Adjustable Display Windows for Concealing Optical Components
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with displays face the challenge of hiding optical components such as cameras from view when not in use, while maintaining an unbroken image display and avoiding inactive regions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adjustable windows within the display that can switch between open and closed states, using a movable display portion that can be integral to the flexible or rigid display, allowing optical components to operate through the window when open and hiding them when closed, with the display pixels continuing to show images in the window region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a movable display portion is used to cover the window region, then optical components can be hidden from view, but the device complexity increases due to the need for actuators and movable mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The display portion is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically transition between covering and uncovering the window region. This dynamic configuration enables the display to adapt its state based on operational requirements, hiding optical components when not in use while maintaining structural integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable display portion serves multiple functions: it acts as both a display surface for showing images and a movable cover for the window region. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving the hiding function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the movable display portion is moved away from the window region, then optical components can operate through the window, but the image display becomes interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into a fixed portion and a movable portion. The fixed portion maintains continuous image display, while the movable portion can be independently positioned to cover or uncover the window region. This segmentation allows optical components to operate without interrupting the overall display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable display portion acts as an intermediary element between the fixed display and the window region. It can be positioned to allow light transmission for optical components while the fixed display portion continues to provide continuous image display, thus mediating between optical operation and display continuity.
3Illumination intensity
If a reflective coating is applied to the movable display portion, then light for optical components can be reflected when the window is open, but the coating must remain transparent to display pixels when closed
Solution Approach 1:
The coating on the movable display portion has different optical properties in different states. When closed, it is transparent to allow display pixel light transmission; when open, it reflects light for optical component operation. This local quality variation based on position enables the coating to serve dual optical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of the coating (transparency vs. reflectivity) change based on the position of the movable display portion. The coating's light transmission and reflection characteristics are adjusted according to whether the window is covered or uncovered, enabling adaptive optical performance.
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
Enables the concealment of optical components from view while maintaining a continuous image display, allowing optical components to function when needed and ensuring an uninterrupted user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The display portion may have a coating that reflects light for the optical component when the window is open. The coating may be transparent to light emitted by pixels in the movable display portion when the window is closed.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have a display with an array of pixels for displaying images. The display may have a window region. During operation, a component such as an optical component may operate through the window region. The window region may overlap a movable portion of the display. The window region may be operated in open and closed states. In the closed state, the movable portion of the display overlaps the window region and pixels in the movable display portion emit light through the window region. In the open state, the movable portion of the display is moved away from the window region so that light for the optical component may pass through the window region. The optical component may be a camera or other component that receives light through the window region or may be an optical component that emits light through the window region.