Display Control Circuitry Ambient Light Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional displays do not account for different ambient lighting conditions, leading to undesirable color shifts as the user's vision adapts, affecting perceived color and potentially the human circadian rhythm.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with display control circuitry that adjusts the display output based on ambient lighting conditions, using a light sensor to determine an adaptive neutral point, and an adaptation factor to weight the display light relative to ambient light, ensuring colors appear consistent across varying lighting environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If conventional displays maintain a fixed white point, then the display structure is simple and stable, but color shifts occur under different ambient lighting conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay white point stabilityVSAvoidadaptation to ambient lighting conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display white point is transformed from a fixed static value to a dynamic value that automatically adjusts based on ambient lighting conditions. The control circuitry continuously monitors ambient light characteristics and modifies the white point accordingly, enabling the display to adapt to different lighting environments while maintaining color accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A feedback mechanism is implemented where the control circuitry measures ambient lighting conditions and uses this information to adjust the display white point. The system continuously monitors the lighting environment and makes real-time corrections to the white point, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal display performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the display adjusts the neutral point to match ambient lighting, then color consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control circuitry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor consistencyVSAvoiddisplay control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions: it drives the display pixels, monitors ambient lighting conditions, processes color correction algorithms, and adjusts the white point. By integrating these functions into a single multi-functional control system, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining color consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The display system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting ambient lighting conditions and correcting its own white point without requiring external calibration or user intervention. The control circuitry autonomously monitors and adjusts display parameters, eliminating the need for separate calibration devices or complex manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the display emits cooler light in daylight conditions, then perceived color accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperceived color accuracyVSAvoiddisplay energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display dynamically changes its color temperature parameter based on ambient lighting conditions. During daylight hours, the display operates at a cooler color temperature (higher Kelvin value) to match the ambient light spectrum. During evening or indoor lighting conditions, the display shifts to a warmer color temperature (lower Kelvin value), thereby improving perceived color accuracy while adapting energy consumption to different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3021315B1Ambient light adaptive displays
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 APPLE INC
  • EP3021315B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3021315B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3021315B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device may include a display having an array of display pixels and having display control circuitry that controls the operation of the display. The display control circuitry may adaptively adjust the display output based on ambient lighting conditions. For example, in cooler ambient lighting conditions such as those dominated by daylight, the display may display neutral colors using a relatively cool white. When the display is operated in warmer ambient lighting conditions such as those dominated by indoor light sources, the display may display neutral colors using a relatively warm white. Adapting to the ambient lighting conditions may ensure that the user does not perceive color shifts on the display as the user's vision chromatically adapts to different ambient lighting conditions. Adaptively adjusting images in this way can also have beneficial effects on the human circadian rhythm by displaying warmer colors in the evening.