Infrared Visible Light Conversion Layer for Compact Display Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable electronic devices face challenges in size constraints due to the need for separate infrared light sources, which increase cost and occupy valuable space, while also requiring both visible and infrared light emission capabilities for secrecy and touch detection.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a display backlight light source optically coupled to an infrared and visible light conversion layer and an optical shutter layer, which converts and emits both infrared and visible light, allowing for integrated visible and infrared light emission without additional space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate infrared light sources are added to provide infrared light for touch detection, then infrared light emission capability is improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared light emission capabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the visible light display function and infrared light emission function into a single integrated display structure. The display emits both visible light for images and infrared light for touch detection through the same physical components, eliminating the need for separate infrared light sources and reducing device volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a visible light display for showing images and text, and an infrared light source for touch detection. This multi-functionality allows the same component to replace what would traditionally require separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate infrared light sources are added to provide infrared light for touch detection, then infrared light emission capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared light emission capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the infrared light emission function with the existing display structure, eliminating the need to manufacture and assemble separate infrared light sources. This integration reduces component count and assembly complexity, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display is engineered to provide both visible and infrared light emission capabilities through its standard structure, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple roles. This universality reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, reducing overall manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate infrared light sources are added to provide infrared light for touch detection, then infrared light emission capability is improved, but available space on the device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrared light emission capabilityVSAvoidavailable space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the infrared light emission function with the display structure itself, eliminating the need for additional space-dedicated separate infrared light sources. The display components serve dual purposes, maximizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display is designed to perform both visible light display and infrared light emission functions within the same physical footprint, allowing the device to maintain its compact form factor while gaining infrared capability without requiring additional space.

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

Enables efficient and compact integration of infrared and visible light emission in portable devices, supporting applications like touch detection, eye tracking, and gesture recognition while maintaining visible image display, thus addressing size and cost issues.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared and visible light conversion layer optically coupled to the display backlight light source, wherein the infrared and visible light conversion layer converts light from the display backlight light source to infrared light and converts at least some visible light to emit the infrared light and the at least some visible light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight conversion: Photoluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS10151946B2Apparatus with visible and infrared light emitting display

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 GOOGLE TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

An apparatus can include a display backlight light source configured to emit light. The apparatus can include an infrared and visible light conversion layer optically coupled to the display backlight light source. The infrared and visible light conversion layer can convert light from the display backlight light source to infrared light and at least some visible light to emit the infrared light along with the at least some visible light. The apparatus can include an optical shutter layer optically coupled to the display backlight light source. The optical shutter layer can include a plurality of optical pixel shutters that shutter light from the backlight light source.