DC Power Line Communication for Scoreboard Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current scoreboard designs are complex and cumbersome due to extensive wiring requirements for powering and controlling display panels, leading to high material and labor costs, as well as complicated installation and service procedures.
Innovation Solution
A display system utilizing a single power line for both power and control signals, where processors associated with each display determine the image to be shown based on a modulated control signal, ensuring synchronized updates with a timing indicator to reduce wiring complexity and enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual conductors are required for powering each display panel and communicating between master controller and each display panel, then direct control and accuracy are improved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and control signal transmission into a single conductor by modulating the power line with control signals. This eliminates the need for separate control conductors for each display panel, reducing wiring complexity while maintaining the ability to control and synchronize display panels for accurate time presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power line serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power to the display panel and carries modulated control signals for image updates and synchronization. This multi-functional approach reduces the overall conductor count while enabling both powering and precise control of each display panel.
2Measurement precision
If extensive wiring is used for direct control of each display panel, then control accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging power and control functions into a single conductor, the patent significantly reduces the number of wiring connections required during installation. This simplifies the installation process while maintaining the ability to accurately control and synchronize display panels for precise time tracking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conductors are used for direct connections, then control capability is improved, but loss of time in installation and service procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and control communication into a single conductor, reducing the number of connections that need to be made during installation and service. This time-saving approach maintains full control capability through modular architecture where each display panel has its own processor that receives modulated control signals over the shared power line.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach achieves accurate and rapid information updates on scoreboards while minimizing wiring, reducing manufacturing and maintenance costs, and ensuring synchronized display changes, thus addressing the complexity and cost issues of traditional scoreboard systems.
Implementation Method 1
The control signal is modulated over the power line. In one example embodiment, the power comprises DC power and a control signal comprises a modulated DC signal.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example embodiment, a display system includes, among other things, a plurality of displays. A corresponding plurality of processors are associated with the displays. Each processor is configured to control a displayed image on one of the associated displays. A controller is configured to provide a control signal to each of the processors. The control signal indicates a desired image to be displayed on the displays. Each of the processors is configured to receive the control signal and determine whether the control signal satisfies at least one criterion. Each processor is configured to determine a portion of the desired image to be displayed on the associated display based on the control signal. Each controller is also configured to control the associated display to display the portion of the desired image at a time corresponding a timing indicator.