Ambient Light Collector for Mobile Image Displays

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile sports computers with image displays for outdoor use face high power consumption due to the need for high screen illumination, leading to either heavy devices or short operating times, especially when used in bright outdoor conditions.

Innovation Solution

A mobile image display apparatus utilizing a backlit display device with an ambient light collector, which captures and redirects ambient light for back illumination, reducing the need for portable power and minimizing power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If high screen illumination is used to make images visible under outdoor conditions, then visibility is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen illuminationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of ambient light (which competes with display visibility) into a beneficial resource by capturing it with a light collection panel and using it to illuminate the display screen. This eliminates the need for high-power backlight illumination while maintaining visibility in outdoor conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The display system uses ambient light from the environment to illuminate itself, rather than relying on an external power source for backlight. The light collection panel captures sunlight or ambient light and directs it to the display, making the system self-illuminating using free environmental resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Illumination intensity

If high screen illumination is used to make images visible under outdoor conditions, then visibility is improved, but device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen illuminationVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of ambient light (which competes with display visibility) into a beneficial resource by capturing it with a light collection panel and using it to illuminate the display screen. This eliminates the need for high-power backlight illumination while maintaining visibility in outdoor conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Illumination intensity

If high screen illumination is used to make images visible under outdoor conditions, then visibility is improved, but operating time decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen illuminationVSAvoidoperating time

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of ambient light (which competes with display visibility) into a beneficial resource by capturing it with a light collection panel and using it to illuminate the display screen. This eliminates the need for high-power backlight illumination while maintaining visibility in outdoor conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The display system uses ambient light from the environment to illuminate itself, rather than relying on an external power source for backlight. The light collection panel captures sunlight or ambient light and directs it to the display, making the system self-illuminating using free environmental resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a lightweight and energy-efficient image display that maintains visibility with reduced power usage, allowing for extended operating times and unobstructed viewing during outdoor activities.

Implementation Method 1

an ambient light collector, an image forming device for outputting image signals to form images on an image display screen of the backlit display device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9280935B2Mobile image displays

Publication Date: 2016.03.08 DAYTON TECH

AI summary

A mobile image display apparatus comprising a backlit display device, an ambient light collector, an image forming device for outputting image signals to form images on an image display screen of the backlit display device, and an image viewing chamber defined by an opaque housing; wherein the ambient light collector is for collecting ambient light from exterior surroundings to provide back illumination to the backlit display device.