Ambient Light Sensor Light Guide Optical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera systems face challenges in accurately evaluating ambient illumination within the camera field of view due to the placement of ambient light sensors, which also interferes with device aesthetics and requires additional signal routing.
Innovation Solution
An image processing system with an ambient light sensor integrated on a circuit board, optically coupled with a light guide that guides external light to the sensor, allowing controlled field of view and spatial selectivity, thereby improving color performance without the need for sensor placement on the device cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ambient light sensor is mounted on the device cover to detect full hemisphere light, then the sensor can detect ambient illumination, but photons from beyond the camera field of view enter the sensor causing inaccurate illumination evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide is introduced as an intermediary component between the ambient light sensor and the external environment. The light guide transmits only light from the camera field of view to the sensor, blocking photons from outside the field of view. This mediator structure (light guide with specific optical properties) selectively channels appropriate light while filtering out harmful stray light, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the ambient light sensor from the device cover (external dimension) to the circuit board (internal dimension), integrating it with the camera module. By changing the spatial arrangement and using the light guide to extend the sensor's effective field of view, the system achieves accurate illumination detection without requiring the sensor to be mounted on the cover, thus eliminating exposure to out-of-field photons.
2Ease of operation
If the ambient light sensor is mounted on the device cover, then the sensor can be positioned for light detection, but this arrangement interferes with device aesthetics and requires additional signal routing
Solution Approach 1:
The ambient light sensor is merged with the camera module by integrating it on the same circuit board. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate signal routing between the cover-mounted sensor and the main processing unit. The light guide provides the optical connection while the electrical connection is simplified through proximity integration, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining light detection functionality.
3Measurement precision
If the ambient light sensor is mounted on the device cover, then the sensor can detect ambient light, but this placement impacts the appearance of the imaging device
Solution Approach 1:
The ambient light sensor is extracted from the device cover and relocated to the circuit board. This extraction removes the visual element from the device exterior, preserving aesthetic appearance. The sensor's detection function is maintained through the light guide, which extends its optical field of view to capture ambient light from the camera's field of view without requiring external mounting.
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
Enhances image color quality by precise spectral characterization and color correction, while minimizing aesthetic impact and reducing system volume through integrated sensor placement.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide connected to the ambient light sensor at an output end thereof to guide light to a detecting part of the ambient light sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing system and an imaging device are provided. The image processing system includes a circuit board, an ambient light sensor, a light guide, a camera sensor and a camera lens. The ambient light sensor is integrated on the circuit board. An output end of the light guide is connected to the ambient light sensor to guide light to a detecting part of the ambient light sensor. The camera sensor is integrated on the circuit board. The camera lens is connected to the camera sensor. In the present disclosure, light guide is optically coupled with the ambient light sensor, such that a field of view of the ambient light sensor can be controlled to enhance color performance. Further, the light guide can provide spatial selectivity for the ambient light sensor while improving system integration and minimizing impact on appearance of the imaging device.