Synchronous display flashing

Abstract

Various exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a method for synchronizing a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. In some examples, the method includes: establishing a master / slave relationship with one or more other devices by a first device including a processor; determining, by the first device, a frequency associated with switching on a first LCD screen on the first device; and sending a signal by the first device to each of the one or more other devices, wherein the signal includes an instruction for switching on an LCD screen on each receiving device simultaneously with the first LCD screen.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 094,002, filed on October 20, 2020, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This patent application generally relates to apparatus, systems, and methods that can perform synchronized LCD blinking. Background Art

[0004] Batteries are used with many electronic devices such as mobile phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), computers, and the like. To charge these batteries more quickly, the device may remove loads to maximize the current flowing to the battery. However, removing the current may result in deactivation of the display. Recently, there have been many developments in the field of imaging technology that have made imaging modules small, reliable, easy to use, and robust. Through dedication, ingenuity, and innovation, the problems identified herein have been addressed by embodiments of the present disclosure, and numerous examples of these developments are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed methods and related apparatus for synchronizing liquid crystal display (LCD) screens and the like. This summary is not an exhaustive overview and is not intended to identify key or important elements or to delineate the scope of such elements. Instead, it is intended to serve as a prelude to the detailed description provided later, providing some concepts of the described features in a simplified form.

[0006] Various exemplary embodiments described herein relate to a method for synchronizing LCD screens. In some examples, the method includes: establishing, by a first device comprising a processor, a master / slave relationship with one or more other devices; determining, by the first device, a frequency associated with activating a first LCD screen on the first device; and transmitting, by the first device, a signal to each of the one or more other devices, wherein the signal includes instructions for activating an LCD screen on each receiving device simultaneously with the first LCD screen.

[0007] Various exemplary embodiments described herein relate to an electronic device comprising a processor and non-volatile memory, the non-volatile memory comprising computer program instructions that, when executed by the processor, are configured to cause the electronic device to at least determine that there is no current master device in a group of devices and to transmit a synchronization signal to each device in the group of devices, wherein the synchronization signal comprises instructions regarding when to activate a corresponding LCD screen on each device in the group of devices.

[0008] Various exemplary embodiments described herein relate to an electronic device comprising a processor and non-volatile memory, the non-volatile memory comprising computer program instructions that, when executed by the processor, are configured to cause the electronic device to at least receive a synchronization signal comprising instructions regarding when to activate an LCD screen on the electronic device, and activate the LCD screen based on the synchronization signal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Non-limiting and non-exclusive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

[0010] Figure 1 An exemplary set of devices that can synchronize the blinking of their LCD screens according to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 An exemplary set of devices that can synchronize the blinking of their LCD screens according to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 An exemplary block diagram of a mobile device operable to perform processes and methods according to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 An exemplary block diagram of a computer operable to perform processes and methods according to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations for providing various embodiments according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] One or more embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments. However, it will be apparent that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

[0016] In some examples, the device is configured to shed loads in order to maximize current flow to the battery and limit any heating of the battery due to power losses in other circuits. In some examples, the primary contributor to the load on the device is a display, such as an LCD display. However, and in some examples, the user may require the display to remain active for a variety of reasons, such as to indicate the charging status.

[0017] Various embodiments disclosed herein provide for synchronizing the blinking or duty cycle of liquid crystal display (LCD) screens across multiple devices to provide an active display while reducing overall load. In some examples and for synchronization, one of the multiple devices may send a synchronization signal to the other devices in the multiple devices, wherein in some examples, the synchronization signal includes instructions and / or information for facilitating synchronized activation and deactivation of the LCD screens of the multiple devices.

[0018] In some embodiments, a light emitting diode (LED) indicator on a device can be used as a mechanism for signaling status (such as charging, charging complete, error, etc.). While such LEDs can be beneficial to the user, LEDs can also consume battery and / or delay the time to full charge. As such, these devices can be configured to flash or otherwise intermittently activate the LEDs, rather than a constant LED signal. In this manner and similar to the disclosure herein with respect to LCD screens, LEDs on multiple devices can be synchronized by a first device sending a synchronization signal to one or more other devices that also have LED indicators. The synchronization signal includes instructions for facilitating the synchronized activation and deactivation of the LED indicators.

