LED/OLED ARRAY APPROACH TO INTEGRATED DISPLAY, FOCUSING LENSLESS LIGHT-FIELD CAMERA, AND TOUCH-SCREEN USER INTERFACE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED PROCESSORS
A system for implementing a display which also serves as one or more of a tactile user interface touchscreen, light-field sensor, proximate hand gesture sensor, and focusing lensless light-field imaging camera using image formation systems and methods such as those taught in the inventor's related patents as cited. In an implementation, an OLED array or LED array that can comprise photosensors that can be used for light sensing as well as light emission functions. The resulting arrangements are advantageous for use in handheld devices such as cellphone, smartphones, PDAs, tablet computers, and other systems and devices.
1 . A system for implementing a function of a visual display, light-field sensor, and a user interface for operation by a user hand, the system comprising:
at least one processor, the at least one processor having an electrical interface and for executing at least one software algorithm;
a liquid crystal display (LCD) configured to be in communication with the at least one processor;
a light emitting diode (LED) array having light-sensing capabilities, the LED array arranged for providing backlighting for the LCD and light sensing through the LCD, the LED array in communication with the at least one processor;
wherein the LCD is used for at least visual display and vignette formation acting on an incoming light-field,
wherein light sensing portions of the LED array perform a light detection function at least for an interval of time, a result of the light detection function comprising incoming light-field measurement information communicated to the at least one processor, and
wherein the least one processor calculates an image from the light-field measurement information responsive to the incoming light-field as measured through the vignetting provided by the LCD.
2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the LED array comprises at least one organic light-emitting diode (OLED).
3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein each OLED is operated in at least two of a light emission state, a light detection state, and an idle state.
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the LED array comprises light sensing elements.
5 . The system of claim 4 , wherein the light sensing elements comprise photodiodes.
6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the LED array comprises two LED arrays that are fabricated separately and assembled together to form a layered structure.
7 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the light sensing portions of the LED array are transparent.
8 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to operate as both an image display and a light-field sensor.
9 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the light-field measurement information is used to create light-field sensor output information.
10 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the light-field sensor output information is used to implement a proximity hand gesture user interface.
11 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the light-field sensor output information is used to implement a tactile user interface.
12 . The system of claim 1 , where the system is configured to implement a touch screen user interface.
13 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to implement a proximate image user interface sensor.
14 . The system of claim 1 , where the system is configured to implement a lensless imaging camera calculating the image from the incoming light-field as measured through the vignetting provided by the LCD.
15 . The system of claim 1 , where the system is comprised within a mobile phone.
16 . The system of claim 1 , where the system is comprised within a Personal Digital Assistant (“PDA”).
17 . The system of claim 1 , where the system is comprised within a tablet computer.
18 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to operate simultaneously as an imaging camera and as a display.
19 . The system of claim 18 , wherein the system is further configured to provide eye-contact in video conferencing applications.
20 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to operate simultaneously as a video camera and a display.