Mobile Device Screen and Keypad Brightness Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile electronic devices face challenges in independently and rapidly adjusting LCD and keypad backlighting as they move between different ambient lighting conditions, particularly when the light sensor and message notification indicator share a common light pipe, leading to issues in responsiveness and battery conservation.
Innovation Solution
A method is implemented within a mobile handheld electronic device to automatically adjust screen and keypad brightness by using a processor-connected algorithm that switches between distinct ambient lighting modes based on detected light conditions, allowing independent control of LCD and keypad backlighting, with sampling rates adjusted for quick responsiveness and battery efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If basic automatic screen and keypad backlighting adjustment is implemented as in prior art GPS displays and laptop computers, then screen readability in different ambient lighting conditions is improved, but independent control of LCD and keypad backlighting adjustment is problematic and responsiveness when moving between environments is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the backlighting control into separate independent algorithms for the LCD screen and keypad backlighting. Each algorithm independently monitors ambient light conditions and adjusts its respective backlighting, allowing them to respond differently to the same environmental conditions. This segmentation resolves the technical contradiction by enabling independent control while maintaining responsiveness across different ambient lighting conditions.
2Speed
If rapid backlight adjustment is implemented when the device is removed from a wearable holster accessory, then screen readability upon removal is improved, but battery consumption increases due to frequent sensing and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic sampling rates for the ambient light sensor that adapt to device state. When the device is detected to be in a holster or pocket, the sampling rate is reduced to conserve battery power. When the device is removed and in active use, the sampling rate increases to provide rapid backlight adjustment. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing fast response when needed while minimizing energy consumption during storage.
3Device complexity
If the light sensor and message notification indicator share a common light pipe, then device complexity is reduced, but detecting ambient light becomes difficult when the indicator is active
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic timing cycles where the message notification indicator is pulsed on and off. During the off-periods, the ambient light sensor takes measurements of the surrounding light conditions. This periodic action allows the shared light pipe to serve both functions - displaying messages when needed and allowing ambient light detection during off-periods. The system resolves the contradiction by temporally separating the two functions that share the common light pipe.
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 method effectively adjusts screen and keypad brightness in response to changing environments, ensuring readability and minimizing battery consumption by filtering out brief lighting fluctuations and allowing for smooth transitions, thus enhancing user experience and device usability.
Implementation Method 1
an ambient light sensor, both of which share a common light pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A method is set forth for automatically adjusting screen and keypad brightness on a mobile electronic device having a light sensor, display screen and keypad, for optimum legibility under varying lighting conditions, with minimal eye strain and distraction. The method includes obtaining light level samples from the light sensor, and independently adjusting backlight intensity of the display screen and keypad responsive to the light level samples. Preferably, correct screen and keypad adjustments are made responsive to pulling the handheld device out of its holster notwithstanding non-optimal ambient light detection while the device is being removed from the holster. According to another aspect, the described method allows for ambient light detection in a handheld device where the light sensor and a message notification indicator share a common light pipe.