Optical Sensing Module Under Display for Enhanced Sensor Sensitivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In modern electronic devices, especially display devices, the integration of touch sensing or identification functions within the display region is hindered by the dominance of light emitting units and pixel circuitry, leaving limited transparent areas for sensors, thus reducing their sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates an optical sensing module with a higher density of optical sensing units than display units, positioned beneath the display module with a light passing region to enhance sensor sensitivity, utilizing substrates like quartz or glass and optical modulating layers to guide and filter light effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If light emitting units and pixel circuitry occupy most of the display region, then the display function is achieved, but the transparent area for sensors is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransparent area for sensorsVSAvoiddisplay region occupancy

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions the sensor arrangement from a two-dimensional planar layout to a three-dimensional configuration by stacking optical sensing units beneath the display module. This vertical stacking allows sensors to be positioned in the Z-dimension without occupying additional display area, effectively increasing transparent area while maintaining display region integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical sensing units are nested within the display module structure, with sensors positioned in layers beneath the display units. This nesting approach allows the sensing function to be integrated within the existing display architecture without requiring additional external space, thereby increasing transparent area while managing display region occupancy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If sensors are disposed in display regions, then the display-to-body ratio is increased, but the sensitivity of sensors is reduced due to limited light reaching them

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor sensitivityVSAvoidtransparent area

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces optical modulating layers as intermediary elements between the light sources and optical sensing units. These layers actively control and enhance light transmission to the sensors, ensuring sufficient light reach for high sensitivity while allowing sensors to be positioned within the display region structure, thereby maintaining display-to-body ratio.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies optical parameters by implementing multiple optical modulating layers with different optical properties (transmittance, reflection, absorption characteristics). By adjusting these optical parameters, the system ensures adequate light reaches the sensors for high sensitivity while maintaining the compact display region integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If density of optical sensing units is increased, then sensor detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidsensor density

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical sensing function into multiple discrete sensing units arranged in high-density arrays. Each sensing unit is a separate, independently fabricable element, allowing the detection capability to be enhanced through increased unit count while managing complexity through modular design and standardized fabrication processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 improves the sensitivity of sensors in display regions by allowing more light to reach the optical sensing units, maintaining a high display-to-body ratio and enabling effective detection of photo signals.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing substrates like quartz or glass and optical modulating layers to guide and filter light effectively

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight guidance and filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

an optical sensing module disposed opposite to the display side and comprising a plurality of optical sensing units... enabling effective detection of photo signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10635374B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2020.04.28 INNOLUX CORP

AI summary

An electronic device is disclosed, which includes: a display module having a display side and including a plurality of display units; and an optical sensing module disposed opposite to the display side and including a plurality of optical sensing units, wherein a density of the plurality of optical sensing units is greater than a density of the plurality of display units.