Transparent Display Camera Eye Contact Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices with combined camera and display systems for online conferences face challenges in allowing users to make eye contact with partners on screen while capturing the subject effectively, due to camera placement and image quality degradation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a transparent liquid crystal display panel and a modulating element between the display panel and camera, synchronized to switch between light-shielding and transmissive states, allowing natural line of sight alignment and improved image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera is located outside the display panel, then the camera can be positioned to capture the user, but the user cannot make eye contact with the partner on screen
Solution Approach 1:
The camera is integrated behind the transparent display panel, merging the camera position with the display structure. This allows the camera to be co-located with the display while maintaining separate functional capabilities, enabling both eye contact and image capture simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
A light-shielding layer is introduced as an intermediary between the camera and the display panel. This layer selectively blocks light in different time periods, enabling the camera to capture images through the transparent panel while preventing light interference during display operation
2Measurement precision
If the camera is located outside the display panel, then the camera can capture images, but image quality degrades due to light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The light-shielding layer operates periodically, switching between light-blocking and light-transmissive states in synchronization with the display and camera operations. During camera capture periods, the light-shielding layer blocks display light to prevent interference, while during display periods, it becomes transparent to allow normal display function
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent display panel, which initially causes light interference for the camera, is utilized as a transparent window for image capture. By controlling the light-shielding layer, the same transparent property that causes interference is converted into a benefit, allowing the camera to capture images through the display panel itself
3Ease of operation
If the display panel is made transparent, then the camera can capture images through the panel, but display visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in periodic cycles where the display panel alternates between opaque and transparent states. During display periods, the panel is opaque to ensure high visibility. During camera capture periods, the panel becomes transparent to allow image capture, with the light-shielding layer preventing light leakage
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel's optical property is made dynamic, switching between transparent and opaque states based on operational requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the panel to optimize for either display visibility or camera capture capability at different time periods
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
Enables users to maintain eye contact with screen-displayed partners while capturing images clearly, enhancing communication quality and reducing image distortion.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer 30, and switches the liquid crystal layer 30 from the scattered state to the transparent state by applying a voltage
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a display panel including a display area, a light source unit, a camera, a modulating element, and a control unit. The control unit permits light emission executed, displays an image in the display area, and switching the modulating element to the light-shielding state, in a light emission period. The control unit prohibits the light emission executed, switching the modulating element to the transmissive state, and makes the camera take in the external light transmitted through the display area and the modulating element, in a capturing period.