Behind-LCD Infrared Camera Integration Using Nanostructured Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for integrating a camera behind a display, such as in automotive products, face challenges such as increased complexity, cost, and reduced image quality due to opacity of LCD panels and polarizers, requiring complex hardware and software solutions to compensate for image distortion and light absorption.
Innovation Solution
A seamless integration of an infrared camera behind an LCD display using a light guide with nanostructures and a light enhancement layer with a cut-out window, eliminating the need for a switchable diffuser, through holes, and additional optical components, and utilizing polarizers that allow IR light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is integrated behind an LCD display using conventional methods (through holes, lower pixel density areas), then the camera can be positioned behind the display, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly due to alignment requirements and specialized LCD panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the camera from the conventional integration methods (through holes, notches, lower pixel density areas) and positions it directly behind the full-resolution LCD panel. The LCD panel itself serves as the integration structure, eliminating the need for specialized modifications to the display architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The LCD panel serves multiple functions: it displays visual information to the user and simultaneously acts as the integration substrate for the camera. The full pixel density area serves both display and camera integration purposes, eliminating the need for separate integration structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If through holes are drilled in LCD panels for camera integration, then the camera can be positioned behind the display, but the risk of damaging LCD parts and alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the through hole extraction method entirely. Instead of creating openings in the LCD panel, the camera is positioned behind the intact panel, preserving the structural integrity of all LCD components including the polarizers, liquid crystal layer, and backlight unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lower pixel density or smaller pixels are used for the camera active area, then space is created for light to enter the camera, but the image quality decreases and specialized LCD panels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing the LCD panel to maintain full pixel density across the entire display area, including the region behind which the camera is positioned. The optical properties of the LCD panel are optimized locally to allow sufficient light transmission to the camera while maintaining display quality for the user.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers and components are modified to create a through hole for camera integration, then the camera can be positioned behind the display, but the manufacturing cost and quality control requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex multi-layer modification process entirely. The camera is integrated behind the complete, unmodified LCD assembly, eliminating the need to drill through and align multiple layers including cover glass, polarizers, liquid crystal layer, and backlight unit.
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 cost-effective, seamless camera integration with improved image quality by enhancing light yield and reducing hardware complexity, while maintaining display performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide (5) with nanostructures, wherein the light guide is arranged behind the light enhancement layer (4)
Implementation Method 2
a light guide (5) with nanostructures
Implementation Method 3
A display system with a camera operating in the infrared wavelength spectrum
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present application relates to an apparatus and a vehicle comprising such apparatus. The apparatus comprises a display device (1) and a camera (3). The display device (1) comprises a cover glass (7), an LCD Panel (2), and a backlight unit. The LCD Panel (2) is arranged behind the cover glass (7), the backlight unit is arranged behind the LCD Panel (2) and the camera (3) is arranged behind the backlight unit with its field of view directed to the backlight unit. The field of view of the camera (3) defines an active area (9) of the camera (3). The backlight unit comprises an edge light source (8), a light enhancement layer (4) and a light guide (5) arranged behind the light enhancement layer (4). The camera (3) is operating in the infrared wavelength spectrum, the light enhancement layer (4) comprises a cut-out window (6) in the active area (9) of the camera (3), and the light guide (5) is a light guide (5) with nanostructures.