Multi-Channel LED Sign Module Redundant Data Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic displays are vulnerable to performance failures when one module malfunctions, causing downstream modules to cease operation, especially in series connections, leading to noticeable visual issues.
Innovation Solution
The electronic display arrangement allows each module to receive data from two directions, enabling it to switch and continue operating if one path fails, with a controller transmitting data through a local area network and modules capable of self-addressing and diagnostics, ensuring that display data can flow alternately if a module malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If modules are connected in series for data transmission, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates because one malfunctioning module causes downstream modules to cease operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic data flow routing where modules can switch between receiving data from the previous module in sequence or directly from the controller based on operational status. When a module malfunctions, the system dynamically reconfigures the data transmission path to bypass the failed module, maintaining reliability while preserving the simple series connection structure for ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that can directly transmit data to any module in the series connection. When a module fails, the controller mediates by becoming the direct data source for downstream modules, preventing the failure from propagating through the entire system while maintaining the simple series wiring structure
2Device complexity
If a simple series connection is used for module data transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates because the system cannot handle module failures gracefully
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its data transmission behavior based on module operational status. Each module monitors its own functionality and can switch between operating modes: receiving data sequentially from the previous module or receiving data directly from the controller when necessary, allowing the system to adapt to various failure scenarios without increasing physical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Modules perform self-diagnostics to determine their operational status and automatically adjust their data reception behavior accordingly. When a module detects it cannot properly transmit data, it signals this condition and downstream modules automatically switch to receiving data directly from the controller, enabling the system to self-correct without external intervention
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic display includes a controller transmitting display data from a data communication port. Modules are electrically connected to each other in a series connection. Each of a first module and a last module in the series connection receives the display data directly from the controller and transmits the display data to intermediate modules in the series connection. The intermediate modules pass the display data along the series connection in a first direction until the display data is received for a second time by the last module, and in a second direction until the display data is received for a second time by the first module. Each of the modules controls activation of a respective plurality of lighting elements based on the received display data.