[0019] Advantageously, and in some examples, the synchronized duty cycle controls flicker that occurs when a display, such as an LCD, is driven at a lower duty cycle. Furthermore, synchronized flicker improves readability when a user is viewing a large number of devices simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. As described herein, synchronization can be achieved by having the devices communicate with each other via a link.

[0020] In some examples, a single device, or master device, can be established to synchronize multiple devices. This synchronization master can be established automatically when a device is plugged in for charging. For example, the first device plugged in for charging, or the most recent device plugged in for charging, can be set as the master device. Furthermore, if the master device is removed, a second master device can automatically replace the previous master device. Alternatively or additionally, a semi-permanent master device can be designated or otherwise selected to provide synchronization signals to other devices.

[0021] As used herein, the terms "component," "system," and the like are intended to refer to or include a computer-related entity or an entity associated with an operating device having one or more specific functions, where the entity can be hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component can be, but is not limited to, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable file, a thread of execution, computer-readable instructions, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration and not limitation, both an application running on a server and the server can be a component.

[0022] One or more components can reside in the process and / or thread of execution, and components can be located on a computer and / or distributed between two or more computers. These components can be executed from various computer-readable media having various data structures stored thereon. These components can be such as according to a signal with one or more data packets (for example, from interacting with another component in a local system, a distributed system, and / or data of a component interacting with other systems via a signal across a network (such as the Internet)) via local and / or remote processes. As another example, a component can be a device with a specific function provided by a mechanical part operated by an electric or electronic circuit, and this electric or electronic circuit operates as a software application or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein the processor can be inside or outside the device and execute at least a portion of a software or firmware application. As another example, a component can be a device that provides a specific function by an electronic component rather than a mechanical part, and the electronic component can include a processor therein to execute software or firmware that at least partially gives the electronic component function. Although various components have been shown as independent components, without departing from exemplary embodiments, multiple components can be implemented as a single component, or a single component can be implemented as multiple components.

[0023] In addition, the various embodiments may be implemented as methods, apparatus, or articles of manufacture using standard programming and / or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the subject matter disclosed herein. As used herein, the term "article of manufacture" is intended to encompass a computer program that can be accessed from any computer-readable (or machine-readable) device or computer-readable (or machine-readable) medium. For example, computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disks (CDs), digital versatile disks (DVDs)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

[0024] Now go to Figure 1, showing an exemplary set of devices that can synchronize the flashing of their LCD screens according to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] In one embodiment, devices 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, and 124 may be devices that are charged on a charging cradle or within a predetermined distance of one another. To reduce the load on the device's battery while it is being charged, the device may be configured to intermittently turn the LCD screen off and on during the charging process. This intermittent disabling of the LCD may reduce the time required for charging.

[0026] In addition, and so that the user is not faced with a large number of devices with LCDs that are intermittently turned on in a sporadic manner, the devices can self-synchronize the activation of their LCD screens so that the user can easily identify which devices have finished charging. The LCD can display colors that indicate the charging process - for example, the LCD can display red when the battery is highly discharged, orange when the battery has been partially recharged, and green when the battery has been charged beyond a predetermined level. In other embodiments, other colors or notification schemes are possible.

[0027] In one embodiment, the devices may be any of a wearable device, a pager device, a mobile phone, or other devices that are charged in close proximity to each other. Figure 1 A charging dock with 12 devices is depicted, but the solution disclosed herein is applicable whenever multiple devices are present, and is applicable when any number of devices are present.

[0028] In some embodiments, a device such as device 102 may send a synchronization signal to each of the other devices 104-124. The synchronization signal received by the devices 104-124 may establish a master / slave relationship, wherein the devices 104-124 will activate their LCDs based on the synchronization signal received from device 102. The synchronization signal may include information about when to activate their LCDs (e.g., at a specified time), or the devices 104-124 may activate their LCDs upon receiving the synchronization signal.

[0029] In some embodiments, the time to activate the first LCD screen and the second LCD screen is based on the Network Time Protocol (NTP), wherein the master device is the time source. In other embodiments, the first LCD screen and the second LCD screen can be activated at a preset time.

[0030] In some embodiments, the synchronization signal may include information regarding the duration for which the LCD will be activated. In other embodiments, the duration is a predefined duration. In one embodiment, device 102 may repeatedly send the synchronization signal every cycle, and in other embodiments, device 102 may send an initial synchronization signal, and devices 104-124 may activate their LCDs for the predetermined duration on a recurring basis based on the information in the synchronization signal or at predetermined intervals.

