Deadfront Multi-Layer Optical Assembly for Color-Neutral Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deadfronting techniques for displays often result in color distortion of images due to uneven light absorption by layers, failing to provide a uniform appearance in reflection and transmission without significantly impacting optical transmission performance.

Innovation Solution

A deadfront article comprising a substrate with a first ink layer, an intermediate layer, and a second ink layer, where the intermediate layer has an average reflectance of at least 1% over 400 nm to 700 nm, and the second ink layer is designed to suppress deviations in the appearance of the first ink layer in transmission, ensuring minimal color distortion and a unified appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If existing deadfronting films or layers are applied to lower optical transmission, then a unified appearance is achieved, but color distortion occurs due to uneven light absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunified appearanceVSAvoidcolor distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The deadfront assembly is segmented into multiple functional layers: a first ink layer for providing unified appearance in reflection, an intermediate layer with specific reflectance properties, and a second ink layer with color correction regions. Each layer performs a specific function to collectively achieve both unified appearance and color accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second ink layer is divided into multiple regions with different optical properties. Each region is configured to suppress deviations in specific overlapping regions of the first ink layer, providing localized color correction where needed while maintaining overall unified appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If existing deadfront assemblies are used to provide deadfronted appearance in reflection, then aesthetic performance is improved, but optical transmission performance is significantly impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeadfronted appearanceVSAvoidoptical transmission performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediate layer is introduced between the first and second ink layers. This intermediate layer has specific reflectance properties (greater than or equal to 1.0% over 400 nm to 700 nm) that mediate the interaction between the ink layers and light, enabling the first ink layer to provide deadfronted appearance while the second ink layer corrects color distortion with minimal impact on overall optical transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If multiple ink layers are applied to correct color distortion, then color accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecolor accuracyVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second ink layers are combined in a single deadfront assembly structure with an intermediate layer. This integrated design allows color correction functionality to be incorporated into the existing deadfront assembly without requiring separate correction mechanisms, thereby improving color accuracy while limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution effectively minimizes color distortion and maintains a uniform appearance in transmission while providing a desired appearance in reflection, enhancing the aesthetic and functional performance of display surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

the intermediate layer exhibits an average reflectance of greater than or equal to 1.0% over a wavelength range from 400 nm to 700 nm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

various portions of the layers may absorb the light emitted by the display differently, leading to color distortion in the displayed image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20250001728A1Deadfront articles with multi-layer optical structures and associated methods

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 CORNING INC

AI summary

Described herein are deadfront assemblies that are configured to exhibit variable transmission and reflection performance attributes. The deadfront assemblies described herein comprise a first ink layer, an intermediate layer, and a second ink layer. The intermediate layer is disposed between the first and second ink layers and is configured to reflect light that is transmitted through the first ink layer back through the first ink layer so that one or more colors of the ink in the first ink layer is visible in the reflected light. The second ink layer is configured to counteract deviations in optical transmission caused by the first ink layer so that light transmitted through the deadfront assembly is not perceptively altered in color. Overlapping regions of the first and second ink layers comprise inverse appearance attributes so that light output from a light source and transmitted through the deadfront assembly has a desired appearance.