CA2380332C - Adjusting contrast based on heating and cooling rate - Google Patents
Adjusting contrast based on heating and cooling rate Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2380332C CA2380332C CA002380332A CA2380332A CA2380332C CA 2380332 C CA2380332 C CA 2380332C CA 002380332 A CA002380332 A CA 002380332A CA 2380332 A CA2380332 A CA 2380332A CA 2380332 C CA2380332 C CA 2380332C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- appliance
- data display
- display module
- temperature
- active state
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
- G09G3/00—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes
- G09G3/20—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix no fixed position being assigned to or needed to be assigned to the individual characters or partial characters
- G09G3/34—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix no fixed position being assigned to or needed to be assigned to the individual characters or partial characters by control of light from an independent source
- G09G3/36—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix no fixed position being assigned to or needed to be assigned to the individual characters or partial characters by control of light from an independent source using liquid crystals
- G09G3/3611—Control of matrices with row and column drivers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
- G09G3/00—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes
- G09G3/04—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of a single character by selection from a plurality of characters, or by composing the character by combination of individual elements, e.g. segments using a combination of such display devices for composing words, rows or the like, in a frame with fixed character positions
- G09G3/16—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of a single character by selection from a plurality of characters, or by composing the character by combination of individual elements, e.g. segments using a combination of such display devices for composing words, rows or the like, in a frame with fixed character positions by control of light from an independent source
- G09G3/18—Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of a single character by selection from a plurality of characters, or by composing the character by combination of individual elements, e.g. segments using a combination of such display devices for composing words, rows or the like, in a frame with fixed character positions by control of light from an independent source using liquid crystals
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
- G09G2320/00—Control of display operating conditions
- G09G2320/04—Maintaining the quality of display appearance
- G09G2320/041—Temperature compensation
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
- G09G2320/00—Control of display operating conditions
- G09G2320/06—Adjustment of display parameters
- G09G2320/0606—Manual adjustment
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
- G09G—ARRANGEMENTS OR CIRCUITS FOR CONTROL OF INDICATING DEVICES USING STATIC MEANS TO PRESENT VARIABLE INFORMATION
- G09G2320/00—Control of display operating conditions
- G09G2320/06—Adjustment of display parameters
- G09G2320/066—Adjustment of display parameters for control of contrast
Abstract
An electronically controlled appliance capable of automatically adjusting a contrast level of a data display module is disclosed. The device includes an appliance, an intelligent control electrically connected to the appliance and adapted for controlling the appliance, a data display module capable of contrast adjustment and electrically connected to the intelligent control, a data storage medium electrically connected to the intelligent control storing software instructions for monitoring the amount of time the appliance is in an active state and instructions for compensating for the temperature change associated with the amount of time by adjusting the contrast level of the data display module.
Description
ADJUSTING CONTRAST BASED ON HEATING AND COOLING RATE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for adjusting contrast based on heating and cooling rates. More specifically, this invention relates to adjusting the contrast level of a data display module in an appliance.
Appliances such as dishwashing machines, clothes washing machines, clothes drying machines, electric ranges, as well as other appliances may now contain data display modules such as LCD panels. In these types of appliances, there are problems with the use of LCD panels or other display modules. The problem relates to the temperature of the data display module.
As the appliance heats up the data display module fades due to the temperature increase. The fading of the data display module obscures the display from the user of the appliance or otherwise makes the display difficult to read.
If the data display module allows for user adjustment of the contrast level of the data display module, then a user can adjust the contrast to compensate for the fading of the LCD when the appliance heats up. Eventually, however, after the appliance is turned off or otherwise begins to cool, the user will have to adjust the contrast level to compensate for the prior adjustment made.
Various methods of automatically or electronically adjusting data display modules have previously been used. One such method is to use a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of a data display module and then alter the contrast level based on the temperature sensed at the LCD device. This has been accomplished through use of a feedback circuit or through application of a mathematical relationship between the temperature measured and a voltage or a frequency to be applied to a liquid crystal display. One problem with this methodology is that a temperature sensor is required. This adds to the cost of manufacturing and may affect the reliability of the device.
Thus, it is a primary aspect of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for control of the contrast level of the data display module in an appliance which improves upon the state of the art.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for compensating for temperature changes in a data display module which does not require a temperature sensor.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus of adjusting the contrast level of a data display module in an appliance that does not significantly add to the cost of manufacturing the appliance.
