Infrared Sensor Placement Under Display With Light Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Full-screen mobile phones face challenges in allocating sensor positions due to the narrow bezel space, which compromises the strength and reliability of the electronic device while existing solutions either reduce screen-to-body ratio or affect the display's working stability with infrared light interference.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device design featuring an infrared sensor positioned below the display screen with a light blocking element between the transmitter and the display region, preventing infrared light from entering the display area, and using a touch layer and coverplate with high transmittance for both visible and infrared light to maintain the full-screen effect and ensure sensor functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the infrared sensor is positioned on the front surface of the display screen, then the sensor can detect distance effectively, but the screen-to-body ratio decreases and the full-screen effect is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor detection functionVSAvoidscreen-to-body ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared sensor is moved from the traditional front surface position to the bottom surface of the display screen, utilizing a different spatial dimension. This allows the sensor to maintain its detection function while enabling the front surface to be fully occupied by the display, achieving the full-screen effect without compromising sensor reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If the infrared sensor is positioned below the display screen, then the screen-to-body ratio is improved, but infrared light may interfere with the display screen operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen-to-body ratioVSAvoidinfrared light interference with display
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A light blocking element is introduced to extract and block the infrared light path between the sensor and the display screen. This element selectively prevents infrared light from reaching the display while allowing visible light to pass through, thereby eliminating the harmful interference effect while maintaining the beneficial full-screen design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The light blocking element acts as an intermediary component positioned between the infrared sensor and the display screen. It mediates the interaction by blocking infrared wavelengths while transmitting visible wavelengths, thus protecting the display from infrared interference without affecting the full-screen appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a light blocking element is introduced to prevent infrared light interference, then display working stability is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay working stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light blocking element is designed to serve multiple functions: it blocks infrared light from reaching the display, maintains the structural integrity of the bottom bezel area, and allows visible light transmission to preserve the full-screen effect. By combining multiple functions in a single component, the structural complexity is minimized while achieving reliable display operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

This configuration allows for a full-screen design with improved strength and reliability by preventing infrared light interference with the display, ensuring both the display screen and infrared sensor operate effectively without compromising each other's performance.

Implementation Method 1

a light blocking element between the transmitter and the display region and configured to prevent the infrared light emitted by the transmitter from entering the display region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a touch layer and coverplate with high transmittance for both visible and infrared light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmittance: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3716588B1Electronic device and fabrication method therefor
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3716588B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3716588B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3716588B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An electronic device (10), comprising a display screen (13), an infrared sensor (16) and a light-blocking element (30), wherein the display screen (13) comprises a display area (1311) and a non-display area (1312). The infrared sensor (16) comprises a transmitter (161) and a receiver (162). The transmitter (161) is located below the non-display area (1312). The transmitter (161) is used to emit infrared light. The receiver (162) is used to receive the infrared light. The light-blocking element (30) is arranged between the transmitter (161) and the display area (1311), and the light-blocking element (30) is used to block the infrared light emitted by the transmitter (161) from entering into the display area (1311).