CN106537325A - Controlling brightness of a remote display - Google Patents

Abstract

A computing device is described that includes one or more processors, an ambient light sensor that detects an amount of ambient light for a location of the computing device, and at least one module. The at least one module is operable by the one or more processors to determine whether the amount of ambient light for the location of the computing device is indicative of an amount of ambient light for a location of a different computing device, and responsive to determining that the amount of ambient light for the location of the computing device is indicative of the ambient light level of the current location of the different computing device, transmits, to the different computing device, an instruction to adjust a brightness of a display of the different computing device.

Description

Control the brightness of the remote display

Background technique

Mobile computing devices typically include a display and an ambient light sensor. Based on light levels measured by ambient light sensors, some mobile computing devices may adjust the brightness (eg, illumination level) of the mobile computing device display. Users have become accustomed to including such features in mobile computing devices. However, in order to make the mobile computing device physically smaller, it may be necessary to reduce the number of sensors included in the mobile computing device, which may result in reduced functionality of the mobile computing device. For example, removing an ambient light sensor from a mobile computing device may enable the mobile computing device to have a smaller form factor, but may also remove the functionality for the mobile computing device to adjust the display based on the ambient light level of the environment surrounding the mobile computing device. Brightness capability. By removing such sensors from the mobile computing device, the mobile computing device may no longer provide functionality desired by the user.

Contents of the invention

In one example, a method includes determining, by a first computing device, an ambient light level at a current location of the first computing device, and determining, by the first computing device, whether the ambient light level of the first computing device is indicative of a second An ambient light level is calculated for the current location of the device. The method may also include, in response to determining that the ambient light level at the current location of the first computing device is indicative of an ambient light level at the current location of the second computing device, transmitting, by the first computing device and to the second computing device, an Instructions for brightness of a display of the two computing devices.

In another example, a computing device includes one or more processors, an ambient light sensor, and at least one module. The at least one module is operable by the one or more processors to determine whether the amount of ambient light at the location of the computing device is indicative of an amount of ambient light at the location of a different computing device, and responsive to determining that the amount of ambient light at the location of the computing device is indicative of an amount of ambient light at the location of the different computing device. The ambient light level of the current location, and an instruction for adjusting the brightness of the display of the different computing device is transmitted to the different computing device.

In additional examples, a computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed, configure one or more processors of a computing system to determine an ambient light level for a current location of a first computing device, and determine Whether the ambient light level of the first computing device indicates the ambient light level of the current location of the second computing device. The instructions, when executed, further configure one or more processors of the computing system to, in response to determining that the ambient light level at the current location of the first computing device is indicative of the ambient light level at the current location of the second computing device, The two computing devices transmit instructions for adjusting brightness of a display of the second computing device.

The details of one or more examples of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims.

Description of drawings

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system for adjusting the brightness of a remote display using a light sensor according to one or more techniques of this disclosure.

2 is a block diagram illustrating additional details of an example system for adjusting the brightness of a remote display using a light sensor in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure.

3 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device that outputs image content for display at a remote device and adjusts screen brightness of the remote device in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure.

4 is a flowchart illustrating example operation of a computing device using a light sensor to adjust brightness of a remote display according to one or more techniques of this disclosure.

detailed description

Techniques in accordance with this disclosure may enable a computing device to adjust the brightness of a display of a computing device based on an ambient light level of a remote computing device. For example, a computing device may not include an ambient light level sensor. Alternatively, the computing device may be communicatively coupled to a remote computing device that includes an ambient light sensor. The remote computing device may determine an ambient light level at the location of the remote computing device and provide the ambient light level to the computing device. Based on the ambient light level provided by the remote computing device, the computing device may dynamically adjust the brightness of a display of the computing device. In some examples, the remote computing device may be based on determining whether the ambient light level detected by the remote computing device is indicative of an ambient light level at the location of the computing device (e.g., using the remote computing device's context, computing device's environment, etc.) to selectively provide the ambient light level to the computing device. That is, the remote computing device may provide ambient light level information to the computing device in response to determining that the ambient light level detected by the remote computing device is likely to be the same or similar to the ambient light level at the location of the computing device.

In this disclosure, examples are described in which a computing device and/or computing system can analyze information (e.g., location, velocity, etc.) associated with a computing device only if the computing device receives permission from the user to analyze the information . For example, where a computing device, discussed below, may collect or may utilize information associated with a user, the user may be provided with an opportunity to provide input controlling whether programs and features of the computing device may collect and use user information (eg, information about the user's current location, current speed, etc.), or to specify whether and/or how the computing device may receive content related to the user. Additionally, prior to storage or use by a computing device and/or computing system, certain data may be processed in one or more ways such that personally identifiable information is removed. For example, the identity of the user may be processed such that no personally identifiable information about the user is determined, or the geographic location of the user for which location information (such as city, zip code, or state level) may be obtained may be generalized such that the user cannot be identified specific location. Accordingly, the user may exercise control over how information about the user is collected and how the computing device uses that information.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an example system that uses a light sensor to adjust the brightness of a remote display according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. As shown in the example of FIG. 1 , the system includes a mobile computing device 2 and a wearable computing device 20 . In some examples, computing device 2 may be communicatively and/or operatively coupled to wearable computing device 20 using wireless communications (such as Bluetooth, near field communication, WiFi, etc.). In some examples, the mobile computing device 2 may be located in a user's bag or pocket, and the wearable computing device may be on the user's wrist.

In the example of FIG. 1 , mobile computing device 2 includes user interface (“UI”) device 4 , user interface (“UI”) module 6 , communication module 8 , brightness control module 10 , and ambient light sensor 12 . Examples of mobile computing devices 2 may include, but are not limited to, portable or mobile devices such as mobile phones (including smart phones), tablet computers, laptop computers, cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), gaming systems, media players , e-book readers, TV platforms, etc. Other examples of mobile computing device 2 that implement techniques of this disclosure may include additional components not shown in FIG. 1 .

UI device 4 of mobile computing device 2 may serve as a corresponding input and/or output device of mobile computing device 2 . A user associated with mobile computing device 2 may interact with mobile computing device 2 by providing various user inputs into mobile computing device 2 (eg, using the at least one UI device 4 ). The UI device 4 can be implemented using various technologies. For example, the UI device 4 may be used as an input device using a presence sensitive input screen such as a resistive touch screen, a surface acoustic wave touch screen, a capacitive touch screen, a projected capacitive touch screen, a pressure sensitive screen, an acoustic pulse recognition touch screen, or another Sensitive display technology exists. The UI device 4 may be used as an output (e.g., display) device using any one or more display devices, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a dot matrix display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) A display, electronic ink, or similar monochrome or color display capable of outputting visual information to a user of mobile computing device 2 . In some examples, the display device may be physically separated from the presence-sensitive device included in mobile computing device 2 .

UI device 4 may include a presence-sensitive display that may receive tactile input from a user of mobile computing device 2 . UI device 4 may receive an indication of tactile input by detecting one or more gestures from a user (eg, a user touching or pointing to one or more locations of UI device 4 with a finger or stylus). The UI device 4 may present the output to the user, for example at a respective presence sensitive display. The UI device may present the output as a corresponding graphical user interface, which may be associated with the functionality provided by the computing device 2 . For example, UI device 4 may present various user interfaces related to the functionality of computing platforms, operating systems, applications, and/or services executing at or accessible through mobile computing device 2 . A user may interact with the user interface to cause mobile computing device 2 to perform corresponding operations related to that function.

Mobile computing device 2 may include a user interface (“UI”) module 6 , a communication module 8 , and a brightness control module 10 . UI module 6 may perform one or more functions to receive indications of input, such as user input, and to send indications of the input to other components associated with mobile computing device 2 . The UI module 6 may receive indications of user input from various sources such as the UI device 4, the communication module 8, a network interface or a user input device. UI module 6 may use the data to cause other components associated with mobile computing device 2 , such as UI device 4 , to provide output based on the data.

In some examples, communications module 8 may manage communications between mobile computing device 2 and external (eg, remote) devices. In some examples, communications module 8 may also manage communications between mobile computing device 2 and one or more wearable computing devices, such as wearable computing device 20 . As one example, communication module 8 may transmit ambient light level data to wearable computing device 20 . As another example, communication module 8 may receive indications of user input detected by wearable computing device 20 . In some examples, communications module 8 may provide the received information to other components of mobile computing device 2 . For example, the communication module 8 may provide the received user input information to the brightness control module 10 for processing.

Brightness control module 10 may adjust the brightness of a display device communicatively and/or operatively coupled to mobile computing device 2 (eg, the display device of UI device 4 ). For example, brightness control module 10 may receive information from ambient light sensor 12 regarding the ambient light level of the location of mobile computing device 2 . Using the ambient light level information, the brightness control module 10 can adjust the brightness level of the display device. If the ambient light level information indicates a relatively low amount of ambient light (eg, dark), brightness control module 10 may reduce the brightness level of the display device. If the ambient light level information indicates a relatively high amount of ambient light (eg, bright yes), brightness control module 10 may increase the brightness level of the display. In general, the brightness control module 10 may be configured to dynamically adjust the brightness level of the display based on the ambient light level information. There may be many different brightness levels of the display device, and brightness control module 10 may be configured to select different brightness levels based on ambient light level information.

