Oblong Camera Apertures for More Active Display Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display panels in computing devices define apertures that obstruct light, reducing the active area without improving camera performance due to light falling outside the image sensor.
Innovation Solution
The apertures are designed with an oblong shape that more closely matches the image sensor's dimensions, reducing the blind area and increasing the active display area without compromising camera performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If circular apertures are used to ensure sufficient light reaches the image sensor, then camera performance is improved, but the active display area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the aperture shape from a symmetric circle to an asymmetric oblong shape that better matches the rectangular image sensor geometry. This asymmetric design reduces light waste while maintaining sufficient illumination on the sensor, thereby improving display area without compromising camera performance
2Illumination intensity
If larger apertures are defined to encompass rectangular image sensors, then light transmission is improved, but the non-active bezel size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The oblong aperture shape with different dimensions along major and minor axes allows precise matching to the rectangular image sensor footprint. This asymmetric configuration minimizes the aperture area while ensuring complete light coverage of the sensor, thereby reducing bezel size without sacrificing light transmission
3Ease of manufacture
If circular apertures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but light efficiency decreases due to light falling outside the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a simple circular aperture to an oblong aperture with asymmetric dimensions. While this increases manufacturing complexity slightly, it dramatically improves light efficiency by aligning the aperture shape with the rectangular image sensor, reducing light waste and improving overall system performance
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 ensures sufficient light reaches the image sensor, enhances the active display area, and minimizes the non-active bezel size, thus improving the overall display performance.
Implementation Method 1
a region (usually in the shape of a circle or a 'hole-punch') of the display panel may not include components that obstruct light (e.g., light-emitting diodes (LEDs), traces, etc.) in order to define an aperture through which light may pass
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A computing device includes a display panel having a first end and a second end, a sensor, and a processing circuitry. Tire display panel includes a matrix of pixels and defines an aperture surrounded by pixels of the matrix of pixels but that does not include pixels of the matrix of pixels. A length of the aperture parallel to an axis connecting the first end and the second end is greater than a length of the aperture perpendicular to the axis. The sensor is configured to capture light that passes through the aperture. The processing circuitry, disposed proximal to the second end, is configured to output control signals to pixels of the matrix of pixels.