Hybrid Backlighting for Displays Using Solar Light
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current backlit displays face challenges in minimizing digital eye strain and negative health effects due to limited spectral range and imbalanced light composition, while also needing to balance health considerations with energy efficiency, which existing technologies fail to address effectively for digital displays.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid backlighting system that combines internal and external light sources, including a solar light collector device, allowing for customizable light emission and energy-efficient illumination, with adjustable spectral composition and intensity to mitigate health risks and provide flexible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If internal electric light sources are used for backlighting, then stand-alone operation and sufficient light intensity are ensured, but energy consumption increases and health benefits are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between internal and external light sources based on ambient light conditions. When external light is available, the system uses it to reduce internal source operation, thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining display functionality through adaptive control of light source selection
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is designed to operate universally with multiple light sources - both internal electric LEDs and external natural light through the same display panel. This multi-functionality allows the system to leverage available external light for illumination, reducing dependency on continuous electric power while maintaining full operational capability
2Use of energy by moving object
If external light sources are used for backlighting, then energy consumption is minimized and health benefits are improved, but light intensity and image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges internal and external light sources to work together. External natural light provides primary illumination to reduce energy consumption, while internal LEDs supplement the lighting when external light is insufficient, combining the benefits of both sources to maintain adequate illumination intensity throughout varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting the contribution ratio between external and internal light sources based on ambient lighting conditions. When external light is strong, the system increases reliance on it to minimize energy use; when external light is weak, the system increases internal source output to maintain minimum illumination requirements
3Illumination intensity
If conventional light sources are used, then sufficient illumination is provided, but spectral range is limited and health effects are negative
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the spectral parameters of the backlight by utilizing natural sunlight, which provides a broad spectral range including blue, green, and red wavelengths. This natural spectrum replaces the narrow LED spectrum, improving visual quality and reducing eye strain while maintaining adequate illumination intensity through the display panel
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 hybrid system reduces energy consumption, offers health-conscious illumination, and enhances usability by allowing for customizable light emission, addressing the limitations of traditional displays and providing a cost-effective solution for digital displays.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a solar light collector device for fiber optic daylighting
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for hybrid backlighting of display screens. The apparatus comprises an external light unit and an internal light unit, both configured to illuminate the display screen using light from external and internal light sources, respectively. A secondary optical element within the apparatus ensures efficient and homogeneous light distribution across the display screen. The external light unit features a port adaptable to various light delivery systems, such as solar light collectors or electric light sources. A dimmer element and a sensor enable control and measurement of light intensity and spectral composition. The method involves obtaining light data from external sources, determining a hybrid lighting configuration, and adjusting filtering and light configurations accordingly. Dynamic adjustments based on user settings and environmental parameters enhance user experience, with the hybrid lighting configuration tailored to individual preferences for visual or physiological effects of light exposure.