Optical Sensor Circuit for Luminous Panel Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing luminous panels with integrated ambient and color sensors require additional manufacturing steps and aesthetic compromises due to the need for drilled holes and separate printed circuit boards, increasing costs and compromising design aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor circuit with a single optical sensor capable of processing both ambient light and color signals, utilizing a clocked control signal to switch between modes of operation, eliminating the need for separate sensors and additional circuit boards, and allowing the sensor to be integrated behind a diffuser for non-visible operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate ambient light sensor and color sensor are used, then measurement functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single optical sensor to perform both ambient light measurement and color temperature measurement. The controller unit processes the sensor signal differently based on a control signal: in a first mode for ambient light measurement and in a second mode for color temperature measurement. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatile measurement capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional PCB and drilled hole are added for sensor integration, then sensor functionality is improved, but aesthetic appearance and manufacturing simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical sensor with the existing LED array structure, integrating the sensor into the luminary panel without requiring separate PCB boards or drilled holes. The optical sensor is positioned within the same structural framework as the LED array, allowing it to be manufactured as part of the overall assembly. This integration eliminates additional manufacturing steps and maintains the aesthetic appearance of the luminary panel.
3Shape
If optical sensor is placed behind diffuser for non-visible operation, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but sensor accessibility and signal quality may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the diffuser as an intermediary element that serves dual purposes: it maintains the aesthetic appearance by hiding the optical sensor from external view while still allowing optical signals to pass through to the sensor. The diffuser acts as a mediator that transmits light while obscuring the sensor's physical presence, thereby preserving both aesthetic appearance and signal quality without requiring the sensor to be visibly exposed.
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 smaller, cost-effective implementation with improved design freedom by using a single optical sensor for both ambient light and color measurement, eliminating the need for additional hardware and maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor (DET) ... designed to provide a sensor signal indicative of incident light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor circuit comprises an optical sensor (DET) designed to provide a sensor signal indicative of light incident on the optical sensor (DET). A clock terminal (CLK) is used to receive a clocked control signal comprising high and low states. A controller unit (CU) is connected to the optical sensor (DET) and to the clock terminal (CLK). The controller unit (CU) is designed to process the sensor signal as a color signal (CTS) in a first mode if the clocked control signal is in high state, and process the sensor signal as an ambient light signal (ALS) in a second mode if the clocked control signal is in low state, and further designed to generate a driving signal (PWM) to drive a light emitting device (LED) to be connected at a control terminal (OUT). The driving signal (PWM) depends on the color and ambient light signal (CTS, ALS).