Variable brightness dimming of display peripherals

Abstract

Generally, the subject matter described in this disclosure may be implemented as a method, system, and program product for presenting display content on a display of a computing system. The method comprises the steps of: selecting a first luminance profile based on a current display brightness setting (320) from a set of luminance profiles (308) each configured to reduce the brightness of the display content in different ways—the first luminance profile specifies a first brightness reduction amount for a peripheral portion of the display content and a first brightness reduction slope for a portion of the display content between the peripheral portion of the display content and the central portion of the display content—; modifying the display content by reducing the brightness of the display content according to the first luminance profile; and applying the first luminance profile to the display content to present the display content on a display.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This document generally relates to display devices. Background Technology

[0002] The electronic device may include a display device in which visual images are displayed. To enhance the user experience for outdoor applications, display brightness may be increased automatically or manually for improved readability. Increasing display brightness generally results in high power consumption.

[0003] This document describes techniques, methods, systems, and other mechanisms for providing a display device having a variable brightness dimming function for display peripherals. The peripheral area of ​​the display device may be dimmed to a luminance level that is more dimmed than the central area of ​​the display device for the same programmed pixel color. The amount of dimming in the peripheral area may be automatically adjusted by a device process based on display brightness, power saving mode, and / or ambient lighting conditions. For example, at a higher display brightness level, the difference between the luminance of the central area and the luminance of the peripheral area may be greater than that difference at a lower display brightness level.

[0004] Varying the amount by which display peripherals are dimmed as a function of display brightness can reduce the power consumption of display devices while maintaining image clarity and readability under high brightness conditions. The techniques disclosed herein can be used to dynamically adjust the ambient luminance profile and achieve high brightness with greater power efficiency. Greater overall display brightness can be achieved without increasing the supply current, or by increasing the supply current to a level lower than that without ambient dimming. For example, a display at uniform brightness can achieve 1200 nits of luminance at 650 milliamperes (mA). When the periphery of the display is dimmed relative to the center of the display, the display can achieve 1400 nits of luminance at the same current of 650 mA. Accordingly, ambient dimming can be implemented to increase overall display brightness while reducing the increase in power consumption and the risk of violating power management limits.

[0005] In some examples, the brightness of non-dimmed pixels (typically located in the center of the display) can be achieved without increasing the supply current, or by increasing the supply current by less than in the case where ambient dimming is not present. Accordingly, ambient dimming can be implemented to increase display brightness in visually important areas of the display while reducing the increase in power consumption.

[0006] The technique disclosed herein can be used to reduce power consumption while maintaining or enhancing the brightness level experienced by the user. Users typically focus on content near the center of the display. Accordingly, dimming pixels around the periphery of the display is likely to be imperceptible to the user. Reducing the brightness of peripheral pixels results in reduced power consumption. More power savings are achieved at higher display brightness settings, while less power savings are achieved at lower display brightness settings. Displays are typically brighter in daylight outdoor environments. Accordingly, greater power savings can generally be achieved in brighter outdoor environments.

[0007] Furthermore, in brighter environments, the human eye is less sensitive to small spatial variations in luminance. Consequently, dimming pixels at the periphery of a display device is less pronounced in brighter surroundings than when the device is used in normal brightness environments. Due to this reduced sensitivity, peripheral pixels can be dimmed by a greater amount in brighter environments, while also reducing the visual perception of uneven display brightness.

[0008] In some examples, the power saved by dimming surrounding pixels can be used to increase the brightness of the central pixel. In some examples, the power saved by dimming surrounding pixels can result in reduced display power consumption. In some examples, the amount of surrounding dimming can increase gradually over time as display brightness increases so that the change in dimming may be imperceptible to the user.

[0009] As a further description of the embodiments described below, the present disclosure describes the following embodiments.

[0010] Example 1 is a method for presenting display content on a display of a computing system, comprising: identifying that the current display brightness setting of the computing system has a first value representing a first display brightness level; selecting a first luminance profile from a collection of luminance profiles configured to reduce the brightness of the display content in different ways by the computing system based on the fact that the current display brightness setting has a first value, wherein the first luminance profile specifies a first brightness reduction amount for a peripheral part of the display content and a first brightness reduction gradient between a peripheral part of the display content and a central part of the display content; and applying the first luminance profile to the display content to modify the display content by reducing the brightness of the peripheral part of the display content by the first brightness reduction amount and reducing the brightness of the display content between a peripheral part of the display content and a central part of the display content according to the first brightness reduction gradient. The method includes the step of presenting the display content to the display after the display content has been modified by applying a first luminance profile to the display content, and the computing system is configured to select a second luminance profile from a set of luminance profiles based on the fact that the current display brightness setting has a second value representing a second display brightness level greater than the first display brightness level, and to apply the second luminance profile to the display content before presenting the display content.

[0011] Example 2 is a method of Example 1, wherein reducing the brightness of a peripheral part of a display content includes reducing the brightness level of a plurality of pixels in each frame of a plurality of frames of a display content while maintaining image content represented by a plurality of pixels.

[0012] Example 3 is a method of any one of the prior embodiments, wherein the second luminance profile specifies a second brightness reduction amount for a peripheral portion of the display content and a second brightness reduction slope for a portion of the display content between the peripheral portion of the display content and the central portion of the display content; and the second brightness reduction amount is greater than the first brightness reduction amount.

[0013] Example 4 is a method of Example 3, wherein the first luminance profile includes a first image mask specifying a plurality of first dimming levels, each first dimming level is associated with an individual part of the first image mask; and the second luminance profile includes a second image mask specifying a plurality of second dimming levels, each second dimming level is associated with an individual part of the second image mask.

[0014] Example 5 is a method of Example 3, wherein the first luminance profile includes a first function that specifies how different parts of the display content will be dimmed; and the second luminance profile includes a second function that specifies how different parts of the display content will be dimmed.

[0015] Example 6 is a method of any one of the prior embodiments, wherein the first brightness reduction slope extends from the central part of the display content toward the peripheral part of the display content as the brightness reduction levels increase; and the second brightness reduction slope extends from the central part of the display content toward the peripheral part of the display content as the brightness reduction levels increase.

[0016] Example 7 is a method of any one of the prior embodiments, comprising the steps of: identifying that the current display brightness setting of a computing system has a third value representing a third display brightness level that is lower than a first display brightness level and lower than a second display brightness level; and presenting display content to a display without applying any luminance profile from a set of luminance profiles to the display content based on the fact that the current display setting has a third value that is lower than a first display brightness level and lower than a second display brightness level.

[0017] Example 8 is a method of any one of the prior examples, wherein the peripheral part of the display content surrounds and excludes the central part of the display content.

[0018] Example 9 is a method of Example 8 in which the first luminance profile specifies a greater brightness reduction for the peripheral portion of the display content than for the central portion of the display content; and the second luminance profile specifies a greater brightness reduction for the peripheral portion of the display content than for the central portion of the display content.

[0019] Example 10 is a method of any one of the prior examples, wherein the first brightness reduction amount specified by the first luminance profile is greater than the second brightness reduction amount specified by the second luminance profile in terms of absolute brightness reduction amount and relative brightness reduction amount.

[0020] Example 11 includes, as a method of any one of the prior embodiments, the step of receiving user input interacting with a display to change a current display brightness setting from a first value to a second value by a computing system.

[0021] Example 12 is a method of Example 11, wherein user input for changing the current display brightness setting from a first value to a second value includes user contact with the display by dragging an element of the display brightness slider from a first position to a second position.

[0022] Example 13, as a method of any one of the prior embodiments, includes the step of receiving, by a computing system, an indication that the amount of light detected by a light sensor of the computing system has increased; and the step of modifying the current display brightness setting from a first level to a second level by the computing system as a result of receiving the indication that the amount of light detected by the light sensor has increased.

[0023] Example 14 is a method of any one of the prior embodiments, wherein one or more processors of a computing system perform the application of a first luminance profile to display content.

[0024] Example 15 is a method of Example 14, wherein presenting display content on a display comprises one or more processors of a computing system device sending display content to a display driver integrated circuit of the display for presentation.

[0025] Example 16 is a computing system comprising: a display; one or more processors; and one or more computer-readable devices, wherein the one or more computer-readable devices comprise instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the computing system to perform the method of any one of Examples 1 to 15.

[0026] Example 17 is a computing system comprising: a display configured to present display content; one or more processors; and one or more computer-readable devices, wherein the one or more computer-readable devices each comprise a set of luminance profiles configured to reduce the brightness of the display content in different ways—at least one of the luminance profiles specifies a slope of brightness reduction for a portion of the display content between the central part of the display content and the peripheral part of the display content such that there is a greater brightness reduction in the peripheral part of the display content than in the central part of the display content—; and instructions configured to select a luminance profile selected from the set of luminance profiles based on the current display brightness setting of the computing system when executed by the one or more processors, and to apply the selected luminance profile to the display content before presentation of the display content by the display.

[0027] Example 18 is a method for presenting display content, comprising: receiving a first frame of display content for presentation on a display device of a computing device; identifying that the current display brightness setting of the computing device has a first value representing a first display brightness level; modifying the first frame of display content to dim the brightness of the surrounding portion of the first frame of display content by a first amount based on the fact that the current display brightness setting has the first value, wherein the surrounding portion of the first frame of display content is configured for presentation by the surrounding portion of the display device; presenting the first frame of display content to the display device after the first frame of display content has been modified to dim the brightness of the surrounding portion of the first frame by a first amount; receiving a second frame of display content for presentation on the display device; identifying that the current display brightness setting has a second value representing a second display brightness level greater than the first display brightness level; Based on the fact that the current display brightness setting has a second value, the method comprises the step of modifying the second frame of the display content to dim the brightness of the peripheral part of the second frame of the display content by a second amount greater than the first amount—the peripheral part of the second frame of the display content is configured for presentation by the peripheral part of the display device such that the peripheral part of the second frame corresponds to the peripheral part of the first frame—; and the step of presenting the first frame of the display content to the display device after the second frame of the display content has been modified to dim the brightness of the peripheral part of the second frame by a second amount greater than the first amount.

