Light Sensor Integrated in Display Stack for Reduced Bezel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with both displays and light sensing systems require large protective outer covers, increasing the apparent size and volume of the device due to the need for separate space for the light sensing system, which is typically positioned below the display.
Innovation Solution
Integrating light sensors into the light emitting layer of the display stack, allowing them to be distributed around or within the active display area, thus eliminating the need for a separate light sensing system and reducing the size of the protective outer cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate light sensing system is positioned below the protective outer cover, then the light sensing system can detect ambient light, but the protective outer cover must extend beyond the display stack periphery, increasing the apparent size and volume of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light sensing system with the display stack by integrating light sensors into the display structure itself. The light sensors are positioned within the display stack, specifically in the light-emitting layer or adjacent layers, allowing the display stack to serve dual functions: displaying visual information and sensing ambient light conditions. This integration eliminates the need for a separate light sensing system below the protective outer cover, thereby reducing the protective outer cover's required area while maintaining light sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The display stack is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the visual display component and the ambient light sensing system. By incorporating light-sensitive elements within the display stack structure, the same physical component (display stack) accomplishes both display and light sensing tasks, eliminating the need for dedicated separate components and reducing overall device footprint.
2Reliability
If a separate light sensing system is positioned below the protective outer cover, then the light sensing system can function independently, but the housing volume increases to accommodate the additional space required
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensing function is merged with the display stack structure. Light sensors are integrated into the display stack layers, allowing the same physical space to house both display and sensing functions. This eliminates the need for additional housing volume dedicated to a separate light sensing system, as the sensing components share the display stack's physical footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sensing system is nested within the display stack structure. The light-sensitive elements are positioned within or between the layers of the display stack, effectively hiding the sensing components within the existing display structure. This nesting approach allows the light sensing system to occupy no additional housing volume beyond what is already required for the display stack.
3Reliability
If the protective outer cover extends beyond the display stack periphery, then space is reserved for the light sensing system, but the apparent size of the bezel region increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensing system is combined with the display stack, allowing light sensors to be positioned within the display stack's active area or immediate vicinity. This integration means the protective outer cover only needs to extend to protect the display stack, not additionally to accommodate a separate light sensing system. Consequently, the bezel region size is reduced to the minimum necessary for structural and aesthetic purposes, without needing to reserve extra space for separate sensing components.
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 integration enables the detection of incident light and touch inputs within the display area, reducing the device's size and volume while maintaining functionality as an ambient light sensor and touch input detector.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor formed onto the light emitting layer, among the set of pixels, and configured to receive light incident to the light emitting layer and that is not emitted by the light emitting layer
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detection of incident light are described. An optical imaging sensor is positioned at least partially within an active display area of a display and is configured to detect and characterize one or more properties of light incident to the active display area of the display.