A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for adjusting the contrast level of the data display module in an appliance that may be implemented in software.
A still further aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for adjusting a contrast level of a data display module in an appliance that can take into account operator adjustments of the contrast level.
These and other aspects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the Specification and claims.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the contrast level of a data display module in an appliance. The apparatus of the invention provides for an appliance such as a cooking appliance having an intelligent control electrically connected to the appliance and adapted for controlling the appliance, a data display module capable of contrast adjustment electrically connected to the intelligent control, and a data storage medium electrically connected to the intelligent control storing software instructions for monitoring the amount of time the appliance is in an active state, and instructions for compensating for the temperature change associated with the amount of time by adjusting the contrast level of the data display module.
The invention determines whether the appliance is in an active state, and then estimates the temperature change in the data display module that is to be compensated for based upon the amount of time the appliance has been in the active state. The invention then adjusts the contrast level to the data display module to compensate for the temperature change in the data display module.
Another aspect of the invention is to compensate for the condition that occurs when the appliance enters the active state prior to being fully cooled. A
further aspect of the present invention is to compensate for any user adjustment of the contrast level. Thus the present invention provides for the advantages of not requiring a temperature sensor to compensate for temperature changes in a data display and module. This allows for automatic contrast adjustment of a data display module without requiring increased manufacturing costs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a block diagram of the electronically controlled appliance of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a flow chart of the present invention.
Figures 3A and 3B provide a flow chart of the method of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a graph of temperature versus time for an appliance of the present invention.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for adjusting contrast based on heating and cooling rates. More specifically, this invention relates to adjusting the contrast level of a data display module in an appliance.
Appliances such as dishwashing machines, clothes washing machines, clothes drying machines, electric ranges, as well as other appliances may now contain data display modules such as LCD panels. In these types of appliances, there are problems with the use of LCD panels or other display modules. The problem relates to the temperature of the data display module.
As the appliance heats up the data display module fades due to the temperature increase. The fading of the data display module obscures the display from the user of the appliance or otherwise makes the display difficult to read.
If the data display module allows for user adjustment of the contrast level of the data display module, then a user can adjust the contrast to compensate for the fading of the LCD when the appliance heats up. Eventually, however, after the appliance is turned off or otherwise begins to cool, the user will have to adjust the contrast level to compensate for the prior adjustment made.
Various methods of automatically or electronically adjusting data display modules have previously been used. One such method is to use a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of a data display module and then alter the contrast level based on the temperature sensed at the LCD device. This has been accomplished through use of a feedback circuit or through application of a mathematical relationship between the temperature measured and a voltage or a frequency to be applied to a liquid crystal display. One problem with this methodology is that a temperature sensor is required. This adds to the cost of manufacturing and may affect the reliability of the device.
Thus, it is a primary aspect of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for control of the contrast level of the data display module in an appliance which improves upon the state of the art.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for compensating for temperature changes in a data display module which does not require a temperature sensor.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus of adjusting the contrast level of a data display module in an appliance that does not significantly add to the cost of manufacturing the appliance.
A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for adjusting the contrast level of the data display module in an appliance that may be implemented in software.
A still further aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for adjusting a contrast level of a data display module in an appliance that can take into account operator adjustments of the contrast level.
These and other aspects, features, or advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the Specification and claims.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a method and apparatus for automatically adjusting the contrast level of a data display module in an appliance. The apparatus of the invention provides for an appliance such as a cooking appliance having an intelligent control electrically connected to the appliance and adapted for controlling the appliance, a data display module capable of contrast adjustment electrically connected to the intelligent control, and a data storage medium electrically connected to the intelligent control storing software instructions for monitoring the amount of time the appliance is in an active state, and instructions for compensating for the temperature change associated with the amount of time by adjusting the contrast level of the data display module.
The invention determines whether the appliance is in an active state, and then estimates the temperature change in the data display module that is to be compensated for based upon the amount of time the appliance has been in the active state. The invention then adjusts the contrast level to the data display module to compensate for the temperature change in the data display module.
Another aspect of the invention is to compensate for the condition that occurs when the appliance enters the active state prior to being fully cooled. A
further aspect of the present invention is to compensate for any user adjustment of the contrast level. Thus the present invention provides for the advantages of not requiring a temperature sensor to compensate for temperature changes in a data display and module. This allows for automatic contrast adjustment of a data display module without requiring increased manufacturing costs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a block diagram of the electronically controlled appliance of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a flow chart of the present invention.
