Multi-Display Brightness Mapping via Nits-Based Transforms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing devices face inconsistencies in display brightness levels across multiple displays connected to the same device, due to differences in maximum brightness characteristics and ambient light conditions, leading to varying perceived brightness levels.

Innovation Solution

The operating system uses display brightness capability values measured in nits to adjust brightness levels consistently across multiple displays, incorporating ambient light sensors to generate transforms and ensure similar perceptible brightness, by mapping selectable brightness levels to corresponding capability values and applying nits-based transforms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple displays with different maximum brightness characteristics are connected to the same computing device, then the computing device can support multiple display configurations, but the brightness levels will be inconsistent across displays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-display supportVSAvoidbrightness consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by tailoring the brightness control approach to each individual display device. The system determines the maximum brightness capability of each display and applies device-specific brightness values, allowing each display to operate at its optimal brightness level while maintaining consistency across the multi-display configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the brightness control parameter from a standardized percentage value to a capability-based absolute brightness value. By determining the maximum brightness capability of each display and calculating appropriate brightness values based on these capabilities, the system achieves consistent perceptual brightness across displays with different maximum brightness characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If brightness level is adjusted using standardized percentage values, then the operating system can control brightness across different displays, but the perceived brightness levels will vary due to different display capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness controlVSAvoidbrightness level accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces feedback by determining the actual maximum brightness capability of each display device and using this information to adjust brightness control. The system receives feedback about display capabilities and uses this to calculate appropriate brightness values, ensuring that brightness adjustment is both easy to operate and accurately reflects the intended perceptual brightness level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If ambient light conditions vary across different display locations, then each display may be optimally adapted to its environment, but the brightness levels will be inconsistent across displays

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveambient light adaptationVSAvoidbrightness uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the maximum brightness capability of each display device in advance, before ambient light conditions are considered. This pre-determined capability information is then used as a basis for subsequent brightness adjustments that take into account ambient light conditions, allowing the system to maintain consistency while adapting to environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3729253B1Techniques for supporting brightness adjustment of displays
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC
  • EP3729253B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3729253B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3729253B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described are examples for adjusting display level properties across multiple displays. One or more ranges of display brightness capability values that are supported by a given display device can be received for multiple display devices. For each of the multiple display devices, at least a portion of display brightness capability values in the one or more ranges of display brightness capability values can be mapped to selectable brightness levels available in an operating system. One of the selectable brightness levels can be determined as selected via the operating system. For each of the multiple display devices, a corresponding display brightness capability value mapped to the one of the selectable brightness levels can be determined and indicated to each of the multiple display devices, such that the multiple display devices may set different display brightness capability value brightness, but the brightness may be perceptually similar across the display devices.