Liquid Crystal Panel Modulating Infrared Light for Expanded Display Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic apparatuses with integrated displays and cameras, there is a challenge in expanding the display area while accommodating the camera and projection elements, as existing designs require significant space for these components, limiting the display's expansion.
Innovation Solution
A liquid crystal panel with a modulation area and polarizers that project and detect linearly polarized infrared light, allowing the camera and projection elements to overlap the display area without needing additional space for installation, thereby reducing the non-display portion's frame width and enabling expanded display dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the camera and projection elements are disposed outside the display part, then the image capture and object detection functions are achieved, but the display area cannot be expanded due to the space required for installing these components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera and projection elements with the display part by disposing them on the same surface and allowing them to overlap in the planar view. This integration eliminates the need for separate spaces for these components, enabling the display area to be expanded while maintaining the functional capabilities of image capture and object detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional side-by-side arrangement to a multi-layered overlapping configuration. By utilizing the vertical dimension (thickness direction) to layer the display part, camera, and projection element, the design achieves compact integration without compromising the display area or the functional performance of the integrated components.
2Area of stationary object
If the display area is expanded, then the display dimensions are increased, but the space for installing the camera and projection elements becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the camera and projection element are positioned within the boundaries of the display part in the planar view. This nesting approach allows the components to share the same footprint area, enabling the display to be expanded without requiring additional installation space for the camera and projection elements.
3Length of stationary object
If the camera and projection elements are integrated within the display panel, then the frame width is reduced and display area is expanded, but the complexity of integrating multiple functional elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional display structure where the display part simultaneously serves as the medium for visual output and as the mounting surface for the camera and projection element. The liquid crystal panel and polarizers are designed to perform both display functions and optical modulation for the projection element, reducing the need for separate structural components and simplifying the overall integration.
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 configuration allows for the expansion of the display area by integrating the projection and detection elements within the display panel, reducing the non-display frame width and optimizing space usage, while maintaining effective image capture and object detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer LC disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. The liquid crystal layer forms a diffraction element overlapping the first transparent electrode and the second transparent electrode
Implementation Method 2
projecting linearly polarized infrared light toward the modulation area; and a detection element overlapping the liquid crystal panel, and detecting infrared light via the liquid crystal panel
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a liquid crystal panel including a liquid crystal layer, a first transparent electrode, an insulating film covering the first transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode disposed between the insulating film and the liquid crystal layer, and a modulation area in which the first transparent electrode and the second transparent are arranged alternately, a projection element overlapping the liquid crystal panel, and projecting linearly polarized infrared light toward the modulation area, and a detection element overlapping the liquid crystal panel, and detecting infrared light via the liquid crystal panel.