Dual Light Guide System for Bezel Width Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic equipment with a display part and a light receiving element on the same surface, there is a challenge in securing space for the light receiving element while minimizing the bezel width outside the display part, as existing designs often require significant space for the light receiving element, which can limit the display area and increase the bezel width.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a dual light guide system with a first light guide and a second light guide, where the second light guide is positioned between the liquid crystal panel and the light receiving element, and a sub-illumination part with a second light source, wavelength conversion element, and prism sheet, allowing the light receiving element to be placed deeper than the liquid crystal panel without overlapping the display area, thus reducing the bezel width and increasing the display area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the light receiving element is disposed outside the display part, then the display area can be maintained, but the bezel width increases due to the space required for the light receiving element
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the light receiving element in the depth direction (third direction) rather than horizontally outside the display part. Specifically, the light receiving element is disposed deeper than the liquid crystal panel in the non-display area, utilizing the Z-axis dimension to resolve the spatial conflict between display area and light receiving element placement, thereby reducing bezel width while maintaining full display area.
2Length of stationary object
If the light receiving element is disposed deeper than the liquid crystal panel, then the bezel width is reduced, but the space for effective light detection may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light guide as an intermediary component between the light receiving element and the external environment. The light guide transmits light from the front surface to the light receiving element positioned deeper inside, enabling effective light detection despite the reduced space. The light guide acts as a mediator that bridges the spatial gap and maintains detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light receiving element is nested within the illumination device structure, specifically positioned deeper than the liquid crystal panel in the non-display area. This nested arrangement allows the light receiving element to be integrated into the existing device layers without requiring additional external space, thereby reducing bezel width while maintaining functionality.
3Area of stationary object
If a dual light guide system is used, then the light receiving element can be positioned deeper without overlapping the display area, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second light guide serves multiple functions: it guides light from the sub-illumination part to the liquid crystal panel for display illumination, and simultaneously creates a light transmission path for the light receiving element to detect external light. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by having one component perform multiple roles rather than requiring separate dedicated structures.
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 enables a more compact design by allowing the light receiving element to be placed in a non-display area, reducing the bezel width and enhancing illumination brightness, while maintaining effective light detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a sub-illumination part with a second light source, wavelength conversion element, and prism sheet
Implementation Method 2
a light reflective layer covering each of the continuous surface and the first side surface
Implementation Method 3
a second light guide including a first area, a second area surrounding the first area, a first main surface extending over the entirety of the first area and the entirety of the second area, a second main surface extending the first area alone and positioned in the opposite side of the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electronic equipment includes a liquid crystal panel, an illumination device, and a light receiving element. The illumination device includes a first light guide which includes a first opening, a first light source, a second light guide including a first area, a second area, a first main surface, a second main surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and a continuous surface, a second light source opposed to each of the continuous surface and the second side surface, and a light reflective layer covering each of the continuous surface and the first side surface.