Transmissive Display Power Optimization via Viewer Behavior Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power-saving technologies for displays, such as automatically switching off TVs, do not meet the preferences of users who prefer to keep the TV on for ambient purposes, leading to a need for a more user-centric and energy-efficient solution.

Innovation Solution

A transmissive display system that includes a backlight and a valve for modulating light, connected to viewer behavior detection means and a power optimizer. The power optimizer calculates optimal drive values for the backlight and valve pixels based on viewer behavior, ensuring minimal visibility requirements are met while reducing power consumption, allowing users to configure power-saving modes via a user interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the television is kept on for ambient purposes, then user preference and comfort are satisfied, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser preference satisfactionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display system dynamically adjusts its operating state based on real-time detection of user behavior. The power optimizer continuously monitors viewer presence and attention level through detection means, and dynamically modifies backlight drive values and valve drive values to transition between different power consumption modes (normal mode, power saving mode, standby mode), thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining user comfort and reducing energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where detection means continuously monitor user behavior (presence, gaze direction, attention level) and feed this information back to the power optimizer. The power optimizer then adjusts display parameters accordingly, creating a responsive system that adapts to user needs in real-time, allowing the display to maintain ambient functionality when users are present while consuming less power when users are absent or not paying attention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Use of energy by moving object

If the backlight drive value is reduced to save power, then power consumption decreases, but image visibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidimage visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies different drive values to different regions or aspects of the display system. Instead of uniformly reducing all display parameters, the power optimizer selectively adjusts the backlight drive value while maintaining or enhancing valve drive values in specific pixel regions. This local differentiation allows power consumption to be reduced in less critical areas while preserving image visibility in regions where users are actually looking, thereby resolving the contradiction between power saving and visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters simultaneously and in coordination - specifically adjusting both the backlight drive value and the valve drive values based on the behavior measuring signal. When user attention is detected to be low, the system reduces the backlight drive value to save power while compensating by adjusting valve drive values to maintain adequate image visibility. This coordinated parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by distributing the visibility maintenance task across multiple controllable parameters rather than relying solely on backlight intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Use of energy by moving object

If automatic off-switching is implemented, then power consumption decreases, but user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than implementing a static automatic off-switching mechanism, the system dynamically adapts its behavior based on continuous monitoring of user presence and attention. The display transitions through multiple states (normal operation, power saving, standby) depending on real-time detection data, allowing it to remain on in ambient mode when users are present but not watching, while only entering deep sleep mode when users are definitively absent. This dynamic approach maintains user convenience while achieving significant power savings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display system serves itself by automatically detecting user behavior and adjusting its own power consumption without requiring explicit user commands. The detection means and power optimizer work together to autonomously determine when the display should maintain full functionality, when it can enter power-saving ambient mode, and when it should switch to standby, thereby eliminating the need for manual user intervention while still respecting user preferences for ambient display usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The system achieves significant power savings while maintaining a reasonably visible picture, adaptable to user preferences and activities, ensuring a balance between power usage and visibility, even when the user is not actively watching.

Implementation Method 1

a backlight (106) and a valve (110) for modulating light from the backlight to create an image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission from backlight: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a valve (110) for modulating light from the backlight to create an image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight modulation by valve: Liquid Crystals

Data Source

PatentEP2212880B1Power saving transmissive display
Publication Date: 2016.04.13 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2212880B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2212880B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2212880B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

For reduced power wastage, a transmissive display (100), comprises a backlight (106) and a valve (110) for modulating light from the backlight to create an image, and furthermore the transmissive display comprises: a connector (198) for connection with a connected viewer behaviour detection means ((150, 152, 165), 160), and a power optimizer (120), having an input connection (C_i) to the viewer behaviour detection means for receiving from it a behaviour measuring signal (I_usr), and having an output (O_ BL) for sending an optimal drive value (D_Lb) to the backlight (106) depending on the behaviour measuring signal (I_usr).