Figures 3A and 3B provide a flow chart of the method of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a graph of temperature versus time for an appliance of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a graph of temperature versus time showing on and off periods for the appliance of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figure 1 illustrates the electronically controlled appliance 10 of the present invention. In Figure 1, an appliance 12 is shown. The appliance may be a dishwashing machine, a clothes washing machine, a clothes dryer, an electric range, a cooking appliance, or any other appliance such as may be found in a home or a commercial establishment. The appliance 12 is electrically connected to an intelligent control 14.
The intelligent control may be a microcontroller, a processor, a microcomputer, an integrated circuit, or other intelligent control. One example of an intelligent control that may be used with the present TM
invention is the Sharp LH77790 microcontroller. A data display driver 15 is electrically connected to the intelligent control 14. The data display driver 15 is also electrically connected to data display module 16.
The data display driver may be integrated with the intelligent control 14, or else a separate data display driver may be used. The Sharp LH77790 microcontroller includes an integrated data display driver capable of controlling a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. One example of a data display module 16 that may be used TM
with the present invention is the Sharp LCD LM3201921 TM
panel. This panel is a Quarter VGA (QVGA) display having a resolution of 320 by 240 pixels. The display also uses cold cathode backlight (CCFT).
The present invention also provides for an operator adjustment 17 for manually operated control of the contrast level of the data display module. The operator adjustment 17 is electrically connected to the intelligent control 14. The present invention also contemplates that the operator adjustment 17 may be electrically connected to the data display driver 15.
The intelligent control 14 is electrically connected to data storage 18. Data storage 18 provides a memory or cache for storing instructions and/or data used by the intelligent control 14. The data storage 18 may be integrated into the intelligent control or may be a separate unit. For example, the LH77790 embedded microcontroller has an integrated instruction and data cache.
Figure 2 illustrates a method of the present invention wherein the appliance is activated.
Activation occurs when a heating element is turned on, a cooking process begins, a washing process begins, a drying process begins or other action is initiated that may result in the temperature of the data display module increasing.
The intelligent control 14 is capable of determining when the appliance is activated through monitoring the state of an input or output electrically connected to the appliance or otherwise monitoring state.
In step 22 an estimate of the temperature change in the data display module is made. For example, when the method is implemented in software, the intelligent control can measure or otherwise calculate the amount of time that the appliance has been active. Based on this amount of time, a temperature change in the data display module is predicted. This estimation can be performed in various ways. For example, a temperature profile or curve is created for the heating and cooling of the data display module. Based on this temperature profile, a lookup table is created that associates a time of activation with an estimated temperature, and estimated temperature change, or an estimated temperature compensating contrast level.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Figure 1 illustrates the electronically controlled appliance 10 of the present invention. In Figure 1, an appliance 12 is shown. The appliance may be a dishwashing machine, a clothes washing machine, a clothes dryer, an electric range, a cooking appliance, or any other appliance such as may be found in a home or a commercial establishment. The appliance 12 is electrically connected to an intelligent control 14.
The intelligent control may be a microcontroller, a processor, a microcomputer, an integrated circuit, or other intelligent control. One example of an intelligent control that may be used with the present TM
invention is the Sharp LH77790 microcontroller. A data display driver 15 is electrically connected to the intelligent control 14. The data display driver 15 is also electrically connected to data display module 16.
The data display driver may be integrated with the intelligent control 14, or else a separate data display driver may be used. The Sharp LH77790 microcontroller includes an integrated data display driver capable of controlling a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel. One example of a data display module 16 that may be used TM
with the present invention is the Sharp LCD LM3201921 TM
panel. This panel is a Quarter VGA (QVGA) display having a resolution of 320 by 240 pixels. The display also uses cold cathode backlight (CCFT).
The present invention also provides for an operator adjustment 17 for manually operated control of the contrast level of the data display module. The operator adjustment 17 is electrically connected to the intelligent control 14. The present invention also contemplates that the operator adjustment 17 may be electrically connected to the data display driver 15.
The intelligent control 14 is electrically connected to data storage 18. Data storage 18 provides a memory or cache for storing instructions and/or data used by the intelligent control 14. The data storage 18 may be integrated into the intelligent control or may be a separate unit. For example, the LH77790 embedded microcontroller has an integrated instruction and data cache.
