U.S. patent application number 13/715718 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-25 for portable terminal capable of controlling backlight and method for controlling backlight thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Woo-Seok JANG, Ji-Hwa KIM, Hyong-sog OH, Jin-Sung PARK.
Application Number | 20130100156 13/715718 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37056964 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130100156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JANG; Woo-Seok ; et
al. |
April 25, 2013 |
PORTABLE TERMINAL CAPABLE OF CONTROLLING BACKLIGHT AND METHOD FOR
CONTROLLING BACKLIGHT THEREOF
Abstract
Disclosed is a method for controlling a backlight of a portable
terminal, which includes from a memory previously stored backlight
brightness values that correspond to a backlight steps, retrieving
a stored brightness value corresponding to one of a plurality of
brightness steps selected by a user, regulating the brightness of
the portable terminal according to the retrieved brightness value,
and displaying the currently selected brightness step on the
display unit, wherein the brightness steps correspond to
incremental levels of brightness.
Inventors: |
JANG; Woo-Seok; (Gumi-si,
KR) ; PARK; Jin-Sung; (Gumi-si, KR) ; OH;
Hyong-sog; (Gumi-si, KR) ; KIM; Ji-Hwa;
(Chilgok-gun, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.; |
Suwon-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO.
LTD.
Suwon-si
KR
|
Family ID: |
37056964 |
Appl. No.: |
13/715718 |
Filed: |
December 14, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13243497 |
Sep 23, 2011 |
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13715718 |
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11340617 |
Jan 27, 2006 |
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13243497 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/589 ;
345/169 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02D 70/00 20180101;
H04M 1/72583 20130101; Y02D 30/70 20200801; G06F 3/02 20130101;
H04W 52/027 20130101; G09G 2320/0626 20130101; G06F 3/04847
20130101; G09G 3/3406 20130101; G09G 2320/06 20130101; G09G 5/10
20130101; H04M 1/22 20130101; G06F 3/041 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/589 ;
345/169 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/10 20060101
G09G005/10; G06F 3/02 20060101 G06F003/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 9, 2005 |
KR |
10-2005-0049300 |
Claims
1. A portable terminal brightness controlling method, comprising:
from a memory previously stored backlight brightness values that
correspond to a backlight steps, retrieving a stored brightness
value corresponding to one of a plurality of brightness steps
selected by a user; regulating the brightness of the portable
terminal according to the retrieved brightness value; and
displaying the currently selected brightness step on the display
unit, wherein the brightness steps correspond to incremental levels
of brightness.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the retrieving step
comprises: converting an operation mode of the portable terminal to
a brightness regulation mode in response to a brightness regulation
request of a user; displaying a brightness step selection screen
for selecting a brightness step if the operation mode of the
portable terminal is converted to the brightness regulation mode;
and retrieving a brightness value corresponding to the brightness
step selected.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein information to associate
predetermined inputs with brightness steps having preset brightness
values respectively is stored in a memory.
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein a brightness value of a
brightness step corresponding to a predetermined input is retrieved
in the retrieving step if one of the predetermined inputs is input
in the brightness regulation mode.
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined inputs
are provided in at least one of an input unit and a display unit of
the portable terminal.
6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined inputs
comprise keys.
7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined inputs
comprise number keys and the number keys are stored so as to
correspond to the brightness steps, and the numbers allocated to
the number keys indicate the brightness steps.
8. A method according to claim 1, wherein the brightness values are
backlight brightness values and the brightness steps are backlight
brightness steps.
9. A method according to claim 2, wherein the brightness step
selection screen provides a plurality of brightness steps for the
user to select therefrom.
10. A portable terminal comprising: an input unit for inputting a
user manipulation signal; a display unit for displaying data
generated in the portable terminal; a memory for storing brightness
values that correspond to a plurality of brightness steps, the
brightness steps corresponding to incremental levels of brightness;
and a control unit for retrieving the stored brightness values
corresponding to one of the brightness steps selected by a user
through at least one of the input unit and the display unit and
regulating the brightness of the display unit, wherein the control
unit controls the portable terminal so that currently selected
brightness step is displayed on the display unit.
11. A portable terminal according to claim 10, the control unit
further comprising a brightness regulating unit adapted to regulate
the brightness of the display unit according to the brightness
values retrieved by the control unit.