[0031] In some embodiments, the master device may be the device that has been in the charging dock / station for the longest time. In other embodiments, the device that serves as the master device is the first device to send a synchronization signal that is received by the other devices. When the master device is removed, the next master device may be the first subsequent device to send a synchronization signal. In other embodiments, when the master device is removed, the device that has been charged for the next longest period of time may become the master device.

[0032] In other embodiments, when a device is added, or when a device initiates charging, the device can be configured to listen for a sync signal from an existing master device. In other embodiments, when a device initiates charging, the device transmits a sync signal and becomes the master device - so the master device is whichever device was most recently docked and / or started charging.

[0033] Now go to Figure 2 , showing an exemplary set of devices that can synchronize the flashing of their LCD screens according to various aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] In one embodiment, the synchronization signal may be sent via BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), RFID, Wi-Fi, or via wired communication (e.g., Ethernet, USB, etc.). Figure 1 As described above, device 202 may transmit a synchronization signal 206 to another device 204. Based on the synchronization signal 206, devices 202 and 204 may simultaneously activate their LCDs 208 and 210 for the same duration.

[0035] In one embodiment, devices 202 and 204 may connect to the network via Wi-Fi, and a synchronization signal may be sent to all devices on a given subnet.

[0036] Now see Figure 3, shows a schematic block diagram of an exemplary end-user device (e.g., devices 102-124) that may take the form of a mobile device 300 capable of connecting to a network, in accordance with some embodiments described herein. Although a mobile handset 300 is shown herein, it should be understood that other devices may be mobile devices and that the mobile handset 300 is shown merely to provide context for the various embodiments described herein. The following discussion is intended to provide a brief, general description of examples of end-user devices. Although the present description includes a general context of computer-executable instructions embodied on a machine-readable storage medium, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various embodiments may also be implemented in conjunction with other program modules and / or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0037] Generally speaking, an application program (e.g., a program module) may include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods described herein can be practiced with other system configurations, including single-processor or multi-processor systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, handheld computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, etc., each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

[0038] Computing devices can typically include a variety of machine-readable media. Machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer, and include volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example and not limitation, computer-readable media can include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media can include volatile and / or non-volatile media, removable and / or non-removable media, implemented in any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data. Computer storage media can include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CDROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disk storage devices, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired information and can be accessed by a computer.

[0039] Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal (such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism), and includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a way as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media (such as a wired network or a direct wired connection) and wireless media (such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media). Combinations of any of the above are also intended to be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0040] The handheld device 300 includes a processor 302 for controlling and processing all onboard operations and functions. A memory 304 is coupled to the processor 302 for storing data and one or more applications 306 (e.g., video player software, user feedback component software, etc.). Other applications may include voice recognition of predetermined voice commands that facilitate the initiation of user feedback signals. Applications 306 may be stored in the memory 304 and / or firmware 308 and executed by the processor 302 from one or both of the memory 304 and / or firmware 308. The firmware 308 may also store startup code for execution upon initialization of the handheld device 300. A communication component 310 is coupled to the processor 302 to facilitate wired / wireless communication with external systems (e.g., cellular networks, VoIP networks, etc.). Here, the communication component 310 may also include a suitable cellular transceiver 311 (e.g., a GSM transceiver) and / or an unlicensed transceiver 313 (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMax) for corresponding signal communication. Handheld device 300 can be a device with mobile communication capabilities (such as a cellular phone, PDA), as well as a message-centric device. Communication component 310 also facilitates communication reception from terrestrial radio networks (e.g., broadcast), digital satellite radio networks, and Internet-based radio service networks.

[0041] Handheld device 300 includes a display 312 for displaying text, images, video, phone functions (e.g., caller ID functionality), settings functions, and for user input. For example, display 312, which may also be referred to as a "screen," may accommodate the presentation of multimedia content (e.g., music metadata, messages, wallpaper, graphics, etc.). Display 312 may also display video and facilitate the creation, editing, and sharing of video quotes. A serial I / O interface 314 is provided in communication with processor 302 to facilitate wired and / or wireless serial communication (e.g., USB and / or IEEE 1394) via hardwired connections and other serial input devices (e.g., keyboards, keypads, and mice). This supports, for example, updating and troubleshooting handheld device 300. Audio functionality is provided via audio I / O component 316, which may include a speaker for outputting audio signals related to, for example, indicating that a user has pressed the correct key or key combination to initiate a user feedback signal. The audio I / O component 316 also facilitates the input of audio signals through a microphone for recording data and / or telephone voice data, as well as voice signals for input telephone conversations.

