Light Sensors with Guiding Structures for Touch Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional user input devices on electronic devices, such as buttons and touch-sensitive displays, face challenges in accommodating macroscopic holes and may not be suitable for all input locations, making it difficult to gather user input data effectively, especially on handheld devices.
Innovation Solution
The integration of light sensors, including ambient and proximity sensors, within the device enclosure, which receive light through openings or light guiding structures, allowing for the collection of user input data from various locations on the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional user input devices like buttons and switches are mounted in holes in the device housing, then user input can be gathered, but the housing requires macroscopic holes which compromise the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical buttons and switches with optical sensing elements that detect user input through skin contact or proximity, eliminating the need for mechanical components and macroscopic holes in the housing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a touch-sensitive display surface that acts as a flexible input interface, allowing user interaction without penetrating the housing structure, thus maintaining structural integrity while enabling input functionality
2Ease of operation
If macroscopic holes are created in the housing for buttons and switches, then user input devices can be accommodated, but the device aesthetic appearance and water resistance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical input devices requiring physical holes with optical sensors that detect touch and proximity through the intact housing surface, eliminating pathways for water ingress
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a touch-sensitive display surface as an intermediary layer that transmits touch input to sensors beneath the housing without requiring holes, maintaining the housing's protective barrier against water and environmental factors
3Adaptability or versatility
If touch-sensitive displays are used on the front face, then user input can be gathered without holes, but capacitive or resistive touch-sensor circuitry is not suitable for all input locations on the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical sensors that can be integrated into various device surfaces including edges and non-display areas, providing universal input capability across multiple locations without requiring complex location-specific circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the input interface into multiple independent optical sensing zones distributed across different device surfaces, allowing flexible input locations while keeping each sensing element relatively simple in design
4Adaptability or versatility
If light sensors are distributed behind all exterior surfaces, then user input data can be gathered from diverse locations, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical sensing system into multiple independent modules that can be manufactured separately and assembled into the device, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while achieving comprehensive surface coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light-guiding structures as intermediaries that channel light from surface openings to sensors positioned deeper within the device, enabling versatile input coverage while simplifying sensor placement and manufacturing processes
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 improved user input data collection from diverse device surfaces, enhancing the functionality of electronic devices by providing a versatile and space-efficient method for gathering user input, particularly on devices where traditional input methods are impractical.
Implementation Method 1
Light guiding structures such as reflective cavities or fiber optic structures that guide the light from the openings to the light sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic devices may be provided with light sensors. Light sensors may be proximity sensors or ambient light sensors. Proximity sensors may include a light-emitting component and a light-sensitive component. The electronic device may include an enclosure formed from housing structures and some or all of a display for the device. The enclosure may include openings such as openings formed from clusters of smaller openings. Each light sensor may receive light through one of the clusters of openings. The light sensor may receive the light directly through the openings or may receive light that passes through the openings and is guided to the light sensor by light guiding structures. The light guiding structures may include fiber optic structures or light-reflecting structures. Fiber optic structures may fill or partially fill the openings. Light reflecting structures may be machined cavities in an internal support structure.