Patterned Opaque Glass Coating for Hidden Light Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for concealing ambient light sensors in display systems, such as using semi-transparent ink layers, add complexity and cost to the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A glass article with a opaque layer of high optical density (>3.0) is used, where the opaque layer is selectively ablated to create an array of ablated portions, allowing for increased optical transmission in specific regions for sensor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a semi-transparent ink layer is screen printed onto the cover glass to conceal the sensor, then the sensor visibility is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The opaque layer is segmented into multiple ablated portions rather than being continuous, creating a pattern that allows light transmission while maintaining sensor concealment. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling both hiding the sensor and allowing sufficient light through the same layer structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The opaque layer has different optical properties in different regions - fully opaque in most areas for concealment, and selectively ablated in specific portions for light transmission. This local variation in quality allows the single layer to simultaneously achieve both sensor hiding and light transmission functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a semi-transparent ink layer is used to conceal the sensor, then the sensor visibility is reduced, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The concealing function and light transmission function are merged into a single opaque layer structure. By ablating portions of the same opaque layer rather than adding a separate semi-transparent layer, the solution reduces manufacturing steps and associated costs while achieving both objectives.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding a separate semi-transparent ink layer on top of the opaque layer, the solution extracts or removes portions of the existing opaque layer through ablation. This approach eliminates the need for additional materials and manufacturing steps, reducing cost.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If an opaque layer with high optical density is used to conceal the sensor, then the sensor concealment is improved, but the light transmission for sensor operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The opaque layer is divided into multiple ablated portions that create transmission pathways. This segmentation allows the majority of the layer to remain opaque for concealment while the ablated portions provide sufficient light transmission for sensor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ablated opaque layer creates a porous or perforated structure where the removed portions allow light to pass through while the remaining opaque material maintains the concealment function. This porous approach enables simultaneous achievement of both opposing requirements.
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 conceals the sensor while allowing sufficient light transmission for accurate sensor operation, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the laser beam selectively heating material of the opaque layer to a temperature sufficient to ablate the material
Implementation Method 2
a sensor positioned proximate to the glass article and configured to detect an intensity of light incident on the glass article
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A glass article comprises a glass substrate having a first major surface and a second major surface, the second major surface being opposite the first major surface. An opaque layer is disposed on the second major surface. The opaque layer comprises an optical density of greater than 3.0 such that portions of the glass substrate covered by the opaque layer comprise an average optical transmission of less than or equal to 0.5% for light from 400 nm to 700 nm. Within a sensor region of the glass article, the opaque layer comprises a plurality of ablated portion such that an average optical transmission of the glass article within the sensor region is greater than or equal 1.0% for the light from 400 nm to 700 nm as a result of the plurality of ablated portions.