In-Display Camera and Thermal Sensor Microassemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile computing devices face limitations in image and video capture capabilities due to the restricted placement and number of cameras, which hinders features like depth sensing, holographic image recording, and user authentication, while also increasing bezel width and system complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating cameras and thermal sensors into the display area of mobile devices, allowing for a reduced bezel width and enhanced functionality by using microassemblies that adjust the viewing cone angle of pixels, enabling dynamic content viewability and improved system performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cameras are placed in the bezel area, then image capture functionality is provided, but bezel width increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera module with the display structure by integrating the camera into the display area. The camera module is positioned to work with the display pixels, allowing light to pass through selected pixels to reach the image sensor. This merging eliminates the need for separate bezel placement and reduces overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D display operation to 3D light path manipulation by allowing light to pass through the display medium in the Z-direction. The microlens assembly focuses light from the 3D space through specific pixels to the image sensor, adding a dimensional aspect to both display and camera functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras are added for depth sensing and holographic recording, then functionality is enhanced, but device complexity and bezel width increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the display pixels serve multiple functions: they act as both display elements and aperture controls for the camera system. The same pixel array used for visual output is also used to control light passage for image capture, enabling multiple camera functions (photo, video, depth sensing) without adding separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The display and camera systems are merged into a single integrated structure. The microlens assembly serves both to enhance display viewing angles and to focus light for the image sensor. This dual-purpose design enables depth sensing and holographic recording capabilities without requiring separate dedicated components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a physical privacy panel is attached to the display, then content viewability is limited, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static privacy panels with dynamic pixel control. Individual pixels or pixel groups can be dynamically activated or deactivated to control light passage. This dynamic control allows for flexible privacy management where specific display regions can be made opaque or transparent as needed, without physical attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The display pixels serve dual functions as both visual output elements and privacy control mechanisms. By controlling which pixels are active, the system provides both display functionality and privacy protection without requiring separate privacy panel components.
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 enhances image and video capture capabilities, supports holographic image recording, and improves user authentication while reducing bezel width and system complexity, offering improved thermal management and privacy features.
Implementation Method 1
a camera located in a display area can receive light that passes or does not pass through a transparent display medium
Implementation Method 2
microlenses
Implementation Method 3
In-display thermal sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Cameras are located within the display area of a display. In-display cameras allow for thinner display bezels. In-display cameras allow for the creation of ultra-high resolution images. The ability to capture an object from multiple perspectives allows for holographic image recording and playback. Multiple views of an image can be captured with varying depths of focus, allowing an image's depth of field to be adjusted during post processing. In-display cameras can also be used for user authentication, touch detection and three-dimensional gesture recognition. Thermal sensors located within the display area allow for control of the display temperature, improved control over system performance, and compensation for micro-LED degradation that can occur due to aging or increased temperature. Microlens assemblies located above pixels can adjust the viewing cone angle of the display or a portion of the display and microassemblies located under individual pixels or pixel arrays can adjust a viewing angle.