Semiconductor Sensor Metal Optical Filters for Infrared Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorporating multiple optical components into electronic devices is challenging due to space constraints and potential interference between components, particularly with infrared light emitted by these devices interfering with ambient light sensors.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates optical component windows in inactive areas of the display, using a diffuser to diffuse ambient light and an infrared-blocking filter with thin-film dielectric and metal layers to block infrared light, ensuring accurate color sensing and reducing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical components are incorporated into electronic devices, then functional capabilities are improved, but space constraints and component interference worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions optical components in the inactive area of the display, utilizing the vertical dimension and unused display real estate rather than consuming additional lateral space. This allows multiple optical components to be integrated without increasing the device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure serves multiple functions: it provides the user interface for active display while simultaneously housing optical components in its inactive areas. This multi-functionality allows the same physical structure to support both display operations and optical sensing/illumination functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If infrared light-blocking filter layers are added to block infrared light, then interference with ambient light sensors is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared-blocking filter is combined with the display structure itself, integrating the filtering function into the existing display architecture rather than adding it as a separate component. This merging approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the infrared-blocking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter utilizes composite material structures, specifically thin-film dielectric layers combined with metal layers, to achieve infrared blocking while maintaining visible light transmission. This composite approach provides the required optical filtering with a compact, integrated structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If thin-film dielectric and metal layers are used to block infrared light, then infrared blocking effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter employs a composite structure of thin-film dielectric layers and metal layers, where each material type contributes different optical properties. This composite approach achieves superior infrared blocking effectiveness while allowing for standard manufacturing tolerances through the complementary nature of the different materials.
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 allows for efficient operation of optical components while minimizing interference from infrared light, enabling precise ambient light measurement and color sensing without compromising space or performance.
Implementation Method 1
A diffuser may be used to diffuse incoming ambient light
Implementation Method 2
Infrared light-blocking filter layers may be use to block infrared light such as infrared light emitted by an infrared light-emitting diode in the electronic device and other stray or ambient infrared light
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include an ambient light sensor or other semiconductor sensor. The sensor may produce signals in response to light incident on the electronic device and therefore incident on the sensor. In some cases, components within the electronic device, such as infrared components, or external light sources may interfere with the operation of the sensor. Therefore, the sensor may include a filter that transmits at least a portion of visible light while blocking infrared light. Because light may be incident on the electronic device from a variety of angles, a diffuser in the sensor may scatter the light into a desired angular distribution. To ensure that infrared light is blocked regardless of the angle of the incident light, the filter may include both thin-film dielectric layers and metal layers. The metal layers may be interleaved with the thin-film dielectric layers.