Integrated Display Camera Using IR Light Guide Nanostructures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for seamlessly integrating a camera behind a display, such as in vehicles, face challenges including increased design complexity, cost, reduced image quality due to LCD panel opacity and polarizers, and the need for complex hardware and software compensation to mitigate image distortion.
Innovation Solution
A display with an integrated camera operates in the infrared wavelength spectrum, utilizing a light guide with nanostructures and a camera positioned behind the backlight unit, eliminating the need for a switchable diffuser, through holes, and complex alignment, while using polarizers and liquid crystal materials that minimally affect IR light, and employing a post-processing algorithm to enhance image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a through hole is provided through the LCD display to allow light to reach the camera, then the camera can be integrated behind the display, but it requires great effort to align the through hole and can damage the LCD parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light transmission function from the LCD display structure by removing the need for through-holes in the LCD panel itself. Instead, it creates a light channel through the backlight unit and light guide, separating the light path creation from the display structure modification, thus avoiding alignment complexity and damage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary component between the backlight unit and the display panel. The light guide redirects light through a light channel to reach the camera, serving as a mediator that enables light transmission without requiring modifications to the LCD display structure.
2Measurement precision
If restoration optics are used to correct image distortion caused by the display, then image quality improves, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of the display structure on image quality into a beneficial approach by working with the existing light paths. Instead of adding correction optics, it designs the light channel and light guide to naturally guide light from the display to the camera, eliminating the need for restoration optics while maintaining image quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a switchable diffuser is used to enable light to reach the camera, then camera functionality is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the switchable diffuser component entirely from the system. Instead of using a diffuser that needs to be switched to enable light transmission, it creates a permanent light channel through the backlight unit and light guide that continuously allows light to reach the camera without requiring additional components or switching mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If through holes are drilled in the LCD display, then light can reach the camera, but the LCD parts may be damaged and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light channel creation from the LCD display structure itself. Instead of drilling through-holes in the LCD panel, it creates the light channel through the backlight unit and light guide, preserving the integrity of the LCD display parts while still enabling light transmission to the camera.
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 approach achieves seamless camera integration with improved image quality, reduced complexity, and lower costs, enabling enhanced user experience and additional functionalities without visible disturbances or additional hardware requirements.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a light guide with nanostructures
Implementation Method 2
camera operating in the infrared wavelength spectrum
Implementation Method 3
optically bonded cover glass
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
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) and a light guide (5). The camera (3) is operating in the infrared wavelength spectrum and the light guide (5) is a light guide (5) with nanostructures (12).