Deformable Display Camera Hiding for Full-Screen Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in increasing the screen-to-body ratio while accommodating a front camera, as designs like 'notch' or 'hole' displays reduce display area, and under-display cameras compromise image pixels and light transmittance.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device features a display screen with a first and second area, where the second area can be deformed by a deformation drive part, allowing the camera module to be hidden when not in use and exposed for shooting by transitioning between curved and flattened states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a front camera is added to increase functionality, then the device can capture images, but the display area is reduced due to notches or holes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera functionalityVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen is designed to dynamically change its shape between flat and curved states. When flat, the camera module is exposed for image capture. When curved, the camera module is hidden and the entire screen area becomes effective display area. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between camera functionality and maximum display area based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If an under-display camera is used to maintain display area, then the display area is preserved, but the light transmittance is reduced affecting image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using an under-display camera that compromises image quality, the invention dynamically transforms the display screen to expose a dedicated camera module when image capture is needed. This eliminates the need for light to pass through display components, thereby maintaining both full display area and high image quality without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If a pop-up front camera is used to ensure display area, then the display area is maintained, but the camera capture time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidcamera capture time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen dynamically transforms from a flat state to a curved state to expose or hide the camera module. This transformation is achieved through deformation drive parts that bend the flexible display, allowing rapid switching between camera and display modes without the time-consuming mechanical extension required by pop-up cameras.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display screen utilizes a flexible display structure that can be deformed without damage. This flexible film allows the screen to curve and expose the camera module quickly, eliminating the delay associated with traditional pop-up mechanisms while maintaining full display area when the camera is not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If the display screen is made flexible to enable deformation, then the camera can be hidden/exposed, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecamera hiding capabilityVSAvoiddisplay structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is nested within the flexible display structure, allowing it to be hidden when the display is flat and exposed when the display curves. This nesting approach integrates the camera into the display itself, reducing the need for separate housing structures and minimizing overall device complexity while achieving the desired adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 design enhances the display area and effect by hiding the camera module during non-shooting modes, ensuring uninterrupted display and efficient camera operation without reducing pixel density.

Implementation Method 1

the second area can gradually change from the curved state to the flattened state driven by the deformation drive part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4280588B1Electronic device, and control method therefor and control apparatus thereof
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP4280588B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4280588B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4280588B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An electronic device, a control method thereof and a control apparatus thereof are provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a display screen, a deformation drive part, and a camera module. The display screen and the housing form an inner cavity. The camera module and the deformation drive part are disposed in the inner cavity. The display screen includes a first area and a second area connected to each other. The first area is a first plane area, and the second area is located on an edge of the display screen. The deformation drive part drives the second area to switch between a flattened state and a curved state through deformation. In a case that the second area is in the flattened state, the second area is a flat second plane area, and the second plane area is located in the same plane as the first plane area. In a case that the second area is in the curved state, the second area is curved. A light-transmitting area is disposed in the second area. In the case that the second area is in the flattened state, ambient light passing through the light-transmitting area is projected onto the camera module.