Ambient Light Sensing via Light Guide Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ambient light sensors in devices often suffer from occlusion issues and require penetrations in the chassis, leading to inaccurate light measurements and aesthetic and functional drawbacks.
Innovation Solution
An ambient light sensor coupled to a light guide panel that directs and collects ambient light from a larger area, eliminating the need for penetrations and reducing occlusion, using a light guide panel with materials like plastic, glass, or metal to distribute light and position sensors within the device's chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ambient light sensors are used with penetrations in the chassis, then the sensor can detect ambient light, but the chassis structure is compromised and aesthetics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide panel is introduced as an intermediary component between the ambient light sensor and the external environment. The sensor is positioned behind the light guide panel, which redirects ambient light onto the sensor without requiring penetrations in the chassis. This mediator enables light transmission while maintaining the integrity and aesthetics of the chassis structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a direct linear path (sensor through penetration to external light) to a redirected path using the light guide panel. By utilizing the third dimension and optical redirection, the system eliminates the need for chassis penetrations while maintaining ambient light detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional ambient light sensors are used with penetrations in the chassis, then the sensor can detect ambient light, but the risk of water or dust intrusion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide panel serves as a protective intermediary that allows ambient light to reach the sensor while blocking harmful factors such as water and dust. The sensor remains sealed behind the light guide panel, eliminating direct exposure to environmental contaminants through chassis penetrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution converts the potential harm of requiring chassis penetrations for sensor access into a benefit by using the light guide panel to redirect light. This approach eliminates the vulnerability to water and dust intrusion while maintaining the sensor's ability to detect ambient light.
3Measurement precision
If traditional ambient light sensors are used, then the sensor can detect ambient light, but occlusion during use reduces measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide panel acts as an intermediary that collects ambient light from a broader area and redirects it to the sensor. This redistribution of light sources reduces the impact of localized occlusion, as the sensor receives light from multiple angles and areas rather than a single direct path.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide panel serves multiple functions: it maintains chassis integrity, protects the sensor from contaminants, and reduces occlusion effects by redistributing ambient light from a larger area. This multi-functionality addresses multiple problems simultaneously while enabling accurate ambient light detection.
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
Improves the accuracy of ambient light measurement and enhances the device's aesthetics and functionality by eliminating the need for apertures, reducing the risk of water or dust intrusion and occlusion.
Implementation Method 1
an ambient light sensor coupled to a light guide panel. The light guide panel may be configured to direct at least a portion of incident light onto a portion of the display panel
Data Source
AI summary
Devices such as electronic book readers, televisions, and so forth may use reflective display technologies. Described herein are devices and methods for ambient light sensing for use in conjunction with displays. A light guide panel is coupled to a light sensor to measure ambient light impinging on the light guide panel. Where the display is reflective, the light guide panel may be configured to provide for illumination of the display.