[0028] Example 19 is a method of Example 18, wherein dimming the brightness of a peripheral portion of a first frame by a first amount comprises reducing the brightness level of a plurality of first pixels within a peripheral portion of a first frame while maintaining image content represented by a plurality of first pixels; and dimming the brightness of a peripheral portion of a second frame by a second amount comprises reducing the brightness level of a plurality of second pixels within a peripheral portion of a second frame while maintaining image content represented by a second frame.

[0029] Example 20 is a method of either Example 18 or 19, wherein modifying a first frame to dim the brightness of a peripheral portion of a first frame by a first amount comprises: a computing device selecting a first luminance profile from a set of luminance profiles based on a current display brightness setting having a first value; and applying the first luminance profile to the first frame; and modifying a second frame to dim the brightness of a peripheral portion of a second frame by a second amount comprises: a computing device selecting a second luminance profile from a set of luminance profiles based on a current display brightness setting having a second value; and applying the second luminance profile to the second frame, wherein the second luminance profile specifies a peripheral dimming amount greater than the peripheral dimming amount specified by the first luminance profile.

[0030] Example 21 is a method of Example 20, wherein a first luminance profile comprises a first image mask specifying a plurality of first dimming levels, each first dimming level is associated with an individual part of the first image mask; and a second luminance profile comprises a second image mask specifying a plurality of second dimming levels, each second dimming level is associated with an individual part of the second image mask.

[0031] Example 22 is a method of Example 21, wherein the first image mask specifies a first slope of first dimming levels extending from the center of the first image mask toward the peripheral edge of the first image mask as the dimming levels increase; and the second image mask specifies a second slope of second dimming levels extending from the center of the second image mask toward the peripheral edge of the second image mask as the dimming levels increase.

[0032] Example 23 is a method of Example 20, wherein the first luminance profile includes a first function that specifies how different parts of an image frame will be dimmed; and the second luminance profile includes a second function that specifies how different parts of an image frame will be dimmed.

[0033] Example 24 comprises, as a method of any one of Examples 20 to 23, receiving a third frame of display content for presentation on a display device; identifying that the current display brightness setting of the computing device has a third value indicating a third display brightness level that is lower than a first display brightness level and lower than a second display brightness level; and presenting the third frame of display content on the display device without applying any luminance profile from a set of luminance profiles, or after applying a third luminance profile from a set of luminance profiles indicating a minimum amount of dimming among the luminance profiles in the set of luminance profiles to the third frame.

[0034] Example 25 is a method of any one of Examples 18 to 24, wherein a peripheral portion of a display device surrounds and excludes a central portion of a display device; a peripheral portion of a first frame surrounds and excludes a central portion of a first frame; and a peripheral portion of a second frame surrounds and excludes a central portion of a second frame.

[0035] Example 26 is a method of Example 25, wherein the first amount of dimming of the peripheral portion of the first frame represents an amount of dimming of the peripheral portion of the first frame that is greater than the amount of dimming of the central portion of the first frame; and the second amount of dimming of the peripheral portion of the second frame represents an amount of dimming of the peripheral portion of the second frame that is greater than the amount of dimming of the central portion of the second frame.

[0036] Example 27 is a method of Example 25, wherein a first amount of dimming of the peripheral portion of the first frame represents a first ratio between the amount of dimming of the peripheral portion of the first frame and the amount of dimming of the central portion of the first frame; and a second amount of dimming of the brightness of the second frame represents a second ratio between the amount of dimming of the peripheral portion of the second frame and the amount of dimming of the central portion of the second frame.

[0037] Example 28 is a method of any one of Examples 25 to 27, wherein the first amount by which the peripheral part of the first frame of the content is dimmed is greater than the amount by which the central part of the first frame is dimmed, and the second amount by which the peripheral part of the second frame of the content is dimmed is greater than the amount by which the central part of the second frame is dimmed.

[0038] Example 29 is a method of any one of Examples 18 to 28, wherein the second amount by which the peripheral part of the second frame of the content is dimmed is greater than the first amount by which the peripheral part of the first frame of the content is dimmed in terms of absolute brightness reduction and relative brightness reduction.

[0039] Example 30 comprises, as a method of any one of Examples 25 to 29, the step of receiving a third frame of display content for presentation on a display device; the step of identifying that the current display brightness setting of the computing device has a third value indicating a third display brightness level that is lower than a first display brightness level and lower than a second display brightness level; and the step of presenting the third frame of display content on a display device after the third frame of display content is modified to dim the brightness of a peripheral portion of the third frame by a third amount that is less than a first amount and less than a second amount.

[0040] Example 31 includes the step of receiving user input that interacts with a display device to change a current display brightness setting from a first value to a second value, by means of any one of Examples 18 to 30, by means of a computing device.

[0041] Example 32, as a method of Example 31, includes user input for changing the current display brightness setting from a first value to a second value, which involves user contact with a display device by dragging an element of the display brightness slider from a first position to a second position.

[0042] Example 33 includes, as a method of any one of the prior embodiments, the step of receiving, by a computing device, an indication that the amount of light detected by the light sensor of the computing device has decreased; and the step of modifying the current display brightness setting from a first level to a second level by the computing device as a result of receiving the indication that the amount of light detected by the light sensor has decreased.

[0043] Example 34 is a method of any one of the prior embodiments in which modifying a first frame to dim a peripheral portion of a first frame is performed by one or more processors of a computing device; and modifying a second frame to dim a peripheral portion of a second frame is performed by one or more processors of a computing device.

[0044] Example 35 is a method of any one of the prior embodiments, wherein presenting a first frame comprises one or more processors of a computing device sending a first frame to a display driver integrated circuit of a display device for presentation; and presenting a second frame comprises one or more processors of a computing device transmitting a second frame to a display driver integrated circuit of a display device for presentation.

[0045] Example 36 comprises, as a computing device, a display device; one or more processors; and one or more computer-readable devices comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the computing device to perform the method of any one of Examples 18 to 35.

[0046] Details regarding one or more embodiments are described in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, purposes, and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0047] Figure 1 illustrates a diagram of an exemplary display system of an electronic device. Figures 2a-b illustrate a diagram of a pixel circuit of a display device and a corresponding timing diagram. Figure 3 illustrates a block diagram of a system for changing the brightness dimming of a display peripheral device. FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary axes for applying luminance profiles to a display device. FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary luminance profile for ambient dimming of pixels of a display device. FIGS. 6a through 6f illustrate exemplary graphs illustrating the effect of multiple different luminance profiles on the luminosity of content presented in various regions of a display device. FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a process for operating a display device with variable peripheral dimming. FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of computing devices that can be used to implement the system and method described in this document, as a client, a server, or any one of a plurality of servers. The same reference symbols in various drawings represent the same elements. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0048] This document generally describes mechanisms for providing a display device having variable brightness dimming of display peripherals. For example, as display brightness increases, the amount of dimming applied to the display peripherals increases. The luminance profile applied to images presented on the display can be dynamically adjusted based on display brightness settings, ambient lighting conditions, and power saving settings.

[0049] A computing device may apply a luminance profile to frames of image content presented by a display device. The characteristics of the luminance profile may change gradually over time to achieve a seamless user experience while reducing power consumption of the display device (or different luminance profiles may be applied). The luminance profile may be adjusted across the entire display area based on one or more display brightness settings to enrich the user's field of view while reducing power consumption at the periphery of the display device. The luminance profile may be applied across the horizontal, vertical, diagonal dimensions of the display, or any combination thereof.

[0050] The following discussion regarding the drawings provides additional details regarding these mechanisms for variable dimming of the brightness of display peripherals. The discussion regarding FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2a-b provides an overview of the operation of the display device and its internal components, and FIGS. 3 through 7 explain how these components can be operated to change ambient dimming in the presence of strong ambient light.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary display system (100) of a computing device (190). The device (190) includes a display panel (104) housed in a chassis (109). The area of ​​the device (190) between the edge of the panel (104) and the edge of the chassis is a bezel area (103).

[0052] The display panel (104) is an OLED display panel (104) comprising an array (112) of light-emitting pixels. Each light-emitting pixel comprises an OLED. The OLED display is driven by drivers comprising SCAN / EM drivers (108) and data drivers (110). The SCAN / EM drivers (108) may be integrated, i.e., stacked row line drivers. Generally, the data drivers (110) provide data signals (e.g., voltage data (VDATA)) to data lines (e.g., D1-D3), the SCAN / EM drivers (108) provide a SCAN signal to a selected scan line (e.g., SCAN1) among the scan lines to move the data signals from the data lines to pixels in a selected scan line, and the SCAN / EM drivers (108) provide an EMISSION signal to a selected emission line (e.g., E1) among the emission lines to illuminate OLEDs in a selected row according to image data specified by the data signals. FIG. 1 illustrates a display system (100) having SCAN / EM drivers (108) on a single side of the display, but the SCAN / EM drivers (108) may be placed on both the left and right sides of the display to improve driving performance (e.g., increasing speed by having SCAN drivers on the left side of the display and EM drivers on the right side of the display).

