Laser-Ablated Opaque Glass for Concealed Light Sensor Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for concealing ambient light sensors in display systems, such as those used in automotive interiors, often require semi-transparent ink layers that complicate and cost the manufacturing process, while also affecting the appearance of the display.
Innovation Solution
A glass article with an opaque layer of high optical density, featuring ablated portions that allow for selective regions of elevated optical transmission, enabling the sensor to detect ambient light without visible obstruction and maintaining the display's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a semi-transparent ink layer is screen printed onto the cover glass to conceal the sensor, then the sensor visibility is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the semi-transparent ink layer entirely and replaces it with an opaque layer that has transparent portions (holes) formed by laser ablation. This extracts the problematic semi-transparent layer that caused manufacturing complexity while achieving the same sensor concealment function through a different mechanism - the opaque layer with precise transparent openings provides both concealment and simplified manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the concealing layer by using an opaque material with optical density greater than 3.0, which provides superior concealment compared to semi-transparent ink. The transparent portions are precisely controlled with specific size ranges (0.5-5.0 mm diameter) to balance sensor functionality with aesthetic concealment, representing a parameter optimization approach.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an opaque layer with high optical density is used to conceal the sensor, then sensor concealment is improved, but light transmission to the sensor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the opaque concealing layer into multiple transparent portions (holes) distributed across the sensor region. This segmentation allows light to pass through multiple discrete pathways to reach the sensor while maintaining opaque coverage in the spaces between holes, thus achieving both concealment and light transmission. The segmented structure optimizes the balance between these two conflicting requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating transparent portions with specific optical properties (higher transmittance) in localized areas where sensor light reception is needed, while maintaining high optical density opaque material in surrounding areas for concealment. This spatial variation in optical properties resolves the contradiction between overall concealment and localized light transmission.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively conceals the sensor while ensuring sufficient light transmission for accurate ambient light detection, thereby improving display visibility and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
portions of the opaque layer are selectively removed to form a plurality of ablated portions
Data Source
AI summary
A glass article comprises a glass substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface, the second major surface being opposite the first major surface. An opaque layer is disposed on the second major surface. The opaque layer comprises an optical density of greater than 3.0 such that portions of the glass substrate covered by the opaque layer comprise an average optical transmission of less than or equal to 0.5% for light from 400 nm to 700 nm. Within a sensor region of the glass article, the opaque layer comprises a plurality of ablated portion such that an average optical transmission of the glass article within the sensor region is greater than or equal 1.0% for the light from 400 nm to 700 nm as a result of the plurality of ablated portions.