Edge-to-Edge Display Sensor Region Light Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems with edge-to-edge displays face challenges in integrating sensors and maintaining structural integrity due to the absence of a cover glass, leading to increased costs and potential disruptions in sensor operations from backlight illumination.
Innovation Solution
A system where a display panel and backlight assemble as a contiguous unit with a sensor region defined in an inactive area, using treatments like a black matrix and index matching resin to pass light through the display panel for sensor detection, reducing light leakage and eliminating the need for a clean room assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate cover glass with integrated touch sensors is used (On-cell technology), then touch detection capability is achieved, but the system thickness increases and structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the touch sensor functionality directly into the display panel structure, eliminating the need for a separate cover glass layer. The touch sensors are integrated within the display panel itself, combining the display and touch detection functions into a single unified structure, thereby reducing overall system thickness while maintaining touch detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the visual display medium and the touch sensor substrate. This multi-functional integration allows the display panel to replace what would traditionally require separate components (cover glass + touch sensors), reducing thickness while achieving both display and touch detection goals.
2Length of moving object
If the outer polarizer surface is used as the display outer surface without cover glass, then system thickness is reduced, but sensor operation is interfered with and structural robustness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display panel into distinct functional layers, including the outer polarizer, color filter, liquid crystal layer, and touch sensor integration layer. By carefully structuring these layers and creating controlled optical pathways, the design allows sensor regions to receive necessary light while maintaining the thin profile enabled by the outer polarizer configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the display panel. Sensor regions are designed with specific optical characteristics that allow light transmission for sensor operation, while display regions maintain their visual display properties. This local differentiation enables both thin construction and reliable sensor function coexist.
3Length of moving object
If display glass cover is omitted to reduce thickness, then system thickness decreases, but housing robustness for protecting display and coupling to hinge is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures within the display panel assembly, combining multiple layers (polarizers, color filters, liquid crystal layers, protective coatings) that collectively provide both the reduced thickness and the necessary mechanical strength. The composite structure distributes stress and provides protection without requiring a separate thick cover glass.
4Shape
If display panel is assembled at housing perimeter, then edge-to-edge display appearance is achieved, but backlight illumination escapes along perimeter disrupting viewing and interfering with sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic backlight illumination from the sensor regions by designing the display panel structure to selectively block or redirect light. Optical barriers, black matrices, or light-absorbing materials are strategically placed in the sensor regions to prevent backlight leakage while maintaining the edge-to-edge display appearance in visible areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful backlight illumination into a beneficial element by using it to illuminate sensors in specific regions. The same backlight that could cause interference is instead channeled and controlled to provide necessary illumination for sensor operation, turning a harmful factor into a useful function.
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 approach allows for a lightweight, cost-effective edge-to-edge display configuration that effectively uses housing footprint, reduces system weight, and ensures sensor operation without visible interference, while maintaining robustness and minimizing light leakage.
Implementation Method 1
index matching resin to pass light through the display panel for sensor detection
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information handling system housing integrates a display having an edge-to-edge presentation of visual images at a housing portion with an inactive portion of a display panel along a perimeter of the display having a sensor region that provides access to underlying sensors through the display. A sealant and black matrix disposed in the inactive region limits illumination that escapes from an active region and provides an aesthetically appealing edge-to-edge appearance. Openings in the sealant and black matrix at the sensor locations provides access through the display, such as with index matching resin that passes illumination and a patterned covering of the black matrix.