Through-Transmissive Display Area for Camera Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile device displays face challenges in accommodating optical devices like cameras and light sensors without compromising the emissive display area, leading to image distortion due to diffraction caused by circuit elements.
Innovation Solution
A method and design for a mobile computing device with a display that includes a through-transmissive area with reduced pixel density and strategically arranged circuit elements to allow light to pass through, using a light-blocking layer to prevent diffracted light from reaching the camera or light source, thereby improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electro-optical devices are positioned on the display side of the mobile device, then imaging function is enabled, but the emissive display area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display area and imaging area by positioning the camera behind the display and making portions of the display transmissive. This allows the same physical space to serve both display and imaging functions simultaneously, eliminating the need to sacrifice display area for camera placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional layout where camera and display must be separated on the front surface to a three-dimensional arrangement where the camera is positioned behind the display. This vertical dimensionality change allows full utilization of the front surface for display while accommodating the camera in the depth dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If circuit elements are present in the through-transmissive area, then display functionality is maintained, but light transmission is blocked and diffraction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions with different optical properties: the through-transmissive area has reduced pixel density and modified circuit element arrangements to optimize light transmission, while other areas maintain standard high-density pixel structures for normal display functionality. This localized differentiation allows simultaneous optimization for both imaging and display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light-blocking layer as an intermediary element positioned behind the display. This layer selectively blocks diffracted light that would otherwise reach the camera and cause image degradation, while allowing direct light transmission. The light-blocking layer acts as a mediator that filters harmful diffraction effects without completely blocking light transmission.
3Illumination intensity
If pixel density is reduced in the through-transmissive area, then light transmission is improved, but display resolution is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying reduced pixel density specifically in the through-transmissive area where light transmission is needed for camera operation, while maintaining standard high pixel density in other display areas. This localized approach ensures that resolution is compromised only where necessary for imaging functionality, while the majority of the display maintains full resolution.
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 enables imaging through the display without sacrificing the emissive area, reducing image distortion and enhancing the user experience by allowing the active display area to extend to the edges of the device while maintaining image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
image distortion due to diffraction caused by circuit elements
Implementation Method 2
using a light-blocking layer to prevent diffracted light from reaching the camera or light source
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
A display configuration to facilitate imaging through the display is disclosed. The imaging can be achieved by positioning a camera behind a through-transmissive area of a display. The through-transmissive area is configured to reduce the interaction between the light propagating through the display and circuit elements of the display. The configuration of the through-transmissive area can be characterized by reduced pixel density, rearranged circuit elements, and a light blocking layer to prevent light from diffracting from gaps formed by circuit elements.