[0053] A pixel array (112) comprises a plurality of light-emitting pixels, for example, pixels (P11 to P34). A pixel is a small element of a display capable of changing color based on image data supplied to the pixel. Each pixel includes a circuit (e.g., components shown in FIG. 2a) that addresses the OLED and the OLED with a data value, stores the data value, and drives the OLED with an intensity based on the data value. Each pixel within the pixel array (112) can be individually addressed to produce colors of various intensities generated by the pixel. Each pixel maintains a mostly stable brightness throughout the frame time to display light corresponding to the supplied image data.

[0054] Luminance is the amount of light emitted by the surface area of ​​a light source, such as a pixel or display. Display luminance is the luminous intensity emanating from the surface of a display. Luminance is candela per square meter (cd / m²), also referred to as "nits." 2 It can be measured in units such as ).

[0055] Frame time, or frame duration, is the amount of time between the start of a frame and the start of the next frame. Frame time can be the inverse of the frame rate of a display system. For example, a frame rate of 60 fps (frames per second) corresponds to a frame time of 1 / 60 of a second, or 0.0167 seconds.

[0056] A pixel array (112) is extended in a plane and includes rows and columns. Each row is extended horizontally across the pixel array (112). For example, the first row (120) of the pixel array (112) includes pixels (P11, P21, and P31). Each column is extended vertically downward across the pixel array (112). For example, the first column (130) of the pixel array (112) includes pixels (P11, P12, P13, and P14). In FIG. 1, only a few pixels are shown for simplification. In reality, the pixel array (112) may contain thousands or millions of pixels. Increasing the number of pixels within a display that maintains the same size results in higher image resolution.

[0057] A display system (100) includes a display driver integration circuit (DDIC) (106) that receives display input data (102). The display input data (102) may include color values ​​for each pixel of a pixel array (112). The color value for a pixel corresponds to the color to be emitted by the pixel. In some examples, the display input data (102) may include brightness values ​​for each pixel of a pixel array (112). The brightness value for a pixel corresponds to the brightness of the light to be emitted by the pixel.

[0058] In some examples, the display input data (102) includes pixel values ​​that combine both color data and brightness data. The RGB values ​​of typical digital images do not directly correspond to physical light intensities, but rather are compressed by a gamma correction function. This conversion makes better use of the limited number of bits in the encoded image by selecting a gamma value that matches the non-linear human perception of luminance. For example, the display input data (102) may include gamma-corrected pixel values ​​for each subpixel of each pixel in the array (112). Addressing a pixel using gamma-corrected pixel values ​​causes the pixel to emit light with the color and brightness specified by the gamma-corrected pixel values.

[0059] In some examples, the DDIC (106) receives display input data (102) from the system-on-chip (SoC) (105). The SoC (105) is a microchip having all the electronic circuits and components required for a given system, such as a smartphone or a wearable computer, on a single integrated circuit (IC). The SoC (105) is an integrated circuit containing multiple components on a single chip. The SoC (105) may include, for example, a processor, memory (306), and input / output (I / O) ports. The SoC (105) may be implemented on a single substrate, such as silicon. The SoC (105) can process digital signals, analog signals, and mixed signals.

[0060] The DDIC (106) may be, for example, a semiconductor integrated circuit or a state machine. The DDIC (106) generates signals having appropriate voltage, current, timing, and demultiplexing to enable the display panel (104) to display images according to the display input data (102). In some examples, the DDIC (106) may be a microcontroller and may integrate RAM, flash memory, EEPROM, ROM, etc.

[0061] The DDIC (106) drives the pixel array (112) to emit light according to the display input data (102). For example, the data signal generator (138) of the DDIC (106) generates image data signals (144) from the display input data (102) and provides the image data signals (144) to the data drivers (110). The image data signals (144) may include voltages for each subpixel of the pixel array (112) to drive the subpixels to a color and brightness specified by the display input data (102).

[0062] The DDIC (106) includes a timing controller (134), a clock signal generator (136), and a data signal generator (138). The DDIC (106) generates control signals (142). The control signals (142) may include, for example, signals that control the display frame start time and the display frame stop time of each frame presented by the display panel (104), wherein a frame represents a single image in a sequence of images presented by the display panel (104). In examples where each frame presented by the display panel includes a plurality of emission cycles, the control signals (142) or other signals not exemplified in FIG. 1 may control the display emission start time and the display emission stop time of each emission cycle of the display panel (104).

[0063] In some examples, SCAN / EM drivers (108), data drivers (110), or both may be integrated with the DDIC (106). The SCAN / EM drivers supply SCAN and EM signals to the rows of the pixel array (112). For example, the SCAN / EM drivers (108) supply scan signals to the rows of pixels through scan lines (S1 to S4) and EM signals through EM lines (E1 to E4), and each row of pixels in the pixel array (112) is addressed by a scan line and a corresponding emission line. For example, the first row (120) of the pixel array (112) is addressed by a scan line (SCAN1) and an emission line (E1).

[0064] Data drivers (110) supply signals to columns of a pixel array (112). For example, based on an image data signal (144) from a data signal generator (138), the data drivers (110) output data values ​​to a set of multiplexers (114) in a panel (104) via source amplifier output signal lines (SAN) (e.g., a set of source amplifier signal lines (SA1, SA2, and SA3)). The set of multiplexers (114) in the panel (104) receives data values ​​from a corresponding set of source amplifier output signal lines (SAN) and routes the received data values ​​among a greater number of data lines. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a single MUX (114) configured to receive a stream of data values ​​from the data driver (110) via a source output signal line (SA1) and distribute the stream of data values ​​among data signal lines (D1-3) one at a time. In fact, there are likely multiple MUXs to which data values ​​from the data driver (110) are supplied through corresponding source control signal lines. The operations of the multiplexers (114) are described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3a.

[0065] Data drivers (110) supply data voltages through data lines (D1 to D3). In some examples, each of the data lines (D1 to D3) represents multiple data lines. For example, a pixel (P11) may include three subpixels (e.g., P11R for a red subpixel, P11G for a green subpixel, and P11B for a blue subpixel), and a data line (D1) may represent three corresponding data lines each addressing a corresponding subpixel of the pixel (P11).

[0066] Control signals (142) can be used to drive SCAN / EM drivers (108) and data drivers (110). Accordingly, the DDIC (106) controls the timing of scan signals, EM signals, and data signals.

[0067] The display system (100) includes a power supply unit (150). The power supply unit (150) provides a first supply voltage (ELVDD) and a second supply voltage (ELVSS), both of which are provided to each pixel within the pixel array (112). In some examples, the power supply unit (150) may be integrated with a DDIC (106).

[0068] Each pixel in the pixel array (112) is addressable by a horizontal scan line, a horizontal EM line, and a vertical data line. For example, pixel (P11) is addressable by a data line (D1), a scan line (S1), and an EM line (E1). For another example, pixel (P23) is addressable by a data line (D2), a scan line (S3), and an EM line (E3).

[0069] Scan lines are addressed sequentially for each frame. The scan direction determines the order in which scan lines are addressed (e.g., the direction in which rows of pixels receive data values ​​and then are illuminated with intensities based on the received data values). In the display system (100), the scan direction is from the top of the pixel array (112) to the bottom of the pixel array (112). For example, scan line (S1) is addressed first, then scan line (S2), then S3, etc. In some embodiments, all rows of pixels are programmed with data values ​​using SCAN signals (one row at a time) before the display device activates all rows of pixels with intensities based on programmed data values. In some embodiments, while the display device can activate rows of pixels, other rows of pixels are still programmed, so there is a gap of some rows between the row currently receiving the SCAN signal and the row of pixels that is activated and begins to emit light.

[0070] FIG. 1 illustrates that each row is addressed by a single scan line, but each row may also be addressed by multiple scan lines (e.g., nSCAN and pSCAN). FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary components of an OLED display, but the described techniques may also be applied to other flat panel display technologies that include arrays of pixels. These techniques may be applied to curved displays, flexible displays, foldable displays, and rollable displays. For example, these techniques may be applied to LED (light emitting diode display), LCD (liquid crystal display), and PDP (plasma display panel). These techniques may also be applied to projectors (e.g., digital light processing projectors) to reduce power consumption and reduce the amount of heat absorbed and dissipated by the projector.

[0071] FIG. 2a illustrates a diagram of a pixel circuit of a display device, wherein the pixel circuit includes an LED and a corresponding driving circuit for the pixel circuit. FIG. 2a may illustrate a more detailed view of a single pixel from an array of pixels illustrated in FIG. 1. The present disclosure sometimes refers to the components illustrated in FIG. 2a as "pixel circuits," but the present disclosure may also refer to these components simply as "pixels." Additionally, the pixel illustrated in FIG. 2a may represent a subpixel.

[0072] The pixel circuit may be an AMOLED (active matrix OLED) pixel circuit. The pixel circuit receives an emission signal (EM) on an emission line, SCAN signals on scan signal lines, and a data voltage (VDATA) signal on a data line. The pixel circuit (200) receives a first supply voltage (ELVDD) on a first voltage supply line, a second supply voltage (ELVSS) on a second voltage supply line, and an initial reference voltage (VINIT) on an initial voltage supply line.

[0073] The pixel circuit includes an OLED (organic light-emitting diode). The OLED includes a layer of organic compound that emits light in response to an electric current (IOLED). The organic layer is located between two electrodes, namely the anode and the cathode. The OLED is driven by a driving transistor (T1), which acts as a current source to drive the OLED to receive a supply voltage (ELVDD) and emit light.

[0074] The pixel also includes a storage capacitor (CST) and transistors (T2 to T7). The operation of the pixel is defined by the states of control signals (SCAN, EM, and VDATA). The amount / level of the OLED current (IOLED) is set by the voltage present at the gate terminal of the driving transistor (T1) (referred to as the "G" node).

