Integrated Photo Sensor Circuit for Flat Panel Brightness Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flat panel displays (FPDs) face challenges in controlling image brightness effectively due to high power consumption when using external photo sensors, and internal sensors have limited output, affecting visibility and power efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A built-in photo sensor circuit comprising transistors, photo diodes, and capacitors that senses peripheral light to control image brightness, improving output stability and reducing power consumption by integrating the sensing functionality within the FPD panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a photo sensor is attached as an additional external chip to sense peripheral light, then the brightness control function is achieved, but the power consumption increases due to requiring additional power source transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness control functionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the photo sensor functionality directly into the FPD panel structure by integrating the photo sensor, transistors, and capacitors as internal components rather than using a separate external chip. This integration eliminates the need for additional power source transmission while maintaining the brightness control function, thereby resolving the contradiction between operational capability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a photo sensor is provided inside the FPD panel, then the power consumption is reduced, but the output of the photo sensor becomes small affecting operational effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidphoto sensor output
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate components including multiple transistors (first through fifth transistors) and capacitors (first and second capacitors) that act as mediators to amplify and process the signal from the integrated photo sensor. These intermediary elements enhance the photo sensor's output capability while maintaining the low power consumption advantage of internal integration, thus resolving the contradiction between power efficiency and sensor output reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If the brightness of the displayed image is increased to improve visibility in high peripheral light conditions, then the visibility is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplayed image brightnessVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the integrated photo sensor continuously monitors peripheral light conditions and automatically adjusts the displayed image brightness through the transistor-capacitor circuit network. This feedback system ensures optimal visibility by matching display brightness to ambient light levels, thereby improving visibility when needed while minimizing power consumption during normal operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution enhances the stability and output of the photo sensor, allowing for effective brightness control of FPDs, improving visibility and reducing power consumption by integrating the sensing functionality within the panel, thus addressing the limitations of external and internal sensors.

Implementation Method 1

a photo diode whose first electrode is coupled to the first source of power and whose second electrode is coupled to the second node

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20090174731A1Photo sensor and flat panel display using the same
Publication Date: 2009.07.09 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US20090174731A1 patent drawing
  • US20090174731A1 patent drawing
  • US20090174731A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A photo sensor capable of improved output used in a flat panel display (FPD). The photo sensor includes a first transistor coupled to a first power source, a first node, and a second node. A photo diode is also provided, as well as a second transistor, a third transistor, a fourth transistor, a fifth transistor, and a first capacitor.