Under-Display Camera and Optical Sensor Time-Sharing Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

The placement of optical sensors under the display in electronic devices results in reduced transmittance and increased space occupation due to the difference in transmittance between the bezel and display areas, affecting target object recognition and camera module space.

Innovation Solution

Integration of camera and optical sensor operations using a single module with an infrared filter to optimize transmittance and reduce space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the camera module is exposed to the outside environment through an opening, then image quality is improved, but dust and water may enter the camera module

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddust and water intrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The camera module is covered with a protective structure before dust or water can enter. The protective cover is pre-positioned to seal the opening, preventing harmful factors from entering while allowing the camera to function when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A protective cover acts as an intermediary element between the camera module opening and the external environment. This intermediate structure blocks dust and water from directly contacting the camera module while maintaining the ability to access the opening for imaging functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the camera module is covered to prevent dust and water entry, then protection is improved, but image quality may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from dust and waterVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically switch between covering and exposing the camera module opening. This dynamic structure enables the system to adapt between protection mode and imaging mode, maintaining both protection and image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover operates periodically, covering the opening when not in use to prevent dust and water entry, and exposing the opening when imaging is required. This periodic switching between covered and exposed states ensures both protection and image quality are maintained at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4366290B1Electronic device comprising camera, and operation method thereof

Publication Date: 2026.04.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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Figure 3A(a)~3A(b)

AI summary

Provided is an electronic device. The electronic device comprises: a display; a first module for operating a camera disposed under the display and operating an optical sensor; and at least one processor. The first module comprises an image sensor, an infrared filter, and the optical sensor, which is close to the image sensor and disposed inside the region of the infrared filter. The at least one processor may be configured to divide the time for outputting one frame into a first time interval for operating the camera and a second time interval for operating the optical sensor, operate the camera in the first time interval using the first module, and operate the optical sensor in the second time interval using the first module.