Figure 2 illustrates a method of the present invention wherein the appliance is activated.
Activation occurs when a heating element is turned on, a cooking process begins, a washing process begins, a drying process begins or other action is initiated that may result in the temperature of the data display module increasing.
The intelligent control 14 is capable of determining when the appliance is activated through monitoring the state of an input or output electrically connected to the appliance or otherwise monitoring state.
In step 22 an estimate of the temperature change in the data display module is made. For example, when the method is implemented in software, the intelligent control can measure or otherwise calculate the amount of time that the appliance has been active. Based on this amount of time, a temperature change in the data display module is predicted. This estimation can be performed in various ways. For example, a temperature profile or curve is created for the heating and cooling of the data display module. Based on this temperature profile, a lookup table is created that associates a time of activation with an estimated temperature, and estimated temperature change, or an estimated temperature compensating contrast level.
In step 24, the contrast level of the data display module is adjusted according to the estimate made in step 22.
Figures 3A and 3B show a flow chart of a method of the present invention. The method shown includes step 20 where the appliance is activated. In step 26, a determination is made as to whether or not the display is cool. The display is cool when it is estimated or measured to be at approximately the ambient temperature. Alternatively, the display may be considered cool when the display is estimated or measured to be an idle temperature which may be different (i.e. higher) than the ambient temperature.
For example, the display would not be cool when the appliance has been on for a long period and then the appliance is deactivated and then immediately reactivated again. When the display is not cool then in step 42 the temperature is compensated for in a restart of the appliance before the data display module is cool condition. This compensation can be provided for through use of an offset applied to a position in a lookup table or through an offset to a value derived from a lookup table.
The lookup can contain theoretical or observed values for temperature, temperature change, contrast, contrast change, or other values from which compensation can be derived.
In step 28, an operator adjustment is compensated for. The present invention contemplates that an operator may manually adjust the contrast level of the data display module at any time, including during the time period which the appliance is active. The present invention may compensate for an operator adjustment of contrast level by applying an offset to the lookup table used to derive a contrast level. Alternatively, where a lookup table is used, a contrast level adjustment can be first retrieved from the lookup table and then an offset may be applied to the contrast level.
In step 30, the method determines whether an operator adjustment to the contrast level has occurred.
If an adjustment level has occurred, then the adjustment is compensated for in step 28. If no adjustment has occurred, then in step 32 a determination is made as to whether the appliance is still active. If the appliance is still active then the temperature change in the data display module is estimated in step 22. If the appliance is not still active then in step 34 a check is made to determine whether or not the data display module is cool or at approximately the ambient temperature or the idle temperature. If the display is cool to an ambient temperature or an idle temperature then in step 36 the monitoring process may stop. If the display is not cooled to an ambient temperature, then in step 38 an estimate as to the temperature change due to cooling is made. The temperature change due to cooling may be computed or retrieved from a lookup table similar to the step used to estimate the temperature change due to heating effects. This value may be stored or otherwise monitored for use in step 42.
In step 40 a determination is made as to whether the appliance is reactivated. If the appliance is not reactivated then in step 34 a check can be made to determine whether the display has cooled to ambient temperature or an idle temperature. If the appliance is reactivated then in step 42, compensation can be made for the restart or reactivation of the appliance before the data display module is fully cool. This compensation can be made by taking into account the estimate of the temperature change due to cooling in step 38. When a lookup table is used to determine temperature in the method of the present invention, an offset can be added to the position of the table or else an offset can be added to a result derived from the table.
Figure 4 shows a graph temperature versus time for an appliance of the present invention. In Figure 4, this relationship 44 is plotted. As can be shown in Figure 4, there is an idle temperature associated with the LCD display. This idle temperature may be different from the ambient temperature such as being higher from the ambient temperature. The LCD display will retain this idle temperature until the appliance and/or data display enters an active mode. Once the active mode is entered, the temperature begins to increase until the appliance falls back into an idle mode. The temperature then decreases to the temperature from which the LCD started an idle temperature.
Figure 5 is a graph of temperature versus time showing on and off periods for the appliance of the present invention. In Figure 5, the relationship 46 is shown where the temperature has not fully reached an idle state but rather the appliance is turned on and then off without yet fully cooling. The present invention contemplates compensating for temperature despite any number of conditions which may occur, such as the appliance fluctuating between an active state and an idle state, a user manually adjusting the contrast as well as other conditions and events.
