Front Cover Touch and Optical Sensor Layout in Handheld Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrating various subsystems such as displays, optical sensors, and touch-sensitive interfaces into a compact and reliable portable electronic device that can withstand daily use presents technical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device design incorporating a housing component with a front cover, integrated optical sensors and touch-sensitive components, and a display with specific hole configurations to accommodate these features while maintaining functionality and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple subsystems (display, optical sensors, touch-sensitive components) are integrated into a compact device, then device functionality and user interaction capability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple subsystems (display, optical sensors, touch-sensitive components) into a single integrated front cover assembly. The display layer, touch-sensitive layer, and optical sensor openings are merged into one unified structure, allowing multiple functions to be achieved through a single integrated component rather than separate assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The front cover assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective cover, houses the display, enables touch input detection, and allows optical sensor operation. The display layer functions both as a visual output interface and as a touch-sensitive input interface, while the integrated structure provides both mechanical protection and optical access.
2Measurement precision
If holes are created in the display to accommodate optical sensors, then optical sensing capability is improved, but display integrity and structural strength are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display layer has different properties in different regions: areas corresponding to optical sensor locations are made transparent or have openings to allow optical access, while other areas maintain full display and structural properties. This localized differentiation allows optical sensing functionality without compromising the overall strength and integrity of the display.
3Illumination intensity
If a transparent front cover is used to allow optical sensor operation, then optical access is improved, but protection against environmental factors and durability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The front cover assembly uses a composite structure with a transparent or translucent outer layer that allows optical access while providing environmental protection. The display layer combines transparent conductive materials with protective coatings, creating a multi-layer composite that simultaneously enables light transmission and protects against scratches, moisture, and other environmental factors.
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
The design enables a robust and functional portable electronic device that can detect multiple touch inputs and optical interactions, enhancing user interaction and device reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical sensor positioned below the front cover and below the first hole, a second optical sensor positioned below the front cover and below the second hole
Implementation Method 2
a touch-sensing component configured to detect a first touch input applied to the front cover in the active display region of the display and a second touch input applied to the front cover over the first hole in the display
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
There is provided a portable electronic device (100). The portable electronic device (100) comprises an enclosure that comprises a housing component and a front cover (102) coupled to the housing component (104) and defining a front exterior surface of the portable electronic device (100). The portable electronic device (100) also comprises a display (103) positioned below the front cover, the display defining: an active display region, a first hole surrounded by the active display region, and a second hole surrounded by the active display region. The portable electronic device (100) further comprises a first optical sensor (106) positioned below the front cover (102) and below the first hole, a second optical sensor (109) positioned below the front cover (102) and below the second hole, and a touch-sensing component. The touch-sensing component is configured to detect a first touch input applied to the front cover (102) in the active display region of the display (103), and a second touch input applied to the front cover (102) over the first hole in the display (103).