Multi-Wavelength IR LED for Compact Mobile Device Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of features in portable devices, such as mobile phones, requires multiple infra-red light emitting diodes (LEDs) with different wavelengths, which occupy significant space on printed circuit boards (PCBs) and packaging, limiting the integration of new technologies and increasing device size.
Innovation Solution
A multi-wavelength infra-red LED that projects near infra-red light in multiple wavelengths (e.g., 790 nm to 860 nm) and includes a NIR filtering system to filter specific wavelengths for various IR-based features like iris authentication, proximity sensing, and gesture recognition, allowing these features to be implemented with a single or combined LED component, thus conserving PCB and packaging space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate IR LEDs with different wavelengths are used for various NIR features, then each feature can be implemented with its dedicated optimum wavelength, but the PCB and packaging space occupied increases, limiting device integration and increasing overall device size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate IR LEDs with different wavelengths into a single integrated multi-wavelength IR LED component. This merging approach maintains the ability to provide dedicated optimum wavelengths for each NIR feature (iris authentication, face authentication, gesture detection, proximity sensing) while significantly reducing the PCB space and packaging area required, as one component replaces what would otherwise require multiple discrete components
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-wavelength IR LED is designed to perform multiple functions by emitting light at different wavelengths simultaneously or selectively. A single component provides the optimum wavelength for each different NIR feature, making the LED universal for supporting iris authentication, face authentication, gesture detection, and proximity sensing functions without requiring separate dedicated LEDs for each feature
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate IR LEDs with different wavelengths are used for various NIR features, then each feature can be implemented with its dedicated optimum wavelength, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate IR LED components into a single integrated multi-wavelength IR LED. This reduces the total number of components in the device, simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing complexity associated with managing multiple discrete LEDs, their individual mounting, wiring, and control circuits
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-wavelength IR LED serves as a universal component that can support multiple NIR features through its ability to emit different wavelengths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for feature-specific components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability across different authentication and sensing functions
3Area of stationary object
If a single multi-wavelength IR LED is used, then PCB and packaging space is conserved, but a filtering system is needed to separate specific wavelengths for different features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a filtering system as an intermediary component that receives the multi-wavelength light from the integrated IR LED and separates it into specific wavelength bands. This filtering intermediary enables the single multi-wavelength LED to effectively serve multiple features by directing appropriate wavelengths to appropriate sensors, managing the complexity of wavelength separation in a structured manner
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 the integration of multiple IR-based features in a compact form, reducing device size while maintaining functionality, and allowing for the integration of new technologies by using a single multi-wavelength IR LED and filtering system.
Implementation Method 1
an infra-red light emitting diode (LED) with a different wavelength is needed to provide a dedicated, optimum wavelength of the infra-red light
Implementation Method 2
a multi-wavelength infra-red LED that projects near infra-red light in multiple wavelengths (e.g., 790 nm to 860 nm)
Implementation Method 3
a NIR filtering system to receive reflections of the NIR light and filter the NIR light to pass one of the multiple wavelengths for each of the different IR-based features
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of multi-wavelength infra-red LED, a mobile device includes a multi-wavelength infra-red (IR) LED that projects near infra-red (NIR) light in multiple wavelengths. The multi-wavelength IR LED can be implemented as a single LED, or as a combination of LEDs packaged together as a single component for implementation in the mobile device. The mobile device can be implemented for various IR-based features, such as for iris illumination and authentication, proximity sensing, gesture detection, and for other IR-based features that each correspond to a different one of the multiple wavelengths of the NIR light. The mobile device includes a NIR filtering system to receive reflections of the NIR light and filter the multiple wavelengths of the NIR light for each of the different IR-based features of the mobile device.