Display device with fan control and method thereof

Abstract

A fan-controlled display device is provided, comprising a display module, a fan, a temperature detector, and a fan controller. The fan is configured to generate an airflow within the display device. The temperature detector is configured to detect a temperature within the display device. The fan controller is configured to generate a control signal for controlling the rotational speed of the fan based on the detected temperature and a first time period after the detected temperature reaches a first threshold, during which the detected temperature remains equal to or greater than the first threshold. The fan controller maintains the rotational speed of the fan unchanged when the detected temperature falls below the first threshold.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device with fan control and a method thereof, and more particularly to a display device with fan control that can adjust its rotation speed in conjunction with temperature. [Background technology]

[0002] As display devices are required to be highly efficient, heat dissipation problems may arise. If the heat generated by the internal components of electronic products cannot be efficiently dissipated, the stability and efficiency of the display device's operation will be affected. This may cause mechanical malfunctions and even damage to the display device. Therefore, a display device with fan control is needed to efficiently reduce temperature and improve reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a display device with fan control includes a display module, a fan, a temperature detector, and a fan controller. The fan is configured to generate an airflow within the display device. The temperature detector is configured to detect a temperature within the display device. The fan controller is configured to generate a control signal for controlling a rotational speed of the fan based on the detected temperature and a first time period after the detected temperature reaches a first threshold, during which the detected temperature remains equal to or greater than the first threshold. The fan controller maintains the rotational speed of the fan unchanged when the detected temperature falls below the first threshold.

[0004] According to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for controlling a fan in a display device includes detecting a temperature within the display device and generating a control signal for controlling a rotation speed of a fan based on the detected temperature and a first time period after the detected temperature reaches a first threshold, the first time period during which the detected temperature remains equal to or greater than the first threshold. When the detected temperature falls below the first threshold, the rotation speed of the fan is maintained unchanged. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: It should be noted that various features may not be drawn to scale, and in fact the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of illustration.

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between rotational speed and temperature, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] [Figure 3A] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating various relationships between rotational speed and time, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 1A-1C are schematic diagrams illustrating various relationships between rotational speed and time, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0009] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between rotational speed, temperature, and time, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0010] [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a method for fan control in a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and detailed description to designate the same or similar elements. The present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing various features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In this disclosure, references in the following description to forming a first feature above or on a second feature may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, as well as embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. Furthermore, in this disclosure, reference numbers and / or letters may be repeated in various examples. This repetition is for the purposes of brevity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations described.

[0014]

[0023] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be given. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure provides many applicable concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments described are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating a display device 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The display device 10 includes a temperature detector 101, a fan controller 102, a fan 103, and a display module 104. Furthermore, the display device 10 may be placed outdoors or indoors to display images or videos to inform customers and passengers of product and service offerings.

[0016] A temperature detector 101 is used to detect the temperature within the display device 10 and generate a detection signal DS indicative of the detected temperature within the display device 10. The detection signal DS can be any form of signal, such as a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal, a voltage control signal, or a current control signal.

[0017] The fan controller 102 receives the detection signal DS and generates a control signal CS for controlling the rotation speed of the fan 103. The control signal CS is determined by the fan controller 102 according to the detection signal DS. The fan controller 102 may include a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller (MCU), a central processing unit (CPU), or multiple parallel processors associated with a parallel processing environment for implementing an operating system (OS), firmware, drivers, and / or other applications of the display device 10. In some embodiments, the fan controller 102 may be implemented with a single transistor for controlling the on / off state of the fan 103.

[0018] To reduce the temperature of the display device 10, the fan 103 is used to generate an airflow that flows toward, through, or surrounding the display module 104 in the display device 10. A control signal CS is sent from the fan controller 102 to the fan 103 to adjust the rotation speed of the fan 103. The rotation speed of the fan 103 is determined based on the control signal CS of the fan controller 102. The control signal CS can be any form of signal, such as a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, a voltage control signal, or a current control signal.

[0019] The display module 104 is used to display various information such as products and services for sale, and can be a projection display device, a three-dimensional image display device, an organic LED display, electronic paper, a system integration panel, an LED display liquid crystal panel, or a touch display panel such as a resistive touch panel, a capacitive touch panel, an optical touch panel, or an electromagnetic induction touch panel.