[0042] The handheld device 300 may include a slot interface 318 for receiving a card subscriber identity module (SIM) or a SIC (subscriber identity component) in a universal SIM 320 form factor and for interfacing the SIM card 320 with the processor 302. However, it should be understood that the SIM card 320 may be manufactured into the handheld device 300 and may be updated by downloading data and software.

[0043] The handheld device 300 can process IP data traffic through the communication component 310 to accommodate IP traffic from an IP network (such as the Internet, a company intranet, a home network, a personal area network, etc.) through an ISP or broadband cable provider. Therefore, VoIP traffic can be utilized by the handheld device 800, and IP-based multimedia content can be received in an encoded format or a decoded format.

[0044] A video processing component 322 (e.g., a camera) may be provided for decoding encoded multimedia content. The video processing component 322 may facilitate the generation, editing, and sharing of video quotes. The handheld device 300 also includes a power source 324 in the form of a battery and / or an AC power subsystem that may be interfaced to an external power system or charging equipment (not shown) via a power I / O component 326.

[0045] The handheld device 300 may also include a video component 330 for processing received video content and for recording and transmitting video content. For example, the video component 330 may facilitate the generation, editing, and sharing of video quotes. A location tracking component 332 facilitates geographical positioning of the handheld device 300. As described above, this may occur when a user automatically or manually initiates a feedback signal. A user input component 334 facilitates user initiation of quality feedback signals. The user input component 334 may also facilitate the generation, editing, and sharing of video quotes. The user input component 334 may include conventional input device technologies such as a keypad, keyboard, mouse, stylus, and / or touch screen.

[0046] Referring again to application 306, hysteresis component 336 facilitates analysis and processing of hysteresis data used to determine when to associate with an access point. A software trigger component 338 may be provided that facilitates triggering hysteresis component 336 when Wi-Fi transceiver 313 detects a beacon of an access point. SIP client 340 enables handheld device 300 to support the SIP protocol and register subscribers with a SIP registry manager. Application 306 may also include client 342, which provides at least the ability to discover, play, and store multimedia content (e.g., music).

[0047] As described above, the handset 300 includes an indoor network radio transceiver 313 (e.g., a Wi-Fi transceiver) associated with the communication component 810. This functionality supports indoor radio links, such as IEEE 802.11, for the dual-mode GSM handset 300. The handset 300 can accommodate at least satellite radio services by combining wireless voice and digital radio chipsets into a single handset.

[0048] Now see Figure 4 , a block diagram of a computer 400 for executing the functions and operations performed in the exemplary embodiment is shown. For example, a computing device (e.g., a controller or processor associated with devices 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, and 124) may include a computer 400. Figure 4 The computer 400 may provide high-frequency networking and communication capabilities between wired or wireless communication networks and servers and / or communication devices. To provide additional context for various aspects thereof, Figure 1 The following discussion is intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitable computing environment in which various aspects of the embodiments may be implemented to facilitate the transmission of synchronization signals and the synchronization of flashes on a display. Although the above description is in the general context of computer-executable instructions that may be executed on one or more computers, those skilled in the art will recognize that various embodiments may also be implemented in conjunction with other program modules and / or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0049] Generally speaking, program modules include routines, programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In addition, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the methods of the present invention can be practiced with other computer system configurations, including single-processor or multi-processor computer systems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, handheld computing devices, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, etc., each of which can be operatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

[0050] The illustrated aspects of the various embodiments may also be practiced in distributed computing environments where certain tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in local and / or remote memory storage devices.

[0051] Computing devices typically include a variety of media, which may include computer-readable storage media or communication media, the two terms being used differently herein as described below.

[0052] Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media that can be accessed by a computer, and includes volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. As an example and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implemented in combination with any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured data, or unstructured data). Computer-readable storage media may include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disk storage devices, cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and / or non-transient media that can be used to store the required information. Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computing devices, for example, via access requests, queries or other data retrieval protocols, to perform various operations on the information stored in the medium.

