Backlight Control via Orientation and Light Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices face rapid power depletion due to inefficient power management, particularly when users engage in activities that require attention or coordination, such as driving or carrying heavy items, making it difficult to manage the backlight effectively.

Innovation Solution

A portable electronic device equipped with a backlight module, an orientation sensor, and a light sensor, which automatically turns the backlight on or off based on user operation modes sensed by these components, reducing unnecessary power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the backlight module is kept on to provide display visibility, then the display visibility is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay visibilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The backlight module dynamically adjusts its on/off state based on real-time detection of device orientation and ambient light conditions. The processing unit receives signals from the orientation sensor and light sensor, then controls the backlight module to turn on or off accordingly, making the system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring device orientation through the orientation sensor and ambient light levels through the light sensor. This feedback information is processed to automatically adjust the backlight state, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If manual control of the backlight is provided, then the user can control power consumption, but the ease of operation deteriorates when the user is engaged in activities requiring attention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption controlVSAvoiduser operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting user needs through sensors and adjusting the backlight accordingly. The processing unit analyzes orientation and light sensor data to determine when the user needs display visibility, eliminating the need for manual user intervention and allowing operation during activities requiring full attention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical control system (physical buttons or switches) is replaced with an automated sensing and control system. The orientation sensor and light sensor detect physical conditions and user behavior patterns, substituting manual operation with automated electronic detection and control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the backlight is automatically controlled based on orientation and light sensors, then the power management is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The orientation sensor and light sensor serve multiple functions: they detect device orientation for various applications, measure ambient light conditions for display adjustment, and provide input for automatic backlight control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing complexity through versatile component usage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 effectively manages power by automatically adjusting the backlight according to user operation modes, reducing power consumption and enhancing user convenience during activities like phone calls or reading.

Implementation Method 1

the orientation sensor senses a spatial position of the portable electronic device and generates a first signal in accordance with the spatial position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOrientation sensing:

Implementation Method 2

the light sensor senses the brightness of the ambient light outside the portable electronic device and generates a second signal in accordance with the brightness of the ambient light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS8982034B2Portable electronic apparatus and backlight control method thereof

Publication Date: 2015.03.17 HTC CORP

AI summary

A portable electronic device and a backlight control method are both provided herein. The portable electronic device includes a display, a backlight module, an orientation sensor, and a light sensor. The backlight control method includes steps of providing the display with a backlight emitted from the backlight module; sensing a spatial position of the portable electronic device with the orientation sensor and generating a first signal in accordance with the spatial position; sensing the brightness of the ambient light outside the portable electronic device with the light sensor and generating a second signal in accordance with the brightness of the ambient light; and turning on or off the backlight module in accordance with the first signal and the second signal.