Display Device Segment Dot Matrix Abnormality Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices fail to continue displaying important information when a display abnormality occurs in the segment display portion, leading to potential misinformation or loss of critical data.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a segment display portion and a dot matrix display portion, equipped with a display abnormality detection circuit that switches to displaying a substitute icon on the dot matrix portion when an abnormality is detected, ensuring continuous display of information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a segment display portion is used to display icons, then power consumption is reduced and display simplicity is improved, but display reliability deteriorates when abnormalities occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay reliabilityVSAvoiddisplay structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dot matrix display portion is designed to serve dual purposes: displaying detailed information normally and substituting for the segment display portion when abnormalities occur. This multi-functionality ensures that the system can maintain icon display capabilities even when the primary segment display fails, thereby improving display reliability without requiring additional dedicated backup components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit acts as an intermediary that monitors the health of the segment display portion and dynamically switches between display modes. When abnormalities are detected in the segment display, the control circuit automatically redirects icon display to the dot matrix display portion, ensuring continuous reliable operation without user intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If only segment display is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but information continuity is lost when display abnormalities occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation continuityVSAvoiddisplay system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by having the dot matrix display portion ready as a backup display capability. When abnormalities occur in the segment display portion, the control circuit automatically switches to displaying icons on the dot matrix display portion, ensuring that information continuity is maintained without requiring additional backup hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The display system dynamically adapts its configuration based on the operational status of the segment display portion. The control circuit continuously monitors for abnormalities and automatically adjusts the display strategy by switching from segment display to dot matrix display for icons when needed, ensuring continuous information delivery while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If abnormality detection and switching mechanisms are added, then display reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay abnormality handlingVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dot matrix display portion is designed to serve dual purposes: displaying detailed information normally and substituting for the segment display portion when abnormalities occur. This multi-functionality ensures that the system can maintain icon display capabilities even when the primary segment display fails, thereby improving display reliability without requiring additional dedicated backup components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The display system implements self-service through automatic abnormality detection and switching. The control circuit autonomously monitors the segment display portion, detects abnormalities, and switches to the dot matrix display portion without requiring external intervention or complex manual override mechanisms, thereby improving reliability while minimizing added complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11642964B2Display device, electronic apparatus, and moving object
Publication Date: 2023.05.09 SEIKO EPSON CORP
  • US11642964B2 patent drawing
  • US11642964B2 patent drawing
  • US11642964B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device includes a display having a segment display portion that is configured to display a first icon and a dot matrix display portion, a display portion drive circuit outputting a drive signal for segment display to the segment display portion and outputting a drive signal for dot matrix display to the dot matrix display portion, a display abnormality detection circuit detecting a display abnormality of the first icon, a control circuit controlling the display portion drive circuit, and a processing unit providing the control circuit with an instruction to display a second icon, which is a substitute for the first icon, on the dot matrix display portion instead of an instruction to display the first icon on the segment display portion, when the display abnormality of the first icon is detected.