[0075] The driving transistor (T1) has a threshold voltage (VTH) between the gate terminal of the driving transistor (T1) and the source terminal of the driving transistor (T1). When the voltage between the gate terminal and the source terminal exceeds the threshold voltage (VTH), the driving transistor (T1) creates a conduction path from the source terminal to the drain terminal. The amount of current (IOLED) flowing through the conduction path via the driving transistor (T1) corresponds to the amount by which the voltage between the gate terminal and the source terminal exceeds the threshold voltage (VTH).

[0076] FIG. 2b illustrates a timing diagram of control signals provided to and received by the pixel illustrated in FIG. 2a. These control signals repeatedly switch between an initialization stage, a programming stage, and an emission stage during the operation of the display system (100).

[0077] At the end of the emission stage, the EM signal is switched to an off state (e.g., by changing from a low state to a high state). This transition turns off the transistors (T5 and T6), which interrupts the current supplied from the ELVDD to the OLED, thereby stopping light emission by the OLED. Since the EM signal can be supplied to an entire line of pixels, this transition can turn off all pixels in a line of pixels.

[0078] During the initialization stage, the SCAN[n-1] signal is turned on (e.g., by changing from a high state to a low state), which turns on the transistor (T4) for a certain period of time and initializes the G node to the initialization voltage (VINIT). Since the SCAN[n-1] signal can be provided to the entire line of pixels, this initialization stage can erase the previously stored data values ​​for each pixel in the line of pixels. The SCAN[n-1] signal may be the SCAN[n] signal provided to the preceding row by the state machine of the SCAN / EM driver (108).

[0079] During the programming stage, the SCAN[n] signal is turned on (e.g., by going low), which turns on the transistors (T2, T3, and T7) for a certain period. This causes the voltage value on the voltage data (VDATA) line to be transmitted to the G node through the transistors (T2, T1, and T3), thereby setting the G node to a value based on the VDATA line (e.g., the voltage on VDATA minus the effect of the transistor threshold voltage). Since the SCAN signal can be provided to the entire line of pixels, this programming stage can cause each pixel on the line of pixels to move data voltage values ​​from each pixel's data line to each pixel's G node.

[0080] During the emission stage, the EM signal is switched to the ON state (e.g., by going low), which turns on the transistors (T5 and T6). Current flows from the ELVDD through the transistors (T5, T1, and T6) to the anode of the OLED. Since the EM signal is provided to the entire line of pixels, all pixels in the line of pixels can be activated.

[0081] The current level supplied to the OLED at each pixel is determined by the voltage present at the pixel's G node (for example, the G node voltage level is programmed by the voltage data (VDATA) line). The intensity or brightness of light emitted by the OLED is directly correlated with the amount of electric current (IOLED) applied to the OLED, and a higher current corresponds to a greater intensity of light than a lower current. The storage capacitor (CST) maintains the voltage at the G node so that the OLED continues to emit light at approximately the same level during the duration of the emission stage.

[0082] The voltage at the G node may decrease slightly during the emission stage. As such, the current applied to the OLED (IOLED) and the intensity of light emitted by the OLED may decrease or increase slightly during the emission stage, depending on the type of pixel circuit design (for example, if there are p-channel transistors in the pixel circuit, a lower voltage level at the G node results in higher IOLED and higher OLED light intensity).

[0083] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of a system (300) for changing the brightness dimming of a display peripheral device. The system (300) includes an SoC (105) and a DDIC (106) of a display system (100). The SoC (105) includes a memory (306) and a processor (304).

[0084] The processor (304) may be, for example, a graphical processing unit (GPU). The processor (304) may include, for example, a bus interface, a power management unit, a video processing unit, a graphics memory controller, a display interface, or any combination thereof. The processor (304) may include a digital signal processor (DSP). The DSP may perform signal processing operations such as data acquisition and data processing.

[0085] When generating and displaying images on the display panel (104) of the device (190), the processor (304) may generate visual content data, such as frames of video. The visual content data may be for a pre-rendered video sequence, for example, film. The visual content data may be for a dynamically generated video sequence, for example, user navigation through various operating system screens and menus or video games. In some examples, the visual content data may be compressed using any suitable method. In some examples, the visual content data may not be compressed. The processor (304) may store the generated visual content data in memory (306). Memory (306) may be any suitable type of memory. For example, memory (306) may be random access memory (RAM).

[0086] The SoC (105) stores a set of luminance profiles (308) in memory (306). The set of luminance profiles (308) may include a plurality of profiles for dimming peripherals of displayed images. Each luminance profile may include a predetermined amount of dimming for each pixel of the pixel array (112). In some examples, the luminance profiles (308) are specific to the device (190). For example, the luminance profiles (308) may be calibrated for the device (190), for example, during design and / or manufacturing. In some examples, the luminance profiles (308) are common to a number of devices.

[0087] In some examples, a set of luminance profiles (308) may be stored by external memory located outside the SoC (105). The external memory may be, for example, a flash storage device. The SoC (105) may read a set of luminance profiles (308) from the external memory to the internal memory (306). Then, the processor (304) reads the luminance profiles from the memory (306) and can combine the luminance profiles with image content (e.g., for video, games, user interfaces) when the content is sent to the DDIC (106).

[0088] In some examples, the luminance profile includes a mask of dimming values ​​to be applied to image data. The mask may be an image mask that specifies different dimming levels at different parts of the mask. In some examples, a first image mask specifies a plurality of first dimming levels, each first dimming level is associated with an individual part of the first image mask. A second image mask specifies a plurality of second dimming levels, each second dimming level is associated with an individual part of the second image mask.

[0089] In some examples, the luminance profile includes an array of dimming values, each dimming value corresponding to a pixel in the array (e.g., so that the mask has the same dimensions as the image content to be presented by the display device). In some examples, the luminance profile includes only dimming values ​​for peripheral portions of the pixel array (112). In some examples, the luminance profile includes dimming values ​​for all portions of the pixel array (112). In some examples, the luminance profile includes a function or function for applying to image data. For example, the luminance profile may include a function dependent on a variable such as a display brightness setting (320). Accordingly, any change in the display brightness setting (320) may result in a change to the applied luminance profile or a change from one luminance profile to another luminance profile. Each luminance profile may be associated with one or more display brightness settings, or a range of display brightness settings. The luminance profile is described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 4, FIGS. 5, and FIGS. 6a through 6f.

[0090] The SoC (105) may receive, as input, image data (310), a brightness setting (320), a power saving setting (314), or any combination thereof. The SoC (105) may optionally receive, as input, ambient brightness (330). The image data (310) may be, for example, image data for an image frame. The brightness setting (320) may be a setting for display brightness, for example, any number used for computation of display brightness, or a setting specifying an amount of nits. The power saving setting (314) may indicate a power saving mode of the device (190), for example, normal mode or low power mode. The ambient brightness (330) may be an indication of the brightness of the environment in which the device (190) is located. In some examples, the device (190) includes a light sensor configured to detect ambient brightness (330). The SoC (105) can receive an indication of the amount of light detected by the light sensor of the device (190) and can determine the ambient brightness (330) using the indication of the amount of light detected by the light sensor. In some examples, the SoC (105) modifies the display brightness setting (320) based on the amount of light detected by the light sensor to increase the overall brightness of the display, for example, when in high ambient light environments.

[0091] The SoC (105) can determine whether to apply a luminance profile to image data (310) based on a brightness setting (320), a power saving setting (314), ambient brightness (330), or any combination thereof. When the SoC (105) decides to apply a luminance profile to image data (310), the SoC (105) can select a luminance profile based on any combination of one or more of the brightness setting (320), the power saving setting (314), and ambient brightness (330).

[0092] In some examples, the display device has a “high brightness” setting. When the display device is not in the high brightness setting, the display device may be in the “normal brightness” setting. The high brightness setting may be a setting that is input by the device (190) when the ambient brightness exceeds a threshold ambient brightness and / or when the high brightness setting is selected by the user. The high brightness setting may be a setting in which the total display brightness is greater than or equal to a threshold brightness. The threshold brightness may be, for example, a brightness of 600 nits, 700 nits, or 800 nits. In some examples, the high brightness setting is a setting in which the display brightness value (DBV) is greater than or equal to a threshold DBV. The threshold DBV may be, for example, 1600, 1800, or 2000 for a 12-bit display.

[0093] In some examples, the SoC (105) decides to apply a luminance profile to the image data (310) regardless of the brightness setting (320). For example, the SoC (105) may decide to select a luminance profile (305) from a set of luminance profiles (308) to apply to the image data (310) when the device is at a high brightness setting and when the device is at a normal brightness setting. The SoC (105) may select a different luminance profile at a higher brightness setting than at a normal brightness setting.

[0094] In some examples, the SoC (105) decides to apply a luminance profile to the image data (310) when the brightness setting (320) of the device is a high brightness setting, and decides not to apply any luminance profile when the brightness setting (320) of the device is a normal brightness setting.

[0095] In some examples, the SoC (105) applies a luminance profile to the image data (310) regardless of the power saving setting (314). For example, the SoC (105) may decide to select a luminance profile (305) from a set of luminance profiles (308) to apply to the image data (310) when the device is in low power mode and when the device is in normal power mode. Low power mode may be a power saving setting (314) into which the device (190) enters when the battery is below a threshold power level and / or when low power mode is selected by the user.

[0096] In some examples, the SoC (105) decides to apply a luminance profile to image data (310) when the device's power saving setting (314) is in a high low-power mode, and decides not to apply any luminance profile when the device's power saving setting (314) is in a normal power mode.

[0097] In some examples, the SoC (105) decides to apply a luminance profile to the image data (310) when the ambient brightness (330) is above a threshold brightness, and decides not to apply any luminance profile when the ambient brightness (330) is below a threshold brightness.

