Transparent OLED Display Hiding Components Behind Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices face challenges in incorporating additional components due to spatial constraints and aesthetic concerns, as larger components and smaller devices limit the placement of components like fingerprint readers, leading to clutter and reduced appeal.
Innovation Solution
Components are disposed behind a transparent display, such as an OLED display, where a processor controls transparent regions to expose them only when needed, maintaining a seamless appearance and increasing available space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If components are added to increase functionality, then the device becomes more versatile, but the device becomes cluttered and aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts components (fingerprint reader, image capture device, strobe) from the traditional visible placement and relocates them behind the transparent display. This extraction allows the components to be hidden from view when not in use, maintaining aesthetic appeal while preserving functionality. The components are taken out of the visual domain and placed in a concealed space.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent display serves as an intermediary between the external environment and the concealed components. It allows light to pass through when needed (enabling component operation) while maintaining a seamless appearance when components are hidden. The display mediates between the need for component visibility and the desire for aesthetic continuity.
2Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced, then portability is improved, but spatial area for components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface placement to three-dimensional spatial utilization by placing components behind the transparent display. This dimensional change allows components to occupy space that would otherwise be invisible, enabling smaller device footprints while maintaining component functionality. The Z-space behind the display provides additional volumetric capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The components are nested within the device enclosure behind the transparent display, similar to nested dolls. The fingerprint reader, image capture device, and strobe are positioned in the space between the display and the rear housing, utilizing the depth of the device rather than requiring additional surface area.
3Device complexity
If components are hidden behind the display, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but component accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent display dynamically changes its optical properties based on operational requirements. When a concealed component needs to be accessed, the display transitions from opaque to transparent in the relevant region, allowing light to pass through and enabling component operation. This dynamic state change maintains aesthetic appeal during normal use while providing accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical property changes in the transparent display, where the display material transitions between transparent and opaque states. This color/optical property change allows the display to reveal concealed components when needed while maintaining a seamless appearance during normal operation, balancing aesthetics with accessibility.
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 solution enhances both functionality and aesthetics by hiding components until use, reducing the device's size and maintaining a clutter-free exterior, while allowing for the integration of light-dependent components like image capture devices and biometric sensors.
Implementation Method 1
techniques for disposing components of an electronic device behind a transparent display, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display
Implementation Method 2
a processor of the electronic device may make transparent, or 'open,' a transparent region (e.g., through generating a local or global black spot) of the display to expose the component. The black spot may be generated when pixels of the display are not emitting light
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for applying concealment of components of an electronic device. In one embodiment, an electronic device may include a component that is disposed behind a display (e.g., a transparent organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display) that is configured to selectively become transparent at certain transparency regions. Additionally, the electronic device includes data processing circuitry configured to determine when an event requesting that the component be exposed occurs. The data processing circuitry may control portions of the display to become transparent, to expose the component upon the occurrence of the event requesting that the component be exposed.