Ambient light sensor 12 may be a hardware ambient light sensor that detects the amount of light in the environment surrounding mobile computing device 2 . In some examples, ambient light sensor 12 may include one or more of a photoresistor, a photocell, a photodiode, and/or a phototransistor. Typically, ambient light sensor 12 is configured to mimic the sensitivity of the human eye to the visual spectral range of light having wavelengths of 380nm to 780nm. However, ambient light sensor 12 may be configured with different sensitivities and configured for different wavelengths of light. For example, ambient light sensor 12 may be configured to respond to infrared and/or ultraviolet light, and may be configured to compensate for detected infrared and/or ultraviolet light such that adjustments to the brightness level of the display by brightness control module 10 Can be more precise.

Modules 6, 8, and 10 may perform the described operations using software, hardware, firmware, or a mixture of hardware, software, and firmware that resides in and/or executes at the respective mobile computing device 2 . Mobile computing device 2 may utilize one or more processors to execute corresponding modules 6, 8, and 10, respectively. The mobile computing device 2 may cause the respective modules 6 , 8 , and 10 to execute as one or more virtual machines executing on the underlying hardware of the mobile computing device 2 . Modules 6 , 8 , and 10 may execute as one or more services or components of an operating system or computing platform of mobile computing device 2 . Modules 6 , 8 , and 10 may execute as one or more executable programs at the application layer of a computing platform of computing device 2 . The UID 4 and modules 6, 8, and 10 may otherwise be remotely located from and remotely accessible to the respective mobile computing device 2, e.g., as one or more web services operating in a web cloud .

In the example of FIG. 1 , wearable computing device 20 includes UI device 22 , communication module 24 and brightness control module 26 . Examples of wearable computing device 20 may include, but are not limited to, smart watches, smart glasses, headsets, mobile phones (including smart phones), tablet computers, cameras, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like.

A user associated with wearable computing device 12 may interact with wearable computing device 20 by providing various user inputs to wearable computing device 20 , eg, using at least one UI device 22 . In some examples, at least one UI device 22 is configured to receive tactile input, audio input, or visual input. In addition to receiving input from a user, UI device 22 may be configured to output content, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), for display. In some examples, UI device 22 may include a display and/or a presence-sensitive input device. In some examples, the presence-sensitive input device and display can be integrated into a presence-sensitive display that uses capacitive, inductive, surface acoustic wave, and/or optical detection at or near the presence-sensitive display to display the GUI and receive Input from the user. In other examples, the display device may be physically separate from the presence-sensitive device included in wearable computing device 22 .

In some examples, communication module 24 may manage communications between wearable computing device 20 and a mobile computing device, such as mobile computing device 2 . For example, communication module 24 may exchange information with mobile computing device 2 . As one example, communication module 24 may receive an indication of the ambient light level from mobile computing device 2 . In some examples, communication module 24 may exchange information with other components of wearable computing device 20 . For example, communication module 24 may provide an indication of the received ambient light level to brightness control module 26 .

Communications module 24 or brightness control module 26 (collectively "wearable computing device modules") may be implemented in various ways. For example, one or more wearable computing device modules may be implemented as downloadable or pre-installed applications or "apps." In another example, one or more wearable computing device modules may be implemented as part of a hardware unit of wearable computing device 20 . In another example, one or more wearable computing device modules may be implemented as part of the operating system of wearable computing device 20 .

Depending on the display technology, typically, wearable computing device 20 does not include an ambient light sensor. Wearable computing device 20 may be configured to receive ambient light level information from mobile computing device 2 (e.g., using communication module 24) and adjust (e.g., using brightness control module 26) the display device (e.g., UI) of wearable computing device 20. device 4), rather than including an ambient light sensor within the wearable computing device 20. Mobile computing device 2 may be configured to provide the ambient light level detected by ambient light sensor 12 to wearable computing device 20 .

Mobile computing device 2 may detect the ambient light level of the current location of mobile computing device 2 using, for example, ambient light sensor 12 . The ambient light sensor 12 may provide an indication of the detected ambient light level to the brightness control module 10 . Brightness control module 10 may adjust the brightness of a display of mobile computing device 2 (eg, UI device 4 , a display device component of UI device 4 , etc.) based on the detected ambient light level. For example, the brightness control module 10 may adjust the brightness of the display in proportion to the detected ambient light level, such that the brighter the detected ambient light, the brighter the display.

Brightness control module 10 may also determine whether the detected ambient light level is indicative of an ambient light level of one or more other devices associated with mobile computing device 2 . To determine whether the detected ambient light level is indicative of the ambient light level of other devices, brightness control module 10 may analyze the context of mobile computing device 2 and/or at least one of the one or more devices associated with mobile computing device 2. a situation. Generally, as a non-limiting example, the context of mobile computing device 2 and each of the one or more other devices associated with mobile computing device 2 may include each device's current location, current date, Current time, calendar information (e.g., scheduled events), text communication (e.g., email, text message, social network post, etc.), audio communication (e.g., voice mail, voice message), sensor data (e.g., gyroscope data, accelerometer data, proximity sensor data, etc.), currently executing applications, application usage history, web usage history, other people and/or devices located near the mobile computing device 2 and/or other devices, communicatively coupled to the mobile computing device 2 and/or other devices Computing device 2 and/or other devices of other devices, etc.

To the extent that the systems discussed herein may collect personal information about the user or may utilize the user's personal information, the user may be given the opportunity to control whether and to what extent the program or feature collects the user's information (e.g., about information about the user's social network, social actions or activities, occupation, user's preferences, or user's current location); or control whether and/or how to receive content from content servers that may be more relevant to the user. Additionally, certain data may be processed in one or more ways such that personally identifiable information is removed before it is stored or used. For example, a user's identity may be processed such that no personally identifiable information is determined for the user, or a user's geographic location may be generalized, where location information (such as city, zip code, or state level) may be captured such that Determine the specific location of the user. Therefore, the user has control over: how information about the user is collected and how the content server uses that information.

In one example of how mobile computing device 2 may use context to determine whether a detected ambient light level is indicative of the ambient light level of one or more other devices associated with mobile computing device 2, ambient light sensor 12 may detect very Low ambient light levels (eg, near darkness). Mobile computing device 2 may determine that the current time corresponds to daylight (eg, a time when the ambient light level should correspond to daylight), and determine that the current location of mobile computing device 2 corresponds to an outdoor location (eg, a location outside a building). Brightness control module 10 may also receive additional information from one or more other sensors, such as proximity sensors. In this example, the proximity sensor may be located on the same side of mobile computing device 2 as ambient light sensor 12 (eg, on the side that includes the display), and may indicate that an object is in close proximity to the display. Brightness control module 10 may also receive motion data from an accelerometer of mobile computing device 2 . The motion data may indicate that the mobile computing device is not currently moving (ie, is stationary). Based on the context information provided to brightness control module 10, brightness control module 10 may determine that the detected ambient light level is not indicative of an ambient light level at the location of one or more other devices (e.g., because the context information indicates that mobile computing device 2 placed on a table with the screen side facing down). In response to determining that the detected ambient light level is not indicative of the ambient light level of the location of the one or more other devices, brightness control module 10 refrains from outputting information indicative of the detected ambient light level to the one or more other devices.

As another example, the context of mobile computing device 2 may include gyroscope data that instructs mobile computing device 2 to be positioned at an angle associated with a typical angle at which a user views the display of mobile computing device 2 (e.g., relative to 40 degrees to the ground) is positioned. The context may also include motion data indicating movement corresponding to walking motion and a current time of day corresponding to. Based on the set of context data, brightness control module 10 may determine that the detected ambient light level corresponding to moderately bright conditions (eg, cloudy sky) is indicative of the ambient light level of one or more other devices.

In response to determining that the detected ambient light level is indicative of the ambient light level of the one or more other devices, brightness control module 10 may determine which of the one or more other devices are communicatively coupled to mobile computing device 10 . For example, brightness control module 10 may determine that wearable computing device 20 is communicatively coupled to mobile computing device 2 because wearable computing device 20 is currently using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other communication protocols capable of exchanging data (e.g., using communication module 8) Connect to mobile computing device 2 . The brightness control module 10 may transmit an instruction for adjusting the brightness of the display (eg, the UI device 22 ) of the wearable computing device 20 to the wearable computing device 20 via the communication module 8 . The instructions may include instructions to specify a brightness level for the display, an indication of a detected ambient light level, or both.

