Integrated Display Camera Window in Microstructured Light Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in seamlessly integrating a camera behind a display, particularly in automotive and consumer products, due to issues such as reduced image quality, increased complexity, and higher costs associated with aligning through holes in LCDs and using restoration optics.
Innovation Solution
A display with an integrated camera operates in the infrared wavelength spectrum, utilizing a light guide with microstructures that include a camera window where the microstructures are removed, allowing for seamless integration without the need for a switchable diffuser, through holes, or restoration optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a through hole is provided through the LCD display to integrate the camera behind it, then the camera can be seamlessly integrated behind the display, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to the need for precise alignment and risk of damage to LCD parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the camera from behind the LCD display and places it in front of the display, eliminating the need for through holes in the LCD panel. This extraction resolves the manufacturing complexity issue while maintaining seamless integration appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the camera behind the display through a hole (conventional approach), the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the camera in front of the display, using the display itself as the cover for the camera while maintaining seamless integration.
2Measurement precision
If restoration optics are used to correct image distortion caused by the display, then image quality improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes restoration optics from the system by changing the camera position to in front of the display, eliminating the source of image distortion rather than attempting to correct it with additional optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the display from being a source of image distortion (when camera is behind) to being the cover protection for the camera (when in front), transforming a harmful effect into a beneficial function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a switchable diffuser is used to enable camera operation, then the camera can function behind the display, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the camera from behind the display where a switchable diffuser would be needed, and places it in front of the display where the display itself serves as the cover, eliminating the need for switchable diffuser components.
4Volume of moving object
If lower pixel density or smaller pixels are used in the camera active area, then enough space is created for light to enter, but the image quality deteriorates and specially designed LCD panels are required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing pixel density or size to create light path space (conventional approach), the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the camera in front of the display, allowing the camera to use its full pixel density while the display acts as the cover.
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 solution enables a seamless integration of the camera behind the display, improving image quality, reducing complexity and costs, and allowing the camera to be placed in any location of the LCD panel without affecting the displayed content.
Implementation Method 1
The light guide comprises microstructures and, in the active area of the camera, a camera window wherein the microstructures are removed
Implementation Method 2
The light guide comprises microstructures and, in the active area of the camera, a camera window wherein the microstructures are removed
Implementation Method 3
A display with an integrated camera operates in the infrared wavelength spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to an apparatus and a vehicle comprising such apparatus. The apparatus comprises a display device and a camera. The display device comprises a cover glass, an LCD Panel, and a backlight unit. The LCD Panel is arranged behind the cover glass, the backlight unit is arranged behind the LCD Panel and the camera is arranged behind the backlight unit with its field of view directed to the backlight unit. The field of view of the camera defines an active area of the camera. The backlight unit comprises an edge light source and a light guide. The light guide is a light guide with microstructures. The camera is operating in the infrared wavelength spectrum. The light guide in the active area of the camera comprises a camera window that defines an area in which the microstructures are removed from the light guide.