Transparent Display OWC Layout Beyond Bezel Space Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electro-optical components in electronic devices face constraints due to limited space in bezel regions, which restricts the size and placement of optical wireless communication modules, and transparent solar cells are inefficient for high-speed data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Integrate light-transmitting and light-receiving devices behind a partially transparent display, allowing larger and distributed placement without affecting display functionality, using technologies like TOLEDs and OWC transceivers to transmit and receive modulated light independently of display content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If electro-optical components are placed in bezel regions, then light transmission path is unobstructed, but device space is limited and components cannot be scaled up
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from placing components in the lateral bezel regions to positioning them in the vertical dimension behind the display. This dimensional shift allows components to be integrated into the device thickness rather than consuming lateral screen real estate, enabling larger component sizes without increasing device footprint or complexity.
2Reliability
If transparent solar cells are used for OWC detection, then display transparency is maintained, but data transmission speed is insufficient for high-speed communication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the OWC detection function from the transparent solar cell layer and assigns it to dedicated photodetector components positioned behind the display. This separation allows the solar cells to focus on power generation while specialized photodetectors handle high-speed data reception, resolving the speed limitation without compromising display transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by using separate dedicated components: transparent solar cells for power generation and dedicated photodetectors for both power generation and high-speed OWC data reception. This universal approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both display transparency and high-speed communication reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electro-optical components are integrated, then device functionality is enhanced, but bezel space becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space constraint by moving from lateral integration in bezel regions to vertical integration behind the display. This dimensional transition allows multiple electro-optical components (cameras, sensors, OWC transceivers) to be stacked in the vertical dimension, enabling enhanced device functionality without requiring additional bezel space.
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 larger and more efficient optical components, reducing or eliminating bezel space, enhancing communication capabilities, and increasing solar power capture, while maintaining display quality and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a light-receiving device behind the display and configured to receive light through the display
Implementation Method 2
a light-transmitting device behind the display and configured to transmit light through the display
Implementation Method 3
a transparent or transmissive display or screen
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A display apparatus comprises an at least partially transparent display, the display configured to generate light to form an image for display to a user positioned in front of the display, and at least one light-transmitting and/or light-receiving device positioned behind the display, wherein the at least one light-transmitting and/or light-receiving device is configured to transmit and/or receive light through at least part of the display, wherein the at least one light-transmitting and/or light-receiving device comprises or forms part of an optical wireless communications (OWC) apparatus configured to transmit and/or receive the light through the at least part of the display.