Display Device Mirror Illumination Control for Dark Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices with mirror functionality are ineffective in dark environments, limiting their usability in portable electronic equipment where they are often used.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an illumination unit that can be activated when switching to mirror mode, either by user instruction or based on external lightness, to provide sufficient lighting for the mirror function, and optimizing power usage to conserve battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the display device is used as a mirror in a dark environment without additional illumination, then the device structure remains simple and power consumption is low, but the reflected image becomes invisible or difficult to identify
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit activates the illumination unit before or when the mirror function is engaged in dark environments, preparing the lighting condition in advance to ensure the reflected image is visible. This preliminary action resolves the contradiction by ensuring illumination is available when needed without requiring continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses ambient light sensors or control logic to detect environmental darkness and automatically activates the illumination unit when the mirror function is selected in dark conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures illumination is provided only when necessary, balancing image visibility with power consumption.
2Illumination intensity
If the illumination unit is continuously activated to ensure visibility in dark environments, then the reflected image remains clearly visible, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous operation, the illumination unit operates periodically or intermittently based on detection of mirror function engagement and ambient light conditions. The illumination is activated only during periods when the mirror function is actually being used in dark environments, reducing overall energy loss while maintaining visibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own illumination unit to serve the mirror function in dark environments, rather than relying on external lighting. The control unit automatically manages the illumination based on internal sensors and function state, making the system self-sufficient while minimizing energy waste through conditional activation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror function is implemented without considering environmental lighting conditions, then the device structure remains simple, but the mirror functionality becomes ineffective in dark environments
Solution Approach 1:
The display device integrates multiple functions including display, mirror mode, and ambient light sensing within a single unified structure. The control unit manages multiple operating modes (display, mirror in light, mirror in dark with illumination) using the same hardware components, achieving environmental adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary that coordinates between the ambient light sensors, the mirror function, and the illumination unit. It processes environmental conditions and function selection to determine when to activate illumination, enabling environmental adaptability while keeping the overall system structure manageable through centralized control logic.
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
Enables effective use of the mirror function in dark environments by providing necessary lighting, while also reducing power consumption for portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination unit for irradiating an object to be reflected in the mirror with light during the other state
Implementation Method 2
forming a mirror by reflecting external light during the other state
Data Source
AI summary
The invention has an object of providing a display device which can make a full use of a mirror functionality even in a dark environment. A display device comprising: image forming means (50, 60, 70, 71) for displaying information to be displayed during one state external light during the other state; input means (30) for inputting a mirror function executing instruction; and control means (82) for causing the image forming means to be switched to the other state in response to the mirror-function executing instruction. The display device further comprises an illumination unit (91) for irradiating an object to be reflected in the mirror (60) with light during the other state.