Remote Display Failure Detection Using Embedded Light Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote electronic display systems, especially those in environments like drive-through lanes, pose challenges for operators to detect failures since they are often not easily visible, leading to potential prolonged operation with malfunctioning displays, which can impact customer service and system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A remote display system incorporating a liquid-crystal display (LCD) with a light sensor and a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) that couples the light sensor to a server or local processor, allowing for remote failure detection through a 'heartbeat' monitoring mechanism, minimizing obstruction and enabling automated detection of display failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a light sensor is added to detect display failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor is integrated directly into the display assembly structure, merging the detection function with the existing display components. The sensor is positioned within the display housing to monitor the LCD screen's light output, combining multiple functions (display and monitoring) into a unified system rather than adding separate external monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system performs self-diagnosis by using the light sensor to continuously monitor its own LCD screen output. The system can automatically detect when the LCD fails to produce the expected light pattern (such as the test pattern or normal display content), enabling the display system to self-identify failures without external intervention.
2Area of stationary object
If the light sensor is placed close to the LCD to minimize obstruction, then area is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor is positioned at a specific location within the display assembly where it can optimally monitor the LCD screen. The sensor is placed to view a particular region of the LCD (such as a corner or edge area) where the light pattern is representative of overall display functionality. This localized positioning allows the sensor to detect failures while minimizing obstruction of the visible display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an optical intermediary element (such as a light guide or reflective surface) to channel light from the LCD screen to the light sensor. This intermediary allows the sensor to detect light from the LCD without being in direct line-of-sight of the entire display area, reducing obstruction while maintaining detection precision through optical path management.
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
Enables prompt and automated detection of display failures, ensuring timely intervention and maintaining system functionality, even in multi-display setups, by using a compact design that fits within the narrow gap between the LCD and touchscreen, reducing pixel obstruction and allowing for seamless integration with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor disposed within the gap and covering a portion of the LCD
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is a remote display system. Embodiments include a liquid-crystal display (“LCD”), an outer surface that forms a gap between the outer surface and the LCD, a light sensor disposed within the gap and covering a portion of the LCD, and a flexible printed circuit board (“PCB”) that couples the light sensor to a server.