EVF Illumination Control for Ambient Light Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of digital still cameras with electronic view finders (EVFs) experience disorientation due to constant brightness levels that differ from ambient light conditions, leading to discomfort and dizziness, as the EVF displays images with a fixed brightness regardless of ambient light levels.

Innovation Solution

An image display device with a control unit that adjusts the brightness of the illumination unit based on ambient light levels, using photometry sensors to set the brightness accordingly, and optionally increasing brightness over time if the finder window is continuously viewed, with white wall surfaces to reduce perceived darkness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the EVF displays images with constant brightness brighter than ambient light, then the image is always visible and clear, but the user experiences disorientation, dizziness, and discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrightness of EVF displayVSAvoiduser disorientation and discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the illumination intensity of the EVF adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically changes the brightness level of the EVF display based on real-time detection of ambient light conditions, transitioning from constant brightness to variable brightness that adapts to environmental changes, thereby eliminating user disorientation while maintaining visibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by using a photometry sensor to detect ambient light levels and feeding this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the EVF brightness based on this feedback signal, creating a closed-loop system that automatically adapts the display intensity to match environmental conditions and prevent user discomfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Illumination intensity

If the EVF maintains high luminance for clear visibility, then the image quality is improved, but the luminosity difference between the EVF space and ambient light increases causing user disorientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluminance of EVFVSAvoidluminosity difference causing disorientation

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the luminance parameter of the EVF display based on ambient light conditions. The control unit changes the brightness parameter dynamically, reducing the luminance difference between the EVF and surrounding environment when ambient light is low, thereby maintaining image visibility while minimizing luminosity contrast that causes user disorientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the illumination unit brightness is increased to match bright ambient light, then the display adapts to environment, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebrightness adaptation to ambient lightVSAvoidpower consumption of illumination unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting the illumination unit brightness parameter according to detected ambient light conditions. The control unit increases illumination only when necessary (in bright environments) and reduces it when ambient light is sufficient, achieving environmental adaptation while minimizing unnecessary power consumption through conditional brightness adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Reduces or eliminates user disorientation by matching the brightness of the display unit and its surroundings to ambient light conditions, enhancing user comfort and reducing power consumption by encouraging the use of the EVF over the monitor LCD.

Implementation Method 1

an obtaining unit that obtains brightness of an outside of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotometry: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8315515B2Image display device, brightness control method and brightness control program

Publication Date: 2012.11.20 ADVANCED INTERCONNECT SYST LTD

AI summary

An image display device includes a display unit that is installed inside a finder window provided in a housing and displays images, an illumination unit that illuminates a space inside the finder window, an obtaining unit that obtains brightness of an outside of the housing, and a control unit that when the brightness obtained by the obtaining unit is a first brightness, sets the brightness of the illumination unit to a second brightness, and when the brightness obtained by the obtaining unit is a third brightness brighter than the first brightness, sets the brightness of the illumination unit to a fourth brightness brighter than the second brightness.