Under-Display Camera Module With Stepped Openings for Larger Display Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to increase the display area in electronic devices while accommodating camera modules without compromising the appearance, as existing solutions with camera openings in the display area are unappealing and limited by the camera's structural design.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a camera module with a reduced camera-exposed portion by using a stepped structure of openings in the display, where the first opening in the display panel is smaller than the lens diameter and a second opening in additional layers is larger, allowing the lens to protrude and maintain a wide view angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the camera module is disposed through the front cover with a large camera-exposed portion, then the camera can receive sufficient light and maintain a wide view angle, but the display area is reduced and the appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional change by creating a stepped structure with multiple openings at different depths. The first opening in the display panel and the second opening in the additional layer are positioned at different vertical levels, allowing the lens to protrude into the first opening while maintaining alignment with the larger second opening. This multi-level arrangement enables the camera to receive sufficient light through the larger second opening while presenting a smaller first opening to the display area, thus resolving the contradiction between display area and light reception capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the camera opening into two distinct parts: a first opening in the display panel and a second opening in the additional layer. This segmentation allows each opening to serve different functions - the first opening minimizes visual impact on the display area, while the second opening provides sufficient light reception. The lens is positioned to interact with both openings, effectively dividing the light reception function across two spatial segments.
2Area of stationary object
If the camera-exposed portion is reduced to increase display area, then the appearance is improved and display area is increased, but the view angle and light reception may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The stepped structure with openings at different vertical levels enables the lens to maintain a wide view angle by aligning with the larger second opening in the additional layer, while the smaller first opening in the display panel presents a minimized footprint to the display area. This vertical dimensionality allows the camera to achieve both aesthetic appearance and functional performance.
3Area of stationary object
If the opening size is reduced for aesthetic purposes, then the display area is increased, but light reflection from camera components may become more visible
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-level stepped structure positions the lens and camera components at different vertical depths. The smaller first opening in the display panel limits the visible area where light reflection could occur, while the larger second opening in the additional layer provides sufficient space for the lens to function without excessive reflection being visible from the front display surface.
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
According to certain embodiments of the disclosure, an electronic device comprises a housing having an inner space; a display disposed in the inner space of the housing and visible from an outside of the housing, the display further comprising: a display panel having a first opening, and at least one additional layer stacked under the display panel and having a second opening corresponding to and larger than the first opening; and a camera module disposed in the inner space under the at least one additional layer, and facing the second opening, the camera module further comprising: a lens housing, a plurality of lenses disposed in and supported by the lens housing, the plurality of lenses comprising a first lens closest to the display panel, and at least one image sensor aligned with the plurality of lenses, wherein the first lens is disposed to coincide with an upper surface of the lens housing or at least partially protrude from the upper surface of the lens housing.