Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Plural physical display element control system – Display elements arranged in matrix
Reexamination Certificate
1996-08-30
2001-08-07
Jankus, Almis R. (Department: 2674)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Plural physical display element control system
Display elements arranged in matrix
C345S063000, C345S207000, C345S214000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06271813
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method of controlling the brightness of a screen display in response to changing environmental light conditions.
A variety of electronic screen displays are commercially available. As a result of improvements in technology, screen displays are being used for an increasing variety of applications. Some of those applications result in the screen display being used under a variety of environmental conditions. One example is having a visual screen display mounted within an automobile. A driver's or passenger's ability to view the screen while traveling in a vehicle is affected by the outside light conditions, for example. Different levels of screen brightness are required during daytime hours as compared to nighttime hours. Accordingly, there is a need for an efficient and relatively simple way of adjusting the brightness of a screen display in response to environmental light conditions.
This invention provides a method of adjusting the brightness of a screen display depending on ambient light conditions. The method of this invention can be implemented through software or relatively simple dedicated circuitry that can be included with a screen display control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general terms, this invention is a method of controlling the brightness level of a screen display having a matrix of screen pixels that each has a brightness level controlled by a first and a second voltage level. The method includes five basic steps. First, maintaining the first voltage of each pixel at a preselected voltage level. Second, a current screen display brightness level is determined. The next step is to determine an ambient light condition. The current brightness level is then compared to a desired brightness level that corresponds to the determined ambient light condition. Lastly, the second voltage of each pixel is adjusted when the current brightness level does not correspond to the desired brightness level so that the brightness level of the screen display is adjusted and corresponds to the desired brightness level, given the current ambient light conditions.
Various features and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be described as follows.
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Jankus Almis R.
Lear Automotive Dearborn Inc.
Niro Scavone Haller & Niro
Tran Henry N.
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