A transparent display device

Abstract

The utility model provides a kind of transparent display device, including the substrate layer of transparent material and at least one optical fiber fixed on the substrate layer. Any one or more optical fibers include display section and non-display section, and the specific shape display is realized by the pattern corresponding to the arrangement shape of display section. The device uses segmented optical fiber and transparent substrate physical integration, maintains high light transmittance of matrix while completing basic display function, completely avoids the complex process and high cost defects of traditional transparent display technology. Its structure has electromagnetic interference resistance, bendable characteristics and large viewing angle advantages, and the independent controllability of optical fiber display section supports broken code display. Microscopic diameter optical fiber reaches the effect of invisible to naked eye in non-luminous state, providing a new solution for low-cost transparent display.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of display devices, and more particularly to a transparent display device. Background Technology

[0002] Achieving displays on transparent surfaces has been a long-standing technological goal for the industry. Current mainstream solutions include transparent OLED and transparent LCD technologies, both of which suffer from bottlenecks such as complex manufacturing processes and high production costs. They also have inherent flaws in balancing light transmittance and display brightness, and their insufficient mechanical stability makes them susceptible to damage from environmental factors. While Micro LED possesses excellent display performance, its industrialization cost remains high due to limitations in the maturity and yield of mass transfer processes. Furthermore, some low-cost solutions use LED light sources combined with time-division multiplexing principles to achieve semi-transparent displays, but this approach suffers from narrow viewing angles and significantly degraded light transmission, making it only suitable for specific scenarios.

[0003] In summary, there is currently no transparent display device that can achieve transparent media surface display at a low cost. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned technical defects, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a transparent display device.

[0005] This utility model discloses a transparent display device, which includes a substrate and at least one optical fiber;

[0006] In this embodiment, at least one optical fiber is inserted through and fixed to the substrate layer, and any one or more of the at least one optical fiber includes a display segment and a non-display segment. When the optical fiber receives light from at least one light source, the display segment emits light so that the transparent display device displays a pattern corresponding to the arrangement shape of the display segment.

[0007] The substrate is made of a transparent material.

[0008] Preferably, the display section of the optical fiber is provided with a light-emitting structure; the light-emitting structure is a hole-shaped structure or a tooth-shaped structure, so that the light transmitted by the optical fiber is emitted at the light-emitting structure.

[0009] Preferably, at least one light source is connected to at least one optical fiber in a one-to-one or multiple-to-one correspondence, so that the light emitted by the light source is transmitted along the optical fiber.

[0010] Preferably, when multiple light sources correspond to one optical fiber connection, the multiple light sources are light sources of different colors, and are combined into the optical fiber through a combiner so that the optical fiber presents a specific color.

[0011] Preferably, when at least one optical fiber includes multiple optical fibers, the multiple optical fibers are stacked sequentially along a direction perpendicular to the substrate layer;

[0012] The optical fiber furthest from the connected light source is positioned on the side furthest from the substrate; the optical fiber closest to the connected light source is positioned on the side closest to the substrate.

[0013] Preferably, the display segment, non-display segment, and the light source connected to each optical fiber are collinear, or the non-display segment of each optical fiber includes a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment, the first connecting segment and the display segment are collinear, the second connecting segment and the light source connected to it are collinear, and the first connecting segment and the second connecting segment are not collinear, so that a bend is formed between the first connecting segment and the second connecting segment.

[0014] Preferably, the transparent display device further includes one or two transparent structural layers;

[0015] When the transparent structure layer is a single layer, the transparent structure layer is disposed on one side of the substrate layer and is bonded to and fixed to the substrate layer.

[0016] When there are two transparent structural layers, the two transparent structural layers are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the substrate layer, and both are attached to the substrate layer and fixed to each other.

[0017] Preferably, the surface of the non-display section of the optical fiber is coated with a coating or film to block the light emitted from the optical fiber in the non-display section.

[0018] Preferably, the diameter of the optical fiber is 30μm-250μm.

[0019] Preferably, the optical fiber is made of at least one of the following: multi-component glass optical fiber, quartz optical fiber, and plastic optical fiber.

