Rotating Lamp Series Matrix Display for Safety Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for monitoring areas face challenges in displaying complex text messages and graphics efficiently, as they require high engineering work and costs due to the integration of seven-segment displays, which have limited display possibilities.
Innovation Solution
A safety sensor with a display unit comprising a series of lamps arranged linearly around an axis of rotation, where the columns of a matrix-type display field are individually output to the lamps at a clock rate adapted to the rotary speed, creating a standing image without the need for a separate rotation mechanism, allowing for low-cost and high-functionality displays of alphanumeric characters and graphics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If seven-segment displays are integrated to display complex text messages and graphics, then display functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by rotating the linear lamp series around an axis to dynamically create a matrix-type display field. The lamps are controlled to display different columns at different rotational positions, and the human eye integrates these sequential displays into a stable two-dimensional image. This dynamic approach allows a simple linear lamp arrangement to achieve complex display functionality without requiring a physically complex matrix structure.
2Loss of information
If seven-segment displays are used for alphanumeric characters, then text display capability is improved, but display versatility for graphics is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear lamp arrangements to two-dimensional matrix-type display by utilizing the rotational dimension. The linear series of lamps rotates around an axis, and by controlling which lamps are active at specific rotational angles, a two-dimensional display field is created. This dimensional transformation enables the display of both alphanumeric characters and complex graphics with the same simple linear lamp structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a linear arrangement of lamps rotates around an axis, then display versatility is improved, but mechanical complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the linear lamp series to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the light source and the display structure, rotates to create the matrix field, and its rotational position itself carries display information. The same rotating mechanism that positions the lamps also defines the display geometry, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms for each lamp position in a matrix arrangement.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor for detecting objects in a monitoring area. The sensor has a display unit that is comprised of a series of lamps with a linear arrangement of lamps. The series of lamps is arranged around an axis of rotation running parallel to its longitudinal axis and rotates at a specific rotary speed. The series of lamps is controlled via a control unit in such a way that the columns of a matrix-type display field to be presented at a clock rate of the display field are individually output one after the other to the series of lamps and displayed with it. The clock rate is adapted to the rotary speed in such a way that these displays complement one another to form a standing image of the display field. The sensor is a safety sensor.