Wearable computing device 20 receives the instructions (eg, using communication module 24 ), and brightness control module 26 adjusts the brightness of the display of wearable computing device 20 based on the received instructions. In some examples, brightness control module 26 may analyze the received instructions and determine a brightness level for the display of wearable computing device 20 based on the ambient light level information included in the instructions. Brightness control module 26 may also determine that the instructions are indicative of setting a particular brightness level for the display. In various examples, brightness control module 26 may override the specified brightness level (eg, based on user configuration data, based on ambient light level information included in the instructions, etc.).

In this manner, techniques of this disclosure may enable a computing device (eg, wearable computing device 20 ) to provide ambient light sensor supported functionality without including one within the computing device. By using ambient light level values determined by a remote computing device (e.g., mobile computing device 2), the computing device can be physically smaller, providing better battery life (e.g., due to the inclusion of an ambient light sensor that can provide Larger battery capacity supported by additional space). In instances where the remote computing device selectively sends ambient light level information to the computing device, it is more likely that the ambient light level detected by the remote computing device will accurately reflect the ambient light level at the location of the computing device than the remote computing device This may provide a better user experience than always providing ambient light level information to the computing device. Furthermore, in instances where multiple computing devices are communicatively coupled to a single remote computing device, the remote computing device can provide ambient light level information to all computing devices, reducing the amount of hardware and associated financial and power costs for each computing device .

2 is a block diagram illustrating additional details of an example system for adjusting brightness of a remote display using a light sensor in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates only one particular example of mobile computing device 2 and wearable computing device 20 , and many other examples of mobile computing device 2 and wearable computing device 20 may be used in other examples.

2, mobile computing device 2 includes UI device 4, ambient light sensor 12, one or more processors 40, one or more input devices 42, one or more communication units 44, one or more output device 46 , one or more sensors 48 , and one or more storage devices 50 . In the example of FIG. 2 , mobile computing device 2 further includes UI module 6 , communication module 8 , brightness control module 10 , context module 52 , and operating system 54 executable by one or more processors 40 . Each of components 4, 12, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, and 50 may be coupled (physically, communicatively, and/or operatively) using communication channel 56 for inter-component communication. In some examples, communication channel 56 may include a system bus, a network connection, an inter-process communication data structure, or any other method for communicating data. UI module 6 , communication module 8 , brightness control module 10 , context module 52 , and operating system 54 may also communicate information with each other and with other components in mobile computing device 2 .

In one example, one or more processors 40 are configured to implement functions and/or process instructions for execution within mobile computing device 2 . For example, processor 40 is capable of processing instructions stored by storage device 50 . Examples of one or more processors 40 may include any one or more of the following: a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) ), or an equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuit.

One or more storage devices 50 may be configured to store information within mobile computing device 2 during operation. In some examples, storage device 50 includes a computer-readable storage medium or a computer-readable storage device. In some examples, storage device 50 includes transient memory, which means that the primary purpose of storage device 50 is not long-term storage. In some examples, storage device 50 includes volatile memory, meaning that storage device 50 does not retain stored content when power is not supplied to storage device 50 . Examples of volatile memory include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memory known in the art. In some examples, storage device 50 is used to store program instructions for execution by processor 40 . In some examples, storage device 50 is used by software or applications (eg, brightness control module 10 ) running on mobile computing device 2 to temporarily store information during program execution.

In some examples, storage device 50 may further include one or more storage devices 50 configured for long-term storage of information. In some examples, storage device 50 includes non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements include magnetic hard disks, optical disks, floppy disks, flash memory, or forms of electrically programmable memory (EPROM) or electrically erasable programmable (EEPROM) memory.

In some examples, mobile computing device 2 also includes one or more communication units 44 . In one example, mobile computing device 2 utilizes communication unit 44 to communicate with external devices via one or more networks, such as one or more wireless networks. Communications unit 44 may be a network interface card (such as an Ethernet card), an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, or any other type of device that can send and receive information. Other examples of such network interfaces may include: Bluetooth, 3G, and Wi-Fi wireless computing devices, and Universal Serial Bus (USB). In some examples, mobile computing device 2 utilizes communication unit 44 to communicate wirelessly with external devices, such as servers or wearable computing devices. For example, mobile computing device 2 may communicate wirelessly with wearable computing device 20 via link 82 using communication unit 44 . In some examples, communication unit 44 may receive input from other components of mobile computing device 2, such as communication module 8, which enables communication unit 44 to communicate with an external device, such as a communication unit of wearable computing device 20. 64) Communicating wirelessly.

In one example, mobile computing device 2 also includes one or more input devices 42 . In some examples, input device 42 is configured to receive input from a user through a tactile source, an audio source, or a video source. Examples of input devices 42 include a presence sensitive device such as a presence sensitive display, mouse, keyboard, voice response system, video camera, microphone, or any other type of device for detecting commands from a user. In some examples, the presence sensitive display includes a touch sensitive display.

One or more output devices 46 may also be included in mobile computing device 2 . In some examples, output device 46 is configured to provide output to the user through the use of tactile stimuli, audio stimuli, or visual stimuli. In one example, output device 46 includes a presence sensitive display, sound card, video graphics adapter card, or any other type of device for converting a signal into an appropriate form understandable by a human or machine. Additional examples of output devices 46 include speakers, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), or any other type of device that can generate intelligent output to a user. In some examples, UI device 4 may include the functionality of one or more input devices 42 and/or output devices 46 .

The mobile computing device 2 may also include a UI device 4 . In some examples, UI device 4 is configured to receive tactile input, audio input, or visual input. In addition to receiving input from a user, the UI device 4 may be configured to output content, such as a GUI, for display at a display device, such as a presence sensitive display. In some examples, UI device 4 may include a presence-sensitive display that displays a GUI and receives input from a user using capacitive detection, inductive detection, and/or optical detection at or near the presence-sensitive display. In some examples, UI device 4 is both one of input devices 44 and one of output devices 46 .

In some examples, UI device 4 of mobile computing device 2 may include the functionality of input device 42 and/or output device 46 . In some examples, a presence-sensitive device may detect objects at and/or near the presence-sensitive device. As an example range, the presence sensitive device may detect an object, such as a finger or stylus within two inches or less of the presence sensitive device. The presence-sensitive device may determine the location (eg, (x,y,z) coordinates) of the presence-sensitive device that detected the object. In another example range, the presence sensitive device may detect an object within six inches or less of the presence sensitive device. Other ranges are also possible. The presence sensitive device may determine the location of the device selected by the object by using capacitive, inductive, and/or optical recognition techniques. In some examples, the presence-sensitive device provides output to the user by using tactile stimuli, audio stimuli, or visual stimuli described for output device 46 .

Sensors 48 may be configured to determine the location of mobile computing device 2 , detect movement of mobile computing device 2 , and/or collect other information associated with mobile computing device 2 . For example, sensors 48 may be configured to measure the position, rotation, velocity, and/or acceleration of mobile computing device 2 . Examples of sensors 48 that detect and/or measure movement of mobile computing device 2 may include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and compasses. Sensors 48 may also include galvanic skin response sensors, proximity sensors, and any other type of sensor capable of collecting information related to mobile computing device 2 .

Mobile computing device 2 may include an operating system 54 . In some examples, operating system 54 controls the operation of components of mobile computing device 2 . For example, in one example, operating system 54 facilitates UI module 6, communication module 8, brightness Communication between the control module 10 and the context module 52 . UI module 6, communication module 8, brightness control module 10, and context module 52 may each include program instructions and/or data executable by mobile computing device 2 (eg, by one or more processors 40). As one example, brightness control module 10 may include instructions that cause mobile computing device 2 to perform one or more of the operations and actions described in this disclosure.

Mobile computing device 2 may include additional components, which are not shown in FIG. 2 for clarity. For example, mobile computing device 2 may include a battery for providing power to components of mobile computing device 2 . Similarly, the components of mobile computing device 2 shown in FIG. 2 may not necessarily need to be present in every instance of mobile computing device 2 . For example, in some configurations, mobile computing device 2 may not include output device 46 .

2, the wearable computing device 20 includes a UI device 22, one or more processors 60, one or more input devices 62, one or more communication units 64, one or more output devices 66, one or more sensors 68 , and one or more storage devices 70 . In the example of FIG. 2 , wearable computing device 20 further includes communication module 24 , brightness control module 26 , UI module 72 , and operating system 74 executable by one or more processors 60 . The various components 22, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, and 70 may be coupled (physically, communicatively, and/or operatively) through the use of a communication channel 76 for inter-component communication. In some examples, communication channel 76 may include a system bus, a network connection, an inter-process communication data structure, or any other channel for communicating data. Communication module 24 , brightness control module 26 , UI module 72 , and operating system 74 may also communicate information with each other and with other components in wearable computing device 20 .

In one example, one or more processors 60 are configured to implement functions and/or process instructions for execution within wearable computing device 20 . For example, processor 60 may be capable of processing instructions stored by storage device 70 . Examples of one or more processors 60 may include: microprocessors, controllers, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or equivalent discrete or integrated Any one or more of logic circuitry.