Thus, an apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the contrast level of a data display module in an appliance has been disclosed which solves problems and deficiencies in the art. The present invention contemplates variations in the implementation of the method of the present invention including the type of appliance, the type of intelligent control, the type of data storage, the type of data display driver, the type of data display module, compensation for operator adjustment, and other variations.
Figures 3A and 3B show a flow chart of a method of the present invention. The method shown includes step 20 where the appliance is activated. In step 26, a determination is made as to whether or not the display is cool. The display is cool when it is estimated or measured to be at approximately the ambient temperature. Alternatively, the display may be considered cool when the display is estimated or measured to be an idle temperature which may be different (i.e. higher) than the ambient temperature.
For example, the display would not be cool when the appliance has been on for a long period and then the appliance is deactivated and then immediately reactivated again. When the display is not cool then in step 42 the temperature is compensated for in a restart of the appliance before the data display module is cool condition. This compensation can be provided for through use of an offset applied to a position in a lookup table or through an offset to a value derived from a lookup table.
The lookup can contain theoretical or observed values for temperature, temperature change, contrast, contrast change, or other values from which compensation can be derived.
In step 28, an operator adjustment is compensated for. The present invention contemplates that an operator may manually adjust the contrast level of the data display module at any time, including during the time period which the appliance is active. The present invention may compensate for an operator adjustment of contrast level by applying an offset to the lookup table used to derive a contrast level. Alternatively, where a lookup table is used, a contrast level adjustment can be first retrieved from the lookup table and then an offset may be applied to the contrast level.
In step 30, the method determines whether an operator adjustment to the contrast level has occurred.
If an adjustment level has occurred, then the adjustment is compensated for in step 28. If no adjustment has occurred, then in step 32 a determination is made as to whether the appliance is still active. If the appliance is still active then the temperature change in the data display module is estimated in step 22. If the appliance is not still active then in step 34 a check is made to determine whether or not the data display module is cool or at approximately the ambient temperature or the idle temperature. If the display is cool to an ambient temperature or an idle temperature then in step 36 the monitoring process may stop. If the display is not cooled to an ambient temperature, then in step 38 an estimate as to the temperature change due to cooling is made. The temperature change due to cooling may be computed or retrieved from a lookup table similar to the step used to estimate the temperature change due to heating effects. This value may be stored or otherwise monitored for use in step 42.
In step 40 a determination is made as to whether the appliance is reactivated. If the appliance is not reactivated then in step 34 a check can be made to determine whether the display has cooled to ambient temperature or an idle temperature. If the appliance is reactivated then in step 42, compensation can be made for the restart or reactivation of the appliance before the data display module is fully cool. This compensation can be made by taking into account the estimate of the temperature change due to cooling in step 38. When a lookup table is used to determine temperature in the method of the present invention, an offset can be added to the position of the table or else an offset can be added to a result derived from the table.
Figure 4 shows a graph temperature versus time for an appliance of the present invention. In Figure 4, this relationship 44 is plotted. As can be shown in Figure 4, there is an idle temperature associated with the LCD display. This idle temperature may be different from the ambient temperature such as being higher from the ambient temperature. The LCD display will retain this idle temperature until the appliance and/or data display enters an active mode. Once the active mode is entered, the temperature begins to increase until the appliance falls back into an idle mode. The temperature then decreases to the temperature from which the LCD started an idle temperature.
Figure 5 is a graph of temperature versus time showing on and off periods for the appliance of the present invention. In Figure 5, the relationship 46 is shown where the temperature has not fully reached an idle state but rather the appliance is turned on and then off without yet fully cooling. The present invention contemplates compensating for temperature despite any number of conditions which may occur, such as the appliance fluctuating between an active state and an idle state, a user manually adjusting the contrast as well as other conditions and events.
Thus, an apparatus and method for automatically adjusting the contrast level of a data display module in an appliance has been disclosed which solves problems and deficiencies in the art. The present invention contemplates variations in the implementation of the method of the present invention including the type of appliance, the type of intelligent control, the type of data storage, the type of data display driver, the type of data display module, compensation for operator adjustment, and other variations.
