Field-Programmable Display Panel for Contactless Vehicle Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication methods for identifying and contacting unknown individuals, such as taxi passengers, are inefficient as they require physical presence and human interaction, especially in public locations where social distancing is necessary, and smartphone screens are not visible from a distance.
Innovation Solution
A field-programmable data display panel (FPDDP) that can be programmed from a user device to display messages, names, or phone numbers on a flexible, rechargeable, and adhesive display, allowing for wireless or wired connectivity, with options for static or scrolling displays, and automatic powering off, suitable for attachment to car windshields or foldable displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If smartphone screens are used to display messages, then portability and accessibility are improved, but display size and visibility distance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the display function from the smartphone by using a separate programmable display panel that can be attached to the vehicle windshield. The smartphone serves as the control device while the display panel provides the large visible surface area.
Solution Approach 2:
The display is moved from the two-dimensional smartphone screen to a larger surface mounted on the vehicle windshield, utilizing the vertical and horizontal space of the vehicle exterior to achieve greater visibility distance.
2Loss of information
If physical placards are used for communication, then visibility and identification are improved, but human interaction and physical presence are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is programmable and can automatically display information without requiring the user to physically hold or manipulate a placard. The system serves itself by receiving programming signals and displaying information autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical system of manually holding and displaying physical placards is replaced with an electronic programmable display system that can be controlled remotely via wireless communication from a smartphone.
3Loss of information
If continuous display operation is used, then information availability is improved, but energy consumption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The display operates periodically based on received programming signals rather than continuously. The display can be activated, updated, and deactivated in periodic cycles, reducing energy consumption while maintaining information availability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A field-programmable data display panel (FPDDP) and a method for displaying media in accordance with the preference of a user on the FPDDP are provided. The FPDDP comprises display elements configured to display alphabets in one of multiple languages and numbers based on programming of the FPDDP via an input module that receives program data and media from a user device. The FPDDP further comprises a rechargeable power supply and a controller that displays the media according to the preferences of the user incorporated in the program data received by the input module. The FPDDP further comprises an adherent backing that allows affixing of the FPDDP to a surface such as the windshield of a car, a foldable display, etc. The rechargeable power supply is capable of being charged from a cigarette lighter socket in a car.