Ambient Illuminance Detection for Automatic Video Signal Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In home theater settings, users face difficulty in adjusting and setting devices while switching between low-brightness projectors and high-brightness display devices due to conflicting illumination requirements, which hinders user convenience and enjoyment.
Innovation Solution
A system that detects ambient illuminance and automatically switches between a low-brightness projector and a high-brightness display device, such as a cathode-ray tube, to ensure optimal viewing conditions, preventing unnecessary light emission and simplifying device adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the room is brightened to read manuals and make adjustments, then visibility for reading and settings is improved, but the projector display becomes difficult to see due to low brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (such as a computer or reproducing device with a display) that acts as a mediator between the user and the projector. This intermediary display shows the manual content and adjustment interface in a brightened room, while the projector continues to display the video image in the darkened room. The intermediary device resolves the contradiction by providing separate display paths for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the display function into two separate systems: a bright display device (computer monitor or reproducing device display) for showing manuals and adjustment interfaces, and a dark display device (projector) for showing video content. This segmentation allows each device to operate in its optimal brightness condition simultaneously, resolving the visibility conflict during adjustment operations.
2Ease of operation
If manual switching between low-brightness projector and high-brightness display is required for adjustments, then optimal viewing conditions can be achieved, but user effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic detection and switching functionality where the system itself detects the user's intent to adjust settings (through sensor input or interface detection) and automatically switches the output destination without requiring manual user intervention. The system serves itself by autonomously managing the display routing based on detected conditions, eliminating the need for users to manually switch between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the system by detecting ambient light conditions or user interaction patterns and automatically adjusting the output destination accordingly. When adjustment mode is detected (through sensors or interface state), the system automatically routes signals to the appropriate display device, dynamically changing the system state based on detected parameters rather than requiring manual switching.
3Ease of operation
If the room is darkened for projector viewing, then video image visibility is improved, but ability to read manuals and make adjustments is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (computer or reproducing device with display) that serves as a mediator for displaying manuals and adjustment interfaces. This intermediary operates independently from the projector, allowing it to be viewed in a darkened room on its own bright display while the projector simultaneously displays video content. The intermediary captures and displays the necessary information without requiring room illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple devices into a coordinated system where the reproducing device or computer serves dual purposes: it displays manuals and adjustment interfaces on its own display, and simultaneously controls the projector for video output. This merging allows information display and video display to coexist in the same dark environment without interfering with each other's visibility.
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 system enhances user convenience by allowing seamless adjustments and settings in high-brightness conditions without manual device switching, while maintaining low-brightness projections in dark environments, thus improving the overall user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an illuminance detection section 7 for detecting an illuminance in an environment
Data Source
AI summary
Video signals that are reproduced or processed are outputted to a first video image display device. An illuminance detection section detects the ambient illuminance during the output of the video signals. In the case that the detected illuminance is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the reproduced or processed video signals are outputted to a second video image display device which provides a display with lower brightness than that for a display provided by the first video image display device.