Panel Camera With 2D Lens Array for Proximity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current touch screens lack the ability to sense user actions in a non-contact manner from a remote distance, limiting their functionality in applications requiring proximity touch sensing and motion recognition.
Innovation Solution
A panel camera system comprising a lens panel with narrow-angle lenses and a light-detection panel, along with an infrared light source, allows for proximity and remote image capture, enabling motion recognition and video communication without a separate camera, by using narrow-angle and wide-angle lenses arranged in a 2D array and integrated light detectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate camera is used for proximity and remote photographing, then image capture capability is improved, but device complexity and space occupation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the camera system with the display panel by integrating the lens panel directly onto the display panel surface. The light detection panel is positioned behind the display panel, merging multiple functions (display and image capture) into a single integrated structure, thereby eliminating the need for a separate camera module.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel serves dual purposes: it functions as both the display surface and the substrate for the integrated camera system. The lens panel and light detection panel are incorporated into the display panel structure, enabling the display panel to perform both display and image capture functions simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate camera is used for proximity and remote photographing, then image capture capability is improved, but space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is merged with the display panel structure. The lens panel is positioned on the front surface of the display panel, while the light detection panel is integrated behind the display panel, utilizing the same physical space that would otherwise be occupied by a separate camera module.
Solution Approach 2:
The light detection panel is nested behind the display panel, utilizing the internal space of the display panel structure. This nesting approach allows the camera system to be embedded within the display panel without increasing the overall device footprint.
3Measurement precision
If narrow-angle lenses are used for remote photographing, then remote image quality is improved, but proximity touch sensing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens panel is segmented into multiple types of lenses: narrow-angle lenses for remote photographing and wide-angle lenses for proximity touch sensing. This segmentation allows different regions of the lens panel to perform different functions, with narrow-angle lenses capturing remote images and wide-angle lenses detecting proximity touches through reflected infrared light.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the lens panel have different optical properties tailored to specific functions. Narrow-angle lenses are positioned in regions where remote image capture is needed, while wide-angle lenses are positioned in regions where proximity touch sensing is required, allowing each local region to optimize its performance for its specific purpose.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If wide-angle lenses are used for proximity touch sensing, then proximity sensing capability is improved, but remote image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lens panel is divided into functional segments with different lens types. Wide-angle lenses are specifically positioned in regions dedicated to proximity touch sensing, where they effectively detect reflected infrared light from touching objects. Narrow-angle lenses are positioned in regions dedicated to remote photographing, maintaining remote image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens panel exhibits local quality variations where different regions are optimized for different functions. Regions with wide-angle lenses provide enhanced proximity sensing capability, while regions with narrow-angle lenses maintain remote image quality, allowing the overall system to achieve both functionalities simultaneously.
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
Enables proximity touch sensing and remote action recognition, facilitating advanced user interfaces and video communication by capturing images in front of a display panel without a separate camera, enhancing user interaction and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a lens panel including a plurality of narrow-angle lenses arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) array and a light-detection panel including a plurality of light detectors which are arranged in a 2D array to respectively correspond to the plurality of narrow-angle lenses to receive lights passing through the plurality of narrow-angle lenses from outside and obtain a remote image
Implementation Method 2
an infrared light source disposed under the lens panel to emit infrared light, and a light-detection panel disposed between the lens panel and the infrared light source, such that a first light-detector and a second light-detector are arranged in a 2D array, the first light-detector receiving lights passing through the plurality of narrow-angle lenses from outside to obtain a remote image and the second light-detector detecting infrared light emitted from the infrared light source and detecting infrared light reflected by an object that touches or is proximate to the optical touch screen
Data Source
AI summary
A panel camera, and an optical touch screen and a display apparatus employing the panel camera. The panel camera includes a lens panel comprising a plurality of narrow-angle lenses arranged in a two-dimensional (2D) array and a light-detection panel comprising a plurality of light detectors which are arranged in a 2D array to respectively correspond to the plurality of narrow-angle lenses to receive lights passing through the plurality of narrow-angle lenses from outside and obtain a remote image.