Programmable Sign Units for Remote Multi-Location Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sign devices lack the ability to display customizable messages, including date and time, and remotely program multiple units simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A programmable sign device comprising a personal electronic device in wireless communication with an extrinsic network, featuring multiple sign units with integrated displays and communication units that allow for remote programming of messages, dates, and times across multiple units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sign units are deployed to provide comprehensive notifications, then the coverage and effectiveness of hazard alerting is improved, but the device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal remote communication system that can simultaneously control multiple sign units through a single personal electronic device. The communication unit in each sign unit receives commands from the personal electronic device via extrinsic communication networks, allowing one device to manage multiple signs with different messages and display settings, thereby reducing overall system management complexity while maintaining broad notification coverage
2Loss of time
If real-time remote programming is enabled across multiple sign units, then the responsiveness and timeliness of hazard notifications is improved, but the communication overhead and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows pre-programming of messages, dates, and times on multiple sign units before actual deployment or use. The personal electronic device can store and transmit programming instructions in advance, enabling the sign units to be configured with hazard notification details beforehand. This preliminary action reduces real-time communication overhead and energy consumption while maintaining rapid response capability when hazards occur
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable sign device includes a personal electronic device that is in wireless communication with an extrinsic communication network. A plurality of sign units is each strategically positionable at or around a predetermined location to be visible to individuals that are approaching the predetermined location. Each of the plurality of sign units displays a customizable message to visually communicate a notification to the individuals pertaining to the predetermined location. A plurality of communication units is each attached to a respective one of the plurality of sign units. Each of the plurality of communication units is in wireless communication with the extrinsic communication network thereby and each of the plurality of communication units receives information from the personal electronic device to facilitate an authorized user to program the pertinent information about the location into the plurality of sign units.