Rear Imaging Unit with Light Transmissive Sections for Video Conferencing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional image display devices with integrated imaging units face challenges in manufacturing cost and light condensation efficiency, often requiring precise lenses and resulting in discomfort due to users not facing the camera directly, which hinders the adoption of video conference systems.

Innovation Solution

An image display device with an imaging unit positioned at the rear side, featuring light transmissive sections within the display area that condense light to the imaging unit, eliminating the need for precise lenses and allowing direct user imaging without increasing manufacturing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an imaging unit is placed outside the display region, then the imaging function can be added to the image display device, but the user's face does not face the imaging device causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging functionVSAvoiduser comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging unit is nested within the display region by positioning it behind the display panel, allowing the camera to be integrated into the device structure without occupying additional external space. This enables the imaging function while maintaining proper facial orientation during video calls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging unit is relocated from the traditional external side placement to the rear side of the display panel, utilizing the depth dimension of the device structure. This dimensional change allows the camera to capture the user's face directly while remaining integrated within the device boundaries.

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

2Measurement precision

If precise lenses are used for light condensation, then imaging quality improves, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light condensation function from complex lens systems and implements it through a simplified light guide structure with reflective surfaces. This extraction of the essential function removes the need for precise lenses while maintaining imaging quality, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical lens system is replaced with an optical guide structure that uses reflective surfaces and light piping to achieve light condensation. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical lens assemblies while maintaining the necessary light gathering and focusing capabilities for quality imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables efficient light condensation and accurate user imaging, reducing manufacturing costs while enhancing user comfort and image quality by allowing direct user-facing imaging, thus improving the usability of video conference systems.

Implementation Method 1

Light transmissive sections are provided in a plurality of pixels. The light transmissive sections are configured to separately receive light incident upon the image display unit, and pass the received light to the imaging unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentEP2330819B1Image display device with imaging unit
Publication Date: 2017.02.22 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP2330819B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2330819B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2330819B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An image display unit (10) comprises a display area including pixels, and an imaging unit (20) disposed at its rear side behind the display area. Light transmissive sections (30) are located within the display area and correspond to the pixels. The light transmissive sections are configured to separately receive light incident upon the image display unit, and pass the received light to the imaging unit.