12. A portable terminal according to claim 11, wherein the control
unit is adapted to convert an operation mode of the portable
terminal to a brightness regulation mode in response to a
brightness regulation request of a user and to display a brightness
step selection screen for selecting a predetermined brightness step
on the display unit.
13. A portable terminal according to claim 10, wherein if a
predetermined brightness step is selected through at least one of
the input unit and the display unit, the control unit is adapted to
retrieve the brightness value corresponding to the selected
brightness step from the memory.
14. A portable terminal according to claim 10, wherein the memory
stores information to which predetermined inputs correspond
according to brightness steps having the preset brightness values
respectively.
15. A portable terminal according to claim 12, wherein if a stored
predetermined input is input through at least one of the input unit
and the display unit in the brightness regulating mode, the control
unit is adapted to retrieve the brightness value of the brightness
step corresponding to the inputted predetermined input from the
memory and to regulate the brightness.
16. A portable terminal according to claim 14, wherein the
predetermined inputs comprise keys.
17. A portable terminal according to claim 16, wherein the
predetermined inputs comprises number keys and the memory stores
information so that the numbers allocated to the number keys
indicate the brightness steps under the control of the control
unit.
18. A portable terminal according to claim 10, wherein the
brightness values are backlight brightness values and the
brightness steps are backlight brightness steps.
19. A portable terminal according to claim 12, wherein the
brightness step selection screen provides a plurality of brightness
steps for the user to select therefrom.
Description
PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
13/243,497, filed on Sep. 23, 2011, which is a continuation of
application Ser. No. 11/340,617, filed on Jan. 27, 2006, which
claimed the benefit under 35 U.S.C .sctn.119(a) of a Korean patent
application filed on Jun. 9, 2005 in the Korean Intellectual
Property Office and assigned Serial No. 10-2005-0049300, the entire
disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a portable terminal More
particularly, the present invention relates to a portable terminal
capable of controlling a backlight and a method for controlling a
backlight thereof.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A conventional portable terminal having a backlight function
turns on and off the backlight at a predetermined level of
brightness for a period of time which is set by a user. Therefore,
a user can operate the portable terminal containing the backlight
function at night while using a lower illumination intensity.
[0006] The portable terminal can be programmed to set the on time
of the backlight. Namely, in the case in which a user sets the on
time of the backlight to thirty seconds, the portable terminal
turns the backlight on for thirty seconds when the power is turned
on or there are key input data, and the backlight is turned off
after thirty seconds.
[0007] The backlight is generally turned on at a candela value of a
predetermined brightness that is determined during the
manufacturing process of the portable terminal. If a backlight of a
predetermined brightness is turned on at night, however, the
battery is unnecessarily consumed. Due to the low exterior
illumination intensity at night, a user can see the display screen
even with a backlight of a low brightness.
[0008] On the other hand, a user having a weak visual acuity may
feel that the brightness of the fixed or predetermined backlight is
too dark when the user uses the portable terminal at night with a
low illumination intensity. In this case, if the brightness of the
backlight can be made brighter, the user can operate the portable
terminal more conveniently.
[0009] A need therefore exists for an improved portable terminal
wherein the backlight can be controlled to reduce battery
consumption or to better suit the needs of users requiring more
backlight brightness than is provided by the initial manufacturers
setting.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Accordingly, the present invention has been made to address
the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present
invention is to provide a portable terminal and a method for
controlling a backlight.
[0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method for reducing battery consumption in a portable terminal
having a backlight function.
[0012] In order to accomplish these objects, according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a method for
controlling a brightness of portable terminal is provided. The
method comprises, from a memory previously stored backlight
brightness values that correspond to a backlight steps, retrieving
a stored brightness value corresponding to one of a plurality of
brightness steps selected by a user, regulating the brightness of
the portable terminal according to the retrieved brightness value,
and displaying the currently selected brightness step on the
display unit, wherein the brightness steps correspond to
incremental levels of brightness.