[0020] Compared with existing technologies, the above technical solution has the following advantages:

[0021] 1. By physically integrating segmented optical fibers with a transparent substrate, basic display functions are achieved while maintaining the substrate's high light transmittance. This structure completely avoids the complex processes and high costs of traditional transparent display technologies (such as OLED / LCD), and possesses advantages such as electromagnetic interference resistance, bendability, and a wide viewing angle. The independent controllability of the optical fiber display segments supports segmented display, and the micro-diameter optical fibers are invisible to the naked eye in the non-emitting state, providing a brand-new solution for low-cost transparent displays;

[0022] 2. Parametric design of micro-aperture / tooth-like structures enables arbitrary adjustment of light intensity. For example, dense shallow teeth can maintain low brightness, while sparse deep apertures enhance high-brightness output. Functional coatings on the non-display section surface block stray light transmission and eliminate optical crosstalk between adjacent fibers. Fibers with diameters of 30-250μm balance transmittance and light transmission efficiency at the microscale, allowing the device to seamlessly switch between display / transparent states and achieve a visually inconspicuous effect when not emitting light.

[0023] 3. The point-to-point independent connection architecture of the light source and optical fiber supports precise control of each optical fiber display segment, allowing for the selective activation and combination to form complex characters or simple graphics. When multiple optical fibers are stacked, the display segments are placed in the outer layer closer to the observer along the line of sight, while the non-display segments are embedded in the outer layer. The outer display segments visually block the inner non-display segments, further preventing interference from the non-display segments and significantly improving the integrity and clarity of the multi-layer display. Furthermore, by using multiple light sources corresponding to a single optical fiber, the brightness and the types of colors that can be displayed can be increased, further enhancing the display capabilities of the transparent display device and enriching its display variety.

[0024] 4. Single-sided bonding of the transparent structural layer provides basic protection and stress balance, while symmetrical bonding on both sides forms a self-balancing anti-bending system, giving the device the ability to adapt to curved surfaces. The multi-component glass, quartz, and plastic optical fiber material system covers the requirements for high-temperature stability, precise light control, and flexible bending, making the device suitable for applications in all scenarios from automotive and building to wearable devices. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a side view of the transparent display device according to the first embodiment provided in this application;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a front view of the transparent display device according to the first embodiment provided in this application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transparent display device according to the second embodiment provided in this application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transparent display device according to the third embodiment provided in this application;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transparent display device according to the fourth embodiment provided in this application.

[0030] Reference numerals: 100, transparent display device; 1, substrate layer; 2, optical fiber; 21, display segment; 22, non-display segment; 3, transparent structural layer; 4, light source. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The advantages of this utility model are further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0032] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0033] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in this disclosure and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0034] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if," as used herein, can be interpreted as "when," "in response to determination," or "when," or "in the event of a determination."

[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0036] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components. They can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] In the following description, the use of suffixes such as "module," "part," or "unit" to denote elements is solely for the purpose of illustrating this invention and has no specific meaning in itself. Therefore, "module" and "part" can be used interchangeably.

[0038] This utility model discloses a transparent display device, which includes a substrate layer and at least one optical fiber; wherein, at least one optical fiber is inserted through and fixed on the substrate layer, and any one or more of the at least one optical fiber includes a display segment and a non-display segment. When the optical fiber receives light from a light source, the display segment emits light so that the transparent display device displays a pattern corresponding to the arrangement shape of the display segment; the substrate layer is a transparent material.

[0039] This can be understood as follows: This invention achieves physical integration of the display unit and the substrate by embedding segmented optical fibers into a transparent substrate. The display segment of the optical fiber has independently controllable light-emitting characteristics, enabling the transparent display device to maintain high light transmittance while possessing basic display functions. Compared to traditional transparent display technologies, this structure completely avoids complex electrode layers and light-emitting films, fundamentally solving the industry pain points of high process complexity and cost. The transparent display device also boasts advantages such as electromagnetic interference resistance, bendability, and a wide viewing angle, providing a new technical path for low-cost transparent segmented display.

[0040] It is understandable that, for users, the transparent display device itself has the function of transmitting light. Although the optical fiber used to emit light is not transparent, because the optical fiber itself is relatively thin, at a certain observation distance from the transparent display device (for example, in common usage scenarios, the distance between the user and the transparent display device is 1-10 meters), the non-emitting optical fiber is not easily observed. Therefore, the user's actual experience is that the transparent display device is completely transparent and can transmit light.

[0041] On the other hand, the optical fiber can be placed on any side of the substrate layer, which can be used alone or attached to other transparent materials to form another form of transparent display device.

