns, decodes the encoded information, and presents it in a readable format, enabling efficient data retrieval without requiring a large display on the PDU itself.
2Productivity
If data is displayed in real-time on a small screen, then monitoring speed is improved, but the quantity of information that can be effectively monitored is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of display presentation by using varying flash frequencies and patterns to encode different data elements. This allows multiple parameters (voltage, current, power, etc.) to be displayed sequentially through time-varying visual patterns, enabling comprehensive monitoring information to be conveyed through a compact display without sacrificing monitoring speed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is a method and apparatus to retrieve data from a power distribution unit. Apparatus to retrieve data from a power distribution unit may include a processor, memory and display which may be coupled to tracking circuitry of a power distribution unit in order to allow viewing of current operating conditions of the power distribution unit. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the processor may be configured to convert data from the tracking circuitry of the power distribution unit into a stream of character sets presented on the display which may be interpreted by a mobile device and translated by the mobile device into human readable information.