Display Panel Depth Sensing via Rear Image Sensors and Liquid Crystal Lenses

The patent divides the single large image sensor into multiple small image sensors arranged in an array on the back of the display panel. Each small image sensor captures depth information from a specific spatial region, and the combined data forms the complete depth image. This segmentation enables miniaturization while maintaining measurement precision through the collective capability of multiple sensors.

The patent positions image sensors on the back side of the display panel, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) to accommodate the sensor array without increasing the front-facing footprint. This dimensional rearrangement allows the depth camera functionality to be integrated within the display structure, solving the conflict between sensor size and display integration.

The patent merges the display panel and depth camera into a single integrated device. The display panel serves dual purposes: as the display output and as the mounting substrate for the image sensor array. The liquid crystal lenses are integrated with the display pixel structure, allowing the same physical space to serve both display and depth capture functions, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite using multiple sensors.

The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: visual display and depth image capture. The liquid crystal lenses serve both as display modulation elements and as focusing elements for the image sensors. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated depth camera components, reducing integration complexity.

The patent replaces traditional mechanical lens assemblies with liquid crystal lenses that utilize electro-optic effects. The liquid crystal lenses can dynamically adjust their focal length and optical properties through voltage control, enabling precise control over light paths from multiple angles. This substitution allows accurate spatial positioning and occlusion handling without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.

The liquid crystal lenses provide dynamic optical adjustment capability, allowing the system to adapt to different spatial positions and occlusion scenarios in real-time. By changing the voltage applied to the liquid crystal lenses, the system can dynamically refocus and adjust the optical path to accurately capture depth information even when objects are partially occluded or at varying distances, maintaining measurement precision.