ToF Sensor Light Transmission via Selective Water-Repellent Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Time of Flight (ToF) sensors on information processing apparatuses, such as laptops, face inefficiencies in emitting and receiving light due to the presence of front glass, which affects detection performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a transparent display panel with a water-repellent layer (Anti Finger layer) on the glass surface, excluding the area through which the ToF sensor emits light, to prevent light reflection and improve light transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a front glass is used in the display panel, then the display protection and visibility are improved, but the light emission and reception efficiency of the ToF sensor deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water-repellent layer is applied selectively only to specific areas of the front glass surface that do not interfere with the ToF sensor's light path. This localized treatment maintains the protective function of the front glass while eliminating light reflection issues in critical areas, thereby resolving the contradiction between protection and light emission efficiency.
2Reliability
If a water-repellent layer is formed on the entire front glass surface, then the anti-stain and light reception efficiency are improved, but the light emission efficiency in certain areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The water-repellent layer is formed only in predetermined areas that exclude the light emission and reception paths of the ToF sensor. This selective formation maintains anti-stain performance in non-critical areas while ensuring uninterrupted light transmission in critical areas, resolving the contradiction between reliability and light emission efficiency.
3Measurement precision
If the water-repellent layer is formed in the light passing area, then the light reception efficiency is improved, but the light emission efficiency deteriorates due to reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The water-repellent layer is strategically positioned in areas where it can reduce reflection and improve light reception without interfering with the outgoing light path. This spatial differentiation of functionality resolves the contradiction between reception efficiency and emission efficiency by assigning different surface properties to different functional zones.
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
Enhances the detection efficiency of the ToF sensor by ensuring efficient light emission and reception, reducing power consumption, and maintaining a wider detection range while preventing performance degradation from stains.
Implementation Method 1
the light may not be efficiently emitted due to the influence of a front glass if the ToF sensor is loaded on the information processing apparatus. In addition, when the emitted light is received as well, the light may not be efficiently received due to the influence of the front glass
Implementation Method 2
a water-repellent layer having water-repellency, formed in an area other than a certain area including a passing area of light emitted from the ToF sensor on a surface of the transparent member
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus includes a display panel, and a ToF sensor emitting light through the display panel, in which the display panel includes a glass, and an AF layer (a water-repellent layer) having water-repellency, formed in an area other than a certain area including a passing area of light emitted from the ToF sensor on a surface of the glass opposite to a surface facing the ToF sensor.