In-Display Liquid Crystal Sensor Integration for Narrow Bezels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display devices face challenges in designing narrow bezels due to the size limitations of sensors, which are typically placed in peripheral regions.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a display panel incorporating a liquid crystal layer divided into first and second liquid crystal regions, each controlled by independent electrodes, and a sensor positioned within the display region to capture images, utilizing a polarizer and quarter-wave plate to conceal the sensor and reduce visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the sensor is disposed in the peripheral region to sense images, then the sensor can capture images effectively, but the bezel size cannot be reduced due to sensor size limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor with the liquid crystal display layer by integrating the sensor directly into the liquid crystal layer. The sensor and liquid crystal molecules share the same space, allowing the sensor to be positioned within the display region rather than in the peripheral bezel area. This integration enables the bezel to be significantly reduced or eliminated while maintaining effective image sensing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the sensor from a traditional planar placement in the peripheral region to a three-dimensional integration within the liquid crystal layer. By utilizing the vertical dimension and integrating the sensor at the molecular level within the liquid crystal structure, the sensor effectively occupies display region space without adding to the lateral footprint, thereby enabling narrow bezel design.
2Area of stationary object
If the sensor is integrated into the liquid crystal layer, then the bezel can be narrowed, but the sensor visibility may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct liquid crystal regions with different optical properties. The first liquid crystal region corresponds to the sensor position and has different characteristics compared to the second liquid crystal region. This local differentiation allows the sensor area to be optically managed separately, enabling concealment of the sensor while maintaining display functionality in other regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical property changes in the liquid crystal layers to conceal the sensor. By controlling the alignment and optical characteristics of liquid crystal molecules in the first liquid crystal region, the sensor area can be made optically indistinguishable from surrounding display regions, effectively hiding the sensor from view while maintaining its sensing function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If different voltages are applied to different liquid crystal regions, then the sensor region can be concealed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the liquid crystal layer into distinct regions (first liquid crystal region corresponding to the sensor and second liquid crystal region for display) with electrically independent control. By dividing the liquid crystal layer and providing independent electrode control for each region, the system can apply different voltages to achieve different optical states (concealment vs. display) without requiring complex centralized control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control by enabling independent voltage adjustment of different liquid crystal regions. The first electrode and second electrode can be controlled separately, allowing the system to dynamically switch between display mode and sensor concealment mode by applying appropriate voltage patterns to different regions, providing flexible and adaptive optical control.
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 narrow or bezel-less design by allowing the sensor to operate within the display region while maintaining image clarity and reducing sensor visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid crystal layer is disposed corresponding to the display region, and includes a first liquid crystal region and a second liquid crystal region adjacent to the first liquid crystal region. A first voltage is provided to the first liquid crystal region so that the first liquid crystal region is in a light-transmitting state. In the non-display mode, a second voltage is provided to the second liquid crystal region so that the second liquid crystal region is in a non-light-transmitting state.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a display device (1) having a display region (R1) and including a display panel (10) and a sensor (11). The display panel (10) includes a liquid crystal layer (LC), a first electrode (E1), and a second electrode (E2). The liquid crystal layer (LC) is disposed corresponding to the display region (R1), and includes a first liquid crystal region (RL1) and a second liquid crystal region (RL2) adjacent to the first liquid crystal region (RL1). The first electrode (E1) is used to control the first liquid crystal region (RL1). The second electrode (E2) is used to control the second liquid crystal region (RL2). The second electrode (E2) is electrically independent of the first electrode (E1). The sensor (11) is used to sense image information, and is disposed corresponding to the first liquid crystal region (RL1). An image sensing method of the display device (1) is further provided.