Dynamic Power Sharing for Multi-Display AC Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiple electronic displays sharing a single AC circuit face limitations in producing sufficient light due to maximum current constraints, leading to potential tripped breakers or excessive energy consumption, especially in high ambient light environments.
Innovation Solution
A system that dynamically allocates power to electronic displays based on ambient light measurements, using a power load sharing controller and ambient light sensors to adjust brightness while ensuring the total current draw does not exceed the circuit's maximum capacity, allowing displays to maintain performance without overloading the circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple displays are installed on a single AC circuit to share power, then device complexity and installation cost are reduced, but the ability of each display to produce sufficient light is limited by the maximum current level
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the brightness of individual displays based on real-time ambient light sensor readings and current consumption data. The controller continuously monitors the total current draw and modulates each display's backlight intensity to maintain adequate visibility while keeping total power consumption within circuit limits, allowing brightness levels to vary over time rather than being statically limited
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of displays by adjusting brightness levels (luminance output) based on environmental conditions and power availability. Ambient light sensors detect surrounding illumination levels, and the controller modifies display parameters accordingly - reducing brightness when ambient light is sufficient and maximizing it when needed, all while managing total current consumption to stay within AC circuit capacity
2Illumination intensity
If displays are operated at high brightness levels to compete with ambient light, then picture quality is improved, but the current draw exceeds the maximum current level of the AC circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where ambient light sensors continuously monitor environmental light levels and feed this information to the controller. The controller also monitors total current consumption and adjusts individual display brightness levels in real-time based on this feedback, ensuring that picture quality remains adequate while preventing circuit overload and maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes display operational parameters (brightness/luminance) based on real-time conditions. When ambient light levels indicate sufficient visibility, display brightness is reduced; when picture quality requires higher output, brightness is increased but coordinated with other displays to maintain total current draw within safe circuit limits, thus maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If the total current draw is limited to stay within AC circuit capacity, then circuit reliability is maintained, but the power available for each individual display is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically redistributes power allocation among multiple displays based on real-time ambient light conditions and usage requirements. The controller continuously adjusts the power distribution, giving more power to displays in locations with lower ambient light or higher visibility requirements, while reducing power to displays with sufficient ambient illumination, thereby maintaining both circuit reliability and adequate individual display performance through time-varying allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different power levels and brightness settings to different displays based on their specific local conditions. Each display receives a customized power allocation determined by its ambient light environment, mounting location, and visibility requirements, rather than uniform power distribution. This allows displays in shadowed areas to receive more power while displays in well-lit areas consume less, optimizing total power utilization within circuit limits
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic display assembly which allocates power to a plurality of displays without exceeding a maximum current level for the circuit is disclosed. An exemplary system preferably includes an AC current sensor, a power load sharing controller, ambient light sensors for each display, and a brightness controller for each display. A maximum total current draw may be selected. The ambient light contacting each display may be measured and a corresponding desired brightness calculated. Depending on the present amount of current draw, the system determines if the displays can be driven at the desired brightness without exceeding the maximum total current draw. If yes, the displays are driven at their desired brightness. If no, the desired brightness for each display may be slightly reduced to prevent exceeding the maximum total current draw. Thus, as the ambient light varies between the displays, the available power may be shared.