Light Redirecting Optics for Blocked Ambient Sensor Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light sensors in computing devices often fail to accurately identify ambient light properties when the light source is blocked by the enclosure, leading to incorrect image adjustments such as auto-white balance errors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of light altering devices, such as fiber optics or lenses, to redirect light from blocked directions to the light sensor input, ensuring accurate light property detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the light sensor is positioned to face forward through the cover glass, then it can detect ambient light for image adjustment, but the enclosure blocks light from reaching the sensor, causing inaccurate light property identification
Solution Approach 1:
A light altering device is introduced as an intermediary component between the blocked light source and the light sensor. This device modifies the light path by reflecting or redirecting light that would otherwise be blocked by the enclosure, enabling the sensor to accurately detect ambient light properties without direct line-of-sight to the light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The light altering device redirects light from blocked directions (spatial dimension) to reach the sensor, effectively utilizing alternative light paths that bypass the enclosure obstruction. This allows the sensor to capture ambient light from multiple angular dimensions rather than relying solely on direct forward-facing detection.
2Reliability
If the light sensor detects blocked or inaccurate light, then image properties such as white balance are incorrectly adjusted, but adding light altering devices increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The light altering device is designed to serve multiple functions: it redirects ambient light to the sensor, maintains a compact form factor, and integrates seamlessly with the existing enclosure and sensor architecture. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering reliable image adjustment without requiring separate systems for light redirection and sensing.
3Device complexity
If no light altering device is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the light sensor cannot accurately identify ambient light properties under blocked conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The light altering device changes the optical parameters (light direction, path, and distribution) to enable accurate ambient light detection. By modifying how light reaches the sensor rather than changing the sensor itself, the system achieves improved measurement precision while maintaining relative structural simplicity through optical rather than mechanical changes.
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
Enhances the ability of light sensors to correctly determine light properties, improving image quality by accurately adjusting for ambient light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
light altering devices, such as fiber optics or lenses, to redirect light from blocked directions to the light sensor input
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a device that includes an enclosure, a cover glass coupled to the enclosure to cover a side portion of the enclosure, a light sensor directed to receive light through the cover glass, and a light altering device positioned between the light sensor and the cover glass to collect light from a position blocked by the enclosure.