[0098] When the SoC (105) decides to apply a luminance profile to image data, the processor (304) selects a luminance profile (305) from a set of luminance profiles (308). The processor (304) may select the luminance profile (305) based on a brightness setting (320), a power saving setting (314), or both. The processor (304) may store the luminance profile (305) in the alpha layer (312) of the processor (304). The alpha layer (312) is an overlay layer of the processor (304) of the SoC (105) that can be used for image compensation.

[0099] The alpha layer (312) can be used for alpha blending. Alpha blending is a process of combining one image with a background to create an appearance of partial or complete transparency. Alpha blending is a form of encoding that can be used to render pixels in separate passes or layers and then combine the resulting images into a single final image called a composite. Alpha blending can be used in computer graphics to place rasterized foreground elements on top of a background. To combine the pixels of the images, an associated alpha value can be maintained for each pixel in addition to its color. The value of the alpha channel affects the values ​​of the color channels. In a two-dimensional image, a color combination can be stored for each pixel, which can be a combination of red, green, and blue (RGB). When alpha blending is in use, each pixel has an additional numeric value stored in its alpha channel, for example, a value in the range of 0 to 1. To obtain an encoded value, the RGB channels of the pixel can be multiplied by the alpha value.

[0100] The processor (304) applies a luminance profile (305) to the image data (310) to generate modified image data (302). For example, the processor (304) may apply the luminance profile (305) to the image data (310) by multiplying the image data values ​​by the corresponding values ​​of the luminance profile (305) in the alpha layer (312). In some examples, the processor (304) applies the luminance profile (305) to the image data (310) by dividing the image data values ​​by the corresponding values ​​of the luminance profile (305).

[0101] The SoC (105) provides display input data (102) to the DDIC (106). The display input data (102) may include modified image data (302) generated by applying a luminance profile (305) to image data (310). FIG. 3 illustrates the SoC (105) generating modified image data (302) from image data (310), but other embodiments are possible. For example, in some embodiments, the SoC (105) provides the luminance profile (305) and image data (310) to the DDIC (106), and the DDIC (106) modifies the image data (310) using the luminance profile (305).

[0102] In some examples, the SoC (105) selects a new luminance profile in response to a change in the brightness setting (320). The new luminance profile is stored by the processor (304) or DDIC (106) and applied to frames of image data until the next change in the brightness setting (320) occurs. When a change in the brightness setting (320) occurs, the SoC (105) selects a new luminance profile again.

[0103] FIG. 4 illustrates exemplary axes for applying a luminance profile to a display device, for example, a computing device (190). As illustrated in FIG. 4, the device (190) includes a display panel (104) and a chassis (109), and there is a bezel area (103) between the edge of the display panel (104) and the edge of the chassis (109).

[0104] A display panel (104) includes a central portion (410) and a peripheral portion (420). The central portion (410) and the peripheral portion (420) are defined by a boundary (430) that separates the central portion (410) and the peripheral portion (420). In some examples, the peripheral portion (420) of the display panel (104) surrounds and excludes the central portion (410). In some examples, the luminance profile includes only adjusted luminance levels of pixels in the peripheral portion (420) and does not include adjusted luminance levels of pixels in the central portion (410). Pixels within the central portion (410) may be referred to as central pixels. Pixels within the peripheral portion (420) may be referred to as peripheral pixels.

[0105] The boundary (430) may vary for different luminance profiles. For example, a first luminance profile may include a boundary closer to the edge of the display panel (104), resulting in a narrower peripheral area (420). A second luminance profile may include a boundary closer to the center of the display panel (104), resulting in a wider peripheral area (420).

[0106] In some examples, the position of the boundary (430) with respect to the edge of the display panel (104) may vary based on display brightness settings, power saving settings, ambient light conditions, or any combination thereof. For example, at a higher display brightness setting, the boundary (430) may be located further away from the edge of the display panel (104). At a lower display brightness setting, the boundary (430) may be located closer to the edge of the display panel (104).

[0107] The display panel (104) has a horizontal axis (401) and a vertical axis (411). The horizontal axis (401) extends in the x-direction and divides the display panel (104) between an upper portion (402) and a lower portion (404). In some examples, the horizontal axis (401) divides the display panel (104) in half so that the upper portion (402) and the lower portion (404) have the same area or approximately the same area.

[0108] The vertical axis (411) extends in the y-direction and divides the display panel between the left portion (412) and the right portion (414). In some examples, the vertical axis (411) divides the display panel (104) in half so that the left portion (412) and the right portion (414) have the same area or approximately the same area.

[0109] The display panel (104) has a first diagonal axis (421) and a second diagonal axis (431). Each of the diagonal axes (421, 431) divides the display panel (104) along the diagonal xy direction.

[0110] Dynamic luminance profiles can be applied to the display panel (104) over any direction and can be symmetric over any axis. In some examples, the luminance profile is applied over the horizontal axis (401). For example, a pixel at a specified distance from the horizontal axis (401) in the lower part (404) and a pixel at a specified distance from the horizontal axis (401) in the upper part (402) can both have the same dimming amount for a horizontal center pixel, for example, a pixel along the horizontal axis (401).

[0111] In some examples, the luminance profile is applied across the vertical axis (411). For example, a pixel at a specified distance from the vertical axis (411) in the left portion (412) and a pixel at a specified distance from the vertical axis (411) in the right portion (414) can both have the same dimming amount for a vertical center pixel, for example, a pixel along the vertical axis (411).

[0112] In some examples, the luminance profile is applied across both the horizontal axis (401) and the vertical axis (411). In some examples, the luminance profile is applied across one or both of the diagonal axes (421, 431).

[0113] FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary luminance profiles for peripheral dimming of pixels of a display device. FIG. 5 illustrates six exemplary luminance profiles (510a, 510b, 510c, 510d, 510e, 510f) ("profiles (510)"). The luminance profiles (510) represent exemplary luminance profiles (308) that can be stored by the SoC (105) as described with reference to FIG. 3 and can be selected for application to image data (310).

[0114] Luminance profiles (510) are illustrated on an exemplary grid. Each grid segment represents a pixel or group of pixels, for example, of a pixel array (112) or of image data (310). Each profile (510) includes different ambient dimming amounts. The ambient dimming amount increases from left to right across FIG. 5, as indicated by the arrow (525). In FIG. 5, the display brightness setting (320) increases from left to right from DBV values ​​600 to 4095. The DBV values ​​from 600 to 4095 represent DBV values ​​for an exemplary 12-bit display. The DBV can be set by the user or automatically adjusted based on, for example, stored preferences, brightness rules, and / or battery settings.

[0115] The total display brightness (540) also increases from a value of 800 nits to 1400 nits from left to right. The total display brightness (540) may be the brightness output by the display panel (104) when an individual profile is applied in the individual display brightness setting (320). In some examples, the total display brightness (540) may be an indication of the display brightness of undimmed pixels near the center of the display. In an example, when the display brightness setting (320) is 4095 and the profile (510f) is applied, the display panel (104) may output light with a total display brightness (540) of 1400 nits. The actual brightness of the light output by the display panel (104) depends on the colors emitted by the pixels, as specified by the image data (310).

[0116] Grid segments of the profile drawn in darker shades represent pixels having a greater amount of dimming relative to the central pixels of the profile emitting light of the same color. For example, the surrounding pixels of profile (510f) are drawn in darker shades compared to the surrounding pixels of profile (510b). Accordingly, the difference in brightness between the surrounding pixels and the central pixels when profile (510f) is applied with uniform color is greater than the difference between the surrounding pixels and the central pixels when profile (510b) is applied with uniform color. However, the actual luminance of the surrounding pixels when profile (510f) is applied may be greater than the luminance of the surrounding pixels when profile (510b) is applied due to the higher brightness setting (320).

[0117] Additionally, the actual luminance of the surrounding pixels when the profile (510f) is applied may be greater than the actual luminance of the central pixels when the profile (510f) is applied, for example, when the emitted color is different. For example, the image data (310) may include a darker color for the central pixel, for example, dark gray, and a brighter color for the surrounding pixels, for example, yellow. When the profile (510f) is applied to the image data (310), the central pixel image data will not be dimmed, and the surrounding pixel image data will be dimmed. The dimmed image data for the yellow surrounding pixels may still be brighter than the undimmed image data for the dark gray central pixel.

[0118] In the example of FIG. 5, the profile (510a) is applied to a display brightness setting (320) of 600 DBV, or a luminance value of 800 nits. The profile (510a) does not include any ambient dimming. Accordingly, when the profile (510a) is applied to the image data (310), the luminance is not changed, so the modified image data (302) becomes identical to the image data (310). For a uniform color, the pixels of the pixel array (112) will emit light with the same brightness when the profile (510a) is applied.

[0119] Profile (510b) is applied to a display brightness setting (320) of 1800 DBV to achieve a total luminance (540) of 1000 nits. Profile (510b) includes adjusted luminance values ​​for surrounding pixels. When Profile (510b) is applied to image data (310), the luminance of surrounding pixels is changed so that the modified image data (302) includes lower luminance for surrounding pixels compared to the luminance of surrounding pixels in the image data (310).

[0120] Profiles (510c to 510f) illustrate increasing ambient dimming amounts. Profile (510c) is applied to a display brightness setting (320) of 2000 DBV to achieve a total luminance (540) of 1100 nits. Profile (510d) is applied to a display brightness setting (320) of 3000 DBV to achieve a total luminance (540) of 1200 nits. Profile (510e) is applied to a display brightness setting (320) of 4000 DBV to achieve a total luminance (540) of 1300 nits. Profile (510f) is applied to a display brightness setting (320) of 4095 DBV to achieve a total luminance (540) of 1400 nits.

