LCD Camera Behind Screen for Eye Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional videoconferencing devices cannot achieve eye-to-eye contact between local and remote users due to the camera's position relative to the LCD screen, limiting the effectiveness of video communications.
Innovation Solution
A method and device configuration where a camera is positioned behind an LCD screen within a sealed enclosure, allowing the backlight to be turned off between image frames to capture user images without interrupting the video display, by setting elements to transmit light without color filters, enabling eye-to-eye contact while maintaining the display's de-blurring effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera is positioned behind the LCD screen, then eye-to-eye contact is achieved, but the camera becomes visible to the user and the display is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The LCD screen elements are periodically switched between display mode and camera transmission mode in synchronization with the camera's frame capture rate. During camera capture intervals, elements are set to transmit light without color filters; during display intervals, elements return to normal color-filtered operation. This periodic switching enables the camera to capture images through the screen while the display remains functional for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The LCD screen elements dynamically change their optical properties by switching between different transmission states. The elements can be configured to either display colored images (with color filters active) or transmit ambient light (with color filters inactive), allowing the screen to adapt its function between being a display and being a transparent window for the camera.
2Ease of operation
If the backlight is turned off to allow camera capture, then the camera can see the user, but the display screen becomes black and obscures the camera
Solution Approach 1:
The backlight is switched off periodically in synchronization with the camera's frame capture rate. During these brief intervals when the backlight is off, the LCD elements are set to transmit mode, allowing the camera to capture images through the screen. The backlight then turns back on to display the next frame, creating a rhythmic cycle that enables camera operation without permanently darkening the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The LCD elements are pre-configured to switch to transmission mode before the backlight is turned off, ensuring that the optical path is ready for camera capture. This preliminary switching of element states prepares the screen for transparent operation just before the camera needs to capture an image.
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
Enables natural eye contact during video calls without affecting the video quality for both local and remote users, as the camera captures images through the LCD screen without being visible to the user, while maintaining the conventional LCD viewing experience.
Implementation Method 1
When an electric field is applied to the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal rotates the light, so that at least a component of the light can pass through the outer polariser, making the element translucent or transparent.
Implementation Method 2
a backlight positioned within the housing and arranged to illuminate the LCD screen
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a liquid crystal display (LCD) device is disclosed. The device comprises an LCD screen held by a housing, a camera positioned within the housing, and a backlight arranged to illuminate the LCD screen. The method comprises displaying a first image on the LCD screen by setting a first set of elements of the LCD screen to transmit light and illuminating the LCD screen with the backlight. After switching off the backlight, a second set of elements is set to transmit light with colour filters off, and an image is captured with the camera. After capturing the image, a second image is displayed on the LCD screen by setting a third set of elements to transmit light and illuminating the LCD screen with the backlight.