Optical Display and Dielectric Antenna Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication terminals face challenges in providing a high-quality display and effective antenna arrangement due to limited space, which interferes with the ability to achieve optimal data transmission capacity and coverage for radio communication channels, especially in high-speed systems.

Innovation Solution

A combined display and antenna arrangement where a primary functional display with small pixel elements communicates with a main display via optical fibers, allowing the antenna elements to be placed on or behind the dielectric main display without interfering with the optical image, enabling efficient coverage of all radio communication channel directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If antenna elements are placed on the frame surrounding the display, then the display area is maximized, but the antenna arrangement capacity is limited and cannot provide sufficient coverage for all radio channel directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidantenna arrangement capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the antenna arrangement from the two-dimensional frame surrounding the display to the three-dimensional space behind the display. This dimensional transition allows the antenna elements to be positioned in a planar array configuration that can provide omnidirectional coverage for all radio channel directions while the display maintains its full front surface area.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The antenna arrangement is nested behind the display structure, with antenna elements positioned in the space between the display's front surface and its rear support structure. This nesting allows both the display and antenna systems to coexist without interfering with each other's primary functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If antenna elements are placed on the back side of the display, then more space is available for antenna arrangement, but the radio paths are heavily attenuated due to screening by the display structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna arrangement spaceVSAvoidradio signal attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by making the display structure selectively transparent - optically opaque from the front to provide display function, but radio-frequency transparent from the rear to allow antenna signals to pass through without attenuation. This localized property differentiation resolves the screening problem while maintaining display integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The display structure itself acts as an intermediary medium that mediates between the optical display function and the radio frequency antenna function. By designing the display with appropriate material properties and structural characteristics, it allows radio waves to pass through while maintaining its primary display function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If multiple antennas are equipped for high-speed wireless communication, then the data transmission capacity is improved, but the available space on the frame is insufficient to position antenna elements according to the needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidavailable space on frame
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from the limited one-dimensional frame perimeter to the two-dimensional plane available behind the display. This provides sufficient space to accommodate multiple antenna elements in optimized geometric configurations (such as uniform linear arrays or planar arrays) that are necessary for high-capacity wireless communication and multi-path channel handling.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If the frame is made larger to accommodate multiple antennas, then the antenna arrangement capability is improved, but the laptop size increases or the screen becomes smaller

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna arrangement capabilityVSAvoidlaptop size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the antenna arrangement from the frame structure and relocates it to the space behind the display. This separation allows the frame to remain compact while the antenna elements are positioned in the previously underutilized space behind the display, achieving both compact device dimensions and adequate antenna arrangement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution provides a high-resolution display and effective antenna capabilities without screening issues, allowing for enhanced transmission capacity and omnidirectional coverage, suitable for various wireless communication devices like laptops and mobile phones.

Implementation Method 1

a primary functional display (10) comprising a number of small pixel elements which are connected to image generating means and via a bundle of optical fibers (8) acting as waveguides connected to larger, passive, second pixel elements (2A 11-2A 44) of a main display (20) for visual representation of the image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

The pixel elements of the main display means (2A 11-2A 44) are provided in a dielectric, non-conductive pixel layer (30 2) on which an antenna means (6 2) is disposed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric property: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP2229598B1An arrangement for optical representation and wireless communication
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2229598B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2229598B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2229598B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a display arrangement (100) comprising a functional primary display means (10) and a main display means (20). The functional, primary display means (10) comprises a number of first, small pixel elements (1A11,..., 1A44) and comprises or communicates with image generating means for generation of a high resolution miniature image. The main display means (20) comprises a dielectric material which is transparent to radio-, and/or millimetre waves and/or microwaves and comprises a number of second, passive, pixel elements (2A11,..., 2A44) substantially corresponding to the number of first, pixel elements. Said second pixel elements are considerably larger than said first pixel elements and each first pixel element is connected to a second pixel element by means of an optical transmission means (80) for transfer of optical image information. The main display means is adapted to visually represent the transferred optical information as an enlarged image and receiving/transmitting means for communication of radio-, millimeter wave or microwave signals are arranged in or on the main display means such that reception/transmission can take place substantially independently of the optical representation.