Dual Processor Control Device for Building Installation Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern building installation control devices face increasing power consumption as functionality and complexity increase, making them less efficient and more power-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A control device with two processor units, where a low-power second processor unit handles bus-related tasks independently and a first processor unit manages monitoring and additional functionalities, allowing the first unit to be powered down when not in use, reducing overall power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single powerful processor unit is used to handle both bus control tasks and monitor operations, then high functionality is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is divided into two separate processor units: a first processor unit dedicated to bus control tasks and a second processor unit dedicated to monitor operations. This segmentation allows each processor to be optimized for its specific function and enables the bus control processor to enter low-power states when the monitor is not actively displaying, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining full functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the first processor unit is kept in operating mode to ensure immediate responsiveness, then functionality is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first processor unit dynamically transitions between operating mode and stand-by mode based on whether the monitor is actively displaying. When the monitor is off, the first processor unit enters stand-by mode to conserve power. The wake-up function enables rapid transition back to operating mode when display activity is detected, ensuring immediate responsiveness is maintained when needed while reducing power consumption during idle periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a wake-up function is implemented to switch the first processor unit to stand-by mode, then power consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A wake-up function acts as an intermediary mechanism between the second processor unit (monitor) and the first processor unit (bus control). This intermediary component monitors display activity and automatically triggers the appropriate power state transitions, eliminating the need for complex manual control logic and simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving significant power savings.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The controller (1) has actuators, interface (16) connected to a bus (3) with a control unit (1) and a monitor (13) for imaging the building installation system (2). The processor unit programs the programming module and provides bidirectional communication link (15) between the two processor units. An independent claim is also included for an operation method for a controller.