Display Camera Window Openings for Compact Under-Display Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional camera mounting arrangements in electronic devices, such as portable computers and cellular telephones, are inefficient in terms of space usage, particularly when a camera is mounted on the lower surface of the display, consuming more interior space than desired.
Innovation Solution
A camera window is formed in the display by creating a notch in the thin-film transistor layer or grinding a hole that penetrates partway into the transistor layer but not the color filter layer, allowing the camera to be mounted in a recess while minimizing space consumption, with an opaque masking layer aligned to allow light passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera is mounted under a portion of a cover glass layer in the display or along the upper edge of the display using a bezel, then the camera can be accommodated in the display structure, but more interior space in the device is consumed than desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera mounting structure with the display assembly by integrating the camera window opening directly into the display layers (cover glass, color filter layer, or thin-film transistor layer) rather than using separate bezel or cover glass mounting arrangements. This integration eliminates additional structural components and reduces interior space consumption while maintaining camera functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera is nested within the display structure by forming a window opening that passes through selected display layers, allowing the camera to be positioned within the display assembly itself rather than requiring external mounting space. The opaque masking layer is then nested within the display structure to provide light blocking while allowing light passage to the camera through the window opening.
2Reliability
If an opening is formed in the display to accommodate the camera, then light can pass to the camera, but the display structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific window opening in selected display layers (cover glass, color filter layer, or thin-film transistor layer) at the precise location where camera access is needed, while leaving the rest of the display layers intact. This localized modification maintains overall display structure simplicity while enabling light transmission to the camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an opaque masking layer as an intermediary component within the display structure. This masking layer has an opening aligned with the camera window opening and serves as a light-blocking element that can be selectively removed or configured to allow light passage to the camera while maintaining the integrity of the surrounding display structure.
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 enables a more compact design by reducing the volume occupied by the camera, allowing for more efficient use of space within the device and improved camera integration with the display.
Implementation Method 1
The notch may be formed by scribing the thin-film transistor layer around the notch location and breaking away a portion of the thin-film transistor layer. A scribe wheel or laser scribing equipment may be used in creating scribe lines for the notch.
Implementation Method 2
A camera window may also be formed by grinding a hole in the display using grinding equipment. The hole may penetrate partway into the thin-film transistor layer, may penetrate through the transistor layer but not into the color filter layer, or may pass through the thin-film transistor layer and partly into the color filter layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A display may include a color filter layer, a liquid crystal layer, and a thin-film transistor layer. A camera window may be formed in the display to accommodate a camera. The camera window may be formed by creating a notch in the thin-film transistor layer that extends inwardly from the edge of the thin-film transistor layer. The notch may be formed by scribing the thin-film transistor layer around the notch location and breaking away a portion of the thin-film transistor layer. A camera window may also be formed by grinding a hole in the display. The hole may penetrate partway into the thin-film transistor layer, may penetrate through the transistor layer but not into the color filter layer, or may pass through the thin-film transistor layer and partly into the color filter layer.