Electrochromic Transmittance Control Using IR-Off Camera Frames

Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with electrochromic devices, such as augmented reality glasses, face challenges in accurately identifying ambient brightness without increasing volume and cost by including an illuminance sensor, as IR lighting affects ambient light detection.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device acquires image frames with and without IR lighting to determine ambient brightness, controlling the electrochromic device's transmittance based on image brightness without an illuminance sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an illuminance sensor is included to accurately identify ambient brightness, then measurement precision is improved, but device volume and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveambient brightness detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The camera serves multiple functions: it captures images for AR content display, performs hand and head tracking, and simultaneously functions as an ambient brightness sensor by analyzing image brightness data. This eliminates the need for a separate illuminance sensor, reducing device volume and cost while maintaining brightness detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the brightness detection function with the existing camera system. The camera's image sensor and processing capabilities are utilized to determine ambient brightness, merging two functions (imaging and brightness sensing) into a single component system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If an illuminance sensor is included to accurately identify ambient brightness, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveambient brightness detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The camera serves multiple functions: it captures images for AR content display, performs hand and head tracking, and simultaneously functions as an ambient brightness sensor by analyzing image brightness data. This eliminates the need for a separate illuminance sensor, reducing device volume and cost while maintaining brightness detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the brightness detection function with the existing camera system. The camera's image sensor and processing capabilities are utilized to determine ambient brightness, merging two functions (imaging and brightness sensing) into a single component system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If IR lighting is turned on to acquire images in dark environments, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision of ambient brightness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage acquisition capability in dark environmentsVSAvoidambient brightness detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system periodically switches the IR lighting on and off to capture images under different lighting conditions. By acquiring images with IR lighting off, the system can determine ambient brightness without IR interference, while still maintaining the ability to capture images in dark environments when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The image acquisition process is segmented into different phases: images are captured with IR lighting on for dark environment visibility, and separately with IR lighting off for ambient brightness measurement. This segmentation allows both functions to perform optimally without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 method allows accurate ambient brightness detection and electrochromic device control, reducing device volume and cost by eliminating the need for a separate illuminance sensor.

Implementation Method 1

Electrochromism refers to a phenomenon in which color changes reversibly depending on an applied voltage and may be used to control a transmittance of an electrochromic device.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

The electronic device may include a camera configured to acquire an image to be used to track hands and a head of a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12474615B2Electronic device including electrochromic device and method of controlling the electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device including an electrochromic device and a method of controlling the electronic device. The method includes: acquiring a first image frame using a camera of the electronic device, turning off an infrared (IR) lighting of the electronic device based on the IR lighting being on; acquiring a second image frame using the camera while the IR lighting is off; and controlling a transmittance of the electrochromic device based on a brightness of the second image frame based on the first image frame being acquired with the IR lighting on.