[0013] According to another exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a portable terminal is provided. The portable terminal
includes an input unit for inputting a user manipulation signal, a
display unit for displaying data generated in the portable
terminal, a memory for storing brightness values that correspond to
a plurality of brightness steps, the brightness steps corresponding
to incremental levels of brightness, and a control unit for
retrieving the stored brightness values corresponding to one of the
brightness steps selected by a user through at least one of the
input unit and the display unit and regulating the brightness of
the display unit, wherein the control unit controls the portable
terminal so that currently selected brightness step is displayed on
the display unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a portable terminal
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a
portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a
portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 4A and 4B are exemplary views illustrating the
operation of a portable terminal according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals will be
understood to refer to like parts, components and structures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention
will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In
the following description of the present invention, a detailed
description of known functions and configurations incorporated
herein is omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a portable terminal
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] The portable terminal 100 comprises a radio transceiver 110,
a modem 120, an audio processing unit 130, a key input unit 140, a
memory 150, a control unit 160, a backlight regulating unit 165, a
camera module 170, an image processing unit 180, and a display unit
190.
[0023] The radio transceiver 110 transmits and receives voice data,
letter data, image data, and control data, under the control of the
control unit 160. The radio transceiver 110 comprises a RF
transmitter for raising and amplifying the frequencies of
transmitted signals and an RF receiver for amplifying received
signals with low noise and lowering the frequencies.
[0024] The modem 120 comprises a transmitter for encoding and
modulating the transmitted signals and a receiver for decoding and
demodulating the received signals.
[0025] The audio processing unit 130 can comprise a codec. The
codec comprises a data codec for processing packet data and the
like and an audio codec for processing audio signals such as voices
and the like.
[0026] The audio processing unit 130 modulates the electrical
signals input from a microphone and converts them to voice data,
and demodulates the encoded voice data input from the radio
transceiver 110 into electrical signals and outputs them to a
speaker. Further, it is preferable that the audio processing unit
130 comprises a codec to convert the digital audio signals received
by the radio transceiver 110 to analog signals and then reproduce
them, or to convert the analog audio signals generated in the
microphone to digital audio signals. The codec comprises a data
codec for processing packet data and an audio codec for processing
audio signals such as voices. The codec can be provided in the
control unit 160.
[0027] The key input unit 140 has a key matrix structure (not
shown), and comprises letter keys, number keys, function keys, and
exterior volume keys to output the key input signals corresponding
to the keys input by a user to the control unit 160.
[0028] The memory 150 can comprise a program memory and a data
memory, and stores selected information on the basis of the
information required for controlling the operation of the portable
terminal 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention and the user selecting information. The memory 150 stores
the backlight brightness values corresponding to the backlight
steps, such as, the number and amount of incremental increases and
correspondingly decreases in brightness level of a backlight that
are generally preset during manufacturing of a portable terminal
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The
backlight brightness values preferably correspond to candela values
(unit: cd) representing luminosity.
[0029] It is preferable that the memory 150 stores the backlight
brightness values corresponding to the backlight steps as shown in
the following Table 1 wherein an exemplary number of steps=5.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Backlight steps 1 2 3 4 5 Candela 100 125
150 175 200 values (cd)
[0030] Referring to Table 1, the backlight steps comprise five
steps, and a candela value of 100 cd corresponds to the step 1 of
the backlight, a candela value of 125 cd corresponds to the step 2
of the backlight, a candela value of 150 cd corresponds to the step
3 of the backlight, a candela value of 175 cd corresponds to the
step 4 of the backlight, and a candela value of 200 cd corresponds
to the step 5 of the backlight. Referring to Table 1, it can be
seen that the backlight brightness is the brightest in step 5 and
the candela value corresponding to the step 5 is the highest. On
the other hand, although the backlight steps are divided into five
steps in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, they are
not restricted thereto and can be divided into more or fewer
steps.
[0031] On the other hand, the memory 150 can store the information
in which predetermined keys correspond to the backlight steps
having predetermined backlight brightness values as shown in the
following Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Backlight steps 1 (100 cd) 2 (125 cd) 3 (150
cd) 4 (175 cd) 5 (200 cd) Correspond- Number Number Number Number
Number ing Keys key 1 key 2 key 3 key 4 key 5
[0032] Referring to Table 2, the backlight steps are divided into
five steps, and the backlight step 1 whose candela value is 100 cd
corresponds to the number key 1, the backlight step 2 whose candela
value is 125 cd corresponds to the number key 2, the backlight step
3 whose candela value is 150 cd corresponds to the number key 3,
the backlight step 4 whose candela value is 175 cd corresponds to
the number key 4, and the backlight step 5 whose candela value is
200 cd corresponds to the number key 5.
