Ambient Light Sensor Under Display Leakage Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ambient light sensors in display devices face inaccuracies due to light leakage from the display pixel array, leading to incorrect brightness adjustments and power inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that compensates for display leakage by determining a display leakage component based on image content-driven readings, using a numerical aperture-limiting layer and pixel weighting maps to adjust ambient light measurements, ensuring accurate brightness control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the ambient light sensor is disposed under the display layer to enable brightness adjustment, then the display can adapt to ambient light conditions, but light leakage from the display pixel array causes inaccurate sensor readings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay brightness adaptationVSAvoidambient light sensor reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A numerical aperture-limiting layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the display pixel array and the ambient light sensor. This layer selectively blocks light leakage from the display while permitting ambient light to reach the sensor, thereby resolving the contradiction between enabling brightness adaptation and maintaining sensor reading accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The numerical aperture-limiting layer creates localized light blocking properties in specific regions where light leakage occurs, while maintaining optical transparency in other regions to allow ambient light passage. This spatially differentiated approach enables simultaneous achievement of light leakage reduction and ambient light detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If display brightness is adjusted based on ambient light sensor readings, then power consumption is reduced and battery life is extended, but incorrect readings lead to improper brightness control and reduced reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption efficiencyVSAvoidbrightness control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The numerical aperture-limiting layer serves as a mediator that ensures the ambient light sensor receives only genuine ambient light signals, blocking out display leakage. This results in reliable brightness control decisions that properly balance power savings with display quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the ambient light sensor continuously monitors ambient conditions, and the display brightness is adjusted accordingly. The numerical aperture-limiting layer ensures this feedback loop operates on accurate information, preventing improper brightness adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the ambient light sensor is positioned close to the display pixel array for compact design, then device integration is improved, but light leakage from the display interferes with sensor measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor integration compactnessVSAvoidambient light measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The numerical aperture-limiting layer is positioned between the display pixel array and the ambient light sensor, enabling close integration of components while preventing light leakage interference. This intermediary structure allows compact design without sacrificing measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution addresses the spatial proximity issue by introducing a functional layer in the optical path between the display and sensor. This dimensional approach to light management enables compact integration while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This approach provides accurate ambient light measurements by filtering out light leakage, resulting in improved display brightness adjustments and extended battery life by enhancing the reliability of ambient light sensor readings.

Implementation Method 1

a numerical aperture-limiting layer between the display pixel array and the ambient light sensor that blocks light leakage from the display pixel array from reaching the ambient light sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11482167B1Systems and methods for ambient light sensor disposed under display layer

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods for an ambient light sensor (ALS) disposed under a display layer. In some implementations, an ALS reading is adjusted by compensating for light leakage in a display environment. In some aspects, a display leakage component may be determined based on image content driven onto a display pixel array during the ALS reading. An ambient light measurement may be generated by subtracting the display leakage component from the ALS reading and then adjusting a display brightness of the display pixel array in response to the ambient light measurement.