Optical Module Visible-Light-Absorbing Lens IR Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional IR sensors face issues with visible light leakage due to wavelength shift at different incidence angles, and existing coatings are ineffective in blocking visible light while maintaining infrared radiation transmission.
Innovation Solution
An optical module with a visible-light-absorbing member, such as a lens coated with a visible-light-absorbing material, is integrated into the electronic device to absorb visible light in the 700 to 780 nm range while allowing infrared light in the 810 to 940 nm range to pass through, thereby reducing visible light exposure and optimizing IR sensor performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If reflective coating is applied to the lens, then visible light blocking is improved, but infrared radiation transmittance deteriorates due to wavelength shift at different incidence angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the lens. The central region uses a first optical property optimized for infrared transmission, while the peripheral region uses a second optical property optimized for visible light blocking. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite lens structure combining materials or coatings with different optical characteristics. The lens integrates a first material/ coating for infrared transmission and a second material/coating for visible light absorption, creating a composite structure that simultaneously achieves both required optical properties in different zones.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If absorbent coating is applied to the lens, then visible light blocking is improved, but infrared radiation transmittance deteriorates due to degradation in transmittance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the lens. The central region uses a first optical property optimized for infrared transmission, while the peripheral region uses a second optical property optimized for visible light blocking. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite lens structure combining materials or coatings with different optical characteristics. The lens integrates a first material/ coating for infrared transmission and a second material/coating for visible light absorption, creating a composite structure that simultaneously achieves both required optical properties in different zones.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a visible-light-absorbing member is added to block visible light, then visible light blocking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the visible light blocking function with the existing lens structure by applying absorption coatings directly to the lens surface or integrating an absorbing layer within the lens. This integration eliminates the need for separate visible-light-absorbing members, thereby blocking visible light while avoiding additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the lens multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously perform both infrared transmission and visible light blocking functions. Through the application of selective absorption coatings or gradient index design, the lens becomes a universal optical element that handles both wavelength ranges, eliminating the need for additional dedicated components.
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
The solution effectively blocks visible light leakage while maintaining infrared radiation transmission, enhancing the IR sensor's performance and reducing the size of the optical module and electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
The visible-light-absorbing member being configured to absorb light in a first wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
configured to receive and/or emit infrared radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing that includes a first surface, a second surface, and a side surface, a display exposed through a first region of the first surface, an optical module disposed below a second region of the first surface that is adjacent to the first region of the first surface, and a processor. The first surface includes a glass layer, a film layer disposed under a rear surface of the glass layer and including an opening that overlaps at least part of the optical module and has a dimension corresponding to at least part of the optical module, and a visible-light-absorbing member comprising a visible-light-absorbing material disposed under the rear surface of the glass layer and overlapping at least part of the opening. The visible-light-absorbing member is configured to light in a first wavelength range and to allow light in a second wavelength range to pass through the visible-light-absorbing member.