[0033] Referring to Table 2, the backlight brightness is the
brightest in step 5, and it is preferable that the numbers
allocated to the number keys indicate the backlight steps. Although
the backlight steps are divided into five steps in Table 2, they
are not restricted thereto and can be divided into more or fewer
steps.
[0034] The control unit 160 controls the overall operation of the
portable terminal 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. The control unit 160 stores in the memory 150
the predetermined backlight brightness values, that is, the candela
values corresponding to the backlight steps. Further, the control
unit 160 associates the predetermined keys, for example, the number
keys, to the backlight steps having the backlight brightness
values, and then stores them in the memory 150. Then, it is
preferable that the control unit 160 controls the portable terminal
so that the numbers allocated to the number keys correspond to the
backlight steps.
[0035] If regulation of the backlight is requested by the user, the
control unit 160 converts the operation mode of the portable
terminal 100 to the backlight regulation mode and controls the
brightness of the backlight by retrieving the backlight brightness
values stored in the memory 150 so as to correspond to the
backlight steps required by the user through the key input unit 140
in the backlight regulation mode. It is preferable that after
converting the operation mode of the portable terminal 100 to the
backlight regulation mode, the control unit 160 controls the
portable terminal so that the display unit 190 displays a step
selecting screen for selecting the backlight step by a user.
[0036] On the other hand, if one of the predetermined keys, for
example, one of the number keys, stored in Table 2 is input, the
control unit 160 can control the brightness of the backlight in the
backlight step corresponding to the input key in the backlight
regulation mode. In other words, if the user inputs the number key
5 through the key input unit 140 in the backlight regulation mode,
the brightness of the backlight is regulated to the brightness of
the step 5 by the control unit 160.
[0037] It is preferable that the control unit 160 controls the
portable terminal so that at least one of the currently regulated
backlight steps and the backlight brightness values is displayed on
the display unit 190 in order that the user can easily recognize
the currently regulated backlight brightness.
[0038] The backlight regulating unit 165 regulates the backlight
brightness of the display unit 190 according to the backlight
brightness value output by the control unit 160. The backlight
regulating unit 165 can be included in the control unit 160.
[0039] In the case in which the portable terminal 100 has a camera
function, it can comprise the camera module 170.
[0040] The camera module 170 can comprise a lens unit (not shown)
which can be inserted and withdrawn, and photographs image
data.
[0041] Further, the camera module 170 comprises a camera sensor
(not shown) for converting the photographed optical signals into
electrical signals and a signal processing unit (not shown) for
converting the analog image signals photographed by the camera
sensor to digital data.
[0042] Here, the camera sensor is assumed to be a Charge Coupled
Device (CCD) sensor, and the signal processing unit can be embodied
with a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The camera sensor and the
signal processing unit can be embodied integrally or
separately.
[0043] The image processing unit 180 generates screen data for
displaying the image signals output in the camera module 170.
[0044] The image processing unit 180 processes the image signals
output in the camera module 170 in frame unit and outputs the frame
image data according to the characteristics and size of the display
unit 190. Further, the image processing unit 180 comprises an image
codec. The image processing unit 180 compresses the frame image
data shown on the display unit 190 or restores the compressed frame
image data to the original frame image data.
[0045] Further, the image processing unit 180 is assumed to have an
On Screen Display (OSD) function and can output the OSD data
according to the size of the screen displayed under the control of
the control unit 160.
[0046] The display unit 190 can comprise a Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD) and the like and outputs the display data generated in the
portable terminal Then, if the LCD is the touch screen type, the
display unit 190 can be used as an input unit.
[0047] Further, the display unit 190 displays the image signals
output in the image processing unit 180 and displays the user data
output in the control unit 160.
[0048] Further, it is preferable that the display unit 190 comprise
white light emitting diodes for the backlight function, and
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the
light emitting diodes are assumed to emit the light in the
brightness of 150 cd to perform the backlight function unless they
are otherwise adjusted by the user.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of the
portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the control unit 160 matches the
preset backlight brightness values to the backlight steps and
stores them in the memory 150. It is preferable that when the
control unit 160 associates the preset backlight brightness values
to associated backlight steps and stores them in the memory 150 at
step S110, they are stored in a table as in Table 1.