The present invention further contemplates that the temperature curves or profiles used are based on an ambient temperature or an idle temperature. Most appliances are installed in a normal ambient temperature. The present invention contemplates that the ambient temperature and/or the idle temperature used may be adjusted to better correspond with the ambient temperature of a particular location. The ambient temperature and/or the idle temperature may be manually adjusted or may be set in software or may be determined by a temperature sensor electrically connected to the intelligent control. When a temperature sensor is used, the temperature sensor need not be connected to the data display module itself as only the ambient temperature and/or the idle temperature and not the data display module temperature is to be measured.
Claims (7)
1. An electronically controlled cooking appliance comprising:
an intelligent control electrically connected to the cooking appliance and adapted for controlling the cooking appliance;
a data display module capable of contrast adjustment electrically connected to the intelligent control; and a data storage medium electrically connected to the intelligent control for storing software instructions for monitoring the amount of time the cooking appliance is in an active state and instructions for compensating for the temperature change associated with the amount of time and adjusting accordingly the contrast level of the data display module.
an intelligent control electrically connected to the cooking appliance and adapted for controlling the cooking appliance;
a data display module capable of contrast adjustment electrically connected to the intelligent control; and a data storage medium electrically connected to the intelligent control for storing software instructions for monitoring the amount of time the cooking appliance is in an active state and instructions for compensating for the temperature change associated with the amount of time and adjusting accordingly the contrast level of the data display module.
2. The electronically controlled appliance of claim 1 wherein the data display module is a liquid crystal display panel.
3. A method for automatically adjusting a contrast level of a data display module in a cooking appliance comprising:
determining whether the cooking appliance is in an active state and if so, an amount of time the cooking appliance has been in the active state;
estimating the temperature change in the data display module to be compensated for based upon the amount of time the cooking appliance has been in the active state; and adjusting the contrast level of the data display module to compensate for the temperature change in the data display module.
determining whether the cooking appliance is in an active state and if so, an amount of time the cooking appliance has been in the active state;
estimating the temperature change in the data display module to be compensated for based upon the amount of time the cooking appliance has been in the active state; and adjusting the contrast level of the data display module to compensate for the temperature change in the data display module.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprising compensating for a condition wherein the appliance enters the active state prior to cooling to an idle temperature.
5. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of adjusting the contrast level includes compensating for user adjustment of the contrast level.
6. The method of claim 3 wherein the step of estimating the temperature change in the data display module includes measuring the amount of time the appliance has been in the active state and looking up a compensation level associated with the amount of time the appliance has been in the active state.
7. The method of claim 3 wherein the estimated temperature change is the difference between a current temperature and an idle temperature.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/867,039 | 2001-05-29 | ||
| US09/867,039 US6747629B2 (en) | 2001-05-29 | 2001-05-29 | Adjusting contrast based on heating and cooling rate |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2380332A1 CA2380332A1 (en) | 2002-11-29 |
| CA2380332C true CA2380332C (en) | 2009-08-04 |
Family
ID=25348945
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002380332A Expired - Fee Related CA2380332C (en) | 2001-05-29 | 2002-04-03 | Adjusting contrast based on heating and cooling rate |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6747629B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2380332C (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2008102490A (en) * | 2006-09-19 | 2008-05-01 | Funai Electric Co Ltd | Liquid crystal display device and liquid crystal television |
| EP2020655A1 (en) * | 2007-07-25 | 2009-02-04 | Funai Electric Co., Ltd. | Liquid crystal display device and liquid crystal television |
| EP3292686B1 (en) | 2015-05-06 | 2021-12-01 | Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation | Thermal compensation in image projection |
| US10126724B2 (en) * | 2016-03-07 | 2018-11-13 | Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. | Low power management system |