One or more storage devices 70 may be configured to store information within wearable computing device 20 during operation. In some examples, storage device 70 includes a computer-readable storage medium or a computer-readable storage device. In some examples, storage device 70 includes temporary memory, which means that the primary purpose of storage device 70 is not long-term storage. In some examples, storage device 70 includes volatile memory, which means that storage device 70 will not retain stored content when power is not provided to storage device 70 . Examples of volatile memory include random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), and other forms of volatile memory known in the art. In some examples, storage device 70 is used to store program instructions for execution by processor 60 . In some examples, storage device 70 is used by software or applications running on wearable computing device 20 (eg, brightness control module 26 ) to temporarily store information during program execution.

In some examples, storage device 70 may further include one or more storage devices 70 configured for long-term storage of information. In some examples, storage device 70 includes non-volatile storage elements. Examples of such non-volatile storage elements include magnetic hard disks, optical disks, floppy disks, flash memory, or forms of electrically programmable memory (EPROM) or electrically erasable programmable (EEPROM) memory.

In some examples, wearable computing device 20 also includes one or more communication units 64 . In one example, wearable computing device 20 utilizes communication unit 64 to communicate with external devices via one or more networks, such as one or more wireless networks. Communications unit 64 may be a network interface card (such as an Ethernet card), an optical transceiver, a radio frequency transceiver, or any other type of device that can send and receive information. Other examples of such network interfaces may include: Bluetooth, 3G, and Wi-Fi wireless computing devices, and Universal Serial Bus (USB). In some examples, wearable computing device 20 utilizes communication unit 64 to communicate wirelessly with external devices, such as a mobile computing device or a server. For example, wearable computing device 20 may communicate wirelessly with mobile computing device 2 via link 82 using communication unit 64 . In some examples, communication unit 64 may receive input from other components of wearable computing device 20, such as communication module 24, which enables communication unit 64 to communicate with an external device, such as a communication unit of mobile computing device 2. 44) Communicating wirelessly.

In one example, wearable computing device 20 also includes one or more input devices 62 . In some examples, input device 62 is configured to receive input from a user through a tactile source, an audio source, or a video source. Examples of input devices 62 include a presence sensitive device such as a presence sensitive display, mouse, keyboard, voice response system, video camera, microphone, or any other type of device for detecting commands from a user. In some examples, the presence sensitive display includes a touch sensitive display.

One or more output devices 66 may also be included in wearable computing device 20 . In some examples, output device 66 is configured to provide output to the user through the use of tactile stimuli, audio stimuli, or visual stimuli. In one example, output device 66 includes a presence sensitive display, sound card, video graphics adapter card, or any other type of device for converting a signal into an appropriate form understandable by a human or machine. Additional examples of output devices 66 include speakers, cathode ray tubes (CRTs), monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), or any other type of device that can generate intelligent output to a user. In some examples, UI device 22 may include the functionality of one or more input devices 62 and/or output devices 66 .

Wearable computing device 20 may also include UI device 22 . In some examples, UI device 22 is configured to receive tactile input, audio input, or visual input. In addition to receiving input from a user, UI device 22 may be configured to output content, such as a GUI, for display at a display device, such as a presence-sensitive display. In some examples, UI device 22 may include a presence-sensitive display that displays a GUI and receives input from a user using capacitive detection, inductive detection, and/or optical detection at or near the presence-sensitive display. In some examples, UI device 22 is one of input devices 62 and one of output devices 66 .

In some examples, UI device 22 of wearable computing device 20 may include the functionality of input device 62 and/or output device 66 . In some examples, a presence-sensitive device may detect objects at and/or near the presence-sensitive device. As one example range, the presence sensitive device may detect an object (such as a finger or stylus within two inches or less of the presence sensitive device). The presence-sensitive device may determine the location (eg, (x,y,z) coordinates) of the presence-sensitive device that detected the object. In another example range, the presence sensitive device may detect an object within six inches or less of the presence sensitive device. Other ranges are also possible. The presence sensitive device may determine the location of the device selected by the object by using capacitive, inductive, and/or optical recognition techniques. In some examples, the presence-sensitive device provides output to the user through the use of tactile stimuli, audio stimuli, or visual stimuli described for output device 66 .

Sensors 68 may be configured to detect movement of wearable computing device 20 and/or collect other information associated with wearable computing device 20 . For example, sensor 68 may be configured to measure the position, rotation, velocity, and/or acceleration of wearable computing device 20 . Examples of sensors 68 that detect and/or measure movement of wearable computing device 20 may include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and compasses. Sensors 68 may also include clasp sensors (e.g., in examples where wearable computing device 20 includes clasps), galvanic skin response sensors, proximity sensors, and any other type of sensor capable of collecting information related to mobile computing device 2. .

Wearable computing device 20 may include an operating system 74 . In some examples, operating system 74 controls the operation of components of wearable computing device 20 . For example, in one example, operating system 74 utilizes processor 60 , communication unit 64 , storage device 70 , input device 62 , and output device 66 to facilitate communication of communication module 24 , brightness control module 26 , and UI module 72 . Communication module 24, brightness control module 26, and UI module 72 may each include program instructions and/or data executable by wearable computing device 20 (eg, by one or more processors 60). As one example, brightness control module 26 may include instructions for causing wearable computing device 20 to perform one or more operations and actions described in this disclosure.

In some examples, brightness control module 26 may perform one or more functions to determine a brightness level of a display of wearable computing device 20 (eg, a display device of UI device 22 ). For example, brightness control module 26 may receive instructions from mobile computing device 2 and determine a brightness level based on information included in the received instructions. Brightness control module 26 may provide the determined brightness level to other components of wearable computing device 20 , such as UI device 22 .

Wearable computing device 20 may include additional components, which are not shown in FIG. 2 for clarity. For example, wearable computing device 20 may include a battery for providing power to components of wearable computing device 20 . Similarly, the components of wearable computing device 20 shown in FIG. 2 may not necessarily need to be present in every instance of wearable computing device 20 . For example, in some configurations, wearable computing device 20 may not include input device 62 .

According to one or more aspects of the present disclosure, wearable computing device 20 may adjust the brightness of a display of wearable computing device 20 based on the ambient light level detected by mobile computing device 2 . For example, ambient light sensor 12 may detect the amount of ambient light at the location of mobile computing device 2 . Based on the detected amount of ambient light, brightness control module 10 may determine the ambient light level for the current location of mobile computing device 2 . In some examples, brightness control module 10 may adjust the brightness of a display device of mobile computing device 2 (eg, one of the display device and/or output device 46 of UI device 4 ).

Brightness control module 10 may also determine whether the ambient light level of mobile computing device 2 is indicative of the ambient light level of the current location of wearable computing device 20 . For example, brightness control module 10 may determine whether the ambient light level of mobile computing device 2 is indicative of the ambient light level of the current location of wearable computing device 20 by at least determining whether an object is at least partially blocking ambient light sensor 12 . In some examples, brightness control module 10 may determine whether an object is at least partially blocking ambient light sensor 12 based on the context of mobile computing device 2 . The context of the mobile computing device may be determined at least in part by context module 52 . That is, context module 52 may be operated by processor 40 to determine the context of mobile computing device 2 . The context may include, for example, sensor data from sensors 48, current time and date, current location of mobile computing device 2, and the like. Sensor data may include the orientation of mobile computing device 2 (eg, as detected by a compass and/or gyroscope), an indication of whether an object is proximate to a surface of mobile computing device 2 (eg, as detected by a proximity sensor), and the like.

In various examples, brightness control module 10 may determine whether an object is at least partially blocking ambient light sensor 12 based on the orientation of mobile computing device 2 . For example, if the orientation of mobile computing device 12 indicates that mobile computing device 2 is positioned such that the surface of mobile computing device 12 on which ambient light sensor 12 is located (e.g., the side of mobile computing device 12 including the display) is positioned front facing down (ie, facing the ground), then brightness control module 10 may determine that an object is at least partially blocking ambient light sensor 12 . As another example, if the orientation of mobile computing device 12 indicates that mobile computing device 2 is positioned such that the surface of mobile computing device 12 on which ambient light sensor 12 is located (e.g., the side of mobile computing device 12 that includes the display) is positioned is face-up (ie, facing the ground), then brightness control module 10 may determine that an object is not currently at least partially blocking ambient light sensor 12 .

In some examples, brightness control module 10 may determine that an object is at least partially blocking the ambient light sensor in response to determining that the amount of ambient light detected by ambient light sensor 12 is different from the predicted amount of ambient light determined based on the context of mobile computing device 2 . 12. As one example, ambient light sensor 12 may detect very low ambient light levels (eg, near darkness). Mobile computing device 2 may determine that the current time corresponds to daylight (eg, a time when the ambient light level should correspond to daylight), and determine that the current location of mobile computing device 2 corresponds to an outdoor location (eg, a location outside a building). Brightness control module 10 may also receive additional information from one or more other sensors, such as proximity sensors. In this example, the proximity sensor may be located on the same side of mobile computing device 2 as ambient light sensor 12 (eg, on the side that includes the display), and may indicate that an object is in close proximity to the display. Based on the context information provided to brightness control module 10 , brightness control module 10 may determine that there is an object that is at least partially blocking ambient light sensor 12 .

