Keyboard Backlight White Point Adjustment via Ambient Light Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backlit keyboards fail to dynamically adjust their light output to match ambient lighting conditions, leading to suboptimal visibility in varying environments.
Innovation Solution
A light control system comprising a light source, a light sensor, and a controller that adjusts the white point of the light output based on ambient light intensity and color, using independently operable LEDs and a light distribution network to ensure even illumination across keys.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional backlit keyboards use fixed light output, then the structure is simple and power consumption is low, but visibility is suboptimal in varying ambient lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a light sensor continuously monitors ambient lighting conditions and sends signals to a controller, which then dynamically adjusts the backlight intensity and color temperature. This closed-loop control system automatically adapts the keyboard illumination to match ambient conditions, resolving the contradiction between fixed simplicity and adaptive visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static fixed-intensity backlighting to dynamic adjustable backlighting by incorporating multiple LEDs with different color temperatures (warm white, cool white, blue) that can be individually controlled. The system dynamically shifts between different LED combinations based on ambient light levels, enabling the keyboard to adapt its illumination characteristics in real-time.
2Ease of operation
If conventional backlit keyboards use fixed light output, then the device complexity is low, but usability in different lighting environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the keyboard automatically senses and adapts to ambient lighting conditions without requiring user intervention. The light sensor and controller work together to autonomously adjust backlight parameters, freeing the user from manual control while optimizing usability across different lighting environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback loop continuously monitors ambient light and automatically adjusts backlight settings, eliminating the need for manual user adjustment. This autonomous adaptation enhances ease of operation by ensuring optimal visibility regardless of environmental lighting conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic white point adjustment is implemented, then visibility in varying environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backlighting system into multiple independently controllable LED units with different color temperatures (warm white LEDs, cool white LEDs, blue LEDs). This segmentation allows the controller to selectively activate specific LED types based on ambient conditions, achieving adaptive white point adjustment through coordinated control of discrete components rather than a monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves adaptability by dynamically changing the operational parameters of the LED array, specifically the intensity and color temperature, in response to ambient lighting conditions detected by the light sensor. The controller modulates these parameters to optimize visibility while managing system complexity through parameter-based control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independently operable LEDs are used for white point adjustment, then adaptability to ambient light is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs partial action by selectively activating only the necessary LED types based on ambient lighting conditions. Instead of continuously powering all LED types, the controller activates only the subset required for optimal performance in current conditions, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining white point control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes power consumption by dynamically changing the operational parameters of the LEDs, adjusting intensity and selecting appropriate color temperatures based on ambient conditions. This parameter-based control enables flexible white point adjustment while minimizing energy usage by activating only necessary LED components.
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 provides improved visibility by dynamically matching the keyboard's backlighting to ambient conditions, enhancing usability in different lighting environments while minimizing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor... configured to determine the intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed
Implementation Method 2
The light source may include a plurality of individually operable light emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided systems, devices and methods for operating a light source to match a white point of ambient light. In one embodiment, a light control system is provided. The light control system includes a light source and a light sensor. The light sensor is configured to operate in conjunction with the light source to provide a visual effect. A controller is electrically coupled to the light source and the light sensor and configured to determine the intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed and dynamically adjust the output of the light source to match the determined intensity and color of light to which the light sensor is exposed.