Liquid Crystal Lens for Overlapping Camera and Display Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
In electronic devices with integrated displays and cameras, there is a challenge in expanding the display area while maintaining space for the camera and other components, as existing designs often require separate spaces for these features.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration that incorporates a liquid crystal layer with a concave portion in the insulating films, allowing the camera to overlap the liquid crystal panel and receive light, while the liquid crystal layer forms a lens to optimize light transmission and expansion of the display area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the camera is disposed outside the display part, then the camera can receive light properly, but the display area cannot be expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera and display into the same surface area by positioning the camera to overlap with the liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel serves dual functions: displaying images in its normal state and allowing light transmission for camera operation when in the off state, eliminating the need for separate spaces for these components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the dynamic switching capability of the liquid crystal panel, which can change between displaying an image and allowing light transmission. This dynamic state change enables the same area to serve different functions at different times, resolving the spatial conflict between display and camera requirements.
2Area of stationary object
If the display area is expanded, then the device functionality is improved, but the frame width of non-display portions must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the frame width constraint by utilizing the vertical dimension through the liquid crystal panel's light transmission capability. Instead of requiring additional lateral space for the camera, the solution uses the third dimension (depth) to allow light passage through the display panel, enabling display area expansion without proportionally reducing frame width.
3Area of stationary object
If the liquid crystal panel is used for both display and camera light reception, then space is saved, but light transmission optimization becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by controlling the liquid crystal panel's state specifically in the camera overlap region. The panel is switched to the off state in this localized area to optimize light transmission for the camera, while maintaining the display function in other regions, thus achieving both space efficiency and light transmission optimization.
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 enables the expansion of the display area without the need for additional space for the camera, reducing the frame width of non-display portions and improving light transmission for both infrared and visible light, enhancing the device's functionality and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid crystal layer forms a lens to optimize light transmission
Implementation Method 2
When a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal layer, a lens is formed in the liquid crystal layer
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device and an electronic apparatus each include a liquid crystal layer, a first insulating substrate, a pixel electrode, a first transparent electrode disposed between the first insulating substrate and the liquid crystal layer, a second insulating substrate, a first organic insulating film overlapping the pixel electrode, a second organic insulating film disposed between the first organic insulating film and the liquid crystal layer, and a second transparent electrode overlapping the first transparent electrode and disposed between the second insulating substrate and the liquid crystal layer. The first organic insulating film includes a concave portion, and the second transparent electrode is disposed in the concave portion.