Variable Scale Digital Ruler With E-Ink Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rulers have fixed scales and graticules, requiring multiple rulers for different applications, countries, or professions, which is inconvenient, especially when working abroad, as they lack the ability to adapt to various measurement systems without additional tools or devices.
Innovation Solution
A digital ruler with a variable display that can show multiple scales and graticules, using an e-ink paper type screen, a microcontroller, and wireless connectivity to access and download different scales and graticules from memory or the internet, minimizing power usage and eliminating the need for external components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rulers use fixed scales and graticules, then manufacturing is simple and reliable, but multiple rulers are needed for different applications, countries, or professions
Solution Approach 1:
The ruler integrates multiple scales and graticules into a single device, allowing it to perform multiple measurement functions. The display can show different scale types (metric, imperial, nautical) and graticule patterns, making one ruler replace multiple specialized rulers for different applications, countries, and professions.
Solution Approach 2:
The ruler employs a variable digital display that can dynamically change between different scales and graticules based on user selection. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical ruler to present different measurement systems without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple fixed-scale rulers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a digital ruler displays multiple scales and graticules, then versatility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ruler uses an e-ink display that updates content periodically rather than continuously. The display maintains its state without power and only consumes energy when changing between different scales or graticules, significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to always-on digital displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The ruler changes display parameters (scale type, graticule pattern, units) through software control rather than physical changes. This allows multiple measurement systems to be displayed using the same hardware, minimizing the power required for displaying different measurement configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wireless connectivity is added to download scales from the internet, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and power usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ruler uses wireless communication (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) as an intermediary to transfer scale data between external devices and the ruler's memory. This allows the ruler to access remotely accessible scales and corresponding graticules without requiring constant internet connectivity or complex online processing, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Scales and graticules are downloaded to the ruler's memory in advance before measurement tasks. This preliminary action allows the ruler to store multiple measurement systems locally, eliminating the need for continuous wireless connectivity during actual measurement operations and reducing power consumption during use.
4Use of energy by moving object
If e-ink display is used instead of conventional display, then power consumption is reduced, but visibility in different lighting conditions may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The e-ink display utilizes high-contrast black and white (or limited color) presentation that maintains excellent visibility across different lighting conditions. The display's reflective technology bounces ambient light back to the user's eyes, providing readable contrast whether in bright sunlight or dim indoor lighting, similar to traditional paper-based displays.
Data Source
AI summary
1. A digital ruler with a variable display comprising: (i) a display component able to display alphanumeric characters and/or graticules digitally coupled to display drivers adapted to drive said display component, (ii) a micro controller constructed and programmable to drive the display component (i) through said drivers, to run software, to receive user input, to communicate with the user and/or externally, such as via the internet, to receive software changes, scales and graticules beyond any pre-programmes into said microcontroller (iii) a battery adapted to supply local power to the apparatus, (iv) an external power input adapted to re-charge the battery and/or provide an alternative power source to the apparatus, (v) at least one user interface coupled to the micro controller (ii), and (vi) coded software adapted to control said display driver(s), user interfaces and power management.