Display Backlight and Thermal Control via Current Draw Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic display systems face challenges in maintaining optimal performance and energy efficiency when exposed to varying temperatures and sunlight, leading to potential damage and high power consumption, which can result in overloading local circuits and energy inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that adjust the backlight and heating/cooling systems based on current draw, temperature, and ambient light measurements, using gradual and ramp-wise control to minimize energy consumption and prevent overloading, while ensuring display performance and component protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If heating and cooling systems are used to control display temperature, then temperature control is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay temperature controlVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of heating and cooling systems based on real-time temperature sensor feedback. The system adjusts the operation parameters of thermal control components dynamically in response to measured temperature conditions, ensuring thermal control is provided only when and to the extent necessary, thereby minimizing power consumption while maintaining adequate temperature management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor display temperature and feed this information back to the control logic. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adjust heating and cooling operations based on actual thermal conditions, preventing unnecessary operation and reducing overall power consumption while maintaining effective temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Illumination intensity

If backlight illumination is increased to maintain display performance, then display visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebacklight illuminationVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically adjusts backlight illumination levels based on ambient light sensor measurements and current draw conditions. When ambient light levels are high, the backlight is increased to maintain visibility; when ambient light is low, the backlight is reduced. This dynamic adjustment ensures adequate display performance while minimizing energy consumption based on actual viewing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the illumination parameter of the backlight based on measured ambient light conditions and current draw. By adjusting the backlight illumination parameter dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed high level, the system maintains display performance when needed while reducing energy consumption during conditions where full illumination is not required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If current draw is reduced to prevent circuit overloading, then circuit safety is improved, but display performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit safetyVSAvoiddisplay performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic current management by continuously monitoring current draw and adjusting operation parameters of power-consuming components accordingly. When current draw approaches unsafe levels, the system dynamically reduces backlight illumination and thermal control operations to prevent circuit overloading. This dynamic current management maintains circuit safety while preserving display performance to the maximum extent possible under given power constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system incorporates current draw monitoring that provides feedback to the operation parameter control. When current draw measurements indicate potential circuit overloading, the feedback mechanism triggers adjustments to reduce power consumption from backlight and thermal control systems. This feedback-based current management ensures circuit safety is maintained while minimizing the impact on display performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Reliability

If thermal control systems operate continuously to maintain temperature, then component protection is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic thermal control operations based on temperature sensor feedback rather than continuous operation. The heating and cooling systems are activated periodically only when temperature measurements indicate thermal management is needed, and operated for the minimum duration necessary to achieve the desired thermal effect. This periodic operation pattern provides adequate component protection while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP2401738B1System and method for controlling the operation parameters of a display in response to current draw
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 MANUFACTURING RESOURCES INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP2401738B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2401738B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2401738B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A system and method for controlling the power consumption of an electronic display. A maximum current value may be selected where above this value the risk to damage to the display or local circuitry may be jeopardized. Ramp-wise and/or gradual controls of the display parameters such as fan speed and backlight levels may reduce the current draw during extreme situations and line voltage fluctuations. Embodiments allow the display to continue operation without risking an overload of the local circuit or damage to the display. Further embodiments may be used to limit the power consumption of a display in order to minimize energy usage. Several parameters can be measured and controlled simultaneously to provide a minimal amount of energy usage while minimizing any noticeable difference in images.