Proximity Sensor with Dual Light-Receiving Elements for Display Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proximity sensors mounted below displays in electronic devices face performance degradation due to structures within the display that reflect or scatter light, leading to reduced detection accuracy and issues like temperature drift and crosstalk.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating two or more light-receiving elements in the proximity sensor, where one is positioned to avoid external light and uses its output value to correct the other, with a processor identifying object proximity based on specified sensing values from both elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the intensity of optical output from the light-emitting element is increased to solve light reflection and scattering by display structures, then detection accuracy is improved, but heating of the light-emitting element and light-receiving element occurs causing temperature drift and crosstalk
Solution Approach 1:
The light-receiving element is divided into multiple independent photodetectors, each capable of detecting light independently. This segmentation allows for better spatial distribution of light reception and reduces the impact of localized heating effects on overall detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light-receiving element are assigned different functional characteristics. Specifically, certain areas are designed to be more sensitive to direct light while other areas are optimized for reflected light detection, allowing the system to maintain accuracy without requiring excessive overall light intensity.
2Measurement precision
If structures are added to block external light from reaching the light-receiving element, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display structure itself serves multiple functions: it displays visual information and simultaneously acts as a light-blocking structure for the proximity sensor. The holes in the display are strategically positioned to allow necessary light transmission while the surrounding display material provides natural shielding, eliminating the need for separate complex shielding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own components for dual purposes. The display structure that is already present in the device is utilized to provide light blocking functionality, and the light-emitting element's output is simultaneously used for both display illumination and proximity detection, reducing 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
This configuration enhances the accuracy of proximate object detection by mitigating external influences such as heating and improves user convenience by providing reliable sensor performance.
Implementation Method 1
a light-emitting element disposed under the display and configured to output a first infrared ray to the outside
Implementation Method 2
a first light-receiving element disposed under the display at a position corresponding to the at least one hole, and configured to receive a second infrared ray transmitted from the outside
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include: a display having at least one hole disposed in at least a part thereof such that light from the outside can be transmitted therethrough; a light-emitting element disposed under the display and configured to output a first infrared ray to the outside; a first light-receiving element disposed under the display at a position corresponding to the at least one hole, and configured to receive a second infrared ray transmitted from the outside; a second light-receiving element disposed under the display at a position where light from the outside is shielded; and at least one processor configured to, based on that a first sensing value according to the second infrared ray, output from the first light-receiving element, satisfies a first specified condition, while the first infrared ray is output: based on that a second sensing value output from the second light-receiving element does not satisfy a second specified condition, identify that a proximate object exists, and based on that the second sensing value satisfies the second specified condition, identify that the proximate object does not exist.