Foldable Display Brightness Control via Sensor Hole
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with multiple displays face difficulties in accurately controlling screen brightness when one screen covers another, as they rely solely on an illuminance sensor without considering the angle between screens, leading to inadequate brightness adjustment in various environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a foldable housing featuring a first housing with a display and an illuminance sensor, and a second housing with a hole allowing the sensor to measure ambient light even when folded, enabling the device to measure the angle between screens and adjust brightness accordingly using a single illuminance sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an illuminance sensor is used to control screen brightness without considering screen coverage, then the device structure remains simple, but the brightness control accuracy deteriorates when screens are covered
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the housing into multiple segments (first housing and second housing) with the illuminance sensor positioned in a specific segment. This segmentation allows the sensor to be strategically located in a region that remains accessible even when other segments are folded over, enabling accurate ambient light measurement without requiring multiple sensors across the entire device surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera module as an intermediary component that works in conjunction with the illuminance sensor. The camera module can capture images of the environment, and together with the sensor data, helps determine appropriate screen brightness levels. This intermediary approach allows the system to compensate for situations where the sensor's line of sight might be partially obstructed, maintaining brightness control accuracy without adding multiple dedicated sensors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple illuminance sensors are installed on different housings to measure ambient light accurately, then the brightness control accuracy improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminance sensor is designed to serve multiple functions and positions. By strategically placing a single sensor in the first housing, it can measure ambient light for both the first screen and the second screen regardless of their relative positions. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate sensors on each housing, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy for all displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent considers the three-dimensional folding structure of the device and positions the sensor in a location that leverages the spatial arrangement of folded housings. When the second housing is folded over the first, the sensor's position in the first housing allows it to continue measuring ambient light effectively. This dimensional consideration enables a single sensor to cover multiple display surfaces that exist in different spatial configurations.
3Shape
If the illuminance sensor is covered by the folded housing, then the device maintains a compact closed structure, but the ability to measure ambient light deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific opening or accessible region in the housing structure where the illuminance sensor is positioned. This local modification allows light to reach the sensor even when the overall device is in a closed, compact state with housings folded over each other. The opening is strategically located to maintain compactness while preserving the sensor's ability to detect ambient light for brightness control.
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 brightness control of multiple screens based on measured angles, ensuring optimal display settings regardless of the device's state (open or closed) and environmental conditions, without the need for additional sensors, thus reducing manufacturing costs and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminance sensor on a front surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a foldable housing. The foldable housing includes a first housing including a first display and an illuminance sensor on a front surface, and a second housing, adjacent to the first housing, including a hole formed through a front surface and a rear surface of the second housing. The front surface of the first housing faces the front surface of the second housing when the second housing is folded in a first direction with respect to the first housing, and a rear surface of the first housing faces the rear surface of the second housing when the second housing is folded in a second direction with respect to the first housing.