Mobile Device Corner Cutout for Maximized Screen Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile electronic devices face challenges in maximizing display screen size due to the need to accommodate front-facing cameras and other optical sensors, which can lead to reduced light sensitivity and blurred images, especially in low-light conditions, as these components often require opaque or semi-transparent structures that obstruct the light path and are limited by polarizing filters.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves creating cutouts or recesses in the corners of the display panel to house optical sensors and emitters, allowing for a convex shape that maximizes the remaining screen area while maintaining the light path integrity, and using a computer system to manage screen content positioning and scaling to accommodate these cutouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the front-facing camera is disposed beneath the display screen, then the device can achieve a maximized screen surface, but the light path is obstructed by opaque or semi-transparent structures causing blurred images and reduced light sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the front-facing camera module from beneath the display screen and relocates it to the corner region, creating a cutout or recess in the display panel. This extraction eliminates the obstruction of light paths by display structures while maintaining a maximized screen surface area, thereby resolving the contradiction between screen size and image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the corner region of the display panel, transitioning from a planar arrangement to a multi-dimensional layout where the camera module is positioned in the corner cutout rather than beneath the screen. This dimensional change allows the camera to access light from the front while the display maintains its full surface area, resolving the light obstruction issue
2Adaptability or versatility
If opaque or semi-transparent structures are used to house the front-facing camera beneath the screen, then the camera can be integrated, but light sensitivity is reduced especially in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is extracted from beneath the display screen and repositioned to the corner region with a cutout. This eliminates the need for opaque or semi-transparent housing structures that would obstruct light, allowing the camera to maintain high light sensitivity while still being integrated into the device design
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is designed with a localized cutout or recess specifically in the corner region to accommodate the camera module. This local modification allows the camera to have direct light access without affecting the overall display quality and light transmission of the remaining screen area, resolving the contradiction between integration and light sensitivity
3Length of stationary object
If thin borders are used at the edges of the display screen, then the device achieves minimized outer dimensions, but there is insufficient space to accommodate the front camera module and lens
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is segmented with a corner cutout or recess that creates dedicated space for the camera module and lens. This segmentation allows the thin border design to be maintained while providing sufficient accommodation space for optical components in the corner region, resolving the contradiction between minimal borders and camera integration
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile electronic device, for example a smartphone, may feature thin or curved borders at the left, right, top, and/or bottom edge of the display screen. To accommodate front-facing optical sensor(s) and/or emitter(s) despite a border that is too thin (e.g., too thin for a front camera module and lens), two or more corners of the display panel have a cutout, and the optical sensor(s) and/or emitter(s) are disposed, at least in part, in the areas of these cutouts at the corners. The cutouts may have a convex shape for the most part, thereby maximizing the remaining screen area. At least one embodiment of the mobile electronic device may have a display panel with at least three curved edges, a maximized screen surface, and minimized outer dimensions.