Near-Infrared Transparent Display Border for Electro-Optical Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional displays limit input functionality near the border due to an underlying encoded pattern that does not extend beneath the visibly opaque border, restricting the use of electro-optical pens when positioned along the edge.

Innovation Solution

A display design featuring a visibly opaque and near-infrared transparent border that allows near-infrared light to pass through and be reflected back for detection by an electro-optical pen, enabling the encoded pattern to be sensed beneath the border, thus expanding the input area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the border is made visibly opaque to conceal underlying electronics, then the aesthetic appearance and electronics concealment are improved, but the near-infrared transparency is worsened, limiting electro-optical pen input functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcealment of underlying electronicsVSAvoidinput functionality near border
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The border is designed with differentiated optical properties: it appears visibly opaque to human eyes to conceal electronics, but is transparent to near-infrared light to enable pen input functionality. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between aesthetic concealment and functional accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The border material exhibits wavelength-dependent transparency - opaque in the visible spectrum for aesthetic purposes, but transparent in the near-infrared spectrum for functional purposes. This color/optical property change enables simultaneous achievement of concealment and input functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of manufacture

If the encoded pattern is restricted to the viewing area only, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the usable input area is worsened, limiting pen positioning detection near edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencoded pattern applicationVSAvoidusable input area
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The encoded pattern is extended from the two-dimensional viewing area into the third dimensional space beneath the border. This dimensional extension allows the pattern to be accessible under the border while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, thereby expanding the usable input area without significant manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the border width is increased to provide more control areas, then the control functionality is improved, but the viewing area is worsened, reducing display space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionality on borderVSAvoidviewing area space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The border serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, displays control interfaces for user interaction, and acts as a transparent window for near-infrared light to enable encoded pattern detection. This multi-functionality allows control functionality enhancement without sacrificing viewing area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design enhances the usable input area for electro-optical pens by allowing accurate detection of pen position along the border, increasing the surface area for commands and selections while maintaining the concealment of underlying electronics.

Implementation Method 1

a border 50 that is visibly opaque and near-infrared transparent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-infrared transparency: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

allows near-infrared light to pass through and be reflected back for detection by an electro-optical pen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-infrared reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3437085B1Near infrared transparent display border with underlyng encoded pattern.
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3437085B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3437085B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3437085B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A display may include a viewing area and a border about the viewing area. The border is visibly opaque and near infrared transparent. An encoded pattern underlies the border.