As another example, the context of mobile computing device 2 may include gyroscope data indicating that mobile computing device 2 is positioned at an angle associated with a typical angle at which a user views the display of mobile computing device 2 (e.g., relative to the ground). at 40 degrees) is positioned. The context may also include motion data indicating movement corresponding to walking motion and a current time of day corresponding to. Based on the set of context data, brightness control module 10 may determine that there is no object that is at least partially blocking ambient light sensor 12 . In response to determining that an object is not currently at least partially blocking ambient light sensor 12 , mobile computing device 2 may transmit an instruction to wearable computing device 20 to adjust the brightness of a display of wearable computing device 20 .

In some examples, mobile computing device 2 may be configured to determine whether the ambient light level of the current location of the first computing device is indicative of the ambient light level of the current location of the second computing device based on the current context of mobile computing device 2 . Context module 52 may determine the current context of mobile computing device 2 . In some examples, brightness control module 10 may determine the range of ambient light levels for the current context of mobile computing device 2 . Ambient light level ranges can be described in terms of lumens per square meter (ie, lux values). For example, the brightness control module 10 may determine that a very dark ambient light level corresponds to a range from 0 to 200 lux, a dark indoor ambient light level corresponds to a range from 201 to 400 lux, and a normally brightened indoor ambient light level corresponds to a range from 401 to 1000 lux. Range of lux corresponds, bright indoor ambient light level corresponds to the range of 1001 to 5000 lux, dim outdoor light level corresponds to the range of 5001 to 10,000 lux, cloudy outdoor light level corresponds to the range of 10,001 to 30,000 lux, and bright outdoor light level Corresponds to the range of 30,001 to 100,000 lux.

In examples where the current context of mobile computing device 2 includes the current time, brightness control module 10 may determine an ambient light level range associated with the current time. For example, if the current time is noon, the brightness control module 10 may determine that the ambient light level ranges between 10,000 and 100,000 lux. Mobile computing device 2 may be configured to, in response to determining that the ambient light level of the current location of mobile computing device 2 is within the range of ambient light levels associated with the current time, transmit to wearable computing device 20 a message for adjusting wearable computing information. A command for the brightness of the display of the device 20.

As another example, the current context of mobile computing device 2 may include current activities associated with a user of mobile computing device 2 . In this example, brightness control module 10 may determine a range of ambient light levels associated with current activity. For example, if the current activity is watching a movie at a movie theater, brightness control module 10 may determine that the ambient light level associated with the movie theater ranges between 201 and 400 lux. Mobile computing device 2 may be configured to, in response to determining that the ambient light level of the current location of mobile computing device 2 is within the range of ambient light levels associated with the current activity, transmit to wearable computing device 20 a message for adjusting wearable computing information. A command for the brightness of the display of the device 20.

In some examples, mobile computing device 2 may be configured to determine whether the ambient light level at the current location of mobile computing device 2 is indicative of wearable computing device 20 based on whether mobile computing device 2 and wearable computing device 20 are in physical proximity to each other. The ambient light level of the current location of 20. In the instance whether mobile computing device 2 and wearable computing device 20 are within a threshold distance of each other, mobile computing device 2 and wearable computing device 20 may be determined to be physically proximate to each other. The threshold distance may be any distance by which the ambient light level of the location of mobile computing device 2 may be indicative of the ambient light level of the location of wearable computing device 20 and may vary based on the context of mobile computing device 2 and wearable computing device 20 . For example, if the respective contexts of mobile computing device 2 and wearable computing device 20 indicate that their locations are both inside a structure (i.e., indoors), the threshold distance may be 5 feet, 20 feet, 100 feet, 1000 feet, or the like distance. Nevertheless, the threshold distance may be larger, such as 1 mile, 5 miles, if the respective contexts of the mobile computing device 2 and wearable computing device 20 indicate that they are both located outside of the structure (i.e., outdoors). miles etc.

In general, mobile computing device 2 may be configured to transmit to wearable computing device 20 an instruction to adjust the brightness of a display of wearable computing device 20 in response to determining that wearable computing device 20 is within a threshold distance of mobile computing device 2 . In some examples, mobile computing device 2 may determine whether wearable computing device 20 is within a threshold distance of mobile computing device 2 by at least determining whether mobile computing device 2 and wearable computing device 20 are communicatively coupled. Mobile computing device 2 may also determine whether wearable computing device 20 is within a threshold distance of mobile computing device 2 by at least determining whether mobile computing device 2 and wearable computing device 20 are communicatively coupled using a short-range wireless communication protocol.

As another example, mobile computing device 2 may receive an indication of ambient audio data detected by wearable computing device 20 from at least wearable computing device 20, and based on the ambient audio detected by mobile computing device 2 and the The comparison of the indications of ambient audio detected by computing device 20 to determine whether wearable computing device 20 is within a threshold distance of mobile computing device 2 determines whether wearable computing device 20 is within a threshold distance of mobile computing device 2 . For example, mobile computing device 2 may perform voiceprint recognition to determine that the audio detected by wearable computing device 20 is the same as the audio detected by mobile computing device 2 .

In some examples, mobile computing device 2 may be configured to receive motion data indicative of movement of wearable computing device 20 from at least wearable computing device 20 , and determine a difference between the motion data indicative of movement of wearable computing device 20 and the movement data indicative of wearable computing device 20 . determining whether the ambient light level at the current location of the mobile computing device 2 indicates that the wearable computing device 20 is within a threshold distance of the first computing device. The ambient light level of the current location. One or more sensors 68 (eg, accelerometers, gyroscopes, etc.) of wearable computing device 20 may detect movement of wearable computing device 20 and may generate motion data based on the detected movement. Similarly, one or more sensors 48 of mobile computing device 2 may detect movement of mobile computing device 2 and may generate motion data based on the detected movement.

In determining whether a relationship between the athletic data indicative of movement of the wearable computing device 20 and the athletic data indicative of movement of the mobile computing device 2 indicates that the wearable computing device 20 is within a threshold distance of the first computing device, the mobile computing device 2 may determine whether the pattern of athletic data received from wearable computing device 20 correlates with the pattern of athletic data generated by mobile computing device 2. For example, mobile computing device 2 may determine that motion data received from wearable computing device 20 corresponds to an arm swing motion, and determines that motion data generated by mobile computing device 2 corresponds to leg movement in a swing motion. Thus, mobile computing device 2 may determine that the combination of arm swing motion and leg swing indicates that both devices detected movement associated with walking. That is, the relationship between motion data indicative of movement of wearable computing device 20 and motion data indicative of movement of mobile computing device 2 is that both are currently detecting motion indicative of walking.

Based on this relationship, mobile computing device 2 may determine that mobile computing device 2 and wearable computing device 20 are in close proximity to each other, and therefore, the ambient light level at the current location of mobile computing device 2 is indicative of the ambient light at the current location of wearable computing device 20 class. Mobile computing device 2 may be configured to transmit to wearable computing device 20 an instruction to adjust a brightness of a display of wearable computing device 20 in response to determining that the relationship indicates that the second computing device is within a threshold distance of the first computing device. .

In general, in response to determining that the detected ambient light level is indicative of the ambient light level of one or more other devices, brightness control module 10 may transmit to wearable computing device 20 via communication module 8 information for adjusting wearable computing device 20 (e.g., command of the brightness of the display of the UI device 22). The instructions may include instructions to specify a brightness level for the display, an indication of a detected ambient light level, or both.

Wearable computing device 20 may receive instructions (eg, using communication module 24 ), and may adjust the brightness of a display of wearable computing device 20 based on the received instructions. In some examples, brightness control module 26 may analyze the received instructions and determine a brightness level for the display of wearable computing device 20 based on the ambient light level information included in the instructions. Brightness control module 26 may also determine that the instructions indicate setting a particular brightness level for the display. In various examples, brightness control module 26 may override the specified brightness level (eg, based on user configuration data, based on ambient light level information included in the instructions, etc.).

Brightness control module 26 may provide the determined brightness level to UI module 72 . UI module 72 may be operated by processor 60 to cause a display device (e.g., one or more of output device 66, UI device 22, etc.) of wearable computing device 20 to change the amount of light output by the display device (i.e., display device brightness). For example, UI module 72 may cause the display device to become brighter in response to sending an instruction to increase the brightness level of the display device, and may cause the display device to become brighter in response to sending an instruction to decrease the brightness level of the display device. dark.

3 is a block diagram illustrating an example computing device that outputs image content for display at a remote device and controls screen brightness of the remote device in accordance with one or more techniques of this disclosure. In general, graphical content may include any visual information that may be output for display, such as text, images, a set of moving images, and the like. The example shown in FIG. 3 includes computing device 130 , presence-sensitive display 134 , communication unit 140 , projector 150 , projection screen 152 , mobile device 156 , and visual display device 160 . Although computing devices are shown in the examples of FIGS. 1 and 3 as stand-alone computing devices 10 and 80 for illustrative purposes, computing devices such as computing device 130 may generally be Other suitable computing environments for the instructions and, for example, need not include any components or systems where sensitive displays are present.

