Light Emitter-Receiver Layout for External Light Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing light emitting and receiving devices are unable to effectively emit light externally and receive external light simultaneously, with a lack of study on configurations that allow for external light reception.

Innovation Solution

A light emitting and receiving device with two-dimensionally arranged light emitting elements and light receiving elements, where the light receiving elements are positioned at a different height and face the inter-element separation portions between adjacent light emitting elements, enabling both external light emission and reception.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If light receiving elements are arranged to face light emitting elements for detecting degradation, then light emission and reception functions are integrated, but external light reception is hindered by the arrangement configuration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight emission and reception function integrationVSAvoidexternal light reception interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging light receiving elements at a different height level from light emitting elements, specifically positioning them to face inter-element separation portions. This vertical dimension differentiation allows the device to simultaneously achieve degradation detection (through light receiving elements facing light emitting elements) and external light reception (through light receiving elements facing external space via separation portions), resolving the contradiction between integrated function and external light interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If light receiving elements are positioned at the same height as light emitting elements, then structural simplicity is maintained, but external light reception capability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelement arrangement structureVSAvoidexternal light reception capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces vertical dimension differentiation by positioning light receiving elements at a different height than light emitting elements. Specifically, light receiving elements are arranged to face inter-element separation portions, creating a staggered configuration that enables external light reception while maintaining relatively simple structural implementation. This resolves the contradiction between structural simplicity and external light reception capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If light receiving elements face light emitting elements for degradation detection, then detection precision is improved, but external light entry is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight degradation detection precisionVSAvoidexternal light reception blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light receiving elements into different functional groups: some light receiving elements face light emitting elements for degradation detection, while other light receiving elements face inter-element separation portions for external light reception. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of high detection precision and external light reception capability without mutual interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses vertical dimension differentiation to resolve the contradiction. Light receiving elements are positioned at different heights and orientations - some facing light emitting elements at the same level for precise degradation detection, while others are positioned to receive external light through inter-element separation portions, enabling both functions simultaneously.

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 configuration allows for both display and imaging functions, enabling the detection of light degradation and external light reception without interference, facilitating full-color image display and capture, as well as line-of-sight detection using infrared light.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of light emitting elements; and a plurality of light receiving elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

each of the light receiving elements faces an inter-element separation portion between the light emitting elements that are adjacent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240074283A1Light emitting and receiving device and electronic device

Publication Date: 2024.02.29 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Provided is a light emitting and receiving device capable of causing light to exit to outside and receiving light from outside.The light emitting and receiving device includes a plurality of light emitting elements and a plurality of light receiving elements. The plurality of light emitting elements is two-dimensionally arranged separately. The plurality of light receiving elements is two-dimensionally arranged at a height different from a height of the plurality of light emitting elements, and each light receiving element faces an inter-element separation portion between adjacent light emitting elements.