Optical Fiber Routing for Display-Adjacent Optical Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face significant optical transmission losses when positioning optoelectronic components under displays to sense proximity or capture images, as most solutions emit or receive electromagnetic radiation directly through the display, resulting in high attenuation.

Innovation Solution

The use of optical fibers or optical fiber bundles to route electromagnetic radiation between optoelectronic components positioned under or adjacent to the display, along the edges, such as between the display and a bezel, allowing for reduced attenuation and increased flexibility in device design by enabling non-linear optical paths and spatial multiplexing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If optoelectronic components are positioned under the display to sense proximity or capture images, then the device can perform optical sensing functions, but electromagnetic radiation attenuation increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical sensing capabilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic radiation attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediary elements to transfer electromagnetic radiation between the optoelectronic components positioned under the display and the external environment. The optical fibers act as mediators that guide light from the sensors located beneath the display to the front surface, enabling proximity sensing and image capture while avoiding direct emission through the display panel, thus reducing electromagnetic radiation attenuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If optoelectronic components are positioned under the display, then device integration is improved, but optical transmission loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent integrationVSAvoidoptical transmission loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where optical fibers are positioned within the display assembly, with optoelectronic components located under the display panel. The optical fibers are routed through the display structure, allowing sensors to be embedded beneath the display while maintaining optical connectivity to the front surface. This nested arrangement achieves high integration while preserving optical transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If optical fibers are used to route electromagnetic radiation around the display edges, then display surface area is maximized, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay surface areaVSAvoidoptical path routing

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar optical path (direct emission through display) to a three-dimensional routing approach using optical fibers that extend along the edges and around the display perimeter. By utilizing the vertical and lateral dimensions within the device housing, the optical fibers can route light around the display edges without occupying display area, thus maximizing display surface while managing optical paths in multiple dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 approach significantly reduces electromagnetic radiation attenuation, enabling more effective proximity sensing and image capture while maximizing display surface area and allowing for agile optical path routing, thus enhancing device performance and design flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The optical fiber may define a non-linear optical path between the first end and the second end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

an optical emitter, detector, or transceiver may be positioned near, under, or partially under a device's display, and electromagnetic radiation may be emitted and/or detected around the display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation emission and detection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11327237B2Display-adjacent optical emission or reception using optical fibers

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 APPLE INC

AI summary

An electronic device includes a housing and a display. The housing defines an interior cavity and includes an optically-transmissive housing component. The display is disposed in the interior cavity and is viewable through the optically-transmissive housing component. An optoelectronic component is disposed in the interior cavity. An optical fiber extends between a first end positioned adjacent the optoelectronic component and a second end positioned adjacent the optically-transmissive housing component. The optical fiber defines a non-linear optical path between the first end and the second end. At least a portion of the optical fiber is laterally offset from a lateral edge of the display.