[0121] In some cases, increasing the amount of ambient dimming may involve increasing the difference between the dimming at or near the boundary (430) and the dimming at or near the edge of the array. For example, for a larger amount of ambient dimming, the slope of the luminance may have a steeper drop across the periphery in the direction toward the edge of the array. For a smaller amount of ambient dimming, the slope of the luminance may have a gentler drop across the periphery in the direction toward the edge of the array. Exemplary graphs of the luminance profiles are described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 6a through 6f.

[0122] In some cases, increasing the peripheral dimming amount may involve increasing the size of the peripheral portion of the profile. For example, to increase the peripheral dimming amount, the boundary (430) may be moved toward the center of the array and away from the edge of the array. In some cases, increasing the peripheral dimming amount may include both (a) increasing the difference between the dimming at or near the boundary (430) and the dimming at or near the edge of the array, and (b) increasing the size of the peripheral portion.

[0123] FIG. 5 illustrates six exemplary profiles (510), but more or fewer profiles are possible. In some examples, the SoC (105) may store a set of luminance profiles (308), each luminance profile being assigned to a range of display brightness settings (530). For example, profile (510b) may be designated for use when the brightness setting (320) is 1800 or higher and less than 2000. Profile (510c) may be designated for use when the brightness setting (320) is 2000 or higher and less than 3000. Accordingly, when the SoC (105) receives a brightness setting (320) of 1900 as input, the SoC (105) may choose to apply the luminance profile (510b) to the image data.

[0124] The luminance profiles applied to the image data may change over time, which can cause a gradual change in ambient dimming. In an exemplary scenario, as a user walks with the device (190) from a darker indoor location to a brighter outdoor location, the ambient brightness increases. The light sensor of the device (190) detects the increase in brightness, and in response, the SoC (105) changes the display brightness setting (320) to the increased DBV. Then, based on the increased DBV, the SoC (105) selects a first luminance profile (305) from memory (306) and applies the first luminance profile (305) to the image data (310) for an image frame or a series of image frames. The user continues to move with the device (190) toward a brighter outdoor location, and the process is repeated. The SoC (105) selects and applies a second luminance profile (305) to the image data (310) for the next image frame or a series of image frames. The second luminance profile (305) has a larger amount of ambient dimming compared to the first luminance profile. Due to the gradual change in the degree of ambient dimming, the user may not notice a change in the uniformity of the image on the display.

[0125] FIGS. 6a through 6f illustrate exemplary graphs (600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650) illustrating the effect of multiple different luminance profiles on the brightness of content presented in various regions of a display device. The graphs illustrate display luminance values ​​versus pixel counts. The x-axis represents pixel counts as measured between the edges of a pixel array, for example, a pixel array (112). For example, referring to FIG. 6a, the edge (608a) at the x-origin of graph (600) represents the first edge of the pixel array, and the edge (608b) represents the second edge of the pixel array. The first and second edges may be edges on opposite sides of the pixel array. For example, the first and second edges may be the left and right edges of the array, the top and bottom edges, or the diagonal edges on opposite sides. The y-axiss represent display luminance. The profiles shown in the graph represent luminance for a uniform color across the array.

[0126] The graphs (600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650) illustrated in FIGS. 6a through 6f each include six luminance profiles. The six luminance profiles of each graph may be, for example, the six profiles (510a through 510f) illustrated in FIG. 5. For example, referring to FIG. 6a, graph (600) illustrates luminance profiles (601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606))("profiles (601-606)"). The luminance profile (601) may be a graph of luminance values ​​for profile (510f), the luminance profile (602) may be a graph of luminance values ​​for profile (510e), the luminance profile (603) may be a graph of luminance values ​​for profile (510d), the luminance profile (604) may be a graph of luminance values ​​for profile (510c), the luminance profile (605) may be a graph of luminance values ​​for profile (510b), and the luminance profile (606) may be a graph of luminance values ​​for profile (510a).

[0127] Each luminance profile of the graphs (600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650) can be specified for use in different brightness settings to achieve different display luminances. For example, referring to graph (600) of FIG. 6a, luminance profile (601) can be applied to image data to achieve a display luminance of 1400 nits. Luminance profile (602) can be applied to image data to achieve a display luminance of 1300 nits. Luminance profile (603) can be applied to image data to achieve a display luminance of 1200 nits. Luminance profile (604) can be applied to image data to achieve a display luminance of 1000 nits. Luminance profile (605) can be applied to image data to achieve a display luminance of 800 nits. Luminance profile (606) can be applied to image data to achieve a display luminance of 600 nits or less.

[0128] The graph (600) illustrates boundaries (607a, 607b) separating the central part from the surrounding part. The arrow (661) indicates the pixel width of the central part. The arrows (662a, 662b) indicate the widths of the surrounding parts. As described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the boundaries (607a, 607b) ("boundaries (607)") can be moved inward toward the center to increase the widths (662a, 662b) of the surrounding parts and decrease the width (661) of the central part. The boundaries (607) can be moved outward toward the edges (608) to decrease the widths (662a, 662b) of the surrounding parts and increase the width (661) of the central part.

[0129] Each of the luminance profiles (601-606) has a stable luminance over the central part of the array, for example, over the width (661). The normal luminance is represented by a horizontal linear profile between the boundaries (607). Each of the luminance profiles (601-606) has a decreasing luminance between the surrounding boundaries and the array edges. For example, each of the luminance profiles (601-606) has a decreasing luminance from boundary (607a) toward edge (608a) and from boundary (607b) toward edge (608b). In the example of graph (600), the luminance values ​​decrease parabolawise or logarithmically between the boundaries (607) and the edges (608). In some examples, the luminance values ​​may decrease linearly or according to a polynomial function between the boundaries (607) and the edges (608).

[0130] FIG. 6b illustrates a graph (610) having luminance profiles (611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616) ("profiles (611-616)"). Profiles (611-616) are similar to profiles (601-606). The difference between profiles (611-616) and profiles (601-606) is the steepness of the luminance slope in the peripheral portion and the relative luminance of the edges of the array. The luminance slope for all profiles in the peripheral portion of graph (600) is equal to or greater than the luminance slope of the corresponding profile in graph (610). For example, the luminance slope for profile (601) in the peripheral portion of graph (600) is steeper than the luminance slope of profile (611) in the peripheral portion of graph (610).

[0131] Additionally, in graph (600), the profile (606) having the lowest central brightness has the highest edge brightness, while the profile (601) having the highest central brightness has the lowest edge brightness. The profiles (601-606) intersect each other in the periphery, for example, at point (663). In contrast, in graph (610), the profile (616) having the lowest central brightness also has the lowest edge brightness, while the profile (611) having the highest central brightness also has the highest edge brightness. The profiles (611-616) do not intersect each other in the periphery.

[0132] FIG. 6c illustrates a graph (620) having luminance profiles (621, 622, 623, 624, 625, 626) ("profiles (621-626)"). Each of the luminance profiles (621-626) has a stable luminance across the central part of the array. Each of the luminance profiles (621-626) has a decreasing luminance between the surrounding boundaries and the edges of the array. For example, each of the luminance profiles (621-626) has a decreasing luminance from boundary (627a) toward edge (628a) and from boundary (627b) toward edge (628b). In the example of graph (620), the luminance value decreases according to a Gaussian or normal function between boundary (607) and edge (608).

[0133] FIG. 6d illustrates a graph (630) having profiles (631, 632, 633, 634, 635, 636) ("profiles (631-636)"). Profiles (631-636) are similar to profiles (621-626). The difference between profiles (631-636) and profiles (621-626) is the steepness of the luminance slope in the peripheral portion and the relative luminance of the array edges. The luminance slope of all profiles in the peripheral portion of graph (630) is equal to or greater than the luminance slope of the corresponding profile in graph (620). For example, the luminance slope for profile (631) in the peripheral portion of graph (630) is steeper than the luminance slope for profile (621) in the peripheral portion of graph (620).

[0134] Additionally, in graph (620), the profile (626) having the lowest central brightness has the lowest edge brightness, while the profile (621) having the highest central brightness has the highest edge brightness. In contrast, in graph (630), the profiles (631-636) have the same or similar edge brightness. The profiles (631 to 636) converge at the edges (628a, 628b).

[0135] FIG. 6e illustrates a graph (640) having luminance profiles (641, 642, 643, 644, 645, 646) ("profiles (641-646)"). The luminance profiles (641-646) are each Gaussian or normal distributions. The luminance profiles (641-646) each have luminance that decreases between the center of the array and the edges of the array. The luminance profiles (641-646) do not have clear boundaries between the central part and the peripheral part. Rather, the luminance of the pixels decreases from the highest at the center of the pixel array to the lowest at the edges (648a, 648b) of the array.

[0136] FIG. 6f illustrates a graph (650) having profiles (651, 652, 653, 654, 655, 656) ("profiles (651-656)"). Profiles (651-656) are similar to profiles (641-646). The difference between profiles (651-656) and profiles (641-646) is the relative luminance of the edges of the array. For example, in graph (640), profile (646) having the lowest central luminance has the highest edge luminance, while profile (641) having the highest central luminance has the lowest edge luminance. Profiles (641-646) intersect each other, for example, at point (683). In contrast, in graph (650), profiles (651-656) have the same or similar edge luminance. Profiles (651-656) converge at edges (648a, 648b). Profiles (651-656) do not intersect each other in the surrounding areas.

[0137] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart (700) of a process for operating a display device having variable ambient dimming. The process may be implemented by a display device or a computing device including a display device to achieve, for example, the luminance outputs exemplified by FIG. 5.

[0138] A computing system receives display content. For example, the computing system (190) described in relation to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2a-b may receive image data (310) containing display content for presentation on a display panel (104) of the device (190).

