Integrated IR Sensor-Emitter Layout to Prevent Self-Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable devices require multiple sensors and emitters for detecting proximity, infrared data signals, and ambient light, which increases hardware complexity and space requirements, and often necessitate separate openings in the device housing.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sensor and emitter device that combines a photodiode sensor for detecting visible and infrared light with an infrared emitter, capable of emitting and detecting infrared proximity and data signals, along with ambient light, using a single chip to perform functions such as filtering, processing, and emitting IR signals, and includes a non-IR transmissive fence to prevent emitted radiation from reaching the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate sensors and emitters are used for proximity detection, IR data signal detection, and ambient light sensing, then each sensor can be optimized for its specific function, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (proximity sensor, IR data signal sensor, ambient light sensor) and an emitter into a single integrated device. This merging reduces hardware complexity and the number of components while maintaining the detection accuracy of each individual sensor through dedicated detection circuits and signal processing units within the integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: proximity detection, IR data signal reception, and ambient light sensing. A single device structure supports all three functions with shared components like the housing and opening, while maintaining specialized detection capabilities for each function through separate detection circuits.
2Reliability
If multiple separate sensors and emitters are used for proximity detection, IR data signal detection, and ambient light sensing, then each sensor can be optimized for its specific function, but the space requirements and number of openings in the housing increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors are merged into a single integrated device that occupies one location on the device housing, requiring only a single opening. This reduces the total surface area consumed compared to having separate sensors distributed across the housing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device nests multiple sensor functions within a single physical structure. The proximity sensor, IR data signal sensor, and ambient light sensor are nested together in one housing, sharing the same opening and spatial footprint, thereby minimizing the device surface area required.
3Device complexity
If a single integrated device is used for proximity detection, IR data signal detection, and ambient light sensing, then hardware complexity and space requirements are reduced, but the emitted IR radiation may interfere with the sensor detection
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device segments the detection functions into separate detection circuits (proximity detection circuit, IR data signal detection circuit, ambient light detection circuit). This segmentation allows each circuit to process its specific signal type independently, reducing cross-interference between functions while maintaining the benefits of integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fence structure as an intermediary element positioned between the emitter and the sensors. This fence blocks or redirects the emitted IR radiation from directly reaching the sensors, thereby preventing self-interference while allowing the integrated device to maintain its compact structure.
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 integrated solution reduces hardware complexity, saves space, and enhances reliability by integrating multiple functions into a single chip, allowing for simultaneous detection and emission of various signals while minimizing the risk of component failure.
Implementation Method 1
a photodiode sensor for detecting visible and infrared (IR) light
Implementation Method 2
an infrared emitter, capable of emitting and detecting infrared proximity and data signals
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods to detect and emit various infrared (IR) and ambient light signals using an integrated sensor and emitter device. Embodiments include a sensor to sense proximity, to sense IR data signals, and to sense ambient light; and an emitter of an IR proximity signal. The sensor detects the IR proximity signal from the emitter when the apparatus is sensing proximity, detects IR data signals when the apparatus is detecting IR data, and detects ambient light when the apparatus sensing light. The IR data signals may include IR remote control (IR RC) and/or IR data association (IRDA) signals. The signals may be detected simultaneously and may be in different frequency bands. According to embodiments, such an emitter may also emit an IR data signals, such as IR RC and/or IRDA signals. These signals may be emitted simultaneously and may be in different frequency bands.