Portable Sign with Wireless Display and Emergency Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a lightweight portable sign that can be easily customized to suit various user needs, such as protecting stalled vehicles, redirecting traffic, providing warnings, and offering information to customers, while also incorporating an emergency communication system for remote messaging and alerting services.
Innovation Solution
A portable sign with a modular design, featuring a display screen, communication components, and a remote communication system that allows for wireless message updates, audio functions, and integration with inventory control software, which can be used by law enforcement, merchants, and as an accessory to new vehicles, with features like solar power and theft alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sign uses a fixed message design, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but adaptability to different user needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic message display system using an electronic display screen that can be updated remotely via wireless communication. The controller receives messages from remote devices and displays them on the screen, allowing the sign to adapt to different user needs without physical modifications. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility while keeping the physical structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The sign is designed with multi-functional capabilities including emergency warnings, traffic redirection, commercial advertising, and informational displays. The electronic display system can show various types of messages for different purposes, making a single device serve multiple functions. This universality approach allows the sign to be adaptable to diverse user needs without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sign includes communication and display components, then functionality and adaptability improve, but weight and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs lightweight materials and optimized component specifications to reduce overall weight while maintaining necessary functionality. The electronic display, battery, and communication modules are selected with appropriate size and weight parameters to balance functionality and portability. This parameter optimization allows the sign to include advanced features without becoming excessively heavy.
Solution Approach 2:
The sign system is designed as a modular portable unit that can be easily transported and deployed. The controller, display screen, battery, and communication components are integrated into a compact, self-contained unit that functions as a complete portable system. This segmentation approach ensures that all necessary components are included for full functionality while maintaining portability through unified compact design.
3Ease of operation
If the sign uses manual message updating, then device complexity is low, but ease of operation and response time to emergencies worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sign system enables remote message updating where users can send messages wirelessly from their own devices to the sign's controller. The controller automatically receives and displays these messages without requiring manual intervention at the sign itself. This self-service capability allows rapid message updates during emergencies while keeping the sign's physical interface simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system acts as an intermediary between remote users and the sign's display system. Messages are transmitted through wireless signals from mobile devices or other remote sources to the controller, which then displays them on the screen. This intermediary communication channel enables easy operation from a distance while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
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 portable sign effectively protects stalled vehicles, redirects traffic, and provides customizable information to users, while enabling remote communication with emergency services, enhancing safety and advertising capabilities through its modular and integrated communication features.
Implementation Method 1
The sign may have a solar panel to provide electric free operation
Data Source
AI summary
Included is a lightweight portable sign which can be used in one aspect to protect stalled or broken down vehicles with passengers still on board, to prevent oncoming vehicles or traffic from colliding with the stalled vehicles. An infinite number of messages may be displayed by input to the display through the use of a keyboard, smart phone application, auditory input or a pre-set selection of messaged chosen by the user. The sign is computerized with onboard memory, processor and optionally, has sound and audio capabilities. An emergency communications system and method are also included. The method include providing software applications communications components of the sign of the invention which then transmits a signal to a communication center, which then can direct the communication to a hospital, police or roadside assistance entity. The portable sign can also be used to law enforcement or government officials to redirect traffic or provide warnings and messages, or by merchants and vendors to aid in information to potential customers and store visitors. The portable sign can also be provided as an accessory to new vehicles.