[0042] It is understandable that optical fibers themselves (such as optical guides) do not possess the ability to partially control the emission of light while partially controlling it. Therefore, for optical fibers, the distinction between display and non-display sections is determined by whether the light emitted from the fiber is blocked. For example, if the light emitted from a certain optical fiber is completely unblocked, then the entire optical fiber is the display section; while if a certain optical fiber is partially blocked (the blocked and unblocked parts can be spaced apart or not), then the unblocked part is the display section, and the blocked part is the non-display section. Thus, when an external light source transmits light into the optical fiber, light is emitted only in the display section, and the display effect observed by the user is the pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the display sections.

[0043] For example, when the display segments arranged in a "day" shape use a single optical fiber, when the light source is controlled to turn on, the transparent display device displays the character "日" (day in Chinese), and when the light source is controlled to turn off, the transparent display device becomes completely transparent. When the display segments arranged in a "day" shape use multiple optical fibers, the light sources of each optical fiber can be arbitrarily controlled. When the display segments connected to the controlled-on light sources emit light, the transparent display device can switch between displaying shapes such as "丨", "丨丨", "三", etc.

[0044] The above is the description of the basic concept of this application. Next, the possible implementation manners of this application will be described.

[0045] In one possible implementation manner, considering that light generally undergoes total internal reflection in the optical fiber and users cannot observe the light output from the optical fiber, an out-light structure is provided on the display segments of the optical fiber; the out-light structure is a hole structure or a tooth structure, so that the light conducted by the optical fiber undergoes diffuse reflection at the out-light structure, and thus light is emitted at the out-light structure.

[0046] It should be noted that there are no restrictions on the processing methods of the hole structure and the tooth structure described herein. For example, in one possible implementation manner, the optical fiber structure can be damaged by laser to make it not meet the total internal reflection condition and thus leak light. In another possible implementation manner, the cladding of the optical fiber can also be damaged by methods such as friction, etc., so that it leaks light. Both of these methods can control the light emission uniformity and light emission brightness by controlling the degree of destroying the total internal reflection condition.

[0047] For the non-display segments, in one possible implementation manner, the non-display segments of the optical fiber are coated with a coating or a film on the surface, so that the non-display segments do not leak light.

[0048] An optical isolation barrier is formed by functionalizing the surface of the non-display segments. Thus, the loss of light in the non-display segments can be minimized as much as possible, providing a basis for the uniform, stable, and high-brightness light output of the display segments.

[0049] It should be noted that the specific diameter of the optical fiber is also not limited. Exemplarily, the diameter of the optical fiber is 30μm - 250μm.

[0050] Specifically, the diameter of the optical fiber can be 30μm, 100μm, 150μm, 200μm, 250μm, etc. The larger the diameter of the optical fiber, the better the light transmission effect and the higher the brightness of the display area. The smaller the diameter of the optical fiber, the less obvious the non-display area looks, and the higher the overall transparency when no pattern is displayed. Those skilled in the art can design it according to needs by themselves, and this application will not elaborate further here.

[0051] Furthermore, the material of the optical fiber is not limited. In one possible implementation, the optical fiber is made of at least one of multi-component glass optical fiber, silica optical fiber, and plastic optical fiber.

[0052] The material system covers optical transmission solutions ranging from high-refractive-index glass to flexible plastics. Quartz optical fiber ensures stability in high-temperature environments; multi-component glass enables high-precision optical control; and plastic optical fiber provides excellent bending performance. This adaptability allows the device to optimize performance for different scenarios such as automotive, building, and wearable applications, breaking through the limitations of single-material applications.

[0053] The above describes various possible implementations of optical fiber. Those skilled in the art will understand that the control method for the optical fiber is also not limited.

[0054] In one possible implementation, at least one light source is connected to at least one optical fiber in a one-to-one or many-to-one (i.e., multiple light sources correspond to one optical fiber) pair, allowing the light emitted by the light source to be transmitted along the optical fiber. The independent connection architecture between the light source and the optical fiber supports individual control of the light emission state of each optical fiber. This allows for the formation of complex characters or simple graphics with relatively simple combinations, significantly improving the diversity of displayed content. This direct-drive mode maintains structural simplicity while overcoming the content limitations of traditional segmented display. Furthermore, by using multiple light sources corresponding to one optical fiber, the brightness of the optical fiber can be enhanced, preventing situations where optical fiber segments farther from the light source may be darker due to light transmission loss.

