Illuminance Sensor Touch Input Prevention in Electronic Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices with reduced bezel sizes, proximity sensors disposed below the display can cause unintended screen displays and durability issues due to photoelectric effects from infrared rays, leading to incorrect touch input recognition and potential damage to the display.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a proximity sensor and illuminance sensor configuration that activates the display and illuminance sensor upon an event, measures surrounding illumination, and determines whether to inactivate touch input reception based on measured illumination and input characteristics, thereby preventing unintended inputs and photoelectric effects without relying on the proximity sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the proximity sensor is disposed below the display to reduce bezel size, then the display area is increased, but the infrared rays from the proximity sensor cause photoelectric effects in the driving transistor leading to unintended screen displays and reduced display durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful infrared emission function from the proximity sensor by introducing an infrared cut-off filter that blocks infrared rays while allowing visible light to pass through. This separates the useful proximity detection function from the harmful infrared radiation, enabling the proximity sensor to remain in its optimal position below the display without causing photoelectric effects in the driving transistors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an infrared cut-off filter as an intermediary component between the proximity sensor and the display. This filter acts as a mediator that selectively transmits visible light while blocking infrared rays, thereby preventing the harmful photoelectric effects while maintaining the proximity sensor's functionality and optimal positioning
2Ease of operation
If the proximity sensor is used to detect touch input, then touch detection function is provided, but unintended touch inputs are incorrectly recognized due to infrared ray interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful infrared component from the proximity sensor's output by using an infrared cut-off filter. This allows the proximity sensor to maintain its touch detection function while eliminating the infrared interference that causes false touch recognition, thereby improving input accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the illuminance sensor to detect changes in light intensity caused by touch gestures and uses this feedback information to distinguish between intentional and unintentional touches. By combining feedback from both the proximity sensor (visible light portion) and the illuminance sensor, the system can accurately recognize valid touch inputs while filtering out false detections caused by infrared interference
3Adaptability or versatility
If the proximity sensor emits infrared rays for operation, then proximity detection is enabled, but the infrared rays reduce the durability of the display through photoelectric effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful infrared radiation from the proximity sensor system by introducing an infrared cut-off filter. This allows the proximity detection capability to be maintained while eliminating the infrared rays that cause photoelectric degradation of the display, thereby extending display durability
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared cut-off filter serves as a protective intermediary between the proximity sensor and the display. It allows the proximity sensor to emit infrared rays for proximity detection while blocking these rays from reaching and damaging the display, thus preserving display durability without sacrificing proximity detection functionality
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
Effectively identifies and prevents unintended touch inputs and maintains display durability by using the illuminance sensor to assess input legitimacy and control touch input reception, reducing false activations and potential damage.
Implementation Method 1
measure an illumination of an area in which the electronic device is disposed using the illuminance sensor
Implementation Method 2
photoelectric effects may be generated by the infrared rays in the driving transistor
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device and a method for operating the electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a housing which includes a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface, a display which is disposed on at least a part of the first surface, a proximity sensor which is disposed between the display and the second surface, an illuminance sensor, and a processor which is operably connected to the display and the illuminance sensor, wherein the processor is configured to activate the display and the illuminance sensor in response to the occurrence of an event, measure, by using the illuminance sensor, illuminance of a region where the electronic device is disposed, confirm the characteristic of an input occurring on the display by an external object, and determine, based on the measured illuminance and the characteristic of the input, whether or not to inactivate a touch input reception function of at least a partial region of the display.