Integrated Camera and Sensor Assembly for Full-Screen Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

The enlargement of display regions in terminals is limited by the presence of non-display regions used for other functions, such as photography or user recognition, which occupy valuable screen space.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a functional assembly within the display screen that includes a sensor unit, a first light-guiding component, and a camera, allowing the camera to function without the need for a separate non-display region, thereby increasing the display area by integrating the camera and sensor functions into the display screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate non-display region is provided for camera and sensor functions, then the device can achieve photography and user recognition functions, but the display region area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoiddisplay region area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the camera and sensor functions with the display screen by integrating the camera lens and sensor units directly into the display structure. The camera lens is positioned at the display region, and the sensor units are integrated within the display screen, allowing these functional components to share the same physical space rather than requiring separate non-display regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display screen is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the display interface and the housing for camera and sensor functions. The camera lens integrated into the display region enables photography functionality, while the sensor units integrated within the display screen enable user recognition, making the display screen a multi-functional component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Area of stationary object

If the screen size is enlarged to increase display region, then the display area is increased, but the space for other functions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay region areaVSAvoidfunctional capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional components (camera lens, sensor units) directly into the display screen structure, allowing them to coexist within the same physical space. This integration enables the display screen to maintain its enlarged size while accommodating additional functional capabilities without requiring separate dedicated spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension and internal structure of the display screen to house sensor units and other functional components. By arranging components in different layers and dimensions within the display screen thickness, the design accommodates multiple functions within the same footprint, enabling screen enlargement without sacrificing functional capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If non-display region is used for camera and sensor functions, then the functions can be implemented, but the overall screen utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidscreen utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the camera lens, sensor units, and display screen into a single integrated structure. The camera lens is positioned at the display region, and the sensor units are integrated within the display screen, eliminating the need for separate non-display regions and maximizing screen utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integration effectively enlarges the display region by eliminating the need for a separate non-display area, allowing for a larger screen display while maintaining additional functional capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The emitter is configured to emit probe light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

the detection light being formed by reflection of the probe light against an obstacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The first light-guiding component is configured to introduce the probe light and transmit the probe light to the outside through the camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight guidance: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 4

The receiver is configured to receive detection light through the camera, the detection light being formed by reflection of the probe light against an obstacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10508901B2Functional assembly, display device and terminal
Publication Date: 2019.12.17 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • US10508901B2 patent drawing
  • US10508901B2 patent drawing
  • US10508901B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a functional assembly, a display device and a terminal. The functional assembly includes a sensor unit, a first light-guiding component and a camera. The sensor unit includes an emitter and a receiver. The emitter is configured to emit probe light. The first light-guiding component is configured to introduce the probe light and transmit the probe light to the outside through the camera. The receiver is configured to receive detection light through the camera, the detection light being formed by reflection of the probe light against an obstacle.