Transparent Antenna and Eye Control for Thin Portable Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional portable devices face challenges with size reduction due to bulky components like LCD displays, embedded antennas, and EM shielding effects, which hinder signal reception and user interface convenience, especially in small form factor devices like mobile phones and PDAs.

Innovation Solution

A portable device design featuring a hybrid memory system with a transparent panel for a transparent antenna, dual wireless modules, and an eye control module that uses CMOS or CCD sensors to detect user motion for controlling virtual objects on the display, eliminating the need for a mouse and improving signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If conventional LCD display is used, then display function is achieved, but device thickness increases and transparency is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoiddisplay structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the liquid crystal layer and color filter from the display structure, extracting only the essential components (transparent electrode, pixel electrode, common electrode) needed for display function. This extraction enables the display to achieve both thinness and transparency simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies transparent conductive materials (such as ITO) specifically in the electrode layers where transparency is required, while maintaining standard display structures in other regions. This localized application of transparent materials achieves overall device transparency without compromising display performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If antenna is embedded within device, then device integration is improved, but signal reception is interrupted by EM shielding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal reception qualityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the electromagnetic properties of the antenna structure by using transparent conductive materials with specific conductivity characteristics. This allows the antenna to maintain its radiation function while being visually transparent and minimizing EM shielding effects on other components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent positions the transparent antenna on the front surface of the device rather than embedding it symmetrically within the device structure. This asymmetric placement reduces interference with internal components while maintaining signal reception quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Area of moving object

If display size is reduced for portability, then device portability is improved, but user interface convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidinterface manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical input devices (mouse, keyboard) with direct touch interaction on the transparent display surface. Users can directly touch and manipulate interface elements on the display, eliminating the need for separate mechanical input devices and maintaining ease of operation despite small display size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If transparent panel is used for antenna, then EM shielding effect is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission qualityVSAvoidtransparent panel fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the antenna function with the display structure by integrating transparent conductive electrodes that serve both as display electrodes and as antenna elements. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate transparent antenna components, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining signal transmission quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution results in a thinner, lighter device with enhanced signal reception and user-friendly interface capabilities, allowing for efficient browsing and control of web pages, texts, and images without the need for a physical mouse or keypad.

Implementation Method 1

detecting a user motion by detecting device; generating a control signal in responsive to the user motion detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8203530B2Method of controlling virtual object by user's figure or finger motion for electronic device

Publication Date: 2012.06.19 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a method of controlling a virtual object or instruction for a computing device comprising: detecting a user activity by a detecting device; generating a control signal in responsive to the user activity detection; controlling an object displayed on a display in responsive to the control signal to execute the instruction. The user activity is detected by CMOS or CCD. The user activity includes facial motion, eye motion, or finger motion.