Display Brightness Control for Power Source Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable information processing devices face challenges in extending battery life due to high power consumption by displays, especially when switching between external power sources and battery power, with existing brightness control mechanisms failing to adapt effectively.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus with a brightness control unit that adjusts display brightness based on power source type, using different reference values for external power and battery power, and smoothly transitions brightness levels to conserve power without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the brightness of the display is increased to improve visibility in bright environments, then the visibility is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay brightnessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The brightness control unit dynamically adjusts display brightness based on real-time detection of power source type (external power source or battery). When an external power source is detected, brightness is increased to improve visibility; when battery power is detected, brightness is reduced to conserve energy. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by making brightness a variable parameter rather than a fixed setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the power source type and automatically adjusting brightness accordingly. The brightness control unit receives feedback about the power source state and modifies the display brightness setting to optimize the balance between visibility and power consumption, eliminating the need for manual user adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Illumination intensity

If the brightness is automatically increased when an external power source is connected to improve visibility, then the visibility is improved, but the user experience deteriorates due to sudden brightness changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay brightnessVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brightness control unit performs preliminary adjustment by gradually increasing brightness when an external power source is connected, rather than making an abrupt change. This preliminary action allows the user's eyes to adapt to the brightness change smoothly, preventing sudden visual discomfort and maintaining user experience while still achieving improved visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic brightness adjustment with gradual transitions. When switching from battery to external power source, brightness increases progressively over time rather than instantaneously. This dynamic approach balances the need for improved visibility with the need for smooth user experience, avoiding abrupt changes that would discomfort the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Duration of action of moving object

If a larger capacity battery is used to extend battery life, then the battery life is extended, but the size of the apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidapparatus size
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the brightness parameter dynamically based on power source type. By reducing brightness when running on battery power, the system decreases power consumption, thereby extending battery life without requiring a larger capacity battery. This parameter change approach allows the same battery to last longer by operating under different brightness conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The brightness control unit maintains continuous monitoring and adjustment of display brightness to ensure optimal power consumption throughout battery operation. This continuous control ensures that power is consumed efficiently at all times, maximizing battery life without interruption or need for additional battery capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12525208B2Information processing apparatus and control method
Publication Date: 2026.01.13 LENOVO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
  • US12525208B2 patent drawing
  • US12525208B2 patent drawing
  • US12525208B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: a power circuit that receives electricity supplied from a power supply; and a brightness control unit configured to control brightness of a display. The brightness control unit having reference values of brightness setting value that are setting values of the brightness: a first reference value when a power source type is an external power source; and a second reference value that is smaller than the first reference value and when the power source type is a battery. The brightness control unit setting the brightness setting value to a user setting value designated by a user in response to a user operation.