[0139] In box (710), the computing system identifies the current display brightness setting of the computing system. The computing system identifies that the current display brightness setting of the computing system has a first value representing a first display brightness level. For example, the device (190) can identify that the current display brightness setting of the computing device (190) has a first value representing a first display brightness level.

[0140] In box (720), the computing system selects a first luminance profile from a set of luminance profiles, each configured to reduce the brightness of display content presented on the display of the computing system in a different way. The set of luminance profiles may be a set of luminance profiles (308) stored in memory (306) of the SoC (105). The computing system selects the first luminance profile based on the current display brightness setting having a first value. The first luminance profile specifies a first amount of brightness reduction for a peripheral portion of the display content, and a first slope of brightness reduction for a portion of the display content between the peripheral portion of the display content and the central portion of the display content.

[0141] In some examples, the computing system may apply a first luminance profile line by line to a first frame of image data lines as image data is provided from the SoC to the DDIC of the computing system. In some examples, the first luminance profile includes an image mask that specifies different dimming levels at different parts of the image mask. In some examples, the image mask specifies a slope of different dimming levels that extends from the center of the image mask toward the peripheral edge of the image mask as the dimming levels increase. In some examples, the luminance profile includes a function that specifies how different parts of the image data (310) will be dimmed.

[0142] In box (730), the computing system applies a first luminance profile to the display content to modify the display content by reducing the brightness of the display content in a manner specified by the first luminance profile. Applying the first luminance profile to the display content modifies the display content by reducing the brightness of the peripheral part of the display content by a first brightness reduction amount, and reduces the brightness of a portion of the display content between the peripheral part of the display content and the central part of the display content according to the first brightness reduction slope.

[0143] The peripheral portion of the display content is configured for presentation by the peripheral portion of the display device. For example, the peripheral portion of the display content may be configured for presentation by the peripheral portion (420) of the display panel (104). In some examples, pixels in the peripheral portion (420) are dimmed while maintaining the image content of the image data (310).

[0144] In box (740), the computing system presents the display content on the display after the display content has been modified by applying a first luminance profile. The computing system presents the image data (310) after the image data (310) has been modified to dim the brightness of the display content as specified by the selected luminance profile.

[0145] In some examples, the computing system receives user input interacting with a display device to change the current display brightness setting from a first value to a second value. In some examples, the display device may present a user interface including a display brightness slider. User input may include user contact with the display device dragging an element of the display brightness slider from a first position to a second position. For example, user contact may draft an element of the slide toward a position indicating increased brightness.

[0146] For preceding or subsequent image data, the computing system is configured to select a second luminance profile from a set of luminance profiles and apply the second luminance profile to the display content based on the fact that the current display brightness setting has a second value representing a second display brightness level. The second display brightness level may be greater than or less than the first display brightness level. The second luminance profile may specify an ambient dimming amount that is greater than or less than the ambient dimming amount specified by the first luminance profile.

[0147] FIG. 8 is a block diagram (800, 850) of computing devices that may be used to implement the systems and methods described herein, as a client, a server, or any one of multiple servers. The computing device (800) is intended to represent various types of digital computers, laptops, desktops, workstations, personal digital terminals, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other suitable computers. The computing device (850) is intended to represent various types of mobile devices, such as personal digital terminals, cellular phones, smartphones, and other similar computing devices. The components, their connections and relationships, and their functions illustrated herein are merely examples and are not intended to limit the embodiments described and / or claimed herein.

[0148] The computing device (800) includes a processor (802), memory (804), a storage device (806), a high-speed controller (808) connected to the memory (804) and a high-speed expansion port (810), and a low-speed controller (812) connected to the low-speed expansion port (814) and the storage device (806). The components (802, 804, 806, 808, 810, and 812) may be interconnected using various buses and may be mounted on a common motherboard or in a suitable other manner. The processor (802) may process instructions to be executed within the computing device (800), including instructions stored in the memory (804) or the storage device (806) to display graphic information for a GUI on an external input / output device such as a display (816) coupled to the high-speed controller (808). In other embodiments, multiple processors and / or multiple buses may be appropriately used with multiple memories and memory of various types. Additionally, multiple computing devices (800) may be connected, and each device provides parts of the necessary operations (e.g., as a server bank, a group of blade servers, or a multiprocessor system).

[0149] Memory (804) stores information within a computing device (800). In one embodiment, memory (804) is a volatile memory unit or units. In another embodiment, memory (804) is a non-volatile memory unit or units. Memory (804) may also be another form of computer-readable medium, such as a magnetic or optical disk.

[0150] A storage device (806) may provide large-capacity storage for a computing device (800). In one embodiment, the storage device (806) may be or may include an array of devices, such as a computer-readable medium, such as a floppy disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, or a tape device, a flash memory or other similar solid-state memory device, or devices in a storage area network or other configurations. A computer program product may be substantially embodied in an information carrier. The computer program product may also include instructions that perform one or more methods such as those described above when executed. The information carrier is a computer or machine-readable medium, such as memory (804), a storage device (806), or memory on a processor (802).

[0151] The high-speed controller (808) manages bandwidth-intensive operations for the computing device (800), while the low-speed controller (812) manages lower bandwidth-intensive operations. The assignment of these functions is merely an example. In one embodiment, the high-speed controller (808) is coupled to high-speed expansion ports (810) capable of accommodating memory (804), a display (816) (e.g., via a graphics processor or accelerator), and various expansion cards (not shown). In an embodiment, the low-speed controller (812) is coupled to a storage device (806) and a low-speed expansion port (814). A low-speed expansion port, which may include various communication ports (e.g., USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet), may be coupled to one or more input / output devices, such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a scanner, or a networking device such as a switch or router, for example, via a network adapter.

[0152] The computing device (800) may be implemented in a number of different forms as illustrated in the drawing. For example, it may be implemented as a standard server (820) or as a group of such servers. It may also be implemented as part of a rack server system (824). Additionally, it may be implemented as a personal computer such as a laptop computer (822). Alternatively, components of the computing device (800) may be combined with other components within a mobile device (not illustrated), such as a device (850). Each of these devices may include one or more of the computing devices (800, 850), and the entire system may be composed of a number of computing devices (800, 850) communicating with each other.

[0153] The computing device (850) includes, among other components, an input / output device such as a processor (852), memory (864), and a display (854), a communication interface (866), and a transceiver (868). The device (850) may also be provided with a storage device such as a microdrive or other device to provide additional storage. The components (850, 852, 864, 854, 866, and 868) are interconnected using various buses, and multiple components may be mounted on a common motherboard or in other suitable ways.

[0154] The processor (852) can execute instructions within the computing device (850), including instructions stored in memory (864). The processor may be implemented as a chipset of chips including a number of separate analog and digital processors. Additionally, the processor may be implemented using any of a number of architectures. For example, the processor may be a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) processor, a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processor, or a Minimal Instruction Set Computer (MISC) processor. The processor may provide coordination of other components of the device (850), such as user interfaces, applications executed by the device (850), and wireless communication by the device (850).

[0155] The processor (852) can communicate with the user through a display interface (856) and a control interface (858) coupled to the display (854). The display (854) may be, for example, a TFT display or an OLED display, or other suitable display technology. The display interface (856) may include suitable circuitry for driving the display (854) to present graphics and other information to the user. The control interface (858) may receive commands from the user and convert them to submit to the processor (852). Additionally, an external interface (862) may be provided for communication with the processor (852) to enable short-range communication with other devices of the device (850). The external interface (862) may be provided for wired communication in some embodiments, or for wireless communication in other embodiments, and multiple interfaces may be used.

[0156] Memory (864) stores information within the computing device (850). Memory (864) may be implemented as one or more of a computer-readable medium or media, a volatile memory unit or units, or a non-volatile memory unit or units. An extended memory (874) may also be provided and connected to the device (850) via an extended interface (872) which may include, for example, a SIMM card interface. This extended memory (874) may provide additional storage space for the device (850) or may also store applications or other information for the device (850). Specifically, the extended memory (874) may include instructions that perform or supplement the processes described above, and may also include security information. Accordingly, for example, the extended memory (874) may be provided as a security module of the device (850) and may be programmed with instructions that allow the secure use of the device (850). In addition, security applications can be provided through the SIMM card along with additional information, for example, by placing identification information on the SIMM card in a way that makes it impossible to hack.

[0157] As will be discussed below, memory may include, for example, flash memory and / or NVRAM memory. In one embodiment, a computer program product is tangibly embodied in an information carrier. When executed, the computer program product includes instructions that perform one or more methods as described above. The information carrier is a computer or machine-readable medium, such as memory (864), extended memory (874), or memory on a processor (852), which may be received, for example, through a transceiver (868) or an external interface (862).

[0158] The device (850) can communicate wirelessly through a communication interface (866), which may include a digital signal processing circuit if necessary. The communication interface (866) can provide communication under various modes or protocols, among others, such as GSM voice calls, SMS, EMS, or MMS messaging, CDMA, TDMA, PDC, WCDMA, CDMA2000, or GPRS. Such communication may occur, for example, through a radio frequency transceiver (868). Additionally, short-range communication may occur using, for example, Bluetooth, WiFi, or other such transceivers (not shown). Additionally, a GPS receiver module (870) may provide additional navigation and location-related wireless data to the device (850), which may be appropriately used by applications running on the device (850).

[0159] The device (850) may also communicate in a way that can be heard by using an audio codec (860) capable of receiving information spoken by a user and converting it into usable digital information. The audio codec (860) may also likewise generate sound that can be heard by the user, for example, through a speaker, for example, through the handset of the device (850). Such sound may include sound from a voice phone call, may include recorded sound (e.g., voice message, music file, etc.), and may also include sound generated by applications running on the device (850).

