E-ink Electronic Shutter for Embedded Camera Aperture Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices with embedded cameras face challenges in minimizing bezel width, which affects the ability to stack displays seamlessly and introduces mechanical complexity and cost, especially in compact devices like laptops and smartphones, due to protruding camera mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electronic shutter using an e-ink layer within the LCD panel, where the thin-film transistor layer and electronic ink reservoir work together to control the aperture, allowing for an electronic shutter mechanism that can be integrated seamlessly behind the display panel, reducing bezel width and eliminating the need for a pop-up camera mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pop-up camera mechanism is used to enable image capture, then the camera can be integrated into the display, but the bezel width increases and mechanical complexity is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture capabilityVSAvoidbezel width

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pop-up camera mechanism with an electronic shutter system using e-ink particles that can be electrically controlled to open or close the aperture. This substitution eliminates the need for moving mechanical parts while achieving the same image capture control function, thereby reducing bezel width and mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary e-ink layer between the camera aperture and the display panel. This intermediary layer acts as an electronic shutter that can selectively block or allow light passage through the aperture, enabling image capture control without requiring a protruding mechanical camera structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a pop-up camera mechanism is used to enable image capture, then the camera can be integrated into the display, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage capture capabilityVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single layered structure within the display panel. The e-ink layer serves both as part of the display structure and as an electronic shutter for the camera, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the aperture is blocked to prevent image capture, then privacy is protected, but the shutter mechanism adds complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprivacy protectionVSAvoidshutter mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical shutter mechanisms with an electronic control system that uses electrical signals to manipulate e-ink particle charge states. This electronic approach eliminates complex mechanical linkages while achieving the same privacy protection function through aperture blocking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution enables a compact and cost-effective display design with a seamless electronic shutter that can be integrated within the display frame, allowing for efficient image capture control without increasing bezel width, facilitating the stacking of displays and reducing mechanical complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The LCD panel may direct the second portion of the thin-film transistor layer to provide a first electrical stimulus in a second charge state opposite to the first charge state to attract the electronic ink to the aperture to form a shutter for the image capture device and to block the aperture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS11726380B1Advanced e-shutter system with e-ink layer for embedded camera display

Publication Date: 2023.08.15 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An LCD panel includes an image capture device having an aperture, thin-film transistor layer, and an electronic ink reservoir. The thin-film transistor layer includes a first portion to provide an image on the LCD panel, a second portion, and a third portion. The second portion corresponds with the aperture, and the third portion immediately surrounds the second portion. The electronic ink reservoir is located proximate to the second and third portions of the thin-film transistor layer, and includes an electronic ink charged with a first charge state. The LCD panel directs the second portion of the thin-film transistor layer to provide a first electrical stimulus in a second charge state opposite to the first charge state to attract the electronic ink to the aperture to form a shutter for the image capture device and to block the aperture.