Transparent Display With Lensless Imaging and Embedded Cameras
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transparent displays in applications like head-up displays and augmented reality systems face limitations due to bulky projection systems and embedded cameras that are not transparent, leading to undesirable form factors and visual obstructions.
Innovation Solution
A transparent display with embedded transparent cameras and lensless imaging capabilities, utilizing transparent substrates and materials to integrate display pixels, illuminators, image sensors, and lensless optics, allowing both displaying and imaging while maintaining transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If projection systems are used for imaging in transparent displays, then imaging capability is achieved, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lens component from traditional imaging systems and replaces it with lensless imaging technology. The image sensor is positioned directly behind the transparent display substrate, eliminating the need for bulky projection systems while maintaining imaging capability through computational imaging algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens-based optical system with a lensless imaging system that uses computational algorithms to reconstruct images. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while achieving the same imaging function through digital processing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If embedded cameras are used for imaging, then imaging capability is achieved, but transparency is reduced due to notches and dark spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display function and imaging function into a single integrated structure. The image sensor is embedded within the transparent display substrate itself, allowing both functions to coexist without requiring separate camera modules that would create notches or dark spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making specific regions of the display substrate photosensitive while maintaining overall transparency. The image sensor elements are distributed across the substrate in a pattern that enables imaging while minimizing visual obstructions, allowing different parts of the substrate to have different functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional camera modules are embedded, then imaging is enabled, but flat form factor is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lens and housing components from traditional camera modules, leaving only the essential image sensor embedded within the display substrate. This extraction enables a flat form factor while maintaining imaging capability through the lensless approach.
4Manufacturing precision
If display pixels are densely arranged, then display resolution is improved, but transparency decreases due to reduced light transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display substrate into distinct functional regions: display pixel areas and photosensitive element areas. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system performance, with gaps between elements allowing light transmission.
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 transparent displays with integrated imaging capabilities that maintain a clear view of the scene behind the display, using a distributed arrangement of elements to transmit at least 70% visible light, and supports compact form factors without notches or dark spots.
Implementation Method 1
an optical modulator that is arranged on an incident side of the plurality of photosensitive elements and configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation in the visible domain, and to modulate electromagnetic radiation within the illumination wavelength range
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of photosensitive elements configured to capture electromagnetic radiation received from the scene or the object within the illumination wavelength range and to generate photo signals depending on the captured electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of light emitters configured to illuminate a scene or an object with electromagnetic radiation within an illumination wavelength range that is outside the visible domain
Data Source
AI summary
A transparent display with lensless imaging capability includes display pixels configured to generate a display image, light emitters configured to illuminate a scene or an object with electromagnetic radiation outside the visible domain, photosensitive elements configured to capture electromagnetic radiation received from the scene or the object and to generate photo signals depending on the captured electromagnetic radiation, and an optical modulator configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation in the visible domain, and to modulate electromagnetic radiation within the illumination wavelength range. The display is substantially transparent in the visible domain.