[0055] It should be noted that this is only one way to increase the brightness of the fiber optic display segment. For example, in another possible implementation, a reflective coating can be applied to the side of the fiber optic cable away from the observer, thereby refracting the scattered light back into the fiber optic cable, which can also enhance the brightness of the fiber optic display segment. This application does not impose any limitations here.

[0056] Furthermore, when multiple light sources correspond to a single optical fiber, the color and brightness of the display segment of the optical fiber can be controlled by adjusting the brightness and color of each light source. For example, the multiple light sources can specifically be three light sources: red, blue, and green (RGB primary colors), thus allowing for relatively convenient adjustment of the color and brightness of the display segment of the optical fiber.

[0057] Regarding the arrangement of optical fibers: In one possible implementation, when at least one optical fiber includes multiple optical fibers, the multiple optical fibers are stacked sequentially perpendicular to the substrate layer.

[0058] The optical fiber furthest from the connected light source is positioned on the side furthest from the substrate; the optical fiber closest to the connected light source is positioned on the side closest to the substrate.

[0059] This can be understood as follows: when multiple optical fibers are stacked, the display segment is placed close to the substrate layer along the line of sight, i.e., the outer layer for the observer, while the non-display segment is embedded in the distant layer. The visual obscuring of the light emitted by the display segment in the outer layer further avoids the non-display segment from interfering with the display effect, thus significantly improving the integrity and clarity of the multi-layer display.

[0060] The above scenarios all involve one or more light sources corresponding to one optical fiber. Those skilled in the art will understand that designs with multiple light sources corresponding to one optical fiber can also be implemented: one light source is connected to multiple optical fibers via a beam splitter, thereby achieving unified and low-cost control of multiple optical fibers. This application does not impose any limitations on this design.

[0061] The above describes the optical fiber and its control and arrangement methods provided in this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that the transparent display device provided in this application may also include more structures to adapt to the functions required in different scenarios; this application does not impose any limitations on these aspects.

[0062] For example, the display segment, non-display segment, and the light source connected to each optical fiber are collinear. By reducing the length of the non-display segment, the possibility of light leakage or emission can be reduced. Alternatively, the non-display segment of each optical fiber includes a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment. The first connecting segment and the display segment are collinear, and the second connecting segment and the light source connected to it are collinear. The first connecting segment and the second connecting segment are not collinear, so that a bend is formed between the first connecting segment and the second connecting segment. In this way, the position of the light source can be placed at any location according to the actual working conditions, or the pattern corresponding to the arrangement shape of the display segment can be designed arbitrarily.

[0063] For example, the transparent display device further includes one or two transparent structural layers;

[0064] When the transparent structure layer is a single layer, the transparent structure layer is disposed on one side of the substrate layer and is bonded to and fixed to the substrate layer.

[0065] When there are two transparent structural layers, the two transparent structural layers are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the substrate layer, and both are attached to the substrate layer and fixed to each other.

[0066] This can be understood as follows: the transparent display device provided in this application can also be provided with an external transparent structural layer, so as to be sold as a module or used for other purposes. When the transparent structural layer is a single layer, basic protection and stress balance can be achieved. When the transparent structural layer is symmetrically bonded on both sides, a self-balancing anti-bending system can be formed, significantly improving the mechanical stability of the device. This scalable structure is adaptable to rigid / flexible scenarios, giving the display device the ability to be bonded to curved surfaces, and expanding its application potential on irregular surfaces.

[0067] Furthermore, the transparent structural layer can be made of one or more of PET, glass, and acrylic. The material combinations cover a spectrum of optical properties, from flexible polymers to rigid glass. PET provides high flexibility for transparent display devices, enabling rollable displays. Glass ensures optical flatness. Acrylic polymers balance cost and weather resistance. This open material system allows for flexible adjustment of optical parameters and mechanical properties to meet diverse market demands. Of course, the transparent structural layer can be made of other materials; transparency is sufficient. Those skilled in the art can design it as needed, and this application does not impose any limitations.

[0068] The above is a detailed description of the possible embodiments of this application. To enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand the intent of this application, various embodiments are also provided for reference.

[0069] Please see Figures 1-2 , Figure 1 This is a side view of the transparent display device according to the first embodiment provided in this application; Figure 2 This is a front view of the transparent display device according to the first embodiment provided in this application.

