Transparent Display Camera System with Edge Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display-camera systems for remote communication and collaboration face challenges in capturing high-quality images through transparent screens without interference from the backlight light source, leading to reduced transmittance and image quality.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a visible light camera positioned behind a transparent edge-illuminated LCD screen with polarizers and a notch filter to minimize light interference, using narrow band light sources and micro-optical structures to enhance image capture while maintaining display functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transparent screen is used for display, then visibility and transmittance are improved, but image capture quality deteriorates due to backlight interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path by introducing a beam splitter that separates the display light path from the camera capture path. The beam splitter divides the incoming light from the transparent screen, directing display light to the viewer while routing camera light to the image sensor, thereby eliminating backlight interference and enabling simultaneous display and capture functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element between the transparent screen and the camera. This mediator component selectively transmits and reflects light based on its optical properties, allowing the camera to capture images through the transparent screen without being affected by the backlight, thus resolving the contradiction between transmittance and image quality
2Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is positioned behind the transparent screen, then image capture is enabled, but light interference from the backlight reduces transmittance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical functions by using a beam splitter to separate the display illumination path from the camera capture path. This allows the camera to be positioned behind the transparent screen for image capture while the beam splitter directs only the necessary light to the camera sensor, preventing backlight light from reaching the camera and maintaining high transmittance for the display function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the optical properties at different locations in the system. The beam splitter is positioned to selectively interact with light in specific regions, allowing the transparent screen to maintain high transmittance for display while enabling the camera to capture images with minimal interference from the backlight in its local capture zone
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 improves image quality and transmittance by filtering out unwanted light, allowing for seamless real-time image capture and display without noticeable delay, enhancing remote communication and collaboration experiences.
Implementation Method 1
A first polarizer is placed at the edge of the backlight between the light source and the backlight
Implementation Method 2
A notch filter may be provided at the camera to remove any light from the light source that is scattered backwards from the backlight
Implementation Method 3
the see-through screen is a liquid crystal display (LCD)
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example, a display-camera system includes a transparent display panel and a transparent backlight panel. Light sources emit light into the edge of the transparent backlight panel. A first polarizer, between the light sources and the edge of the transparent backlight panel, polarizes the light emitted from the light sources and the transparent backlight panel directs the polarized light towards the transparent display panel. A camera, adjacent a back surface of the transparent backlight panel captures an image of a scene through the transparent display panel and the transparent backlight panel.