Integrated Light Sensor Package for Ambient and Proximity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic devices face challenges in conserving energy for display illumination while ensuring sufficient visibility in varying ambient light levels and efficiently detecting user proximity to minimize unnecessary power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A silicon-based integrated circuit (IC) light sensor package that integrates a light-emitting diode (LED) or laser-diode and a projecting light-emitting device, allowing for simultaneous ambient light sensing and proximity detection, with a mechanical design that isolates light emissions to prevent saturation and includes a transparent structure for optimal light sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single-piece substrate with nonlinear surface is used to define light source-to-sensor angle, then the desired angular relationship is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the substrate into multiple separate pieces (first substrate piece and second substrate piece) instead of using a single nonlinear substrate. Each piece has a flat surface, and they are positioned relative to each other to achieve the desired angular relationship between light source and sensor. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex nonlinear substrate manufacturing while maintaining precise angular alignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If infrared light detector is used for ambient light detection, then proximity detection is achieved, but ambient light sensing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single light sensor that can detect both visible light (for ambient light sensing) and infrared light (for proximity detection through reflected infrared from the light source). The sensor integrates multiple detection capabilities, allowing the system to perform both ambient light adaptation and proximity detection functions with one component, eliminating the need for separate infrared detectors while maintaining accuracy in visible light sensing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If light-emitting devices are integrated with light sensor, then multiple optoelectronic functions are achieved, but light saturation of sensor occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light-emitting function and light-sensing function into spatially separated components within the integrated device. The light source is positioned in one substrate piece while the sensor is positioned in another substrate piece at a different angle. This physical separation and angular offset prevent the emitted light from directly saturating the sensor, while still allowing the sensor to detect reflected light for proximity detection and ambient light for brightness adaptation.
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 control of display illumination based on ambient light and user proximity, optimizing battery life by minimizing unnecessary power usage while ensuring adequate visibility in different lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
detect a reflection of the light projected by the PLD from a surface for proximity detection
Implementation Method 2
an indicating light-emitting device ('ILD'), such as a light emitting diode ('LED')
Implementation Method 3
a projecting light-emitting device ('PLD')... an indicating light-emitting device ('ILD'), such as a light emitting diode ('LED') or a laser-diode
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated proximity and light sensor includes an indicating light-emitting device (“ILD”), a projecting light-emitting device (“PLD”), and a light sensing integrated circuit (“LSIC”) configured as a single package. The LSIC controls each of the ILD and the PLD to emit light therefrom and the LSIC is configured to detect an ambient light level and also to detect a reflection of the light projected by the PLD from a surface for proximity detection.