Adjustable Photodetector Readout for Bezel Color Variations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Photodetectors used in mobile electronic devices with varying bezel colors face challenges in dynamic range and spectral response optimization, leading to compromised performance across different optical environments due to fixed sensitivity and the need for multiple dedicated designs or channels.

Innovation Solution

A photodetector arrangement with an adjustable output, comprising a photodetector array, readout circuit, and control unit, allows for dynamic adjustment of spectral response by selecting and combining analog detection data signals from pixels, enabling optimal performance across multiple bezel colors without the need for multiple channels or analog-to-digital conversion for each pixel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single photodetector design is used across multiple devices with different bezel colors, then device complexity and manufacturing cost are reduced, but photodetector performance is compromised due to inability to optimize for all bezel color variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotodetector design varietyVSAvoidphotodetector performance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the photodetector system adjustable through digital control. Instead of a fixed single design, the system can dynamically adapt its spectral response characteristics to match different bezel color optical properties, resolving the contradiction between design simplicity and performance consistency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spectral response parameters of the photodetector based on the specific bezel color of each device. By adjusting detection parameters digitally, the same physical photodetector can be optimized for different optical environments, maintaining performance consistency without requiring multiple hardware designs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If different photodetector designs are used for each bezel color, then photodetector performance is optimized for each specific optical system, but manufacturing cost and device complexity significantly increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotodetector performance optimizationVSAvoidphotodetector design management
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes a single photodetector design universal by enabling it to perform multiple optimization functions through digital adjustment. The same photodetector hardware can be adapted to work optimally with different bezel colors, eliminating the need for multiple specialized designs while maintaining performance optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating multiple physical photodetector designs, the patent uses digital copying of the same design with adjusted parameters. The standardized photodetector design can be replicated across devices with different bezel colors by applying different digital calibration parameters, reducing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If analog-to-digital conversion is performed for each pixel, then signal processing flexibility is improved, but information loss due to quantization increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing flexibilityVSAvoidquantization information loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple pixel signals in the analog domain before digital conversion. By combining signals from multiple pixels while they are still analog, the system maintains signal flexibility for different spectral responses while reducing the number of individual quantization operations, thereby minimizing information loss

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables the photodetector to maintain optimal performance across various bezel colors and optical environments by adjusting gain and polarity of detection signals, reducing the need for multiple dedicated designs and minimizing information loss due to quantization, thus enhancing illuminance and colorimetry results.

Implementation Method 1

The photodetector comprises an array of pixels. Each pixel is arranged to convert electromagnetic radiation into an analog detection data signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3252445B1Photodetector arrangement having an adjustable output and method for adjusting an output of a photodetector arrangement
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 AMS INTERNATIONAL AG
  • EP3252445B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3252445B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3252445B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A photodetector arrangement having adjustable output, comprises a photodetector (1) having an array of pixels wherein each pixel (10, 12, 14, 16). The pixels are arranged to convert electromagnetic radiation into an analog detection data signal, respectively. A readout circuit (2) is coupled to the photodetector (1) and comprises a receiving component (22) and a combining component (21). The receiving component (22) is arranged to read out detection data signals, to select at least one detection data signal depending on a control signal and to adjust gain and polarity of the selected detection data signal. The combining component (21) is arranged to combine the detection data signals into one or more output signals to be provided at one or more output terminals (211, 212, 213, 214, 215). A control unit (4) is coupled to the readout circuit (2) via a control terminal (216) and is arranged to provide the control signal at the readout circuit (2) depending on a set of instructions.