As in the example of FIG. 3 , computing device 130 may be a processor including functionality as described for processor 40 of FIG. 2 . In such an example, computing device 130 may be operatively coupled to presence-sensitive display 134 through communication channel 132A, which may be a system bus or other suitable connection. As described further below, computing device 130 may also be operatively coupled to communication unit 140 via communication channel 132B, which may also be a system bus or other suitable connection. Although computing device 130 is shown separately in FIG. 3 for purposes of example, computing device 130 may be operatively coupled to presence-sensitive display 134 and communication unit 140 by any number of one or more communication channels.

In other examples, such as previously illustrated by mobile computing device 2 and wearable computing device 20 in FIGS. devices (including smart watches), laptops, etc. In some examples, a computing device may be a desktop computer, tablet computer, smart television platform, camera, personal digital assistant (PDA), server, mainframe computer, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1 , presence-sensitive display 134 (eg, UI devices 4 and 22 ) may include display device 136 and presence-sensitive input device 138 . Display device 136 may, for example, receive data from computing device 130 and display graphical content. In some examples, presence-sensitive input device 138 may use capacitive, inductive, and/or optical recognition techniques to determine one or more user inputs at presence-sensitive display 134 (e.g., continuous gestures, multi-touch gestures, single touch gestures, etc.), and transmit such user input indications to computing device 130 using communication channel 132A. In some examples, presence-sensitive input device 138 may be physically located on top of display device 136 such that when a user positions the input unit over a graphical element displayed by display device 136, the location of presence-sensitive input device 138 is not related to the displayed graphic. The position of the display device 136 of the element corresponds. In other examples, the presence-sensitive input device 138 may be physically located apart from the display device 136, and the location of the presence-sensitive input device 138 may correspond to the location of the display device 136 such that the presence-sensitive input device 138 may be Input to interact with the graphical element displayed at the corresponding location on the display device 136 .

As shown in FIG. 3 , computing device 130 may also include and/or be operatively coupled to communication unit 140 . The communication unit 140 may include the functionality of one or both of the communication units 44 and 64 as described in FIG. 2 . Examples of communications unit 140 may include a network interface card, Ethernet card, optical transceiver, radio frequency transceiver, or any other type of device that can send and receive information. Other examples of such communication units may include: Bluetooth, 3G, and WiFi radios, Universal Serial Bus (USB) interfaces, and the like. Computing device 130 may also include one or more other devices (e.g., input devices, output devices, memory, storage devices, etc., which are not shown in FIG. or multiple other devices operatively coupled.

FIG. 3 also illustrates projector 150 and projection screen 152 . Other such examples of projection devices may include electronic whiteboards, holographic display devices, and any other suitable device for displaying graphical content. Projector 150 and projection screen 152 may include one or more communication units that enable the respective devices to communicate with computing device 130 . In some examples, the one or more communication units may support communication between projector 150 and projection screen 152 . Projector 150 may receive data including graphical content from computing device 130 . In response to receiving the data, projector 150 may project graphical content on projection screen 152 . In some examples, projector 150 may use optical recognition techniques or other suitable techniques to determine one or more user inputs at the projection screen (e.g., continuous gestures, multi-touch gestures, single-touch gestures, etc.) and Such user input indications are transmitted to computing device 130 using one or more communication units. In such an example, projection screen 152 may be unnecessary, and projector 150 may project graphical content on any suitable medium and use optical recognition or other such suitable techniques to detect one or more user inputs .

In some examples, projection screen 152 may include presence sensitive display 154 . Presence sensitive display 154 may include a subset or all of the functionality of input device 4 and/or output device 22 as described in this disclosure. In some examples, presence-sensitive display 134 may include additional functionality. Projection screen 152 (eg, an electronic whiteboard) may receive data from computing device 130 and display graphical content. In some examples, presence-sensitive display 154 may determine one or more user inputs at projection screen 152 (e.g., continuous gestures, multi-touch gestures, single touch gestures, etc.) touch gestures, etc.) and transmit such user input indications to computing device 130 by using one or more communication units.

FIG. 3 also illustrates mobile device 156 and visual display device 160 . Each of mobile device 156 and visual display device 160 may include computing and connectivity capabilities. Examples of mobile devices 156 may include e-reader devices, convertible notebook devices, hybrid pad devices, wearable devices, and the like. Examples of visual display device 160 may include other semi-stationary devices such as televisions, computer monitors, and the like. As shown in FIG. 3 , the mobile device 156 may include a presence-sensitive display 158 . Visual display device 160 may include a presence sensitive display 162 . Presence sensitive displays 158 and 162 may include a subset or all of the functionality of UI device 4 and/or UI device 22 as described in this disclosure. In some examples, presence-sensitive displays 158 and 162 may include additional functionality. In any event, there is a sensitive display 162, eg, that can receive data from the mobile computing device 2 and display graphical content. In some examples, presence-sensitive display 162 may use capacitive, inductive, and/or optical recognition techniques to determine one or more user inputs (e.g., continuous gestures, multi-touch gestures, single-touch gestures) at the projection screen. etc.) and transmit such user input indications to computing device 130 by using one or more communication units.

As noted above, in some examples, computing device 130 may output graphical content for display at presence-sensitive display 134 coupled to computing device 130 via a system bus or other suitable communication channel. Computing device 130 may also output graphical content for display at one or more remote devices, such as projector 150 , projection screen 152 , mobile device 156 , and visual display device 160 . For example, computing device 130 may execute one or more instructions to generate and/or modify graphical content in accordance with the techniques of this disclosure. Computing device 130 may output data including graphical content to a communication unit of computing device 130 , such as communication unit 140 . Communications unit 140 may send the data to one or more remote devices, such as projector 150 , projection screen 152 , mobile device 156 , and/or visual display device 160 . As such, computing device 130 may output graphical content for display at one or more remote devices. In some examples, one or more remote devices may output graphical content at a presence-sensitive display included in and/or operatively coupled to a respective remote device.

In some examples, computing device 130 may not output graphical content at presence-sensitive display 134 operatively coupled to computing device 130 . In other examples, computing device 130 may output graphical content for display at presence-sensitive display 134 coupled to computing device 130 via communication channel 132A and at one or more remote devices. In such an example, the graphical content may be displayed at each respective device substantially simultaneously. For example, some delay may be introduced by communication latency to send data including graphical content to a remote device. In some examples, the graphical content generated by computing device 130 and output for display at presence-sensitive display 134 may be different than the graphical content output for display at one or more remote devices.

Computing device 130 may send and receive data using appropriate communication techniques. For example, computing device 130 may be operatively coupled to external network 144 using network link 142A. Each of the remote devices illustrated in FIG. 3 may be operatively coupled to network external network 144 through one of corresponding network links 142B, 142C, and 142D. External network 144 may include network hubs, network switches, network routers, etc. operatively coupled to each other to support information exchange between computing device 130 and the remote devices illustrated in FIG. 3 . In some examples, network links 142A-142D may be Ethernet, ATM, or other network connections. Such communications may be wireless and/or wired.

In some examples, computing device 130 may be operatively coupled to one or more remote devices included in FIG. 3 using direct device communication 148 . Direct device communications 148 may include communications by which computing device 130 sends and receives data directly with a remote device using wired communications or wireless communications. That is, in some examples of direct device communication 148, data sent by computing device 130 may not be forwarded through one or more additional devices before it is received at the remote device, or vice versa. Examples of direct device communication 138 may include: Bluetooth, Near Field Communication, Universal Serial Bus, Wi-Fi, Infrared, and the like. One or more remote devices illustrated in FIG. 3 may be operatively coupled to computing device 130 through communication links 146A-146D. In some examples, communication links 146A-146D may be connections using Bluetooth, near field communication, universal serial bus, infrared, or the like. Such connections may be wireless and/or wired.

In accordance with the techniques of this disclosure, computing device 130 may be operatively coupled to visual display device 160 using external network 144 and may transmit instructions to visual display device 160 to cause visual display device 160 to adjust the brightness level of visual display device 160 . In general, computing device 130 may detect an ambient light level at the current location of computing device 130 and may use the techniques described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 to determine whether the detected ambient light level at the current location of computer 130 is indicative of a visual display device Ambient light level at the location of 160. Visual display device 160 may receive the instructions and adjust the brightness of a display of visual display device 160 (eg, presence sensitive screen 162 ) based on the instructions. Although described with respect to visual display device 160, computing device 130 may determine whether a detected ambient light level at the current location of computing device 130 is indicative of projector 150, mobile device 156, or communicatively and/or operatively coupled to the computing device. 130 any corresponding position of any other display device. Computing device 130 may also transmit a corresponding communication to each device that determines that the detected ambient light level is indicative of the location of the corresponding device for causing each device to adjust the brightness of the display.

