Integrated Display Input Device Merging Pixel Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display and input devices lack integration of visual output and position sensing capabilities, limiting their functionality in applications requiring both visual feedback and input functionality, such as portable communicators, interactive televisions, and portable computers.
Innovation Solution
An integrated display and input device is developed, featuring a first pixel array for visual output and a second pixel array for sensing object positions, with circuitry to process inputs from the second array, providing non-imagewise input to utilization circuitry. The second pixel array includes detector elements arranged in a plane parallel to the viewing plane, and can include a detector assembly at the edges of the display, with a support substrate and cover layer, enabling detection of electromagnetic radiation and reflection for position sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate display and input devices are used, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity increases and integration is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines display and input functionality into a single integrated device by placing detector elements behind the display screen. The display panel serves dual purposes: visual output and position sensing, eliminating the need for separate input devices and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a visual display device and a position sensing input device. The detector elements behind the screen detect light patterns to determine object positions, enabling the same structure to serve both display and input purposes
2Ease of operation
If detector elements are placed behind the display screen, then input sensing is enabled without blocking visual output, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector elements are positioned in a plane behind the display screen rather than in front, utilizing the depth dimension. This arrangement allows light from objects to pass through the screen and be detected by elements positioned at a different z-coordinate, enabling input sensing without interfering with the visual display function
Solution Approach 2:
The display screen itself acts as an intermediary medium that allows light transmission to the detector elements behind it. The screen serves as both the visual display surface and a light-transmissive layer that enables the detector array to sense object positions without blocking the visual output
3Measurement precision
If a second pixel array is added for sensing, then position sensing capability is provided, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector array is integrated with the display structure by positioning it directly behind the display screen on the same substrate or housing. This merging of display and detector arrays into a single structural unit simplifies manufacturing compared to assembling separate display and input devices
Solution Approach 2:
The detector array is divided into multiple discrete detector elements arranged in a grid pattern, with each element corresponding to a specific region of the display screen. This segmentation allows independent positioning and calibration of each detector element, improving position sensing accuracy while enabling modular manufacturing approaches
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
The integrated device enables both visual output and input functionality, allowing for precise position sensing and enhanced user interaction in various applications, including portable communicators and interactive televisions, by effectively combining display and input capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a second pixel array operative to sense at least a position of an object with respect to the first pixel array
Implementation Method 2
The cover layer is formed of a light transmissive material
Implementation Method 3
the at least one edge includes a field-of-view defining mask having light-collimating tunnel-defining apertures
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated display and input device includes a first pixel array operative to provide a visually sensible output, a second pixel array operative to sense at least a position of an object with respect to the first pixel array, and circuitry receiving an output from the second pixel array and providing a non-imagewise input to utilization circuitry.