LED Tile Calibration via Twinned Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing LED wall installations face challenges in maintaining color and brightness uniformity across tiles, leading to the need for extra tiles for replacement and reconfiguration, as well as inefficiencies in monitoring and calibrating the aging of LEDs.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising light emitting tiles with paired 'twinned' devices that are driven under similar and different conditions to measure optical and electrical characteristics, allowing for real-time adjustment and calibration without interrupting the display, using sensors and circuitry to ensure uniformity and extend the life of the tiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If LED tiles are manufactured with careful color and intensity binning and calibration, then color and intensity uniformity within a single tile is improved, but extending this uniformity from tile to tile becomes complex and requires purchasing 10% to 20% extra tiles for replacement and reconfiguration

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED color and intensity uniformityVSAvoidTile-to-tile calibration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where optical sensors continuously monitor the actual light output of each LED tile, and this measurement feedback is used to dynamically adjust driving parameters. This closed-loop control extends calibration from static factory settings to dynamic operational adjustment, eliminating the need for physical tile replacement while maintaining uniformity across the entire LED wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static factory calibration to dynamic operational calibration by continuously measuring and adjusting LED output in real-time. The driving parameters are dynamically modified based on measured optical characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to aging and environmental changes without physical reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If extra LED tiles are purchased for replacement and reconfiguration, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED wall operational reliabilityVSAvoidTile management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing continuous monitoring with optical sensors and feedback-based adjustment of driving parameters, the system can detect and compensate for LED degradation in real-time. This extends the operational life of each tile significantly, reducing the frequency of replacements needed and eliminating the need to maintain inventory of spare tiles for routine maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies over-calibration by adjusting driving parameters beyond simple on/off control to include fine-grained dimming and color temperature adjustment. This excessive control capability ensures that even as LEDs age and drift, the system can compensate and maintain specifications, effectively extending tile lifespan beyond traditional expectations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Manufacturing precision

If LED tiles are calibrated at factory production, then initial color and brightness accuracy is improved, but dynamic monitoring and adjustment during operation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInitial LED calibration accuracyVSAvoidCalibration time during operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous calibration during operational periods by continuously measuring optical output with sensors and adjusting driving parameters in real-time. This eliminates idle calibration time by performing measurements and adjustments while the LED wall remains in service, ensuring uniformity is maintained without interrupting the display function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs periodic calibration cycles during operation, where optical measurements are taken at regular intervals and driving parameters are adjusted accordingly. This periodic maintenance approach ensures continuous accuracy without requiring extended downtime, balancing calibration needs with operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution enables dynamic monitoring and calibration of LED tiles, ensuring consistent color and brightness across the display, reducing the need for extra tiles and allowing for flexible reconfiguration, while extending the lifespan of the installation.

Implementation Method 1

Light emitting diode (LED) wall installations are composed of a plurality of discrete LED tiles, each consisting of an array of discrete red/green/blue (RGB) LEDs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emitting diode effect: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

one or more optical characteristics of the light emitting tiles can be measured using an optical sensor receiving light from the twinned light emitting devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2889859B1Method, system and apparatus for dynamically monitoring and calibrating display tiles
Publication Date: 2017.06.14 CHRISTIE DIGITAL SYSTEMS USA INC
  • EP2889859B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2889859B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2889859B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, system and apparatus for dynamically monitoring and calibrating display tiles are provided. The apparatus comprises: an array of light emitting devices; one or more light emitting devices paired with light emitting devices of the array; one or more sensors configured to detect an optical characteristic and/or an electrical characteristic of the one or more paired light emitting devices; and, circuitry configured to: drive the array; drive each of the one or more further light emitting devices under same conditions as light emitting devices of the array; temporarily drive each of the one or more paired light emitting devices under different conditions from the array; and, adjust driving of the array based on the optical characteristic and/or electrical characteristic of the one or more paired light emitting devices detected at sensor(s) when the one or more paired light emitting devices are driven under the different conditions. (Fig. 2)