Abstract: A system and method for controlling the backlight of a liquid crystal display (LCD) to account for ambient light penetration through the LCD stack and into the backlight cavity. A first light sensing device may be placed to measure the ambient light while a second light sensing device may be placed within the backlight cavity to measure the backlight luminance. A desired display luminance (based on the ambient light) can be converted to a desired backlight luminance. A software driver or microprocessor may drive the LCD backlight to meet the desired backlight luminance. A calibration can be performed to create and store correction factors for the second light sensing device when high ambient light levels create disruptions in the data for the second light sensing device. The correction factors may be used to accurately control the backlight levels and may be based upon incoming data from the first light sensing device.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment relates to controlling the amount of backlight in an electronic display to account for the temperature in the backlight cavity. Another embodiment relates to a system for controlling the amount of backlight based on both the temperature in the backlight cavity and the amount of ambient light. The embodiments are especially useful in electronic displays which are subjected to cold or warm temperatures and displays which are placed in very bright environments. Exemplary embodiments allow the display to remain visible, while avoiding possible damage due to high levels of heat or cold.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring and controlling one or more electronic displays containing several hardware components. The components may electronically communicate with a network connection which can be used to establish communication with a local area network and/or the internet. A personal computing device can be used to run a user interface which allows the user to access a wealth of information from the electronic display as well as change controlling software, operating parameters, and check for downtime incidents or failures. Various sensors and measurement devices can be installed within the display to provide the information which may be stored locally or stored remotely for real-time access or on-demand access.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the cooling fan within an electronic display based on the amount of ambient light present. An ambient light sensor is used to measure the amount of ambient light which is contacting the display. To anticipate a temperature rise and lower the thermal inertia of the display, the fan speed is increased when high ambient light levels are measured at the exterior of the display. The ambient light sensor data may be used to apply a temperature correction factor to a temperature sensor within the display. Alternatively, the ambient light sensor data may be used to apply a fan speed correction factor to a desired fan speed (calculated based on a temperature sensor within the display). Multiple systems or methods can be used simultaneously within the display to cool several components which may heat and cool at different rates relative to one another.

Abstract: A system and method for displaying images or video on an electronic display. A unique identifier may be embedded within the frames of images or video and detected by a light sensor. The data from the light sensor is analyzed to determine if the proper image or video was actually shown at the display. Some embodiments analyze the data from the light sensor in real time and may stop displaying the image or video if the data is not in the format of a unique identifier. Using this embodiment, the system can prevent unintended images or video from being shown on the display.

Abstract: Embodiments comprise a backlight device and a method for controlling the chromaticity and/or luminance of the backlight device. More particularly, embodiments relate to a backlight device for a display which utilizes an array of LED pairs to create a desired chromaticity and luminance of light, whereby the chromaticity and luminance can be closely monitored and maintained throughout the life of the display. A pair of LEDs are used in an exemplary embodiment where the pair contains two blue LEDs with the first LED coated in a red phosphor and the second LED coated in a green phosphor.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the power consumption of an electronic display. A maximum current value may be selected where above this value the risk to damage to the display or local circuitry may be jeopardized. Ramp-wise and/or gradual controls of the display parameters such as fan speed and backlight levels may reduce the current draw during extreme situations and line voltage fluctuations. Embodiments allow the display to continue operation without risking an overload of the local circuit or damage to the display. Further embodiments may be used to limit the power consumption of a display in order to minimize energy usage. Several parameters can be measured and controlled simultaneously to provide a minimal amount of energy usage while minimizing any noticeable difference in images.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a backlight assembly for a display wherein the backlight assembly is comprised of a plurality of tiles. Each tile has a plurality of lights attached to it, such that when a single light or group of lights fail, the tile may be replaced without having to replace the entire backlight assembly. The current draw and/or illumination of each tile is calibrated and maintained throughout the life of the display to ensure a uniform distribution of light across the backlight assembly.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment relates to controlling the amount of backlight in an electronic display to account for the temperature in the backlight cavity. Another embodiment relates to a system for controlling the amount of backlight based on both the temperature in the backlight cavity and the amount of ambient light. The embodiments are especially useful in electronic displays which are subjected to cold or warm temperatures and displays which are placed in very bright environments. Exemplary embodiments allow the display to remain visible, while avoiding possible damage due to high levels of heat or cold.