Illumination Unit Light Guide Edge Camera Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a challenge in reducing the width of the outer frame of electronic devices while maintaining space for cameras and sensors, and achieving uniform illumination luminance in display units.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an illumination unit with a light guide, multiple light sources, and a reflective sheet, where smaller light sources are placed closer to openings in the light guide to reduce non-uniformity and minimize frame expansion, along with a wiring substrate configuration to reduce connectors and parts, thereby simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the camera and sensors are provided in the outer side of the display portion, then the device can accommodate essential components, but the width of the outer frame increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the camera and sensors from the lateral outer frame area to the vertical edge area of the display portion. By utilizing the edge dimension (thickness direction) of the display panel instead of the lateral dimension, the camera and sensors are accommodated without increasing the outer frame width, thus resolving the contradiction between component accommodation space and frame width.
2Device complexity
If a single light source is used in the illumination unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the luminance uniformity across the display portion deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple light sources positioned at different locations within the illumination unit, with each light source responsible for illuminating a specific region of the display portion. This local illumination approach ensures that each area receives adequate and uniform luminance, while the overall system complexity remains manageable through modular light source configuration.
3Length of stationary object
If the frame width is reduced to achieve compact design, then the device size is minimized, but the space for installing cameras and sensors becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates cameras and sensors from the lateral frame area to the vertical edge area of the display portion, utilizing the thickness dimension and edge space. This dimensional transition allows compact frame width while maintaining sufficient installation space for essential components through three-dimensional spatial optimization.
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 effectively reduces non-uniformity of illumination luminance and minimizes the frame width of electronic devices, allowing for more compact designs while maintaining efficient illumination and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide (LG) comprising a first side surface (S1), a main surface (MS) opposing the liquid crystal panel and an opening (OP1) made by a notch or a through hole
Implementation Method 2
there is a demand of uniformizing the luminance of the illumination light
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a liquid crystal panel and an illumination unit which illuminates the liquid crystal panel. The illumination unit includes a light guide comprising a first side surface, a main surface opposing the liquid crystal panel and an opening made by a notch or a through hole, a first light source opposing to the first side surface, and a second light source provided closer to the opening than to the first light source.