Curved Display Image Transport Layer for Gap Hiding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with displays face challenges in integrating displays and other components due to space constraints, particularly in designs with limited space, where the shape and characteristics of displays hinder seamless integration and user interaction.
Innovation Solution
The use of image transport layers formed from coherent fiber bundles or Anderson localization material, which receive images from pixel arrays and transport them to output surfaces with different shapes, minimizing display borders and enhancing ergonomics by allowing curved and compound curvature surfaces, while incorporating light-emitting devices and touch sensors for interactive features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional flat displays are used, then integration is simple, but space utilization is poor and borders are visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the display surface by using an image transport layer with curved geometry that maps a flat pixel array onto a curved output surface. This increases the effective display area while maintaining a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between maximizing display area and managing integration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional flat display to a three-dimensional curved display surface. The image transport layer acts as a geometric transformer that projects the flat image onto a curved surface, adding a dimensional aspect that increases display area without proportionally increasing device volume or integration complexity.
2Shape
If curved display surfaces are used, then aesthetics and ergonomics are improved, but image transport complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image transport layer serves as an intermediary component between the flat pixel array and the curved display surface. This mediator handles the geometric transformation, allowing the pixel array to remain simple while achieving complex curved output surfaces. The intermediary absorbs the complexity of coordinate mapping and image warping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical curved display structures with an optical/image transport solution. Instead of physically curving the pixel array or using complex mechanical assemblies, the invention uses an image transport layer to optically project the flat image onto a curved surface, substituting mechanical complexity with optical transformation.
3Volume of moving object
If display space is minimized, then device compactness is improved, but integration of components becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The image transport layer is integrated as a nested component within the display structure, positioned between the pixel array and the front surface. This nesting allows multiple functions (image transport, curvature achievement, touch sensing integration) to be combined in a compact layered structure, reducing overall device volume while maintaining integration ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The image transport layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transports images from the flat pixel array to the curved surface, provides the curved display geometry, and can integrate touch sensing capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, easing manufacturing and integration while minimizing device volume.
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 enables efficient image transport and interaction on non-planar surfaces, enhancing device aesthetics and usability by minimizing borders and allowing flexible display integration, while maintaining image integrity and adding touch sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
image transport layers formed from coherent fiber bundles
Implementation Method 2
light-emitting devices that provide light to the image transport layers. A light-emitting device may include light-emitting diodes
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have light-emitting devices. A light-emitting device may include light-emitting diodes, a display, or other components that emit visual output. One or more image transport layers may be included in the electronic device. An image transport layer may have an input surface that receives an image and an output surface to which the image transport layer transports the image for viewing by a user. The image transport layers may have areas with compound curvature and other shapes. Deformed image transport layer structures such as deformed fibers in a coherent fiber bundle may be configured to hide gaps in displays and other structures. Displays may include light detectors that serve as a two-dimensional touch sensor. The touch sensor may detect touch input on an output surface of an image transport layer. Image transport layer material may be incorporated into buttons, elongated housings, wearable devices, and other equipment.