Self-Camera Module Embedded in Display Panel for Natural Self-Portrait Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-portrait photography on portable mobile communication terminals is hindered by a mismatch between the user's line of sight and the camera lens, leading to difficulties in capturing natural poses and accurate images due to the camera's position above the screen, causing users to close their eyes or struggle with button access.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a self-camera module within the display panel's screen area, with a lens on the rear and an image sensor on the display panel's surface, allowing the camera to capture images through the front surface while the user views the screen, and using a controller to manage image signals and display operations to maintain a transparent area for the camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera module is positioned above the screen, then the camera can capture images, but the user's line of sight does not align with the lens causing unnatural poses and eyelid closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera module with the display panel by integrating the lens into the display structure. The lens is positioned within the display panel's front surface, combining two previously separate components (camera and display) into a unified structure that enables both functions while achieving proper line of sight alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the camera from a three-dimensional position above the screen to a two-dimensional integration within the display panel plane. By embedding the lens within the display panel's front surface, the system eliminates the vertical offset that caused misalignment, achieving co-planar positioning of camera and display elements.
2Ease of operation
If a mirror is attached to the rear surface for self-portrait photography, then the user can view the captured image, but the terminal thickness increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the mirror function with the display panel by making the display panel itself transparent in the camera area. This eliminates the need for a separate rear mirror component, as the display panel serves dual purposes: displaying images and allowing camera light passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the mirror function from the rear surface assembly and integrates it into the display panel structure. By making the display panel transparent where the lens is located, the system removes the need for additional mirror components that would increase terminal thickness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera module is installed outside the terminal, then space is available for the camera, but the overall thickness of the terminal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the camera module within the display panel structure. The lens is embedded in the display panel's front surface, and the image sensor is positioned on the rear surface of the lens, creating a compact nested arrangement that fits within the terminal's existing form factor without increasing thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the camera module from an external three-dimensional attachment to an integrated two-dimensional structure within the display panel. By flattening the camera module layout to match the display panel's plane, the system eliminates the need for additional terminal thickness.
4Device complexity
If the camera is positioned above the screen, then the camera structure is simplified, but the user cannot view the screen accurately while capturing images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camera and display functions into a single integrated structure where the lens is embedded in the display panel. This integration allows the user to view the screen accurately while capturing images, as both functions share the same spatial plane rather than being separated vertically.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a self-portrait photographing device for a portable mobile communication terminal, including: a self-camera module which is installed within a screen area of a display panel, through which an image is output, and captures an image of a subject through a front surface of the display panel; and a controller configured to control operations of the self-camera module and the display panel.