Under-Display Optical Sensor Timing for Flexible Display Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
As electronic devices evolve with reduced bezel areas, integrating optical sensors in the display area poses challenges in managing the synchronization and sensing operations due to changes in the exposed display area, affecting the efficiency and accuracy of environmental light detection.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device includes a flexible display with optical sensors, where a processor adjusts the delay between the vertical synchronization signal and the sensing operation based on the changing size of the exposed display area, controlling the light emitter and receiver to optimize sensing during reduced display signal intervals and varying periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the optical sensor is disposed in the display area to reduce bezel area, then the device structure is optimized and screen-to-body ratio is improved, but the synchronization between display signal and sensing operation becomes complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the sensing operation timing adaptable to different display configurations. The optical sensor's sensing operation is dynamically adjusted based on the number of scan lines in the exposed display area, allowing the system to adapt to changing display states (folded/unfolded, different refresh rates) without fixed rigid timing constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameter of the sensing operation based on the display configuration. Specifically, the delay time from the vertical synchronization signal to the sensing operation is modified according to the number of scan lines, transforming a static timing system into one that responds to parameter changes in display geometry
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of scan lines in the exposed area increases, then the display resolution and quality are improved, but the interval for sensing operation is reduced making it harder to perform accurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the sensing operation during the front porch interval, which occurs before the active display signal period begins. By utilizing this pre-established time window, the system can complete sensing operations without interfering with the subsequent high-resolution display rendering, effectively preparing the sensing task in advance of the critical display interval
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic sensing operations synchronized with the display refresh cycle. The sensing operation is periodically triggered by the vertical synchronization signal, creating a regular rhythm that coordinates with the display's periodic refresh behavior, allowing systematic measurement opportunities at predictable intervals
3Productivity
If the Vsync signal period is changed based on application requirements, then the display performance and responsiveness are improved, but the optical sensor timing and synchronization become more difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the vertical synchronization signal as a reference trigger for the sensing operation. The system continuously monitors the Vsync signal and adjusts the sensing timing based on its arrival, creating a closed-loop synchronization mechanism that automatically adapts to changes in display refresh rates and periods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a timing mechanism that works across multiple display configurations and refresh rates. The same synchronization approach using Vsync signal and scan line counting applies whether the display is folded or unfolded, whether using 60Hz or higher refresh rates, making the solution universally applicable to various display performance requirements
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 approach enhances the efficiency and accuracy of optical sensing by aligning the sensing operations with the display signal changes, ensuring precise ambient light detection and operation during display off periods, regardless of scan line adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one optical sensor may include: a light emitter; and a light receiver configured to detect light emitted from the light emitter
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing, a flexible display having at least a portion exposed to an outside through the housing, at least one optical sensor, at least one processor, and memory storing instructions. The electronic device identifies information related to a size of an exposed area of the flexible display while the size of the exposed area of the flexible display is changing, and controls the at least one optical sensor to adjust a delay between a vertical synchronization (Vsync) signal related to the flexible display and control a sensing operation of the at least one optical sensor based on the information related to the size of the exposed area.