Display Light Output Synchronization with Ambient Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methodologies for adapting display device output to changing ambient lighting conditions are inefficient and prone to flicker, lacking a synchronized and accurate response to rapid changes in ambient light.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that synchronize light sensing and display output to a common time frame, using equivalent light paths for sensing and emitting light to ensure accurate matching of display output to ambient conditions, with a light sensor directly connected to the controller to reduce latency and an ambient light sensor to stabilize luminous flux and color.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing methodologies are used to adapt display output to ambient lighting conditions, then the display can respond to ambient light changes, but the response is prone to flicker and lacks accuracy during rapid ambient light changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of display outputVSAvoidaccuracy of ambient light sensing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light sensor measures ambient light during the first duration when the light source is switched off, before the display period begins. This preliminary measurement allows the controller to calculate the required light output adjustment in advance, ensuring accurate and stable display output adaptation without flicker during rapid ambient light changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic display periods with synchronized sensing and output phases. During each display period, the light source is switched off during a first duration for sensing, then switched on during a second duration for output. This periodic synchronization ensures consistent and flicker-free adaptation to ambient light conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Speed

If the light source is continuously on for display output, then the display can provide continuous visual information, but the response to rapid ambient light changes is delayed and causes flicker

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresponse speed to ambient light changesVSAvoidlatency in light output adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller directly receives output from the light sensor and autonomously calculates the required light output adjustment for the light source. This direct connection and self-service approach eliminates intermediate processing delays, enabling fast response to ambient light changes while maintaining synchronized operation within each display period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the light sensor and light source share equivalent light paths, then the sensing and emitting directions are matched, but the optical path configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of ambient light measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of optical path configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light sensor and light source are positioned asymmetrically relative to the display panel, with the light sensor arranged to sense ambient light from a specific direction while the light source emits light in a complementary direction. This asymmetric arrangement with equivalent light paths ensures that the sensing direction matches the emitting direction without requiring complex additional optical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The shared optics serve dual functions: guiding ambient light to the light sensor for measurement and guiding light from the light source through the display panel for output. This multi-functionality approach allows a single optical path configuration to accomplish both sensing and emitting tasks, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach provides a fast and accurate response to changing ambient lighting, avoiding flicker and ensuring that the display output matches ambient conditions in terms of luminance and color temperature, thereby improving the visual experience.

Implementation Method 1

an ambient light sensor configured to sense ambient light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a light source configured to emit light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS10319281B2Method, apparatus and/or computer program for controlling light output of a display

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

A method including causing synchronization of a local time frame and refresh of a display; processing an output from a light sensor from a first time, in the local time frame, for a controlled first duration to control light output of the display at a second time, in the local time frame and after the first time, for a second duration.