Integrated Display Camera With IR Light Guide Camera Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in seamlessly integrating a camera behind a display, particularly in automotive applications, due to issues such as reduced image quality caused by LCD panels and polarizers, and the complexity and cost associated with alignment and hardware modifications.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a display with an integrated camera that operates in the infrared wavelength spectrum, utilizing a light guide with microstructures and a camera window with nanostructures, which allows for seamless integration without the need for a switchable diffuser, through holes in the LCD, or restoration optics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a camera is integrated behind an LCD display using conventional methods (notch, through hole, or blind hole), then the camera can be positioned behind the display, but the image quality deteriorates due to light loss through LCD layers and polarizers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light by using infrared illumination instead of visible light. The infrared camera captures images in the infrared spectrum, which passes through the LCD panel and polarizers with minimal attenuation, thereby maintaining image quality while achieving seamless integration behind the display
2Use of energy by moving object
If through holes are drilled in the LCD panel for light channel, then light can reach the camera, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to alignment requirements and damage risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the camera from the conventional placement behind the entire display assembly and positions it directly behind the backlight unit. This eliminates the need for through holes in the LCD panel, as the camera captures light directly from the backlight source before it passes through the LCD layers, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining light transmission efficiency
3Area of stationary object
If lower pixel density or smaller pixels are used in the camera active area, then space is created for light entry, but the design complexity and costs increase for each platform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an infrared illuminator as an intermediary component that provides active infrared lighting. This allows the camera to capture images in infrared spectrum without requiring modifications to the display structure or camera pixel arrangement, as the infrared light can penetrate the display layers effectively
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 seamless integration of the camera behind the display, improving image quality and reducing costs by eliminating the need for complex alignment and additional hardware, while also allowing the camera to capture images without affecting the displayed content.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a light guide with microstructures and a camera window with nanostructures, which allows for seamless integration without the need for a switchable diffuser, through holes in the LCD, or restoration optics
Implementation Method 2
The proposed solution involves a display with an integrated camera that operates in the infrared wavelength spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to an apparatus and a vehicle comprising such apparatus. The apparatus comprises a display device and a camera. The display device comprises a cover glass, an LCD Panel, and a backlight unit. The LCD Panel is arranged behind the cover glass, the backlight unit is arranged behind the LCD Panel and the camera is arranged behind the backlight unit with its field of view directed to the backlight unit. The field of view of the camera defines an active area of the camera. The backlight unit comprises an edge light source and a light guide. The light guide is a light guide with microstructures. The camera is operating in the infrared wavelength spectrum. The light guide in the active area of the camera comprises a camera window with nanostructures.