[0160] The computing device (850) may be implemented in a number of different forms as illustrated in the drawing. For example, it may be implemented as a cellular phone (880). It may also be implemented as part of a smartphone (882), a personal digital assistant, a tablet, or other similar mobile device.

[0161] Additionally, the computing device (800 or 850) may include Universal Serial Bus (USB) flash drives. USB flash drives may store operating systems and other applications. The USB flash drives may include input / output components, such as a USB connector or a wireless transmitter, that can be inserted into a USB port of another computing device.

[0162] Various embodiments of the systems and techniques described herein may be realized in digital electronic circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various embodiments may implement one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which may be specialized or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transmit data and instructions thereto.

[0163] These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, or code) contain machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a higher-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming language and / or assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any computer program product, device, and / or device (e.g., magnetic disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0164] To provide interaction with a user, the systems and techniques described herein may be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to a user (e.g., a CRT monitor), and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) on which the user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may be used to provide interaction with a user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user may be received in any form including sound, voice, or tactile input.

[0165] The systems and techniques described herein may be implemented in a computing system that includes a backend component (e.g., as a data server), a middleware component (e.g., an application server), or a frontend component (e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser that allows a user to interact with an embodiment of the systems and techniques described herein). The components of the system may be interconnected by digital data communication of any form or medium (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”), a wide area network (“WAN”), a peer-to-peer network (having ad-hoc or static members), grid computing infrastructures, and the Internet.

[0166] A computing system may include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship between clients and servers is generated by computer programs that run on respective computers and have a client-server relationship with each other.

[0167] Although some embodiments have been described in detail above, other modifications are possible. Additionally, other mechanisms may be used to perform the systems and methods described herein. Furthermore, the logic flows depicted in the drawings do not require the specified order or sequential order to achieve desired results. Other steps may be provided, steps may be removed from the described flows, and other components may be added to or removed from the described systems. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for presenting display content, the method comprises: receiving a first frame of display content to be presented to a display device of a computing device; identifying that a display brightness setting of the computing device has a first value representing a first level of display brightness; modifying the first frame of the display content to dim the brightness of the periphery of the first frame of the display content by a first amount based on the display brightness setting having the first value, wherein the periphery of the first frame of the display content is configured to be presented by the periphery of the display device; presenting the first frame of the display content to the display device after the first frame of the display content has been modified to dim the brightness of the periphery of the first frame by a first amount; receiving a second frame of display content to be presented to the display device; identifying that a display brightness setting has a second value representing a second level of display brightness greater than a first level of display brightness; and, based on the display brightness setting having the second value, dimming the brightness of the periphery of the second frame of the display content by a second amount greater than a first amount A method for presenting display content, comprising: a step of modifying a second frame of display content to dim, wherein the periphery of the second frame of the display content is configured to be presented by the periphery of a display device such that the periphery of the second frame corresponds to the periphery of a first frame; and a step of presenting the second frame of the display content to a display device after the second frame of the display content has been modified to dim the brightness of the periphery of the second frame by a second amount greater than a first amount. Claim 2 A method for presenting display content according to claim 1, wherein dimming the brightness of the periphery of the first frame by a first amount includes reducing the brightness level of a plurality of first pixels within the periphery of the first frame while maintaining image content represented by a plurality of first pixels, and dimming the brightness of the periphery of the second frame by a second amount includes reducing the brightness level of a plurality of second pixels within the periphery of the second frame while maintaining image content represented by the second frame. Claim 3 A method for presenting display content according to claim 1, wherein the step of modifying a first frame to dim the peripheral brightness of the first frame by a first amount comprises a computing device: a step of selecting a first luminance profile from a collection of luminance profiles based on a display brightness setting having a first value; and a step of applying the first luminance profile to the first frame, and the step of modifying a second frame to dim the peripheral brightness of the second frame by a second amount comprises a computing device: a step of selecting a second luminance profile from a collection of luminance profiles based on a display brightness setting having a second value; and a step of applying the second luminance profile to the second frame, wherein the second luminance profile specifies a peripheral dimming amount greater than the peripheral dimming amount specified by the first luminance profile. Claim 4 A method for presenting display content according to paragraph 3, wherein the first luminance profile includes a first image mask specifying different dimming levels in different parts of the first image mask; and the second luminance profile includes a second image mask specifying different dimming levels in different parts of the second image mask. Claim 5 A method for presenting display content according to claim 4, wherein the first image mask specifies a first gradient of different dimming levels extending from the center of the first image mask toward the peripheral edge of the first image mask as the dimming level increases; and the second image mask specifies a second gradient of different dimming levels extending from the center of the second image mask toward the peripheral edge of the first image mask as the dimming level increases. Claim 6 A method for presenting display content according to paragraph 3, wherein the first luminance profile includes a first function that specifies how different parts of an image frame will be dimmed; and the second luminance profile includes a second function that specifies how different parts of an image frame will be dimmed. Claim 7 A method for presenting display content according to claim 3, comprising: receiving a third frame of display content to be presented to a display device; identifying that the display brightness setting of the computing device has a third value representing a third level of display brightness that is lower than a first level of display brightness and lower than a second level of display brightness; and presenting the third frame of display content to a display device after applying a third luminance profile to the third frame, which represents the smallest amount of dimming among luminance files within the luminance profile collection, or not applying any luminance profile from a luminance profile collection. Claim 8 A method for presenting display content according to claim 1, wherein the periphery of the display device surrounds the center of the display device and excludes the center of the display device; the periphery of the first frame surrounds the center of the first frame and excludes the center of the first frame; and the periphery of the second frame surrounds the center of the second frame and excludes the center of the second frame. Claim 9 A method for presenting display content according to claim 8, wherein the first amount at which the periphery of the first frame is dimmed represents an amount at which the periphery of the first frame is dimmed more than the amount at which the center of the first frame is dimmed, and the second amount at which the periphery of the second frame is dimmed represents an amount at which the center of the second frame is dimmed more than the amount at which the center of the second frame is dimmed. Claim 10 A method for presenting display content according to claim 9, wherein the first amount at which the periphery of the first frame is dimmed represents a first ratio between the amount at which the periphery of the first frame is dimmed and the amount at which the center of the first frame is dimmed, and the second amount at which the brightness of the second frame is dimmed represents a second ratio between the amount at which the periphery of the second frame is dimmed and the amount at which the center of the second frame is dimmed. Claim 11 A method for presenting display content according to claim 8, wherein the first amount by which the periphery of the first frame of the content is dimmed is greater than the amount by which the center of the first frame is dimmed; and the second amount by which the periphery of the second frame of the content is dimmed is greater than the amount by which the center of the first frame is dimmed. Claim 12 A method for presenting display content according to claim 11, wherein the second amount by which the periphery of the second frame of the content is dimmed is greater than the first amount by which the periphery of the first frame of the content is dimmed in terms of absolute and relative brightness reduction. Claim 13 A method for presenting display content according to claim 8, comprising: receiving a third frame of display content to be presented to a display device of a computing device; identifying that the display brightness setting of the computing device has a third value representing a third level of display brightness that is lower than a first level of display brightness and lower than a second level of display brightness; and presenting the first frame of display content to the display device after the first frame of display content has been modified to dim the brightness of the periphery of the first frame by a first amount. Claim 14 A method for presenting display content according to claim 1, comprising the step of receiving user input by a computing device to interact with a display device and change a display brightness setting from a first value to a second value. Claim 15 A method for presenting display content according to claim 14, wherein the user input for changing the display brightness setting from a first value to a second value includes user contact with a display device for dragging an element of a display brightness slider from a first position to a second position. Claim 16 A method for presenting display content according to claim 1, comprising: receiving, by a computing device, an indication that the amount of light detected by a light sensor has decreased; and by a computing device modifying a display brightness setting from a first level to a second level as a result of receiving the indication that the amount of light detected by the light sensor has decreased. Claim 17 A method for presenting display content according to claim 1, wherein the step of modifying a first frame to dim the periphery of the first frame is performed by one or more processors of a computing device, and the step of modifying a second frame to dim the periphery of the second frame is performed by one or more processors of a computing device. Claim 18 A method for presenting display content according to claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the first frame includes the step of one or more processors of a computing device transmitting the first frame to a display driver integrated circuit of a display device for presentation, and the step of presenting the second frame includes the step of one or more processors of a computing device transmitting the second frame to a display driver integrated circuit of a display device for presentation. Claim 19 A computing device comprising: a display device; one or more processors; and one or more computer-readable devices comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the computing device to perform operations, wherein the operations are The operation of receiving a first frame of display content to be presented to a display device; An operation to identify that the display brightness setting of a computing device has a first value representing a first level of display brightness; An operation to modify a first frame of a display content to dim the brightness of the periphery of the first frame of the display content by a first amount based on the display brightness setting having a first value - the periphery of the first frame of the display content is configured to be presented by the periphery of the display device -; The operation of presenting the first frame of the display content to a display device after the first frame of the display content has been modified to dim the brightness of the periphery of the first frame by a first amount; The operation of receiving a second frame of display content to be presented to a display device; An action of identifying that the display brightness setting has a second value representing a second level of display brightness greater than a first level of display brightness; An operation to modify the second frame of a display content so as to dim the brightness of the periphery of the second frame of the display content by a second amount greater than the first amount, based on the display brightness setting having a second value - the periphery of the second frame of the display content is configured to be presented by the periphery of the display device such that the periphery of the second frame corresponds to the periphery of the first frame -; and A computing device comprising the operation of presenting the second frame of a display content to a display device after the second frame of the display content has been modified to dim the brightness of the periphery of the second frame by a second amount greater than a first amount.

Images