Perforated Conductive Display Layer for Integrated Antenna and Optical Guidance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display and antenna arrangements for wireless communication terminals face challenges in providing both high-quality optical representation and effective radio communication capabilities, particularly in advanced systems where space is limited, and antenna elements cannot be arranged freely or flexibly to optimize data transmission and multipath channel coverage.

Innovation Solution

A display and antenna arrangement where the electrically conductive layer is perforated with densely arranged holes filled with dielectric material, allowing for flexible placement of antenna elements on the front of the display screen without impairing optical representation, enabling efficient radio communication in all directions and high spatial and polarimetric resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If antenna elements are placed on the frame surrounding the display, then antenna functionality is provided, but the display screen area is reduced and antenna arrangement flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay screen areaVSAvoidantenna element arrangement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the display screen and antenna elements into a single integrated structure. The antenna elements are formed directly on the front surface of the display screen using a conductive layer, merging two previously separate functions (display and communication) into one component. This eliminates the need for separate frame-based antenna structures and enables flexible antenna element placement without compromising display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If antenna elements are placed on the back side of the display, then display area is maximized, but radio communication capability is screened and attenuated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidradio communication capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing antenna elements on the back side of the display (conventional approach), the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the antenna elements on the front surface of the display screen. This inversion allows the antenna elements to radiate and receive radio waves without being screened by the display structure, while still maintaining full display area. The conductive layer is positioned such that it does not interfere with the display's optical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If multiple antenna elements are arranged freely for optimal communication coverage, then data transmission capacity is maximized, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen serves multiple functions: it displays visual information and simultaneously acts as the substrate for antenna elements. The front surface of the display screen is used both for optical output and for housing the conductive layer that forms the antenna elements. This multi-functionality allows multiple antenna elements to be arranged on the display surface without requiring additional device space, as the display area itself is being utilized for both purposes.

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

4Reliability

If a conductive layer is placed on the display screen for antenna elements, then radio communication is enabled, but optical representation quality may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio communication capabilityVSAvoidoptical representation quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layer is designed with spatially varying properties: in regions where antenna elements are needed, the conductive material is present to provide radio communication functionality, while in regions corresponding to display pixels, the conductive layer is configured to be transparent or non-interfering. This local differentiation allows the same conductive layer to serve both antenna and display functions without compromising either performance. The pattern and density of the conductive material are optimized locally to balance electrical and optical requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 allows for excellent optical representation and radio communication capabilities without restricting each other, enabling high data transmission capacity and flexible antenna array implementation, particularly suitable for advanced wireless communication systems without requiring additional space.

Implementation Method 1

said holes or perforations are adapted to guide light or optical information from the primary display screen through said electrically conductive layer/said given areas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight guidance: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 2

an antenna arrangement which comprises a number of receiving and/or transmitting elements which are formed in or by an electrically conductive layer and which are adapted to receive/transmit radio-, millimeter waves or micro- sub-microwaves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2229599B1A combined display and antenna arrangement
Publication Date: 2017.10.11 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP2229599B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2229599B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2229599B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a display and antenna arrangement comprising a primary display screen (30) and an antenna arrangement comprising a number of receiving and/or transmitting elements (1A11, 1A12,1A13) formed by an at least in given areas electrically conductive layer and adapted to receive/transmit radio-, millimeter waves or microwaves. The electrically conductive layer is perforated and comprises a plurality of densely arranged holes (4m,...) crossing the layer. Said holes (4111,...) contain a dielectric material. The perforated conductive layer is provided on the front of the primary display screen, said holes being adapted to guide light/optical information from the primary display screen through the electrically conductive layer, the outer surface of which facing away from the primary display screen. Said outer surface is adapted to act as a secondary, functional display screen.