Display Backlight Power Control via Facial Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in reading content on multimedia processing systems, such as mobile devices, when the light source transitions to power-saving mode, leading to reduced productivity due to the need for manual reactivation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that captures a digital image of the user's face using an image sensor and applies a facial detection algorithm to determine if the user is present, adjusting the light source's power mode accordingly, ensuring the display remains at an active mode when the user is detected and switching to power-saving mode when they are not.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the light source is set to power-saving mode to conserve battery power, then energy consumption is reduced, but the user has difficulty reading content and must manually reactivate the light source
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects user presence through facial recognition technology and autonomously controls the light source state without requiring manual user input. When a user's face is detected, the system automatically activates the light source to active mode; when no face is detected, it transitions to power-saving mode, making the system self-regulating based on actual usage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the image sensor continuously monitors for user presence, and based on this feedback, the control system adjusts the light source state accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures the light source is activated only when needed, optimizing both energy efficiency and user convenience.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the light source is set to power-saving mode to conserve power, then battery life is extended, but user productivity suffers due to concentration loss from manual reactivation
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic facial detection system eliminates the need for manual reactivation by continuously monitoring for user presence and autonomously adjusting the light source state. This prevents interruptions to user concentration and maintains productivity while still achieving power savings during periods of non-use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of user presence before the user would need to manually activate the light source. By anticipating user needs through continuous facial detection, the system ensures the light source is ready when needed, preventing productivity loss while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Extent of automation
If facial detection algorithm is applied to control light source, then automatic power management is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image sensor serves multiple functions: it acts as both the detection device for facial recognition and can potentially serve other imaging or sensing purposes in the device. By making the image sensor multi-functional, the system achieves automatic power management without adding dedicated detection hardware, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the facial detection functionality with the existing image sensor and integrates it into the current display control system. By merging these functions into existing system components rather than adding separate dedicated systems, the automatic power management is achieved with minimal increase in overall system complexity.
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
Maintains optimal display illumination for the user by automatically adjusting the light source's power mode based on the presence of the user, preventing interruptions and maintaining productivity.
Implementation Method 1
converting, with an image sensor, an optical image of the face of the user to the digital image representing the optical image
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus, and system of luminous power control of a light source of a multimedia processing system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is described. The method includes capturing a digital image of a face of a user. The method also includes applying, with a processor, an algorithm capable of detecting a digital facial feature of the face of the user based on one or more markers of the digital image. In addition, the method includes determining whether the digital image includes the digital facial feature according to the marker. The method further includes causing a light source to illuminate an electronic display at an active-mode luminous power level that includes a luminous power level different than a power-saving mode luminous power level of the light source when the digital image includes the digital facial feature.