Segmented Light Sensor for Gesture and Ambient Light Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing devices face challenges in accurately sensing ambient light levels for power management and gesture recognition due to limitations in light sensing technologies, which often result in errors and inefficiencies, especially in spatially inhomogeneous lighting conditions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a light sensor system with a light-absorbing material that absorbs less than 30% of visible light and is capable of sensing infrared light, combined with camera modules and touch-based interface devices, to accurately detect gestural information and ambient light levels, using modulation techniques to isolate signal components and reduce noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a light sensor absorbs more visible light to improve sensing capability, then the sensing precision improves, but the image quality deteriorates due to excessive light absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight sensing precisionVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is divided into two distinct regions: a first region with a first light-absorbing material optimized for visible light sensing, and a second region with a second light-absorbing material optimized for infrared sensing. This segmentation allows each region to specialize in its wavelength range without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between visible light absorption and image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sensor are assigned different light-absorbing materials with specific properties tailored to their function. The first region uses material with properties optimized for visible light detection, while the second region uses material optimized for infrared detection. This local differentiation enables precise sensing in each region without compromising overall image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Use of energy by moving object

If existing light sensing technologies are used to detect ambient light levels, then power management can be implemented, but errors occur in spatially inhomogeneous lighting conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower management capabilityVSAvoidambient light level accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor array is segmented into multiple regions with different light-absorbing materials that respond to different wavelength ranges. By combining signals from multiple regions, the system can accurately determine ambient light levels even in spatially inhomogeneous conditions, eliminating errors while maintaining power management capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single light-absorbing material is used to sense both visible and infrared light, then device complexity is reduced, but sensing precision for both wavelengths deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor structure simplicityVSAvoiddual-wavelength sensing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than using a single material for both wavelengths, the sensor is segmented into separate regions, each dedicated to a specific wavelength range. This segmentation achieves superior dual-wavelength sensing precision compared to using a single material, while the overall device complexity remains manageable through the systematic arrangement of these specialized regions.

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 solution enables precise gesture recognition and effective power management by accurately determining ambient light levels and gestural information, even in complex lighting conditions, while maintaining image quality and reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a light sensor system with a light-absorbing material that absorbs less than 30% of visible light and is capable of sensing infrared light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

accurately detect gestural information and ambient light levels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9898117B2Sensors and systems for the capture of scenes and events in space and time

Publication Date: 2018.02.20 INVISAGE TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

Various embodiments comprise apparatuses and methods including a light sensor. The light sensor includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a third electrode, and a light-absorbing semiconductor in electrical communication with each of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode. A light-obscuring material to substantially attenuate an incidence of light onto a portion of the light-absorbing semiconductor is disposed between the second electrode and the third electrode. An electrical bias is to be applied between the second electrode, and the first and the third electrodes and a current flowing through the second electrode is related to the light incident on the light sensor. Additional methods and apparatuses are described.