Transparent LCD Backlight Power Control for Retail Display Cases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transparent liquid crystal displays (LCDs) in display cases consume significant energy, particularly when the door is closed, as they continue to operate at full power regardless of usage, leading to unnecessary energy expenditure.
Innovation Solution
A system that tracks the opening and closing of the display case door, implementing a power-saving mode by reducing the backlight power based on door closure duration, with adjustable power reduction levels and communication through wireless networking for remote monitoring and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the transparent LCD operates at full power continuously, then the display functionality is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the LCD backlight power adjustable between different levels (first power level and second power level) based on door closure duration. The system dynamically transitions between full power and reduced power modes, allowing the display to adapt its brightness and energy consumption to actual usage conditions while maintaining visibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through time-based power cycling of the LCD backlight. The control system periodically assesses door closure duration and switches the backlight between power levels accordingly, creating a rhythm of full-power operation during active periods and reduced-power operation during extended closure periods, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the backlight power is reduced to save energy, then energy consumption decreases, but display visibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different power levels to the LCD backlight based on spatial-temporal conditions (door closure duration). Rather than uniformly reducing power at all times, the system selectively applies reduced power only during periods when the door has been closed for a specified duration, maintaining full brightness when the door is frequently opened, thus preserving display quality when needed while saving energy during extended closure periods.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the LCD is turned off completely when door is closed, then energy consumption is minimized, but display functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by reducing the backlight power to a lower operational level rather than completely shutting it off. This partial power reduction maintains the display in a functional state capable of showing information when the door is opened, while consuming significantly less energy than full-power operation during extended closure periods, thus balancing energy savings with operational readiness.
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
Significantly reduces energy usage by dynamically adjusting the backlight power based on door closure time, thereby minimizing energy consumption without compromising display functionality.
Implementation Method 1
transparent liquid crystal displays (LCDs) in display cases consume significant energy
Implementation Method 2
reducing the backlight power based on door closure duration
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling the illumination of a display case containing a plurality of products includes a housing and an access panel. A transparent display is located in the access panel and is illuminated by an illumination device. A sensor is positioned to determine whether access panel is in an opened or a closed position. A processor measures the amount of time that has passed since the access panel was last closed or opened and drives the illumination device at a reduced power level accordingly.