4 is a flowchart illustrating example operation of a computing device using a light sensor to adjust brightness of a remote display according to one or more techniques of this disclosure. The technique of FIG. 4 may be performed by one or more processors of a computing device, such as mobile computing device 2 and wearable computing device 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 . For purposes of illustration, the techniques of FIG. 4 are described within the context of mobile computing device 2 of FIGS. 1 and 2 , although computing devices having different configurations may perform the techniques of FIG. 4 .

According to one or more techniques of this disclosure, mobile computing device 2 may determine an ambient light level at a location where mobile computing device 2 is located (200). In some examples, mobile computing device 2 uses ambient light sensor 12 to determine the ambient light level. Ambient light sensor 12 measures the amount of light in the environment and provides an indication of the amount of light to other elements of mobile computing device 2 , such as brightness control module 10 . In some examples, brightness control module 10 may analyze the amount of light detected by ambient light sensor 12 and determine the ambient light level for the current location. In other examples, brightness control module 10 may use ambient light level information received from ambient light sensor 12 as the determined ambient light level for the current location of mobile computing device 2 .

Mobile computing device 2 may determine that the determined ambient light level of the current location of mobile computing device 2 is indicative of an ambient light level of a location where a second, different device (eg, wearable computing device 20 ) is located ( 202 ). As noted above, brightness control module 10 may make this determination based on a number of factors, including the proximity of the second device to mobile computing device 2 (i.e., whether the second device is within a threshold distance of mobile device 2), A comparison between the predicted ambient light level and the detected ambient light level, a determination of whether an object is at least partially blocking the ambient light sensor 12, the orientation of the mobile computing device 2, the current context of the mobile computing device 2, and the movement Computing device 2 user-associated activities, etc. If mobile computing device 2 determines that the detected ambient light level of the current location of mobile computing device 2 is not indicative of the ambient light level of wearable computing device 20 ("No" branch of 202), mobile computing device 2 may be prevented from sending instructions The information is transmitted to the wearable computing device 20 , so that the wearable computing device 20 adjusts the brightness of the display of the wearable computing device 20 .

If mobile computing device 2 determines that the detected ambient light level of the current location of mobile computing device 2 is indicative of the ambient light level of wearable computing device 20 ("Yes" branch of 202), mobile computing device 2 may send a message to wearable computing device 20. Device 20 transmits instructions to adjust the brightness of a display of wearable computing device 20 (204). The instructions may include instructions to specify a brightness level for the display, an indication of a detected ambient light level, or both. Based on the instructions, wearable computing device 20 may adjust the brightness of the display of wearable computing device 20 .

Example 1: A method comprising: determining, by a first computing device, an ambient light level at a current location of the first computing device; determining, by the first computing device, whether the ambient light level of the first computing device indicates a second the ambient light level of the current location of the second computing device; and in response to determining the ambient light level of the current location of the first computing device indicates the ambient light level of the current location of the second computing device, by the first computing device and Instructions for adjusting a brightness of a display of the second computing device are transmitted to the second computing device.

Example 2: The method of Example 1, further comprising refraining from transmitting the instruction in response to determining that the ambient light level of the current location of the first computing device is not indicative of a light level of the location of the second device.

Example 3: The method of Example 1, wherein determining whether the ambient light level of the current location of the first computing device is indicative of the ambient light level of the current location of the second computing device comprises determining, by the first computing device, whether the object is being at least partially An ambient light sensor of the first computing device is blocked, and wherein transmitting the instruction includes transmitting the instruction in response to determining that the object is not currently at least partially blocking the ambient light sensor.

Example 4: The method of any of Examples 1 to 3, the method further comprising: determining, by the first computing device, a current context of the first computing device, wherein determining whether the ambient light level of the current location of the first computing device is The ambient light level indicative of the current location of the second computing device is based on the current context of the first computing device.

Example 5: The method of Example 4, wherein the current context of the first computing device includes a current time, the method further comprising: determining, by the first computing device, an ambient light level range associated with the current time, wherein transmitting the The instructions include transmitting the instructions in response to determining that the ambient light level of the current location of the first computing device is within the ambient light level range associated with the current time.

Example 6: The method of Example 4, wherein the current context of the first computing device includes a current activity associated with a user of the first computing device, the method further comprising: determining, by the first computing device, a current activity associated with the current activity The range of ambient light levels, wherein transmitting the instruction includes transmitting the instruction in response to determining that the ambient light level of the current location of the first computing device is within the range of ambient light levels associated with the current activity.

Example 7: The method of any of Examples 1 to 6, wherein determining, by the first computing device, whether the ambient light level of the first computing device is indicative of an ambient light level of the second computing device comprises determining, by the first computing device, the Whether the second computing device is within a threshold distance of the first computing device, and wherein transmitting the instruction includes transmitting the instruction in response to determining that the second computing device is within the threshold distance of the first computing device.

Example 8: The method of Example 7, wherein determining, by the first computing device, whether the second computing device is within the threshold distance of the first computing device comprises determining whether the first computing device and the second computing device are communicatively coupled.

Example 9: The method of Example 7, wherein determining, by the first computing device, whether the second computing device is within a threshold distance of the first computing device comprises: determining, by the first computing device, whether the first computing device and the second computing device use A short-range wireless communication protocol is communicatively coupled.

Example 10: The method of Example 7, wherein determining, by the first computing device, whether the second computing device is within the threshold distance of the first computing device comprises: receiving, by the first computing device and from the second computing device, by the second computing device an indication of the detected ambient audio; and determining, by the first computing device, whether the second computing device is located at within a threshold distance of the first computing device.

Example 11: The method of any of Examples 1-10, wherein determining, by the first computing device, whether the ambient light level of the first computing device is indicative of an ambient light level of the second computing device comprises: by the first computing device and from The second computing device receives athletic data indicative of movement of the second computing device; and determining, by the first computing device, whether there is a relationship between the athletic data indicative of movement of the second computing device and the athletic data indicative of movement of the first computing device Indicating that the second computing device is within the threshold distance of the first computing device, and wherein transmitting the instruction includes transmitting the instruction in response to determining that the relationship indicates that the second computing device is within the threshold distance of the first computing device.

Example 12: The method of any of Examples 1-11, wherein determining whether the ambient light level of the first computing device is indicative of the ambient light level of the current location of the second computing device comprises: determining, by the first computing device, the first computing device an orientation of the device, and wherein transmitting the instruction includes transmitting the instruction in response to determining that the orientation of the first computing device indicates that the ambient light sensor of the first computing device is not at least partially blocked by the object.

Example 13: The method of any of Examples 1-12, the method further comprising: adjusting, by the first computing device, a brightness of a display of the first computing device based on the ambient light level.

Example 14: The method of any of Examples 1-13, wherein the first computing device is a mobile computing device, and wherein the second computing device is a wearable computing device.

Example 15: A computing device comprising: one or more processors; an ambient light sensor to detect an amount of ambient light at a location of the computing device; and at least one module executable by the one or more processors to: determine whether the amount of ambient light at the location of the computing device indicates an amount of ambient light at the location of a different computing device; and transmitting to the different computing device in response to determining that the amount of ambient light at the location of the computing device indicates the ambient light level at the current location of the different computing device Instructions for adjusting the brightness of the display of the different computing device.

Example 16: The computing device of example 15, wherein the one or more modules are further operable by the one or more processors to: determine whether an object is at least partially blocking an ambient light sensor of the first computing device; and respond The instruction is transmitted upon determining that an object is not currently blocking at least the ambient light sensor.

Example 17: The computing device of any of Examples 15-16, wherein the one or more modules are further operable by the one or more processors to: determine a current context of the computing device; The current context is used to determine whether the ambient light level of the current location of the computing device is indicative of the ambient light level of the current location of a different computing device.

Example 18: The computing device of any of Examples 15-17, wherein the current context of the first computing device includes a current time, and wherein the one or more modules are further operable by the one or more processors to : determining an ambient light level range associated with the current time; and transmitting the instruction in response to determining that the ambient light level of the computing device at the current time is within the ambient light level range associated with the current time.

Example 19: The computing device of Example 18, wherein the current context of the first computing device includes current activities associated with a user of the computing device, and wherein the one or more modules are further operable by the one or more processors Operable to: determine an ambient light level range associated with the current activity; and transmit the instruction in response to determining that the ambient light level of the current location of the computing device is within the ambient light level range associated with the current activity.

Example 20: The computing device of any of Examples 15-19, wherein the one or more modules are further operable by the one or more processors to: determine whether a different computing device is within a threshold distance of the computing device; and The instruction is transmitted in response to determining that a different computing device is within the threshold distance of the computing device.

Example 21: The computing device of example 20, wherein the one or more modules are operable by the one or more processors to: determine a different computing device by at least operative to determine whether the computing device and the different computing device are communicatively coupled Is within a threshold distance of the computing device.