[0053] Communication media may embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other structured or unstructured data in a data signal (such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism), and includes any information delivery or transmission media. The term "modulated data signal" or signal refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal or signals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media (such as a wired network or direct-wired connection) and wireless media (such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media).

[0054] refer to Figure 4 , implementing various aspects described herein with respect to an end-user device may include a computer 400 that includes a processing unit 404, a system memory 406, and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couples system components, including but not limited to the system memory 406, to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 may be any of a variety of commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors and other multi-processor architectures may also be used as the processing unit 404.

[0055] The system bus 408 may be any of several types of bus structures that may further interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memory controller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of commercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406 includes read-only memory (ROM) 427 and random access memory (RAM) 412. A basic input / output system (BIOS) containing basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the computer 400 (such as during the startup process) is stored in the nonvolatile memory 427, such as ROM, EPROM, or EEPROM. RAM 412 may also include high-speed RAM, such as static RAM for caching data.

[0056] The computer 400 also includes an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414 (e.g., EIDE, SATA), which can also be configured for external use in a suitable enclosure (not shown), a magnetic floppy disk drive (FDD) 416 (e.g., for reading from or writing to a removable disk 418), and an optical drive 420 (e.g., for reading from or writing to a CD-ROM disk 422, or for reading from or writing to other large-capacity optical media such as a DVD). The hard disk drive 414, magnetic disk drive 416, and optical drive 420 can be connected to the system bus 408 via a hard disk drive interface 424, a magnetic disk drive interface 426, and an optical drive interface 428, respectively. The interface 424 for external drive implementations includes at least one or both of a universal serial bus (USB) and an IEEE 1394 interface technology. Other external drive connection technologies are also contemplated by the present subject matter.

[0057] These drives and their associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executable instructions, and the like. The drives and media are adapted to store any data in a suitable digital format for the computer 400. Although the above description of computer-readable media refers to HDDs, removable magnetic disks, and removable optical media such as CDs or DVDs, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other types of media readable by the computer 400 (such as zip drives, magnetic tape cartridges, flash memory cards, magnetic tapes, and the like) may also be used in the exemplary operating environment, and further, any such media may contain computer-executable instructions for performing the methods of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention.

[0058] A number of program modules may be stored in the drives and RAM 412, including an operating system 430, one or more application programs 432, other program modules 434, and program data 436. All or portions of the operating system, application programs, modules, and / or data may also be cached in RAM 412. It will be appreciated that various embodiments may be implemented using various commercially available operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0059] A user may enter commands and information into the computer 400 through one or more wired / wireless input devices, such as a keyboard 438, a pointing device such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, an IR remote control, a joystick, a game controller, a stylus, a touch screen, and the like. These and other input devices are typically connected to the processing unit 404 through an input device interface 442 coupled to the system bus 408, but may be connected through other interfaces, such as a parallel port, an IEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a USB port, an IR port, and the like.

[0060] A monitor 444 or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. In addition to the monitor 444, the computer 400 typically includes other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, and the like.

[0061] The computer 400 can operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computer 448, via wired and / or wireless communications. The remote computer 448 can be a workstation, server computer, router, personal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainment device, peer device, or other public network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described with respect to the computer, but for the sake of simplicity, only memory / storage device 450 is shown. The depicted logical connections include wired / wireless connections to a local area network (LAN) 452 and / or a larger network, such as a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WAN network environments are common in offices and companies and facilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as corporate intranets, all of which can be connected to a global communication network, such as the Internet.

[0062] When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 400 is connected to the local network 452 through a wired and / or wireless communication network interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wired or wireless communication with the LAN 452, which may also include a wireless access point provided thereon for communicating with the wireless adapter 456.

