Optical Sensor Circuit Integration in Display Screen Areas

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of an optical sensor circuit with a display screen in electronic devices often compromises the screen-to-body ratio due to the need for an opening to accommodate the sensor circuit, which affects the device's overall strength and display area efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device is designed with a first display area having a lower distribution density of controllable sub-areas, allowing the optical sensor circuit to project onto this area for light emission and reception, while the second area is used for shielding and housing the sensor, thereby optimizing the screen-to-body ratio by minimizing space occupation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an opening is created to accommodate the optical sensor circuit, then the sensor can perform light emission and reception functions, but the screen-to-body ratio is compromised and display area efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission and reception capabilityVSAvoiddisplay area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the optical sensor circuit with the display screen by positioning the sensor within the display area. The sensor circuit is integrated into the display structure, allowing it to share the same space rather than requiring a separate opening. This combining approach enables both display and sensing functions within the same area, maintaining screen-to-body ratio while achieving light emission and reception capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the thickness dimension of the display structure to accommodate the optical sensor circuit. By arranging the sensor circuit in the vertical stacking direction rather than requiring lateral opening space, the display area is preserved while the sensor functionality is achieved through three-dimensional spatial arrangement.

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

2Area of stationary object

If the optical sensor circuit is integrated into the display screen, then space is optimized, but interference between the sensor and display may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen-to-body ratioVSAvoidmutual interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the display area into distinct functional zones: a first display area for normal display output and a second display area for optical sensing functions. This segmentation allows the display and sensor circuits to operate in separate regions, reducing electromagnetic and optical interference while maintaining integration benefits. The controllable sub-areas are selectively activated based on functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a controllable optical element (such as a liquid crystal layer or electrochromic layer) as an intermediary between the display screen and the optical sensor circuit. This intermediary can selectively control light transmission, allowing the sensor to receive external light while preventing display light from interfering with sensor operations. It acts as a gatekeeper that manages optical interference in real-time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3627214B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2022.08.17 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3627214B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3627214B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3627214B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an electronic device including a display screen, where an active area of the display screen includes a first display area and a second display area, and a first distribution density of controllable sub-areas in the first display area is lower than a second distribution density of the controllable sub-areas in the second display area; and an optical sensor circuit, where a projection of the optical sensor circuit on the active area of the display screen is located in the first display area, and optical sensor circuit realizes light emission to an external environment and light reception from the external environment through the first display area.