Motion-Activated Display Brightness Control for Thermostats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Color displays in battery-powered devices like thermostats face power consumption challenges due to the need for backlights and increased processing requirements, limiting their application and lifespan compared to black and white displays.
Innovation Solution
A system that controls display brightness based on detected movement using a proximity circuit with an infrared transmitter and receiver, activating the display at partial or full intensity depending on the degree of motion, thereby reducing power consumption and extending the display's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a color display with backlight is used in a battery-powered thermostat, then the display provides enhanced visual capability and information understanding, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The display brightness is activated periodically based on detected motion events rather than continuously. The system uses motion detection to trigger display activation only when a user is present, creating a periodic on-demand operation pattern that significantly reduces overall power consumption while maintaining display functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system transitions from a static always-on state to a dynamic state that adapts based on detected motion. The brightness activation level (partial or full intensity) is dynamically adjusted according to the degree of motion detected, allowing the system to optimize between visibility and power consumption in real-time.
2Illumination intensity
If display brightness is activated at full intensity continuously, then the display is always readable, but the battery lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by activating display brightness at partial intensity rather than full intensity in certain conditions. When motion is detected but the situation doesn't require maximum visibility, the display is activated at a reduced brightness level that consumes less power while still providing adequate readability, thus extending battery lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of continuous full-intensity activation, the system uses periodic activation triggered by motion detection events. The display is activated only when needed (periodically based on user presence) rather than continuously, dramatically reducing the cumulative power consumption and extending battery operation duration.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the display is activated based on motion detection, then power consumption is reduced, but the display may not be readable when activated
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts display brightness activation based on the degree of motion detected. When significant motion is detected indicating user presence, the display is activated at full intensity to ensure readability. When minimal motion is detected, partial intensity activation is used, balancing power savings with adequate visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the brightness parameter (intensity level) based on motion detection thresholds. By monitoring the degree of motion and adjusting the display brightness parameter accordingly (partial vs. full intensity), the system optimizes the balance between power consumption and display readability in different usage scenarios.
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
This approach significantly reduces power consumption and extends the battery life of color displays in thermostats by selectively activating the display only when needed, ensuring the display remains readable while minimizing power usage.
Implementation Method 1
The proximity circuit includes an infrared transmitter and an infrared receiver
Implementation Method 2
a received signal results from the transmitted signal being reflected by an external object
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for controlling the brightness of a display unit based on detected movement of an external object such as a user. An apparatus includes a display, e.g., a color liquid crystal display (LCD) or organic light emitting diode (OLED). A proximity circuit generates a transmitted signal and a received signal. The received signal results from the transmitted signal being reflected by an external object. A control unit processes the received signal to determine a degree of motion of the external object. When the degree of motion is greater than a first predetermined threshold but not greater than a second predetermined threshold, the display is activated and operating at partial intensity. When the degree of motion is greater than the second predetermined threshold, the display is activated at full intensity. The degree of motion may be determined from the variation of the received signal.