Family Cites Families (22)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5481879A (en) | 1977-12-12 | 1979-06-29 | Seiko Instr & Electronics Ltd | Electronic watch |
| EP0002920B1 (en) | 1977-12-20 | 1982-01-13 | The Secretary of State for Defence in Her Britannic Majesty's Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and | Liquid crystal displays |
| US4236150A (en) | 1978-10-18 | 1980-11-25 | Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company | Liquid crystal display system |
| US4462027A (en) | 1980-02-15 | 1984-07-24 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | System and method for improving the multiplexing capability of a liquid crystal display and providing temperature compensation therefor |
| US4390874A (en) | 1981-01-09 | 1983-06-28 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Liquid crystal display system having improved temperature compensation |
| US4338600A (en) | 1980-07-14 | 1982-07-06 | Texas Instruments Incorporated | Liquid crystal display system having temperature compensation |
| US4368408A (en) | 1981-07-17 | 1983-01-11 | Edward Marcus | Time controlled light dimmer |
| JPS599641A (en) | 1982-07-08 | 1984-01-19 | Nippon Denso Co Ltd | Device for driving liquid crystal display device |
| US4625163A (en) | 1984-04-12 | 1986-11-25 | General Electric Company | Display temperature compensator for electric meter |
| US4923285A (en) | 1985-04-22 | 1990-05-08 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Drive apparatus having a temperature detector |
| FR2581209B1 (en) | 1985-04-26 | 1993-11-05 | Canon Kk | LIQUID CRYSTAL OPTICAL DEVICE |
| US4914357A (en) | 1988-03-23 | 1990-04-03 | Unitrode Corporation | Temperature compensated foldback current limiting |
| JP2614280B2 (en) | 1988-08-17 | 1997-05-28 | キヤノン株式会社 | Liquid crystal device |
| US5029982A (en) * | 1989-09-11 | 1991-07-09 | Tandy Corporation | LCD contrast adjustment system |
| US5283564A (en) | 1990-12-26 | 1994-02-01 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Liquid crystal apparatus with temperature-dependent pulse manipulation |
| US5414441A (en) | 1991-01-11 | 1995-05-09 | Ncr Corporation | Temperature compensation apparatus for liquid crystal display |
| EP0558060B1 (en) | 1992-02-28 | 1998-07-29 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Liquid crystal display |
| JP2899199B2 (en) | 1993-12-27 | 1999-06-02 | アルプス電気株式会社 | Concentration control device in display device |
| EP0731438A3 (en) | 1995-02-27 | 1999-01-13 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Display apparatus |
| US6142666A (en) | 1995-10-27 | 2000-11-07 | Technology Licensing Corporation | Diagnostic system for monitoring cooking profiles |
| US5711606A (en) * | 1995-10-27 | 1998-01-27 | Technology Licensing Corporation | Diagnostic system for a cooking appliance |
| US5926162A (en) | 1996-12-31 | 1999-07-20 | Honeywell, Inc. | Common electrode voltage driving circuit for a liquid crystal display |
-
2001
- 2001-05-29 US US09/867,039 patent/US6747629B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
2002
- 2002-04-03 CA CA002380332A patent/CA2380332C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20020180599A1 (en) | 2002-12-05 |
| CA2380332A1 (en) | 2002-11-29 |
| US6747629B2 (en) | 2004-06-08 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP4106327B2 (en) | Cooling control system for cooling environment, cooling system control method, and cooler | |
| US20120230661A1 (en) | Apparatus and Method for Control of a Thermostat | |
| EP2401738A2 (en) | System and method for controlling the operation parameters of a display in response to current draw | |
| US20080257281A1 (en) | Water Heater and a Method of Operating Same | |
| CA2380332C (en) | Adjusting contrast based on heating and cooling rate | |
| WO2005052713A1 (en) | Apparatus and method of computer component heating | |
| JP3889239B2 (en) | Brightness control method for liquid crystal display device, brightness control device, and liquid crystal display device | |
| US9740217B2 (en) | Device and method for controlling a fan of a display | |
| EP0917402B1 (en) | Microwave oven for heating the contents of a cup | |
| JP3751276B2 (en) | Refrigerator and control method thereof | |
| CN115342572A (en) | Anti-freezing control processing method and device for refrigerating chamber of refrigerator, refrigerator and medium | |
| JPH07243688A (en) | Air conditioner | |
| JP2966505B2 (en) | Iron temperature control device | |
| US7040103B2 (en) | Cooling system, a cooler and a method for controlling a compressor | |
| JPH06180148A (en) | Storage type electrical hot water heater and its controlling method | |
| JP2001100685A (en) | Temperature compensation device for liquid crystal display | |
| KR100419205B1 (en) | Control apparatus for refrigerator and therof method | |
| EP1203192B1 (en) | Line voltage adaptive refrigerator | |
| JP2006078143A (en) | Refrigerator | |
| KR20050042537A (en) | Method and apparatus for controlling contrast of liquid display device | |
| KR100279075B1 (en) | High Temperature Sensing Device in Kimchi Storage | |
| JP3348999B2 (en) | Washing machine control device | |
| JP4325349B2 (en) | Induction heating cooker | |
| KR100281706B1 (en) | How to cook a microwave oven | |
| JP2001070176A (en) | Heat cooker |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20140403 |