Remote Supervision Modules for Illuminated Signs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Illuminated signs, particularly those using light-emitting diodes, face operational anomalies due to excessive temperature, leading to partial failures that are not quickly detected or reported, potentially harming brand image and delaying repairs in franchise-operated systems.
Innovation Solution
A remote supervision system comprising modules with control circuits, wireless communication, and sensors that transmit data to a server for centralized monitoring and management, allowing for automatic shutdown of faulty elements and preventive maintenance, with features like temperature, brightness, and current sensing to ensure consistent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If light-emitting diodes are used as light sources for illuminated signs, then the lifespan of the light source is improved, but the susceptibility to operating anomalies due to excessive temperature increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of temperature and operational parameters before actual failures occur. The server continuously receives data from modules about temperature, current, and operational status, enabling early detection of anomalies that could lead to failures, thus preventing complete system breakdown while maintaining the long lifespan benefit of LEDs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where modules transmit operational data to the server, which then sends commands back to modules to adjust operation. When temperature exceeds thresholds or anomalies are detected, the server automatically sends extinction instructions to prevent failures, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliability while preserving LED lifespan.
2Loss of time
If remote supervision systems are implemented to monitor sign operation, then the detection and response time to failures is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the sign system automatically detects and reports its own operational status without requiring external inspection. Modules autonomously measure temperature, current, and operational parameters, transmitting this data to the server which automatically analyzes it and triggers appropriate responses, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while keeping complexity manageable through automated self-diagnosis.
Solution Approach 2:
The server performs multiple functions within a single centralized platform: receiving data from multiple modules, analyzing operational parameters, detecting anomalies, sending extinction commands, and providing a user interface for monitoring. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into one unified platform, improving response time while limiting complexity growth through functional integration.
3Reliability
If automatic extinction commands are sent to modules in response to anomaly alerts, then the brand image protection is improved, but the loss of information about partial functionality increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial extinction actions rather than complete system shutdown. When anomalies are detected in specific modules, the server sends extinction commands only to affected modules or specific sign elements, allowing healthy portions of the sign to continue operating. This selective action protects brand image by preventing complete sign failure while preserving information about which specific elements are functional versus faulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The sign system is divided into independent modules, each with its own monitoring and control capability. When anomalies are detected, the system can selectively extinguish only the problematic segments while leaving other segments operational. This segmentation allows the system to maintain overall sign functionality and inform operators about specific partial failures rather than treating the entire system as uniformly failed.
Data Source
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AI summary
System (1) for remote supervision of illuminated sign elements (40), comprising: - A server (20), - a plurality of modules (10) to be connected to respective sign elements (40), each module (10) comprising: o A control circuit (18), o a wireless communication circuit (11) enabling the control circuit to communicate with the server (20) via a wireless network, o a switching circuit (51) and/or a dimmer (50) controllable by the control circuit (18) to control the lighting and/or the luminous intensity of the sign element (40) associated with the module, the control circuit being arranged to transmit to the server (20) data relating to the operating state of the associated sign element, and to manage the lighting and extinguishing of the sign element based on at least data received from the server (20).