Light Source Module Shared Aperture Ambient Light Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Small form factor cameras in mobile devices often require separate light source and light sensing components, which necessitate separate apertures and can result in limited sensing capabilities, such as only indicating the amplitude of received light.
Innovation Solution
A light source module with integrated ambient light sensing capability via a shared aperture, where one or more light emitters and sensors share an aperture, allowing the sensor to measure illuminance and send signals for controlling device operations like display brightness and auto exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate light source and light sensing components are used, then each component can be optimized for its specific function, but the device requires additional apertures and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate light source and light sensing components into a single integrated module that shares a common aperture. The light emitting diode (LED) and photodetector are positioned within the same housing and share the same optical path, eliminating the need for separate apertures while maintaining functional optimization through dedicated emission and detection zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated light module serves multiple functions through a single aperture: it emits light for illumination purposes and simultaneously detects ambient light for sensing applications. The shared aperture structure enables the system to perform both light emission and light detection functions without requiring separate openings in the device housing.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate light source and light sensing components are used, then each component can be independently designed, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate light source and sensing components into a single integrated module with a unified housing and shared aperture. This consolidation reduces structural complexity by eliminating the need for separate housings, mounting structures, and aperture mechanisms, while maintaining independent design capabilities through internal component positioning.
3Device complexity
If limited sensing capability components are used, then the device structure can be simplified, but the sensing performance is restricted to amplitude indication only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances sensing capability by utilizing the spectral characteristics of light detected by the photodetector. The system measures not only light amplitude but also spectral information by analyzing the wavelength composition of received light, enabling more precise environmental light measurement and color temperature determination without significantly increasing structural complexity.
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 solution eliminates the need for additional apertures, enhances light sensing capabilities by allowing measurement of illuminance across a broad spectrum, and expands the functionality of the light emitting module to support other device components.
Implementation Method 1
a light source with an illumination element, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or laser diode
Implementation Method 2
one or more light sensors that share an aperture via which light passes
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments include a light source module with one or more light emitters and one or more light sensors that share an aperture via which light passes. One of the light sensors may measure illuminance received through the aperture (not illuminance from the light emitters) and send a signal indicating a measurement of the illuminance. The light source module may be integrated into a portable computing device having a controller. The controller may include logic to perform one or more device operations based on the measurement of illuminance, such as, but not limited to, controlling a device display brightness and/or controlling an auto exposure feature of the device camera. Calibration parameters for interpreting the signal may be determined via a calibration process.