Ambient-Brightness Mode Switching for Lower-Power Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices consume unnecessary power due to inappropriate mode switching based on uniform conditions regardless of brightness, leading to inefficient power management.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device that includes a brightness information acquirer and a controller to switch modes based on different light-time and dark-time switching conditions, considering user behavior and device state, to optimize power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If uniform mode switching conditions are used regardless of brightness, then the control logic is simple, but power consumption is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the mode switching conditions adaptive rather than static. The control unit dynamically adjusts switching thresholds and parameters based on ambient brightness levels detected by the brightness sensor. In bright environments, the device uses different switching criteria compared to dark environments, allowing the system to respond optimally to varying operational contexts and improve power efficiency without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters based on brightness conditions. Specifically, it modifies mode switching thresholds, display refresh rates, and sensor activation parameters according to ambient light levels. This parameter adaptation enables the device to consume less power in appropriate conditions while maintaining functionality, resolving the contradiction between simple control and efficient power usage
2Use of energy by moving object
If mode switching is based on brightness conditions, then power efficiency is improved, but the device requires additional sensors and complex switching conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the brightness sensor serve multiple functions: it triggers mode switching decisions, adjusts display parameters, and influences processor performance levels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensors for each function, minimizing structural complexity while achieving improved power efficiency through brightness-based adaptive control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a unified brightness-based decision framework. Instead of having separate sensors and independent control logic for display, processor, and peripheral management, the system merges these controls under a single brightness-conditioned state machine, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining power efficiency benefits
3Use of energy by moving object
If different switching conditions are used for bright and dark environments, then power consumption is optimized, but the switching logic becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the operating environment into distinct brightness zones (bright, moderate, dark) with predefined switching conditions for each. This segmentation allows the complex switching logic to be organized into manageable, non-overlapping cases, making the overall system easier to implement and maintain while still achieving optimized power consumption through environment-specific parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring switching conditions specifically to local environmental conditions. Each brightness level has its own optimized parameters for mode switching, display refresh rates, and processor performance. This localized optimization achieves better power efficiency without requiring a monolithic complex control system, as each local condition has its own simplified rule set
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a brightness information acquirer and a controller. The brightness information acquirer acquires brightness information regarding brightness of surroundings of the electronic device. The controller performs at least one judgment to switch a mode of the electronic device from a first mode to a second mode which operates with lower power consumption than the first mode or to switch the mode from the second mode to the first mode based on a different switching condition between a case in which it is judged that the surroundings of the electronic device are bright and a case in which it is judged that the surroundings of the electronic device are not bright based on the acquired brightness information.