Display and Imaging Elements Integration for Mobile Front Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices face challenges in expanding display area without increasing size, while accommodating a front-facing camera, due to limitations in traditional camera technologies and display resolution.
Innovation Solution
Integration of display and imaging elements within the same area on a mobile device's front surface, using Bayer filters to replace one green subpixel with a photodetector, allowing for both display and image capture functionality without significant size increase, by switching between display and imaging modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional front-facing camera is added to a smartphone, then image capture functionality is achieved, but the display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display and camera functions into a single integrated structure by incorporating imaging elements (photodetectors) within the display area. The display panel includes both display pixels and imaging pixels distributed across the same surface, allowing the display to simultaneously serve as both a visual output device and an image capture sensor, thereby eliminating the need for a separate front-facing camera module.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a display device for showing information and as an imaging device for capturing images. By integrating photodetectors alongside display pixels, the same physical area becomes universal, capable of both emitting light for display and detecting light for image capture, thus maximizing space utilization.
2Area of stationary object
If the display area is expanded without increasing smartphone size, then screen real estate increases, but space for camera components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera functionality within the display structure itself, eliminating the need for separate camera components. The imaging elements are integrated directly into the display panel layers, allowing the display area to be maximized without requiring additional space for traditional camera modules, lenses, and associated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging elements are nested within the display panel structure. The photodetectors are positioned in specific layers of the display (such as replacing certain subpixels or positioned in gaps between display elements), effectively hiding the camera functionality within the display itself, similar to a nested doll structure where one function is contained within another.
3Area of stationary object
If imaging elements are integrated within the display area, then both display and image capture are achieved in the same space, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having different regions of the display panel serve different functions. Certain areas contain display pixels for showing information, while other areas contain imaging pixels for capturing images. The Bayer filter pattern and photodetector placement are optimized for local imaging functionality without compromising the overall display performance, allowing standardized manufacturing processes to be used with localized functional variations.
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 efficient use of display area for both image capture and display, reducing processing requirements and maintaining user experience with improved light collection and resolution, compatible with high-performance applications like VR and gaming.
Implementation Method 1
A position of the plurality of pixels is replaced with a photodetector
Data Source
AI summary
A display that includes a plurality of contiguous pixel areas. Each pixel area is divided into subpixels for displaying and a photodetector for imaging. The display can be configured into a display mode to display information using the subpixels for displaying or an imaging mode to capture image information using the photodetectors for imaging.