Optical Guide Lens Units for Proximity Sensor Range Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional proximity and illuminance sensors have limited sensing ranges due to their design, which restricts their ability to effectively sense gestures and object motion, especially when the object is not directly above the sensor.
Innovation Solution
The integration of light guide lens units with inclined surfaces above the light emission and reception units, or recesses with inclined surfaces in the cover unit, enhances the transmission and reception of light, allowing for a broader sensing range by refracting and redirecting light to and from the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional proximity and illuminance sensor is used, then the sensor structure is simple, but the sensing range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into distinct functional modules: light emission unit, light reception unit, first light guide lens unit, and second light guide lens unit. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve extended sensing range through coordinated operation of segmented components rather than a single complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Light guide lens units are introduced as intermediary components between the light emission/reception units and the external environment. These lens units mediate the light transmission process by refracting and directing light rays, enabling the sensor to detect objects at greater distances without directly increasing the physical size of the sensor itself.
2Area of stationary object
If the sensor position is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the sensing area is limited depending on the position
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide lens units introduce angular dimension to the light transmission path. By refracting light at specific angles, the system extends sensing capability from a single vertical dimension to multiple angular dimensions, allowing the sensor to detect objects in a broader spatial area while maintaining a fixed position.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor are optimized for specific functions: the light emission unit is positioned for optimal light projection, the light reception unit for optimal light detection, and the light guide lens units are angled to direct light to specific areas. This local optimization ensures that each component contributes to expanding the overall sensing area effectively.
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 configuration increases the sensing range and improves the ability to detect object motion and gestures, even when the object is spaced apart from the sensor, thereby enhancing the sensor's performance and usability in portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first light guide lens unit disposed between the cover unit and the light emission unit for refracting light emitted from the light emission unit and transmitting the refracted light outside the cover unit
Implementation Method 2
a second light guide lens unit disposed between the cover unit and the light reception unit for transmitting light to the light reception unit from outside the cover unit
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor and a portable terminal comprising the same, according to an embodiment, comprise: a substrate; a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, which are arranged on the substrate at a distance from each other; a cover unit arranged on the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit so as to face the substrate; a first optical guide lens unit arranged between the cover unit and the light-emitting unit so as to refract light, which has been emitted from the light-emitting unit and to transfer the same to the outside of the cover unit; and a second optical guide lens unit arranged between the cover unit and the light-receiving unit so as to transfer light from the outside of the cover unit to the light-receiving unit. In connection with a proximity/illuminance sensor, the sensing range related to a spaced object is expanded, thereby improving the sensing performance.