Direction-Dependent Light Guide Outcoupling for Dynamic UI Graphics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light guide technologies in electronic devices, such as liquid crystal displays and keypads, lack the ability to dynamically change the visual appearance based on operating modes or orientations, limiting user interface flexibility and convenience.
Innovation Solution
The use of direction-dependent outcoupling structures on light guides, such as arrays of parallel elongated prisms or diffractive gratings, to selectively couple out light based on the propagation direction, allowing for different illumination patterns and graphic markings depending on the orientation of light propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional light guide technology is used, then uniform illumination is achieved, but the ability to dynamically change visual appearance based on operating modes or orientations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide structure incorporates direction-dependent outcoupling structures that dynamically change the visual appearance based on the direction of light propagation. By controlling which light sources are activated and their propagation directions, the system can dynamically display different graphical markings and patterns without physical movement or reconfiguration of the light guide itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide features localized outcoupling structures with specific orientations at different positions. Each region of the light guide has outcoupling structures optimized for particular propagation directions, enabling different areas to display different graphical information simultaneously based on which light sources are active.
2Adaptability or versatility
If direction-dependent outcoupling structures are implemented, then different illumination patterns are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outcoupling structures are designed with specific geometric parameters (orientation, shape, spacing) that can be adjusted during manufacturing to control light propagation directions. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves multiple illumination patterns while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes for light guides.
3Ease of operation
If multiple light sources are used for different propagation directions, then graphical orientation control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system activates different light sources periodically or selectively based on the required graphical display. Instead of keeping all light sources continuously on, the controller activates only the necessary light sources for the current operating mode or orientation requirement, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining ease of operation.
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
Enables dynamic changes in user interface graphics by controlling light emission directionally, enhancing user experience by aligning key markings correctly with device orientations without significant crosstalk or manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Light guides are used in electronic devices to conduct light from one or more light sources to desired locations
Implementation Method 2
direction-dependent outcoupling structures on at least one surface of the light guide, so that depending on the general propagation direction of light inside the light guide, light is coupled out differently
Implementation Method 3
Examples of known direction-dependent outcoupling structures include, but are not limited to, diffraction gratings, prisms and prism arrays
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a light guide. A first light input section receives light in a first direction into said light guide. First direction-dependent outcoupling structures selectively couple out light propagating in said first direction in said light guide. A second light input section receives light in a second direction into said light guide. Said second direction is different than said first direction. Second direction-dependent outcoupling structures selectively couple out light propagating in said second direction in said light guide.