Dual-Display Viewing Angle Brightness Adjustment in Clamshell Laptops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dual display portable information handling systems face reduced brightness and increased power consumption at non-orthogonal viewing angles, particularly in clamshell configurations, due to displays being oriented at angles that reduce image clarity and require higher brightness settings.
Innovation Solution
The system segments display backlight illumination into individually controlled portions, uses a refractive layer to adapt illumination based on viewing angles, and employs secondary light sources to reduce power consumption by turning off backlight segments under objects like keyboards and adjusting illumination direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the display brightness output is increased to compensate for reduced brightness at non-orthogonal viewing angles, then the image brightness is improved, but the power consumption increases and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display backlight is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones. The controller can selectively activate only the segments that are visible to the user, turning off segments obscured by the keyboard or other objects. This segmentation allows the system to maintain adequate brightness in visible areas while reducing overall power consumption by deactivating unnecessary segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display receive different illumination levels based on their visibility and importance. The controller adjusts brightness locally - maintaining higher brightness in areas that need to be visible (such as status indicators, function keys, or edges of the keyboard) while reducing or eliminating brightness in areas blocked by the keyboard. This local quality adjustment optimizes the balance between visibility and power consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display operates at non-orthogonal angles in clamshell configuration, then the system offers versatile usage options, but the image brightness and quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically adjusts its illumination characteristics based on the detected viewing angle and configuration. When the display is used at non-orthogonal angles (such as in clamshell mode with the keyboard covering part of the screen), the system automatically modifies brightness distribution, activates compensatory lighting segments, or adjusts contrast settings to maintain image quality despite the angled viewing condition.
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
Maintains image brightness at non-orthogonal viewing angles without additional power consumption by adapting display illumination to user interactions and orientations, reducing power usage and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
A refractive layer disposed between an end user and display illumination adapts display illumination to selectively proceed along an orthogonal or non-orthogonal axis based on the end user relative viewing angle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A portable information handling system presents visual images at first and second displays integrated in first and second rotationally-coupled housing portions. When the housing portions rotate to a clamshell configuration, a refractive layer in a "DO" display aligns light illuminated from the display off an orthogonal angle and towards a user while a "SEE" display aligns light illuminated from the display along an orthogonal angle.