digital signage that specializes in displaying still images. • Using EPS, which is updated via the network, the computer controlling the e-paper continuously consumes power while waiting for content and cannot fully leverage the features of e-paper. 3 E-paper E-link Solar Powered 13.3inch Display | AVLink Digital Signage https://www.lcdhome.live/product/e- paper-e-link-solar-powered-13-3inch- display/ Digital Signages Company in Abu Dhabi | Thrive Advertising https://thrive- adv.com/digital-signages/
PC is always running and consumes power • In the proposed method, when updating content, the control PC starts up upon receiving a notification, and the control PC turns off when the e-paper display update is complete. • We named the system that realizes the proposed method, Normally-off Network Electronic Paper Signage (NNEPS). 4 OFF ON ON ON ON OFF Proposed Method (NNEPS) Existing Method (Network-updated EPS) Updated content E-Paper Control PC E-Paper Display Updated content E-Paper Control PC E-Paper Display
an e-paper control PC, and a power control plug. • The power control plug stands by with the communication function turned on and turns the power supply to the e-paper control PC on and off as needed for screen updates, thereby enabling the EPS to achieve normally-off. 5
(Amazon Web Services) and a relay module • The M5Stack Core2 for AWS was used as the micro-controller that controlled the relay modules. • The M5Stack implements firmware that turns the relay module on and off in response to notifications via MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). • Multiple EPSs can be connected using relay modules to manage power on/off status. 7
• Total power consumption of e-paper control computer and power control computer • Starts only when the screen is refreshed Existing method (network-updated EPS) • E-paper control computer is always running • Receive content and update images Measure the power consumption of the existing method (network update EPS) and the proposed method (NNEPS) Updated content ON ON ON E-Paper Control PC E-Paper Display Updated content OFF ON OFF E-Paper Control PC E-Paper Display
method, NNEPS-1, reduced the amount of electricity by about 33% compared to the existing method. 11 2.81 1.25 1.88 • The NNEPS measured power for two different cases, one with one EPS connected to the relay module (NNEPS-1) and the other with two EPSs connected to the relay module (NNEPS-2).
were more than double those of NNEPS-1. • In NNEPS-2, the power shutdown occurs only after both e-paper control PCs have completed the refresh process, resulting in increased power consumption due to the extended startup time for both e-paper control PCs. Power consumption during screen refresh Power consumption Power consumption Second Second
method is more effective in reducing power consumption than existing methods. 13 Acknowledgments • This research was supported by the Hokkaido IT Creator Discovery and Development Project (Shinsetsu Program) conducted by Shinsetsu, a general incorporated association. We would like to express our sincere appreciation.