[0063] When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 400 may include a modem 458, or be connected to a communications server on the WAN 454, or have other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454, such as over the Internet. The modem 458 may be an internal or external wired or wireless device connected to the system bus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer or portions thereof may be stored in the remote memory / storage device 450. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

[0064] The computer is operable to communicate with any wireless device or entity that is operatively configured to communicate wirelessly, such as printers, scanners, desktop and / or portable computers, portable data assistants, communication satellites, any equipment or location associated with a tag capable of wireless detection (e.g., kiosks, newsstands, restrooms), and telephones. This includes at least Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. TM Wireless technology. Therefore, the communication can be a predefined structure like a conventional network, or just an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

[0065] Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) allows you to connect to the internet from your couch at home, your bed in a hotel room, or your conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is a wireless technology similar to that used in mobile phones that enables such devices, such as computers, to send and receive data indoors and outdoors, anywhere within range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radio technology known as IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, etc.) to provide secure, reliable, and fast wireless connections. Wi-Fi networks can be used to connect computers to each other, to the internet, and to wired networks (which use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operate in the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands at data rates of, for example, 11 Mbps (802.11b) or 54 Mbps (802.11a), or on products that include both bands (dual-band), so such networks can provide real-world performance similar to the basic "10BaseT" wired Ethernet used in many offices.

[0066] As used in the description contained herein, the term "processor" may refer to substantially any computational processing unit or device, including but not limited to: a single-core processor; a single-core processor with software multi-threaded execution capability; a multi-core processor; a multi-core processor with software multi-threaded execution capability; a multi-core processor with hardware multi-threading technology; a parallel platform; and a parallel platform with distributed shared memory. Additionally, a processor may refer to an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The processor may utilize nanoscale architectures, such as, but not limited to, molecular and quantum dot-based transistors, switches, and gates, in order to optimize space usage or enhance the performance of a user device. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computational processing units.

[0067] In this specification, terms such as "storage," "data storage," "data storage device," "database," "repository," "queue," and substantially any other information storage component related to the operation and function of a component refer to a "memory component" or an entity embodied in "memory" or a component that includes memory. It should be understood that the memory components described herein can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memory. In addition, the storage component or storage element can be removable or fixed. Furthermore, the memory can be internal or external to the device or component, or can be removable or fixed. The memory can include various types of media that can be read by a computer, such as a hard drive, a zip drive, a magnetic tape cassette, a flash memory card, or other types of memory cards, magnetic cassettes, etc.

[0068] By way of illustration and not limitation, non-volatile memory may include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory may include random access memory (RAM) acting as external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM may be in various forms, such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM). In addition, the disclosed memory components of the systems or methods herein are intended to include, but are not limited to, these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0069] Specifically and with respect to the various functions performed by the aforementioned components, devices, circuits, systems, etc., unless otherwise indicated, the terms used to describe such components (including references to "means") are intended to correspond to any component that, while not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure (which performs the functions in the exemplary aspects of the embodiments shown herein), still performs the specified functions of the component (e.g., functionally equivalent). In this regard, it will also be recognized that the embodiments include systems and computer-readable media having computer-executable instructions for performing the acts and / or events of the various methods.

[0070] Computing devices typically include various media, which may include computer-readable storage media and / or communication media, the two terms being used differently herein as described below. A computer-readable storage medium can be any available storage medium that can be accessed by a computer, and includes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example and not limitation, a computer-readable storage medium can be implemented in conjunction with any method or technology for storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured data, or unstructured data.

[0071] Computer-readable storage media may include, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, solid-state drives (SSD) or other solid-state storage technology, compact disc read-only memory (CD ROM), digital versatile discs (DVD), Blu-ray discs or other optical disc storage devices, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or other tangible and / or non-transitory media that can be used to store the desired information.

[0072] In this regard, the terms "tangible" or "non-transitory" as applied to storage, memory, or computer-readable media herein should be understood as excluding only the propagation of transient signals themselves as a modifier, and do not disclaim all standard storage, memory, or computer-readable media that do not merely propagate transient signals themselves. Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local or remote computing devices, for example, via access requests, queries, or other data retrieval protocols, to perform various operations on the information stored on the media.

[0073] Communication media, on the other hand, typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other structured or unstructured data in a data signal (such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrier wave or other transport mechanism), and includes any information delivery or transmission medium. The term "modulated data signal" or signal refers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal or signals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media include wired media (such as a wired network or direct-wired connection) and wireless media (such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media).

[0074] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating exemplary operations according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 The operations may be performed by devices 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, and 124. In some examples, Figure 5 One or more of the programs described in the flowchart may be embodied by computer program instructions that may be stored by a memory (such as a non-transitory memory) of a system employing an embodiment of the present disclosure and executed by a processing circuit (such as a processor) of the system. These computer program instructions may instruct the system to operate in a particular manner so that the instructions stored in the memory circuit produce an article of manufacture that performs the functions specified in the flowchart steps / operations. In addition, the system may include one or more other circuits. The various circuits of the system may be electrically coupled to each other and / or among each other to transmit and / or receive energy, data and / or information.