Example 22: The computing device of Example 20, the computing device further comprising: an input device that detects ambient audio, wherein the one or more modules are operable by the one or more processors to: determine whether a different computing device is located at the computing Within a threshold distance of the device, by at least operating to: receive from a different computing device an indication of ambient audio detected by a different computing device; and based on the detected ambient audio by the input device and the indication of ambient audio detected by the different computing device to determine whether a different computing device is within a threshold distance of the computing device.

Example 23: The computing device of any of Examples 15-22, the computing device further comprising: one or more sensors that generate motion data based on movement of the computing device, wherein the one or more modules are operable via the one The or more processors are further operative to: receive motion data indicative of movement of the different computing device from the different computing device; determine a relationship between the motion data indicative of movement of the different computing device and motion data generated by the one or more sensors whether the relationship indicates that a different computing device is within a threshold distance of the computing device; and transmitting the instruction in response to determining that the relationship indicates that a different computing device is within the threshold distance of the computing device.

Example 24: The computing device of any of Examples 15-23, further comprising: one or more sensors that determine an orientation of the computing device, wherein the one or more modules are operable by the one or more processes The controller is further operative to: transmit the instruction in response to determining that the orientation of the computing device indicates that the ambient light sensor is not at least partially blocked by an object.

Example 25: A computing device comprising means for performing the method of any one of Examples 1-15.

Example 26: A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed, configure one or more processors of a computing device to: determine the ambient light level of the current location of the first computing device; whether the ambient light level of the device is indicative of the ambient light level of the current location of the second computing device; and responsive to determining that the ambient light level of the current location of the first computing device is indicative of the ambient light level of the current location of the second computing device A light level, transmitting to the second computing device instructions for adjusting the brightness of a display of the second computing device.

Example 27: The computer-readable storage medium of Example 26, the computer-readable storage medium further comprising instructions configuring the one or more processors to: determine a current activity associated with a user of the first computing device or an ambient light level range associated with at least one of the current time; and in response to determining that the ambient light level of the current location of the first computing device is within the ambient light level associated with at least one of the current activity or the current time The instruction is transmitted within the range.

Example 28: The computer-readable storage medium of any of Examples 26-27, further comprising instructions that configure the one or more processors to: An indication of ambient audio detected by the second computing device; determining whether the second computing device is located at the first computing device based on a comparison of the ambient audio detected by the first computing device with the indication of ambient audio detected by the second computing device and transmitting the instruction in response to determining that the relationship indicates that the second computing device is within the threshold distance of the first computing device.

Example 29: The computer-readable storage medium of any of Examples 26-28, the computer-readable storage medium further comprising instructions configuring the one or more processors to: receive from the second computing device an indication of the first motion data of movement of the second computing device; determining whether a relationship between the motion data indicative of movement of the second computing device and the motion data indicative of movement of the first computing device indicates that the second computing device is within a threshold distance of the computing device; and transmitting the instruction in response to determining that the relationship indicates that the second computing device is within the threshold distance of the first computing device.

Example 30: A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that, when executed, cause one or more processors of a computing device to perform the method of any one of Examples 1-15.

The techniques described in this disclosure may be implemented at least in part in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, various aspects of the described techniques may be implemented within one or more processors including: one or more microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) ), field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other equivalent integrated or discrete logic circuitry and any combination of these components. The term "processor" or "processing circuitry" may refer generally to any of the foregoing logic circuitry, alone or in combination with other logic circuitry, or any other equivalent circuitry. A control unit including hardware may also be indicative of one or more of the techniques of this disclosure.

Such hardware, software, and firmware may be implemented within the same device or within different devices to support the various techniques described in this disclosure. In addition, any of the described units, modules, or components may be implemented together or separately as discrete logic devices rather than as interoperable logic devices. Depiction of different features as modules or units is intended to emphasize different functional aspects and does not necessarily imply that such modules or units must be realized by separate hardware, firmware, or software components. Rather, the functions associated with one or more modules or units may be performed by separate hardware, firmware, or software components, or integrated within common or separate hardware, firmware, or software components.

The techniques described in this disclosure may also be embodied or encoded in an article of manufacture including a computer-readable storage medium encoded with instructions. Instructions embedded or encoded in an article of manufacture including an encoded computer-readable storage medium may cause one or more programmable processors or other processors to implement one or more of the techniques described herein, such as when, via one or more a processor to execute instructions contained or encoded in a computer-readable storage medium. Computer readable storage media may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable Read memory (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk ROM (CD-ROM), floppy disk, cassette tape, magnetic media, optical media, or other computer readable media. In some examples, an article of manufacture may include one or more computer-readable storage media.

In some examples, computer readable storage media may include non-transitory media. The term "non-transitory" may indicate that the storage medium does not embody a carrier wave or propagated signal. In some examples, non-transitory storage media may store data that may change over time (eg, in RAM or cache).

Various examples of the invention have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

1. a kind of method, including：

The ambient light level of the current location of first computing device is determined by the first computing device；

Determine whether the ambient light level of first computing device indicates that the second calculating is filled by first computing device The ambient light level of the current location put；And

In response to determining that the ambient light level of the current location of first computing device indicates second computing device The ambient light level of current location, is transmitted for adjusting by first computing device and to second computing device The instruction of the brightness of the display of second computing device.

2. method according to claim 1, further includes：

In response to determining that the ambient light level of the current location of first computing device does not indicate the position of second device Lighting level, it is to avoid the transmission instruction.

3. the method according to any one of claim 1-2, wherein：

Determine whether the ambient light level of the current location of first computing device indicates working as second computing device The ambient light level of front position includes：Determine whether object is just stopping at least in part by first computing device described The ambient light sensor of the first computing device, and

The transmission instruction includes：Pass in response to determining the object not stop the ambient light sensor at least in part The defeated instruction.

4. the method according to any one of claim 1-3, further includes：

The current context of first computing device is determined by first computing device,

Wherein it is determined that whether the ambient light level of the current location of first computing device indicates second computing device Current location current context of the ambient light level based on first computing device.

5. method according to claim 4, wherein, the current context of first computing device includes current time, institute The method of stating is further included：

The ambient light level scope being associated with the current time is determined by first computing device,

Wherein, transmitting the instruction includes：The ambient light level in response to determining the current location of first computing device The instruction is transmitted in the range of the ambient light level being associated with the current time.

6. method according to claim 4, wherein, the current context of first computing device includes and the described first meter The current active that the user of device is associated is calculated, methods described is further included：

The ambient light level scope being associated with the current active is determined by first computing device,

Wherein, transmitting the instruction includes：The ambient light level in response to determining the current location of first computing device The instruction is transmitted in the range of the ambient light level being associated with the current active.

7. the method according to any one of claim 1-6, wherein：

Determine by first computing device whether the ambient light level of first computing device indicates the second computing device Ambient light level includes：Determine whether second computing device is located at first computing device by first computing device Threshold distance in, and

The transmission instruction includes：In response to determining that second computing device is located at the threshold value of first computing device Apart from interior and transmit the instruction.

8. method according to claim 7, wherein, determine that second computing device is by first computing device It is no to include in the threshold distance of first computing device：Determine first computing device and second computing device Whether it is communicatively coupled.

9. method according to claim 7, wherein, determine that second computing device is by first computing device It is no to include in the threshold distance of first computing device：

Receive by first computing device and from second computing device and detected by second computing device Environmental audio instruction；And

By first computing device, based on the environmental audio detected by first computing device with by described the The comparison of the instruction of the environmental audio that two computing devices are detected, determines whether second computing device is located at described first In the threshold distance of computing device.

10. the method according to any one of claim 1-9, wherein：

Determine by first computing device whether the ambient light level of first computing device indicates the second computing device Ambient light level includes：

The movement for indicating second computing device is received by first computing device and from second computing device Exercise data；And

Determined by first computing device described with instruction in the exercise data of the movement for indicating second computing device Whether the relation between the exercise data of the movement of the first computing device indicates that second computing device is calculated described first In the threshold distance of device, and

The transmission instruction includes：In response to determining that the relation indicates second computing device in first computing device The threshold distance in and transmit the instruction.

11. methods according to any one of claim 1-10, wherein：

Determine whether the ambient light level of first computing device indicates the ambient light level bag of the current location of the second computing device Include：The orientation of first computing device is determined by first computing device, and

The transmission instruction includes：In response to determining that the orientation of first computing device indicates the ring of first computing device Border optical sensor is not stopped by object at least in part and transmits the instruction.

12. methods according to any one of claim 1-11, further include：

The display of first computing device is adjusted by first computing device and based on the ambient light level Brightness.

13. methods according to any one of claim 1-12, wherein, first computing device is mobile computing dress Put, and wherein, second computing device is wearable computing device.

A kind of 14. computing devices, the computing device are included for performing the side according to any one of claim 1-13 The part of method.

A kind of 15. computer-readable recording mediums including instruction, the instruction cause of computing device when executed Or method of multiple computing devices according to any one of claim 1-13.