Ambient Light Sensing with Occlusion Detection in Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ambient light control in display devices is hindered by occlusion or shadowing of photodetectors, leading to inaccurate ambient light measurements and suboptimal display performance.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a plurality of light sensors at multiple locations, where a processor compares and processes signals to identify and disregard occluded sensors, deriving an accurate ambient light level by combining signals from non-occluded sensors, and adjusting the display accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single photodetector is used for ambient light sensing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to occlusion or shadowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single photodetector into multiple photodetectors positioned at different locations on the display substrate. This segmentation allows the system to detect ambient light from multiple angles and positions, preventing occlusion or shadowing from affecting all measurements. The processor then combines signals from multiple photodetectors to determine accurate ambient light levels.
2Measurement precision
If multiple light sensors are deployed at different locations, then the measurement precision improves by detecting occlusion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple photodetectors onto the same display substrate where they are manufactured, rather than treating them as separate components. This merging approach allows the photodetectors to be fabricated using the same thin-film processes as the display pixels, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the benefit of multiple sensing locations for improved measurement precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If photodetectors are integrated onto the display substrate using thin film technology, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the reliability deteriorates due to light sensitivity of the transistors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display substrate into distinct functional regions: pixel regions containing transistor switching devices and sensor regions containing photodetectors. By spatially separating these functions, the design allows photodetectors to be exposed to ambient light while transistors remain in areas where their light sensitivity does not affect operation, thus maintaining both ease of manufacture and reliability.
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
Ensures accurate ambient light estimation and optimal display brightness, reducing power consumption in low light conditions and maintaining image quality in high light conditions by effectively addressing occlusion and shadowing issues.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor arrangement to detect a light level... the light sensors can be sensitive to light from both sides of the glass
Data Source
AI summary
A display device comprises an illumination source (12), a display modulator (10) for modulating the light provided by the illumination source and an integrated light sensor arrangement (14) to detect a light level. Light sensor signals from a plurality of light sensors are processed such that localized shielding of the ambient light at the location of one or more of the light sensors is identified. An accurate estimate of the ambient light level can then be obtained.