Light-Transmission Display Regions for Under-Display Sensor Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with sensor modules, such as cameras, face challenges in maintaining a high screen-to-body ratio due to the need for a hole in the display region, which can lead to reduced screen visibility and potential interference from light emission into the sensor.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a light transmission region overlapping the sensor module, where pixels are selectively masked or bypassed based on operation modes, ensuring image display while preventing light interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hole is formed at the frame or bezel for the sensor module, then the sensor module can sense external light, but the bezel is enlarged and screen ratio is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is relocated from the bezel area to the display region, transitioning from a peripheral position to a central position within the display area. This dimensional relocation allows the sensor to function while enabling the bezel to maintain a narrow appearance, thus preserving screen ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is positioned within the display region in a nested configuration where the sensor is integrated into the display structure. The display panel is configured to allow light transmission to the sensor while maintaining visual display functionality, creating a nested arrangement that resolves the contradiction between sensor access and screen ratio.
2Area of stationary object
If a hole is formed within the display region for the sensor module (HIAA technique), then screen ratio is increased, but no image can be displayed at the hole
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is configured with different optical properties in different regions. The region containing the sensor module has light transmission characteristics that allow external light to reach the sensor, while surrounding regions maintain normal display functionality. This local differentiation enables both image display continuity and sensor functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel dynamically adjusts its light transmission properties in the sensor region based on operational requirements. When the sensor needs to function, the display panel allows light transmission; when image display is prioritized, the panel can adjust to minimize the visual impact of the sensor region, creating a dynamic solution that adapts to different operational modes.
3Loss of information
If pixels are disposed in the light transmission region, then image can be displayed, but light emission may interfere with the sensor module
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel employs periodic control of pixel operation in the light transmission region. Pixels are activated and deactivated in a periodic manner that synchronizes with sensor operation requirements. When the sensor needs to sense external light, pixels in the light transmission region are deactivated to prevent light emission interference; when sensing is not required, pixels can be activated for image display.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control where the operational state of the sensor module informs the display control. When the sensor is actively sensing, feedback signals trigger the display panel to adjust pixel operation in the light transmission region to prevent interference. This closed-loop control ensures that light emission from pixels does not interfere with sensor functionality while maintaining image display capability when appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a processor, a sensor module, and a display device. The display device includes a display panel including a normal display region in which first pixels are disposed, and a light transmission region in which second pixels are disposed, the light transmission region overlapping the sensor module, and a panel driver driving the display panel based on input image data received from the processor, and transferring light transmission region position information representing a position of the light transmission region to the processor. The processor performs a masking operation on the input image data for the light transmission region based on the light transmission region position information in a first mode.