Segment Display Orientation Adaptation via Decoding Circuit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices struggle to correctly display information when oriented vertically, often requiring additional segment displays or more expensive LCDs, which increase costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A display device comprising a segment display, position detection device, and decoding circuit that automatically adjusts display orientation and segment arrangement to ensure correct information display regardless of orientation, using a combination of vertically and horizontally aligned display segments and quadrilateral sets to represent numbers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional segment display devices are used with fixed horizontal orientation, then the display structure is simple and cost-effective, but the display shows incorrectly when positioned vertically

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay orientation adaptabilityVSAvoiddisplay device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the display segment arrangement changeable based on detection signals. The decoding circuit dynamically reconfigures which segments are activated and in what patterns, allowing the same physical segment arrangement to display numbers correctly in both horizontal and vertical orientations without physical movement of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the display parameters (segment activation patterns, segment arrangement configuration) based on the detected orientation. When vertical orientation is detected, the system changes how segments are grouped and activated to form correct numerical displays, transforming the display behavior according to the orientation parameter without changing the physical hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional segment display devices are added to support vertical position, then the display can show correctly in vertical position, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-position display capabilityVSAvoidnumber of display devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the single segment display device universal by enabling it to function correctly in both horizontal and vertical positions. The decoding circuit provides multi-functionality by interpreting the same segment signals differently based on detected orientation, allowing one display device to serve multiple orientation purposes without requiring separate display units for each position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The display system performs self-adjustment based on automatic orientation detection. The position detection device and decoding circuit work together to automatically reconfigure the display segments without external intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in adapting to different orientations rather than requiring additional hardware for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If LCD display is used instead of segment display, then the channel numbers are displayed correctly in any orientation, but the price and driving circuit complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation-independent displayVSAvoiddriving circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the cheaper segment display technology instead of expensive LCD displays, accepting that segment displays have more limited capabilities. By combining the inexpensive segment display with a simple position detection mechanism and decoding circuit, the system achieves orientation-independent display functionality at a lower cost than using full LCD technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The decoding circuit acts as an intermediary between the position detection device and the segment display device. It translates the detected orientation into appropriate segment activation patterns, mediating between the simple segment display hardware and the requirement for orientation-independent correct display, thereby avoiding the need for complex LCD driving circuits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8031132B2Display device capable of automatically adjusting display orientation and the display segment arrangement thereof

Publication Date: 2011.10.04 ASUSTEK COMPUTER INC

AI summary

The present invention provides a display device capable of automatically adjusting display orientation and the display segment arrangement thereof. The display device is provided for an electronic product. The display device includes: a segment display device, a position detection device and a decoding circuit. The segment display device has plural display segments arranged on the electronic device. The position detection device is arranged on the electronic product for generating a first status signal or a second status signal based on the electronic product being positioned horizontally or vertically. The decoding circuit connects to the segment display device and the position detection device for receiving a numerical signal and displaying the numerical signal on the segment display device based on the first status signal or second status signal.