Ambient Light Sensor Overlapped by Display Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorporating ambient light sensors into electronic devices can be challenging due to space constraints and the need to maintain the shape and size of the display, as existing solutions often require significant space and can affect the device's appearance and performance.
Innovation Solution
The integration of an ambient light sensor within the display of an electronic device, where a set of pixels overlaps the sensor to allow ambient light measurements, with control circuitry adjusting light transmission levels based on conditions, and using pixelated light modulators to vary light angles for directional measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an ambient light sensor is incorporated into an electronic device, then the device can detect ambient light conditions to control display brightness and color, but the sensor consumes significant space and may affect the shape and size of the display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ambient light sensor with the display structure by positioning the sensor behind the display panel, allowing the display to serve dual purposes: visual output and light measurement. The sensor is integrated into the display assembly, sharing the same physical space and structural support, thereby eliminating the need for separate sensor housing and reducing overall device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The ambient light sensor is nested within the display structure, specifically positioned behind the display panel where it can detect ambient light through the display materials. This nested arrangement allows the sensor to be housed within the existing display volume without requiring additional external space, effectively hiding the sensor within the display's structural layers.
2Area of stationary object
If an ambient light sensor is placed behind the display, then the display area is preserved, but light transmission to the sensor is reduced by the display materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific transparent or translucent regions within the display structure at the sensor location. These localized areas have modified optical properties that allow enhanced light transmission to the sensor, while the rest of the display maintains its normal visual display characteristics. This selective modification ensures adequate light reaches the sensor without compromising overall display quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the display materials in the sensor region, specifically adjusting transparency and light transmission characteristics. By modifying these parameters locally behind the display, the system enables sufficient ambient light to reach the sensor while maintaining the display's visual output performance in other areas.
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 reduces the physical footprint of the ambient light sensor, enhances its performance, and allows for dynamic adjustments in display settings based on ambient light conditions, improving both the device's appearance and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
ambient light sensor for gathering ambient light information... ambient light measurements may be made on ambient light passing through the set of pixels
Implementation Method 2
The display may be a backlit liquid crystal display or other display in which light transmission through the pixels is varied during operation
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have a display with an array of pixels configured to display images for a user. The electronic device may have an ambient light sensor for gathering ambient light information. A set of the pixels may overlap the ambient light sensor so that ambient light measurements may be made on ambient light passing through the set of pixels. Control circuitry in the electronic device may control light transmission through the set of pixels so that different light transmission levels can be used in different ambient light conditions. Directional light measurements may be made by moving transparent pixels dynamically across the surface of the display overlapping the light sensor and/or by using pixelated light modulators to vary the angle of light rays measured by the ambient light sensor.