Apple is working on detecting light through displays for Face ID and Touch ID

      Current iPhone models, like the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro series, have their Face ID system and sensor suite housed in a notch at the top of the display. However, Apple is working on a system that could eventually allow it to minimize or eliminate the notch altogether.

　　In a patent application titled "Sensing system for detecting light received by a light-emitting layer of a display screen of an electronic device" published on March 4, Apple lists a system in which a light detection layer is embedded in a display stack. Light sensors associated with the light sensing system can be distributed around or within the active display area of ​​the display screen.

　　The patent gives two direct examples, claiming that the light sensor can combine an image of the object touching the display, which can be used for Touch ID in the display based on the optical imaging system. The patent also believes that the iPhone's ambient light sensor can also be included. More specifically, the system itself can include a photodiode or solar cell array integrated between pixel areas or around the periphery of the light-emitting display. The system can use electrical signals from the photodiode or solar cell to sense the color or intensity of light incident on the display stack.

　　The patent states that it primarily covers the system's use of ambient light sensors, but adds that its value goes beyond that. Ambient light sensors are just one example, and in other embodiments, the light sensing system can be appropriately configured to be used as or with the following systems: optical imaging systems (e.g., cameras, light field sensors, depth sensors, fingerprint imaging sensors, iris or retina imaging systems, etc.), touch input sensors, force input sensors, biometric measurement systems (e.g., optical electrocardiogram sensors, blood oxygen saturation sensors, respiration sensors, etc.), and the like.

　　Most of the description in the patent focuses on the ambient light sensor. Even if it is only used for the ambient light sensor, the system could be used to reduce the size of the notch on future iPhone models, as the light sensor is currently embedded in the notch. However, given rumors that Apple is looking to minimize the notch or reintroduce Touch ID on future phones, this patent application is likely part of a growing number of technologies that could achieve this goal.

　　Apple files numerous patents every week, so a single patent application is not a good indicator of the timing or likelihood of a product release.