Apple inc. (20240106192). Programmable Transmit/Receive Pixel Array and Applications simplified abstract
Contents
- 1 Programmable Transmit/Receive Pixel Array and Applications
- 1.1 Organization Name
- 1.2 Inventor(s)
- 1.3 Programmable Transmit/Receive Pixel Array and Applications - A simplified explanation of the abstract
- 1.4 Simplified Explanation
- 1.5 Potential Applications
- 1.6 Problems Solved
- 1.7 Benefits
- 1.8 Potential Commercial Applications
- 1.9 Possible Prior Art
- 1.10 Unanswered Questions
- 1.11 Original Abstract Submitted
Programmable Transmit/Receive Pixel Array and Applications
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Keith Lyon of San Jose CA (US)
Chin Han Lin of Cupertino CA (US)
Xiaofeng Fan of San Jose CA (US)
Arnaud Laflaquiere of Grenoble (FR)
Programmable Transmit/Receive Pixel Array and Applications - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240106192 titled 'Programmable Transmit/Receive Pixel Array and Applications
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes electronic devices with arrays of dual function light transmit and receive pixels, which can function as both light emitters and detectors. The pixels include a photodetector structure and a vertical-cavity, surface-emitting laser diode in a common stack of epitaxial semiconductor layers. The functionality of the pixels can be altered in time, allowing for various applications such as depth sensing or autofocus within an optical display or camera of the electronic device.
- Photodetector and laser diode in common stack of semiconductor layers
- Pixels can function as light emitters or detectors
- Functionality can be altered in time
- Applications include depth sensing and autofocus in electronic devices
Potential Applications
The technology can be applied in:
- Optical displays for depth sensing
- Cameras for autofocus
Problems Solved
The technology solves issues related to:
- Depth sensing accuracy
- Autofocus speed and precision
Benefits
The benefits of this technology include:
- Improved depth sensing capabilities
- Enhanced autofocus performance
Potential Commercial Applications
The technology can be commercially applied in:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Augmented reality devices
Possible Prior Art
One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of separate components for light emitting and detecting functions in electronic devices.
Unanswered Questions
1. How does the dual function of the pixels impact the overall performance of the electronic device? 2. Are there any limitations to the functionality of the pixels in different lighting conditions?
Original Abstract Submitted
disclosed herein are electronic devices that include arrays of dual function light transmit and receive pixels. the pixels of such arrays include a photodetector (pd) structure and a vertical-cavity, surface-emitting laser (vcsel) diode, both formed in a common stack of epitaxial semiconductor layers. the pixels of the array may be configured by a controller or processor to function either as a light emitter by biasing the vcsel diode, or as a light detector or receiver by a different bias applied to the pd structure, and this functionality may be altered in time. the array of dual function pixels may be positioned interior to an optical display of an electronic device, in some cases to provide depth sensing or autofocus. the array of pixels may be registered with a camera of an electronic device, such as to provide depth sensing or autofocus.