[0070] like Figures 1-2 As shown, in the observer's viewing direction, the transparent display device 100 provided in this embodiment includes transparent structural layers 3 on the left and right sides, a substrate layer 1 in the middle, and optical fibers 2. Exemplarily, the transparent structural layer 3 is a PET film. On a plane perpendicular to the observer's viewing direction, this embodiment provides seven optical fibers 2, enabling the display of numbers 0 to 9. The light source 4 is provided by seven independent light sources 4 disposed outside the film. Simultaneously illuminating several of the optical fibers 2 allows for the alternating display of different numbers. Since the light sources 4 are independent of the transparent structural layer 3, the transparent structural layer 3 (PET film) is structurally stable after encapsulation, can withstand extreme environments, and does not suffer from heat generation issues like other semiconductor display technologies. Furthermore, because the optical fibers 2 are 50μm in diameter, the non-display section 22 is almost invisible, so even when the transparent display device 100 is in a non-display state, it exhibits an overall transparent effect.

[0071] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transparent display device according to the second embodiment provided in this application;

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the display device 100 provided in this embodiment includes two light sources 4 and an optical fiber 2 controlled by them. This makes the display segment of the optical fiber 2 brighter and the display effect better.

[0073] Please see Figure 4 , Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transparent display device according to the third embodiment provided in this application.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is that the display device 100 provided in this embodiment includes three light sources 4 and an optical fiber 2 controlled by them. The three light sources 4 respectively emit red, green and blue light, thereby making it easier to adjust the color and brightness of the display segment of the optical fiber.

[0075] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the transparent display device according to the fourth embodiment provided in this application.

[0076] like Figure 5 As shown, the difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that the display device 100 provided in this embodiment includes a light source 4 and multiple optical fibers 2 that it independently controls, thereby enabling unified and low-cost control of the multiple optical fibers 2.

[0077] It should be noted that the embodiments of this utility model have better implementability and are not intended to limit this utility model in any way. Any person skilled in the art may use the above-disclosed technical content to change or modify it into equivalent effective embodiments. However, any modifications or equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this utility model without departing from the content of the technical solution of this utility model shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of this utility model.

Claims

1. A transparent display device, characterized in that, The transparent display device includes a substrate and at least one optical fiber; Wherein, at least one optical fiber is inserted and fixed on the substrate layer, and any one or more of the at least one optical fiber includes a display segment and a non-display segment. When the optical fiber receives light from at least one light source, the display segment emits light so that the transparent display device displays a pattern corresponding to the arrangement shape of the display segment. The substrate layer is made of a transparent material.

2. The transparent display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The display section of the optical fiber is provided with a light-emitting structure; the light-emitting structure is a hole-shaped structure or a tooth-shaped structure, so that the light transmitted by the optical fiber is emitted at the light-emitting structure.

3. The transparent display device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one light source is connected to the at least one optical fiber in a one-to-one or multiple-to-one correspondence, so that the light emitted by the light source is transmitted along the optical fiber.

4. The transparent display device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, When the plurality of light sources correspond to one optical fiber connection, the plurality of light sources are light sources of different colors, and are combined into the optical fiber by a combiner so that the optical fiber presents a specific color.

5. The transparent display device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, When the at least one optical fiber includes multiple optical fibers, the multiple optical fibers are stacked sequentially along a direction perpendicular to the substrate layer; The optical fiber furthest from the connected light source is disposed on the side away from the substrate; the optical fiber closest to the connected light source is disposed on the side close to the substrate.

6. The transparent display device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that, The display segment, non-display segment, and the light source connected to each optical fiber are collinear, or Each optical fiber's non-display segment includes a first connecting segment and a second connecting segment. The first connecting segment and the display segment are collinear, and the second connecting segment and the light source to which it is connected are collinear. The first connecting segment and the second connecting segment are not collinear, thus forming a bend between the first connecting segment and the second connecting segment.

7. The transparent display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The transparent display device further includes one or two transparent structural layers; When the transparent structure layer is a single layer, the transparent structure layer is disposed on one side of the substrate layer and is bonded to and fixed to the substrate layer; When the transparent structure layer consists of two layers, the two transparent structure layers are respectively disposed on opposite sides of the substrate layer, and are both attached to the substrate layer and fixed to each other.

8. The transparent display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The surface of the non-display section of the optical fiber is coated with a coating or film to block the light emitted from the optical fiber at the non-display section.

9. The transparent display device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the optical fiber is 30μm-250μm.

10. The transparent display device as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The optical fiber is made of at least one of the following materials: multi-component glass optical fiber, quartz optical fiber, and plastic optical fiber.

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