Absorptive Optical Fiber Cladding for Proximity Sensing Cross-Talk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cross-talk in optical fiber-based proximity sensing modules leads to erroneous outputs and incorrect readings due to unwanted or excessive light scattering between optical receiver and transmitter circuitry, affecting user-device interactions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating absorptive materials around optical transceiver circuitry, such as absorptive clads and jackets in optical fibers, to absorb unwanted light and reduce cross-talk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If optical transceiver circuitry is used for proximity sensing, then sensing functionality is enabled, but cross-talk causes erroneous outputs and incorrect readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing accuracyVSAvoidcross-talk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An absorptive material is introduced as an intermediary component positioned between the optical transmitter circuitry and optical receiver circuitry. This material absorbs stray light and prevents it from reaching the receiver, thereby eliminating cross-talk while maintaining the proximity sensing functionality of the optical transceiver system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If absorptive material is added to reduce cross-talk, then sensing accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproximity detection accuracyVSAvoidoptical fiber structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The absorptive material is nested within the existing optical fiber structure as an additional layer or component. This integration approach incorporates the cross-talk reduction functionality without requiring a complete redesign of the optical system, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while achieving improved measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Prevents erroneous outputs by improving the accuracy of proximity sensing, enhancing user-device interactions and reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

an absorptive material is disposed around optical transceiver circuitry (e.g., optical receiver circuitry and optical transmitter circuitry) to absorb the unwanted or excessive light and reduce cross-talk

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS12436647B2Systems and methods to control cross-talk of an optical fiber-based sensing module

Publication Date: 2025.10.07 APPLE INC

AI summary

A touch screen device includes a transmitter optical fiber, optical transmitter circuitry, a receiver optical fiber, optical receiver circuitry, and cover material. The transmitter optical fiber and/or the receiver optical fiber include a respective core, a respective absorptive clad circumferentially surrounding the respective core, and/or a respective absorptive jacket circumferentially surrounding the respective absorptive clad.