Integrating IR Proximity Sensors into Display Edge Regions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems face challenges in integrating gesture recognition and far-field sensing due to the requirement for additional space, which is not feasible in ultra-flat display designs where the edge region is narrow and cannot be used for displaying information.
Innovation Solution
An integrated, optically operating proximity sensor system is implemented within the display device, utilizing the edge region for IR transmitter and receiver components, such as PIN photodiodes, which are produced using the same thin-film transistor (TFT) technology as the display, allowing for an ultra-slim border design without affecting the optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate IR sensing systems are integrated into the display, then gesture recognition and far-field sensing are enabled, but additional space is required which conflicts with ultra-flat display designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the IR transmitter and receiver components with the display structure by integrating them into the edge region and rear side of the display unit. The transmitter is arranged on the rear side while receivers are positioned in the edge region, merging the sensing system with the display structure to eliminate the need for separate additional spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the rear side of the display unit as an additional dimension for component placement. By arranging the IR transmitter on the rear side and receivers in the edge region, the system effectively uses the third dimension (depth/thickness) and lateral edge regions to accommodate sensing components without increasing the front display area.
2Area of stationary object
If the edge region is used for displaying information, then display area is maximized, but no space remains for proximity sensor system components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display unit into functional regions: the front display surface for information display, the edge region for receiver components, and the rear side for transmitter components. This segmentation allows each region to serve its specific function without interfering with others, enabling the edge region to be used for sensing while the front surface remains dedicated to display.
Solution Approach 2:
By moving the transmitter to the rear side and receivers to the edge region, the patent utilizes spatial dimensions that do not compete with the front display area. This dimensional redistribution allows maximum display area on the front surface while accommodating sensor components in non-competing spatial zones.
3Length of stationary object
If narrow edge regions are used for sensor components, then ultra-slim border design is achieved, but integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the IR sensing system with the display manufacturing process by using the same TFT technology for both the display and the sensor components. The receivers are integrated into the edge region using standard display fabrication techniques, and the transmitter is positioned on the rear side, combining multiple functions into a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The display unit serves multiple functions: the front surface displays information, the edge region detects reflected IR radiation, and the rear side emits IR radiation. By making the display unit multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate sensor modules, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the narrow integration space.
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 gesture recognition and far-field sensing without additional space requirements, maintaining the optical performance and design aesthetics of ultra-flat displays, ensuring compatibility with existing TFT technology and meeting automotive standards.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmitter (78) for emitting sensor radiation into the observation space
Implementation Method 2
at least one receiver (74) for receiving sensor radiation reflected from the observation space
Implementation Method 3
PIN photodiodes, which are produced using the same thin-film transistor (TFT) technology as the display
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a display device having an integrated, optically operating proximity sensor system (76) for detecting an object present within an observation space in front of the display device, such as a hand or a finger of a hand of a person. The display device is provided with a display unit (11) which has a front side (60) having an information-displaying display surface (62) and having an edge region (64), which adjoins said display surface and is not used for the display of information, and a rear side. The display device also has a proximity sensor system (76) having at least one transmitter (78) for emitting sensor radiation towards the observation space and having at least one receiver (74) for receiving sensor radiation reflected from the observation space. Said proximity sensor system (76) is arranged at least partially in the edge region (64) of the front side (60) of the display unit (11) in which at least one receiver of the proximity sensor system (76) is arranged in thin-film technology. The at least one transmitter (78) of the proximity sensor system (76) can be integrated either below the display unit (11) or therein.