Under-Display Optical Sensor Structure for Hole-Free Full Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of proximity and ambient-light sensors in electronic devices, such as mobile phones, requires a large hole in the device housing for signal emission and reception, which compromises the screen-to-body ratio and aesthetics, especially in devices with full-screen displays and ultra-narrow bezels, reducing reliability and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensor system is implemented using a light-permeable display screen with an emitter and receiver configuration, where the receiver surrounds the emitter, allowing for infrared and visible light communication through the display screen, eliminating the need for a physical hole and enhancing space utilization and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large hole is provided in the device housing for sensor signal emission and reception, then sensor reliability is improved, but the screen-to-body ratio is reduced and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar hole configuration to a three-dimensional light transmission path through the display screen. The emitter and receiver are positioned on opposite sides of the display screen, utilizing the thickness dimension of the screen to enable optical communication without requiring a lateral hole in the housing. This dimensional shift allows the optical path to pass through the display area itself rather than around its edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the display screen as a light-permeable medium that allows infrared and visible light to pass through it. The display screen acts as a thin film structure that is transparent to the wavelengths used by the optical sensors, enabling the emitter's light to transmit through the screen and be received by the receiver on the opposite side without requiring a physical opening in the housing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large hole is provided in the device housing for sensor signal emission and reception, then sensor functionality is improved, but device aesthetics and space utilization are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the visual display interface and as a light-permeable window for sensor operation. By making the display screen transparent to infrared wavelengths, it fulfills dual roles - displaying visual information to users and enabling optical sensor communication - thereby eliminating the need for separate openings dedicated solely to sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen functions as an intermediary medium that facilitates communication between the emitter and receiver. Instead of requiring direct line-of-sight through a hole in the housing, the screen itself becomes the medium through which light travels, mediating the optical connection while maintaining the integrity and aesthetic continuity of the device front surface.
3Volume of moving object
If the receiver surrounds the emitter, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the emitter and receiver into a single integrated sensor module where the receiver surrounds the emitter. This merging of components into one compact unit reduces the overall space required for sensor implementation and simplifies the mechanical assembly, as the concentric arrangement allows both components to be mounted together on the same substrate or housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver is configured to surround the emitter in a nested or concentric arrangement, similar to nested dolls. The emitter is positioned at the center while the receiver forms an outer ring or circular structure around it, with both components sharing a common central axis. This nested configuration maximizes space utilization by packing the receiver and emitter closely together in a compact cylindrical volume.
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 enables efficient distance detection and ambient light sensing without compromising the screen-to-body ratio, improving the device's appearance and operational reliability by maintaining a full-screen display while ensuring accurate sensor functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter surrounding the receiver and configured to communicate with the receiver
Implementation Method 2
a receiver coupled to the base plate and facing the second surface of the light-permeable display screen
Implementation Method 3
a light-permeable display screen has a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor, an electronic device and a manufacturing method for the same are provided. The electronic device includes a light-permeable display screen and an optical sensor. The light-permeable display screen has a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The optical sensor is arranged opposite to the second surface of the light-permeable display screen. The optical sensor includes a base plate, an emitter and a receiver. The emitter is coupled to the base plate and faces the second surface of the light-permeable display screen. The receiver surrounds the emitter and is configured to communicate with the emitter.