Screen Brightness Control via Periodic Light Sampling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for controlling screen brightness in mobile devices lead to high current consumption when ambient light conditions fluctuate greatly, causing constant adjustments and user visual fatigue.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that use a light sensor, comparator, integrator, consecutive code detector, and amplitude adjuster to stabilize screen brightness by adjusting the electric current amplitude based on ambient light changes, with a fixed value and limits to prevent excessive fluctuations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the screen brightness is adjusted constantly in areas where brightness of lights changes greatly, then the screen brightness adapts to ambient light changes, but the current consumption becomes too high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen brightness adaptationVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic sampling of ambient light values at fixed time intervals rather than continuous adjustment. The control unit samples light sensor data periodically, compares it with reference values, and adjusts screen brightness only when necessary, transforming continuous adjustment into discrete periodic actions to reduce current consumption while maintaining adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of brightness adjustment frequency by introducing threshold-based control. Instead of adjusting brightness for every light change, the system only triggers adjustment when light value changes exceed a predetermined threshold, effectively changing the operational parameter from high-frequency continuous adjustment to low-frequency threshold-triggered adjustment, thereby reducing energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the screen brightness is adjusted frequently in areas where brightness of lights changes greatly, then the screen brightness follows ambient light changes, but the user experiences visual fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen brightness responsivenessVSAvoiduser visual fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing periodic sampling at fixed time intervals rather than continuous real-time adjustment, the system reduces the frequency of brightness changes that reach the user's eyes. This periodic approach filters out rapid fluctuations while maintaining responsiveness to sustained ambient light changes, thereby reducing visual fatigue

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces threshold comparison as a cushioning mechanism before brightness adjustment. By comparing sampled light values against reference values and predetermined thresholds, the system filters out minor light variations that would cause unnecessary brightness changes and visual discomfort, only triggering adjustment when changes are significant enough to warrant user perception

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 reduces user visual fatigue and power consumption by maintaining stable screen brightness while coordinating with ambient light changes, minimizing unnecessary current fluctuations.

Implementation Method 1

a light sensor acquiring a brightness signal intensity value of external environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2466879B1Device and method for controlling screen brightness
Publication Date: 2017.10.11 ZTE CORP
  • EP2466879B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2466879B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device and method for controlling screen brightness are provided, the method includes: an optical sensor obtains a brightness signal intensity value of external environment and passes the value to a comparer; the comparer compares the received brightness signal intensity value with a brightness signal intensity value it saved, and outputs a comparing result to an integrator; if the comparing result is that the received brightness signal intensity value is higher than the saved brightness signal intensity value, the integrator then increases the saved brightness signal intensity value by a fixed value according to the comparing result; and if the comparing result is that the received brightness signal intensity value is lower than the saved brightness signal intensity value, the integrator then decreases the saved brightness signal intensity value by a fixed value according to the comparing result; wherein, the saved brightness signal intensity value is used for controlling the current amplitude of current screen brightness. This technical solution can provide relatively stable screen brightness in the event that the brightness around an LCD screen is not stable and thereby reduce current consumption.