System for reducing the thermal inertia of an electronic display

摘要

A system 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. The various systems can have similar or different logic depending on the amount of cooling needed and the manner in which the cooled-components produce/absorb heat.

主权项

1. A system for anticipating the temperature rise of a component of an electronic display which typically experiences an increase in temperature when the display is exposed to high ambient light levels, the system comprising:
an ambient light sensor producing a signal; a fan positioned so as to force cooling gas over the component; and a microprocessor which receives the ambient light sensor signal and uses the signal to control the speed of the fan.