[0020] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the rotation speed of the fan 103 and the detected temperature within the display device 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Three regions R1 to R3 are defined by two thresholds T1 and T2 and two rotation speeds P1 and P2. The rotation speed P1 is the maximum rotation speed of the fan 103, and the rotation speed P2 is the minimum rotation speed of the fan 103. Therefore, the rotation speed of the fan 103 is predetermined within the range between the rotation speed P1 and the rotation speed P2, and can be adjusted with reference to the thresholds T1 and T2 of the detected temperature.

[0021] As shown in Figure 2, threshold T1 is greater than threshold T2, and rotation speed P1 is higher than rotation speed P2. Regions R1 to R3 are located between rotation speeds P1 and P2. Threshold T1 defines the boundary between regions R2 and R3, and threshold T2 defines the boundary between regions R1 and R2. More specifically, in region R1, the rotation speed decreases but exceeds rotation speed P2, while in region R2, the rotation speed remains unchanged, and in region R3, the rotation speed increases but does not exceed rotation speed P1.

[0022] When the detected temperature of the display device 10 is equal to or greater than the threshold T1, the rotation speed enters region R3 and increases until it reaches rotation speed P1. Meanwhile, the fan controller 102 monitors a first time period during which the detected temperature is equal to or greater than the threshold T1. The fan controller 102 may be configured to continuously increase the rotation speed of the fan 103 as the first time period increases. The fan controller 102 may be configured to gradually increase the rotation speed of the fan 103 as the first time period increases. The fan controller 102 may be configured to gradually increase the rotation speed of the fan 103 as the first time period increases. More specifically, the rotation speed continues to increase as the first time period increases until it reaches rotation speed P1.

[0023] Thereafter, when the detected temperature decreases below threshold T1, the rotation speed may be maintained unchanged while entering region R2 from region R3. When the temperature is between T1 and T2, the rotation speed may be maintained unchanged. The increase in the rotation speed may be stopped when the first time period expires.

[0024] When the detected temperature of the display device 10 is equal to or lower than the threshold T2, the rotation speed enters region R1 and decreases until it reaches rotation speed P2. Meanwhile, the fan controller 102 monitors a second time period during which the detected temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold T2. The fan controller 102 may be configured to continuously decrease the rotation speed of the fan 103 as the second time period increases. The fan controller 102 may be configured to gradually decrease the rotation speed of the fan 103 as the second time period increases. The fan controller 102 may be configured to gradually decrease the rotation speed of the fan 103 as the second time period increases. More specifically, the rotation speed continues to decrease as the second time period increases until it reaches rotation speed P2.

[0025] Thereafter, when the detected temperature increases above threshold T2, the rotation speed may be maintained unchanged while transitioning from region R1 to region R2. The reduction in rotation speed may be stopped at the end of the second time period. When the temperature is between T1 and T2, the rotation speed may be maintained unchanged.

[0026] 3A illustrates curves showing different rotational speed increase rates according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The rotational speed increase rate is proportional to the length of the first time period. The rotational speed of the fan 103 may increase from rotational speed P0 to rotational speed P1 by three increase rates 301-303. Increase rate 301 is greater than increase rate 302, and increase rate 303 is not constant. Increase rate 303 may be proportional to the length of the first time period.

[0027] 2 and 3A, the first time period indicates the time during which the detected temperature of the display device 10 is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1. The longer the first time period, the more likely it is that the detected temperature needs to be lowered. High temperatures can cause heat accumulation in the display device, potentially resulting in irreversible damage to the display, such as liquefaction or yellowing of the liquid crystal layer. Therefore, according to the present disclosure, the fan rotation speed increases as the first time period increases. As the first time period increases, the rate of increase in the rotation speed can be correspondingly adjusted by the fan controller 102 according to any one of the rates 301 to 303. The rate of increase can be selected based on the settings or operating mode of the display device or the external environment of the display device. Therefore, the temperature of the display device 10 can be adaptively and efficiently adjusted to prevent damage to the display device 10 due to abnormal temperatures.

[0028] More specifically, the rotation speed rise rate curve is responsive to user specifications to further integrate system noise and heat transfer and generate an optimal operating curve for the rotation speed of fan 103. For example, if a user prefers to avoid noise in display device 10, a low rise rate, such as rise rate 302, may be selected by fan controller 102 to generate control signal CS. If a user prioritizes heat dissipation, a high rise rate, such as rise rate 301, or rise rate 303 may be selected by fan controller 102 to improve the sensitivity of the rotation speed to the detected temperature and effectively dissipate heat.

