Redundant Controller for LED Sign System Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED sign systems on roadways face risks due to controller failures and communication link failures, which can lead to disruptions in displaying critical information to motorists, highlighting the need for improved risk mitigation strategies.
Innovation Solution
An LED sign system with a redundant controller setup, where a redundant sign controller is connected to both primary sign controllers and a second communication switch, allowing it to take over in case of operational failures, including software, hardware, or connection failures, and sending alarm signals, with data packet monitoring to determine when to switch over, ensuring continuous operation and fault tolerance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single primary controller is used for LED sign control, then the system structure is simple, but the reliability is reduced due to controller failure risk
Solution Approach 1:
A redundant controller is pre-configured and connected to the LED sign system before any failure occurs. This standby controller remains ready to take over immediately upon detecting primary controller failure, ensuring continuous operation without interruption to the LED sign display.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a backup controller that serves as a protective measure against primary controller failure. This redundant component cushions the system against potential failures, maintaining operational reliability even when the primary controller malfunctions.
2Reliability
If a redundant controller is added to mitigate failure risk, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A communication switch serves as an intermediary device that manages data flow between the LED signs and multiple controllers. This mediator enables the redundant controller to communicate with LED signs through the same communication infrastructure, adding redundancy without requiring separate dedicated communication paths for each controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication switch and existing communication infrastructure are designed to handle multiple controllers universally. The same communication network and switches that connect the primary controller can also connect the redundant controller, allowing a single communication system to serve multiple control functions.
3Reliability
If the redundant controller continuously monitors primary controller status, then the failover capability is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The redundant controller continuously receives feedback data packets from LED signs that indicate whether the primary controller is operational. This feedback mechanism allows the redundant controller to monitor system status and automatically activate when needed, balancing continuous monitoring capability with energy-efficient operation.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to an LED sign system use on roadways, and more particularly to a LED sign system for use on roadways with a redundant controller.