Through-Display Imaging Aperture in Electronic Device Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic device displays with integrated imaging sensors require large protective covers, increasing the device's size and volume due to the need for space to accommodate both the display stack and the imaging sensor, leading to an enlarged bezel region.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a display stack with an opaque backing that includes an imaging aperture filled with an optically-transparent material, allowing an optical imaging array positioned below to capture light through inter-pixel regions, enabling through-display imaging without increasing the device's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the protective cover is enlarged to accommodate the imaging sensor, then the imaging sensor can be positioned below the protective cover, but the size and volume of the housing increases and the bezel region becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging sensor is integrated directly into the display stack by positioning it beneath the pixel regions, merging two previously separate components (display and imaging sensor) into a single stacked structure. This eliminates the need for a separate protective cover extension and reduces overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging sensor is positioned in the vertical dimension beneath the pixel regions rather than requiring horizontal space extension. By utilizing the z-axis (depth dimension) of the display stack, the design accommodates the imaging sensor without increasing the device's footprint or bezel size.
2Illumination intensity
If the opaque backing is used to maintain display contrast, then display contrast is improved, but light transmission to the imaging sensor is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The backing structure is designed with spatially varying optical properties: regions beneath pixel regions maintain opacity for contrast, while regions beneath inter-pixel regions provide optical transparency for imaging. This local differentiation allows both display contrast and imaging functionality to coexist without compromise.
3Manufacturing precision
If uniform pixel density is maintained across the display, then display quality is consistent, but optical transmittance is insufficient for through-display imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The display stack is designed with spatially varying pixel densities: higher pixel density in display regions for quality, and lower pixel density (with larger inter-pixel regions) in imaging regions for transmittance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between display quality and imaging capability.
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 high-quality, high-resolution image capture through the display while maintaining a conventional appearance, facilitating applications like fingerprint imaging and biometric data collection without enlarging the device's housing.
Implementation Method 1
the aperture can be filled with an optically-transparent material such as an optically clear adhesive. In some examples, the optically-transparent material has a refractive index approximately equivalent to one or more layers of the display stack.
Implementation Method 2
The optical imaging array is configured to receive light transmitted through one or more inter-pixel sub-regions of the second pixel region.
Implementation Method 3
The display also includes an optical imaging array positioned below the aperture. The optical imaging array is configured to receive light emitted from the display that is subsequently reflected from a touch input provided above the second pixel region.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for through-display imaging. A display includes an imaging aperture defined through an opaque backing. An optical imaging array is aligned with the aperture. Above the aperture, the display is arranged and/or configured for increased optical transmittance. For example, a region of the display above, or adjacent to, the imaging aperture can be formed with a lower pixel density than other regions of the display, thereby increasing inter-pixel distance (e.g., pitch) and increasing an area through which light can traverse the display to reach the optical imaging array.