[0051] The control unit 160 examines whether there is a request for
backlight regulation by the user, for example, a request through
menu key input by the user, On the other hand, in an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the backlight means the screen
backlight brightness of the display unit 190 at step S120.
[0052] The control unit 160 converts the operation mode of the
portable terminal 100 to the backlight regulation mode if there is
the request for the backlight regulation at step S130.
[0053] If the operation mode of the portable terminal 100 is
converted to the backlight regulation mode, the control unit 160
displays the backlight step selection screen for selecting a
backlight step on the display unit 190 at step S140.
[0054] The control unit 160 checks whether a backlight step is
selected on the basis of the selection information of the user at
step S150.
[0055] If a backlight step is selected on the basis of the
selection information of the user, the control unit 160 detects the
brightness value corresponding to the selected backlight step from
the memory 150 at step S160.
[0056] The control unit 160 regulates the backlight brightness of
the display unit 190 by controlling the backlight regulating unit
165 according to the retrieved backlight brightness value at step
S170 Then, the control unit 160 can display the backlight step or
the brightness value on the display unit so that the user can
easily recognize the currently regulated backlight brightness.
[0057] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of a
portable terminal according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the control unit 160 assigns
predetermined keys (for example, number keys) to the backlight
steps having predetermined backlight brightness values and stores
them in the memory 150 at step S210. Then, it is preferable that
the numbers allocated to the number keys indicate the backlight
steps.
[0059] The control unit 160 examines whether there is a request for
the backlight regulation of the user, for example, a request
through menu key input of the user at step S220.
[0060] If there is a request for backlight regulation, the control
unit 160 converts the operation mode of the portable terminal 100
to the backlight regulation mode at step S230.
[0061] The control unit 160 determines whether the number keys,
such as the number keys registered in Table 2, stored in the memory
are input through the key input unit 140 at step S240.
[0062] If one of the number keys registered in Table 2 is input,
the control unit 160 retrieves from memory the backlight brightness
value of the backlight step corresponding to the input number key
at step S250. For example, if the number key 5 to which the step 5
is allocated is input through the key input unit 140, the backlight
brightness is regulated to the backlight brightness value that
corresponds to the step 5.
[0063] The control unit 160 regulates the backlight brightness of
the display unit 190 by controlling the backlight regulating unit
165 according to the detected backlight brightness value at step
S260. Then, the control unit 160 can display the backlight step or
the brightness value on the display unit so that the user can
easily recognize the currently regulated backlight brightness.
[0064] FIGS. 4Aa and 4B are exemplary views illustrating the
operation of a portable according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0065] Hereinafter, FIGS. 4A and 4B will be explained with
reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.
[0066] FIG. 4A shows a screen for requesting for backlight
regulation of the portable terminal by a user.
[0067] If the user selects the "4 illumination brightness
regulation" menu item in the screen of FIG. 4A through a direction
key or other input and inputs the confirmation key, the portable
terminal shows a screen for regulating the illumination brightness
as shown in FIG. 4B.
[0068] In FIG. 4B, the backlight regulation steps comprise total
five steps, and selection flags are provided in the front of the
items representing the steps respectively so that the selected item
can be checked whenever the backlight step is selected. In FIG. 4B,
the user has selected the step 5.
[0069] On the other hand, it is preferable that the backlight of
the display unit 190 is regulated to the brightness corresponding
to the step selected by the user so that the user can recognize the
backlight brightness corresponding to each step.
[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the user can properly regulate the backlight of the
portable terminal 100 according to the situation, and can reduce
the consumption of the battery due to the user of the backlight of
unnecessary brightness.
[0071] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention
describe the backlight brightness regulation of the display unit of
the portable terminal, the present invention can be applied to the
backlight regulation of a keypad. Further, while the invention has
been shown and described with reference to certain preferred
embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes in form and details may be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined by the appended claims.
[0072] As mentioned above, the present invention can properly
regulate the backlight brightness of a portable terminal, if
necessary, by providing a portable terminal controlling the
backlight and a method for controlling the backlight.
[0073] Further, since the present invention can regulate the
backlight brightness at night so that the illumination intensity is
low, battery consumption can be reduced.
* * * * *