Integrating Proximity Sensors Into Display Pixel Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display screens with proximity sensors often require a separate non-display area for sensor components, which reduces the screen-to-body ratio and can affect detection accuracy due to signal diffraction and display state interference.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a signal emitter and receiver into the gap area between pixel points on the display screen, allowing for accurate detection of external objects without occupying additional non-display space, and using a switch to control the signal emitter's operation independently of the display pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a proximity sensor is arranged in a non-display area, then the sensor can detect external objects, but the screen-to-body ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor components (signal emitter and signal receiver) are merged into the display screen structure by placing them in the gap areas between pixel points. This integration allows the sensor to function within the display area rather than requiring separate non-display space, thereby maintaining a high screen-to-body ratio while preserving detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor components are positioned in the vertical dimension within the display screen structure, specifically in the gap areas between pixel points. This spatial arrangement in the vertical dimension allows the sensor to occupy minimal horizontal space, enabling full-screen display while accommodating sensor functionality.
2Ease of manufacture
If a proximity sensor is arranged in a non-display area, then the sensor components can be housed, but signal diffraction affects detection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A switch component is introduced as an intermediary element to control the signal emitter's operation. The switch is configured to block the signal emitter when the display screen displays images, preventing signal diffraction and interference. This intermediary control mechanism ensures accurate detection by eliminating harmful signal interactions while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Reliability
If the signal emitter operates continuously, then detection is always available, but interference with display pixels occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The signal emitter's operation is made dynamic through the switch component that adjusts its state based on display conditions. When the display screen is active and showing images, the switch blocks the signal emitter to prevent interference. When the display is off or in proximity detection mode, the switch allows the signal emitter to operate, ensuring detection availability without causing harmful interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal emitter operates periodically rather than continuously, controlled by the switch that activates it only when needed for proximity detection. This periodic operation synchronized with display state changes eliminates continuous interference while maintaining reliable detection capability when required.
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 configuration enhances the screen-to-body ratio and improves detection accuracy by ensuring that the signal received comes directly from external reflections, while allowing the display screen to control its state based on proximity and ambient light conditions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
Each subpixel circuit includes a driving circuit to operate a corresponding infrared (IR) emitting LED in a light emission mode
Implementation Method 2
The invisible light reflected from a target object which comes in contact with or close to the screen is received on the screen
Implementation Method 3
Each selection device may be coupled to a corresponding sensing IR diode to operate the corresponding sensing IR diode in a light sensing mode
Data Source
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Figure 4
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display screen and an electronic device. The display screen includes a functional area. The functional area is configured to achieve a function of the electronic device and includes a plurality of pixel points. The plurality of pixel points defines a gap area therebetween. The display screen further includes a signal emitter received in the gap area.