[0075] In some examples, embodiments may take the form of a computer program product on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software). Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, including a non-transitory hard disk, CD-ROM, flash memory, optical storage device, or magnetic storage device.

[0076] At operation 502, a processor on devices 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, and 124 (such as processor 302 and / or 404) may establish a master / slave relationship with one or more other devices. As described herein, the relationship may be established based on the first device connected to a power source (e.g., a charger); the most recent device connected to a power source; internal settings; etc.

[0077] At operation 504, a processor on devices 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, and 124 (such as processor 302 and / or 404) may determine a frequency associated with turning on the first LCD screen on the first device. As described herein, the frequency may be related to a duty cycle, which in some examples is a duty cycle that reduces the current drawn by the display.

[0078] At operation 506, a processor (such as processor 302 and / or 404) on devices 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, and 124 may send a signal to each of the one or more devices. In some examples, the one or more devices may be other devices connected to a power source. In other examples, a signal may be sent to allow devices within a range where only devices connected to a power source are configured to act on the signal. In some examples, the signal may include a frequency, a reference time (e.g., a network time, a clock time, or other reference time), a master ID, and the like.

[0079] Furthermore, the terms "user," "subscriber," "client," "consumer," and the like are used interchangeably throughout this specification, unless the context warrants one or more specific distinctions between such terms. It should be understood that such terms may refer to human entities that can provide simulated vision, voice recognition, and the like, associated devices, or automated components supported by artificial intelligence (e.g., the ability to reason based on complex mathematical formalisms). Furthermore, the terms "wireless network" and "network" are used interchangeably throughout this application, and when the context in which the terms are utilized warrants a distinction for clarity, such distinction is made explicit.

[0080] Furthermore, the word “exemplary” as used herein means serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. On the contrary, the use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete manner. As used in this application, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless otherwise specified or clear from the context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any natural inclusive arrangement. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied in any of the above cases. Furthermore, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be interpreted to mean “one or more” unless otherwise specified or clear from the context to point to a singular form.

[0081] Furthermore, while particular features may be disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such features may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired or advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "include" and "comprising" and variations thereof are used in the detailed description or claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising."

[0082] The above description of the various embodiments disclosed herein and the corresponding drawings and the contents described in the abstract are described herein for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It should be understood that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other embodiments with modifications, permutations, combinations, and additions may be implemented to perform the same, similar, substituted, or alternative functions of the disclosed subject matter and are therefore considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but should be interpreted in accordance with the breadth and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for synchronizing a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, comprising: By a first device including a processor, in response to determining that the first device is charging, establishing a master / slave relationship with one or more other devices; determining, by the first device, a frequency associated with turning on a first LCD screen on the first device; as well as A signal is sent by the first device to each of the one or more other devices, wherein the signal includes instructions for turning on an LCD screen on each receiving device simultaneously with the first LCD screen.

2. The method for synchronizing liquid crystal display (LCD) screens according to claim 1, wherein the first LCD screen and one or more other LCD screens are activated based on the signal.

3. The method for synchronizing a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen according to claim 1, wherein the master / slave relationship is established based on a determination that the one or more other devices are being charged.

4. The method for synchronizing a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen according to claim 1, wherein the signal is set via at least one of BLE, Wi-Fi, RFID or Ethernet communication.

5. The method for synchronizing a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen according to claim 1, wherein the first device is set as a master device when the first device is charged longer than the one or more other devices.

6. The method for synchronizing a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen according to claim 5, further comprising: A time that each of the one or more other devices has been charged is determined by the first device, and if the time is less than the time that the first device has been charged, the master / slave relationship is established.

7. The method for synchronizing a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen according to claim 1, further comprising, before establishing the master / slave relationship with the one or more other devices, determining by the first device that no other device is a master device.

8. The method for synchronizing a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) screen according to claim 1, wherein the frequency is determined based on a predefined configuration setting.

9. The method for synchronizing a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen of claim 5, wherein a new master device is established by one of the one or more other devices in response to determining that the master device is no longer charging.

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