[0029] FIG. 3B illustrates curves showing different rotation speed reduction rates according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The rotation speed reduction rate is proportional to the length of the second time period. The rotation speed of the fan 103 can be reduced from rotation speed P0 to rotation speed P2 by three reduction rates 304-306. Reduction rate 304 is greater than reduction rate 305, and reduction rate 306 is greater than reduction rate 306. 306 is not constant. 306 may be proportional to the length of the second time period.

[0030] The second time period indicates the time period during which the detected temperature of the display device 10 is equal to or lower than the threshold value T2. As the second time period becomes longer, the detected temperature needs to be increased. As the second time period becomes longer, the rate of decrease in the rotation speed becomes Decline rate From 306 Decline rate Up to 305 and even Decline rate 304 may be correspondingly adjusted by the fan controller 102. The rate of reduction may be selected based on the settings or operating mode of the display device or the external environment of the display device.

[0031] Therefore, the temperature of the display device 10 can be adaptively and efficiently adjusted to prevent abnormal temperatures from damaging the display device 10. Furthermore, the fan controller 102 adjusts the rotation speed in conjunction with the detected temperature, thereby providing and improving flexible operation of the display device 10 without requiring additional or more complex circuit elements.

[0032] 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between rotation speed, temperature, and time according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Typically, the normal temperature of the display device 10 is between two thresholds T1 and T2. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, when the detected temperature exceeds the threshold T1, the rotation speed enters region R3 and increases. Furthermore, the increase rate can be adjusted corresponding to the first time period to quickly reduce the detected temperature below the threshold T1.

[0033] After the detected temperature falls below threshold T1, the rotation speed remains unchanged unless the detected temperature reaches threshold T2. When the detected temperature falls below threshold T2, the rotation speed enters region R1, and the fan controller 102 begins to reduce the rotation speed. Furthermore, the reduction rate can be adjusted corresponding to a second time period to raise the detected temperature above threshold T2. Therefore, the display device 10 can be maintained at a normal temperature between thresholds T1 and T2 to maintain its system stability and display performance.

[0034] More specifically, the thresholds T1 and T2 are configured based on the environmental temperature of the display device 10. When the display device 10 is installed outdoors or in a tropical region, the high thresholds T1 and T2 may be preset by the fan controller 102 in response to a high environmental temperature. Similarly, when the environmental temperature of the display device 10 is low, the low thresholds T1 and T2 may be similarly preset.

[0035] 5 illustrates a method for controlling a fan in a display device 10 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method may be applied to, but is not limited to, the display device 10 of FIG. 1. In step 501, the temperature of the fan is detected. In step 502, it is determined whether the detected temperature is higher than a first threshold.

[0036] If the detected temperature is higher than the first threshold, step S503 is executed. If not, step S505 is executed. In step S503, it is determined whether the rotation speed is higher than the first rotation speed. If so, the method returns to step S501; if not, step S504 is executed so that the rotation speed is increased.

[0037] In step S505, it is determined whether the detected temperature is lower than the second threshold. If so, step S506 is executed; if not, the method returns to step S501. In step S506, it is determined whether the rotation speed is lower than the second rotation speed. If so, the method returns to step S501; if not, step S507 is executed so that the rotation speed is reduced.

[0038] Referring again to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the temperature detector 101 may include a temperature detection chip. In this case, the detection signal DS may be a PWM signal. The rotation speed of the fan 103 is proportional to the duty cycle of the PWM signal. In some embodiments, the temperature detector 101 includes at least one thermistor or other type of temperature-sensitive resistor, which may reduce the cost of the temperature detector 101. In this case, the detection signal DS may be a voltage control signal or a current control signal.

[0039] 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a display device 10A according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The display device 10A is similar to the display device 10 of FIG. 1, except that two resistors 101A and 101B are disposed as temperature detectors. A voltage source Vc is provided to supply power to the display device 10A, and the resistors 101A and 101B are connected in series between the voltage source Vc and ground.

[0040] Specifically, one of resistors 101A and 101B is a thermistor, and the other is a resistor whose resistance remains substantially constant even when temperature changes. By using the thermistor arrangement as described above, the divided voltage at the junction between resistors 101A and 101B changes depending on the temperature of display device 10A, so that the detected temperature can be indicated using detection signal DS. Therefore, detection signal DS can be sent to fan controller 102 to adjust the rotation speed of fan 103.

