Brightness Control Apparatus for Rugged Computers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rugged computers face challenges in adjusting display brightness effectively in harsh environments, such as high or low temperatures, and heavy loads, due to limitations in existing control methods under Windows 8, which restrict the ability to maintain normal operation.
Innovation Solution
A brightness control method and apparatus that detects environmental conditions, such as temperature and light intensity, to switch between a special brightness adjustment mode controlled by an embedded controller and a general mode controlled by a chip, allowing for broader brightness adjustments to ensure optimal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the brightness of the display is controlled by the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) under Windows 8, then the display can operate under the standard operating system control, but the brightness cannot be adjusted sufficiently in harsh environments (high temperature, low temperature, heavy load) to maintain normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic brightness control system that automatically switches between two control modes: the standard WDDM driver model for normal operations, and an embedded controller for harsh environments. The system dynamically adjusts the brightness control pathway based on environmental conditions (temperature, light intensity) and operational state, enabling the display to adapt its brightness range according to the operating context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an embedded controller as an intermediary component between the environment sensors and the display brightness control. This embedded controller acts as a mediator that takes over brightness control when environmental conditions exceed thresholds, providing an additional control layer that operates independently from the WDDM driver model to ensure display functionality in extreme conditions.
2Reliability
If the brightness of the display is reduced at high temperature to prevent black screen, then the display can maintain normal operation, but the user experience and visibility are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the brightness parameter dynamically based on environmental temperature and operational conditions. When temperature exceeds a threshold or the system is under heavy load, the embedded controller modifies the brightness parameter to a lower value that prevents black screen while maintaining sufficient visibility. The system monitors environmental parameters and adjusts brightness accordingly, optimizing both reliability and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where environmental sensors continuously monitor temperature and light intensity, and this information feeds back to the embedded controller which adjusts display brightness in real-time. The system also monitors display operation status and adjusts brightness based on feedback from the display controller, creating a closed-loop control system that balances reliability and visibility.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the brightness of the display is reduced at low temperature to prevent excessive power consumption, then power consumption is reduced, but the visibility and user experience are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the brightness parameter based on environmental temperature and power consumption requirements. At low temperatures during power-on procedure, the embedded controller reduces brightness to minimize power consumption while still maintaining sufficient visibility for user interaction. The system adjusts this parameter based on the operational phase and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial brightness reduction rather than complete dimming at low temperatures. The embedded controller adjusts brightness to a level that is sufficient for basic operations during critical phases (like power-on) but not excessively reduced, balancing power savings with usability. This partial action approach maintains minimal visibility while achieving power conservation goals.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the brightness of the display is controlled by the embedded controller in special brightness adjustment mode, then the brightness can be adjusted to meet user demand or ensure normal operation, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the brightness control system into two independent parts: the standard WDDM driver model for normal operations and the embedded controller for special conditions. Each segment operates independently with its own control logic, and the system switches between segments based on environmental conditions. This segmentation allows the embedded controller to be added without fundamentally redesigning the existing WDDM-based control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded controller is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a backup control mechanism for harsh environments and as a means to provide extended brightness adjustment range for user preference. The same embedded controller handles both reliability-critical functions (preventing black screen) and user-comfort functions (brightness optimization), reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Data Source
AI summary
A brightness control apparatus and a brightness control method are provided. A basic input/output system unit determines to let a chip or an embedded controller to control the brightness of a display according to an environmental condition or an adjustment operation of a user.