[0041] By using the thermistor, the temperature of the display device 10C can be easily detected without requiring any additional circuit elements to control the rotation speed of the fan 103. As a result, the size and manufacturing costs of the display device 10C can be reduced.

[0042] "Beneath" and "Below" 、「 Spatially relative terms such as "above," "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" may be used herein for ease of description when describing the relationship of one element or feature to another element or features, as shown in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may be similarly interpreted accordingly. When an element is referred to as "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it should be understood that the element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or that intervening elements may be present.

[0043] The terms "approximately," "substantially," "substantial," and "about" are used herein to describe or explain slight differences. When used in conjunction with an event or circumstance, these terms can refer to the exact occurrence of the event or circumstance, as well as to an approximate occurrence of the event or circumstance. When used herein with respect to a given value or range, the term "about" generally means within ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.5% of the given value or range. Ranges may be expressed herein as from one endpoint to another endpoint or between two endpoints. All ranges disclosed herein include endpoints unless otherwise specified. The term "substantially coplanar" can refer to two surfaces that are within micrometers (μm) of each other, e.g., within 10 μm, 5 μm, 1 μm, or 0.5 μm of each other. When referring to numerical values ​​or properties that are "substantially" the same, the term can refer to values ​​within ±10%, ±5%, ±1%, or ±0.5% of the mean of the value.

[0044] The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments and detailed aspects of the present disclosure. The embodiments described in this disclosure may readily be used as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to carry out the same or similar purposes and / or achieve the same or similar advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A display device with fan control, comprising: A display module; a fan configured to generate an airflow within the display device; a temperature detector configured to detect a temperature within the display device; a fan controller configured to generate a control signal to control a rotational speed of the fan based on the detected temperature and a first time period after the detected temperature reaches a first threshold, during which the detected temperature remains equal to or greater than the first threshold, the fan controller maintaining the rotational speed of the fan unchanged when the detected temperature falls below the first threshold; the fan controller is configured to continuously increase the rotational speed of the fan as the first time period increases until the rotational speed reaches a first rotational speed. Display unit with fan control.

2. The rate of increase in the rotational speed is proportional to the length of the first time period.

10. The display device of claim 1.

3. the fan controller is configured to control the rotational speed of the fan based on the detected temperature and a second time period after the detected temperature reaches a second threshold, during which the detected temperature remains at or below the second threshold.

10. The display device of claim 1.

4. the fan controller maintains the rotation speed of the fan unchanged when the detected temperature is between the first threshold and the second threshold, the second threshold being lower than the first threshold; 4. The display device according to claim 3.

5. the fan controller is configured to gradually decrease the rotation speed of the fan as the second time period increases until the rotation speed reaches a second rotation speed.

4. The display device according to claim 3.

6. The rate of decrease in the rotational speed is proportional to the length of the second time period.

4. The display device according to claim 3.

7. the control signal is a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, a voltage control signal, or a current control signal; 10. The display device of claim 1.

8. the temperature detector includes a thermistor; 10. The display device of claim 1.

9. the first threshold value and the second threshold value are configured based on an ambient temperature of the display device; 4. The display device according to claim 3.

10. 1. A method for controlling a fan in a display device, comprising: detecting a temperature within the display device; generating a control signal for controlling a rotation speed of the fan based on the detected temperature and a first time period after the detected temperature reaches a first threshold, during which the detected temperature remains equal to or greater than the first threshold, wherein when the detected temperature falls below the first threshold, the rotation speed is maintained unchanged; further comprising the step of continuously increasing the rotational speed of the fan as the first time period increases until the rotational speed reaches a first rotational speed. A method for controlling a fan in a display device.

11. The rate of increase in the rotational speed is proportional to the length of the first time period. The method of claim 10.

12. controlling the rotational speed of the fan based on the detected temperature and a second time period after the detected temperature reaches a second threshold, during which the detected temperature remains equal to or less than the second threshold. The method of claim 10.

13. and further comprising the step of: maintaining the rotation speed of the fan unchanged when the detected temperature is between the first threshold value and the second threshold value, the second threshold value being lower than the first threshold value. The method of claim 12.

14. further comprising the step of gradually decreasing the rotational speed of the fan as the second time period increases until the rotational speed reaches a second rotational speed. The method of claim 12.

15. The rate of decrease in the rotational speed is proportional to the length of the second time period. The method of claim 12.

16. the first threshold value and the second threshold value are configured based on an ambient temperature of the display device; The method of claim 12.

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