Image Display Device Frame Narrowing via Light Guide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image display devices face challenges in reducing the thickness of the frame while maintaining high-resolution imaging, as previous solutions either distort images or increase the device's thickness due to the use of lenses or light guide units, leading to decreased light guide efficiency and crosstalk between pixels.
Innovation Solution
An image display device configuration featuring a light guide unit with one surface facing the display area and another surface shifted towards the non-display area, combined with a diffraction element such as a polarization diffraction grating, and optionally a phase difference plate, reflective polarizer, and light scattering unit, to efficiently guide light and reduce frame thickness without compromising image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a lens is disposed on the viewing side to refract light beams and enlarge the image, then the frame area is reduced, but the device thickness increases due to the lens thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional lens-based optical system with a light guide plate that uses total internal reflection to guide light from the display area to the frame area. This substitution eliminates the need for thick lenses while achieving the same frame-narrowing effect through optical path manipulation within a thin plate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from using a three-dimensional lens structure to a two-dimensional light guide plate structure. The light guide plate utilizes the planar dimension to guide light laterally across the frame area, avoiding the need for thickness in the optical path and achieving frame narrowing without increasing device thickness.
2Area of stationary object
If a light guide unit is used to guide light to the frame area, then the frame appears narrower, but the device thickness increases due to the light guide unit thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin-film light guide plate structure that can be integrated into the display assembly without significantly increasing thickness. The light guide plate functions as a thin optical film that guides light laterally through total internal reflection, achieving frame narrowing while maintaining a slim profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the lateral dimension of the thin light guide plate to guide light across the frame area, replacing the need for thick vertical optical paths. This dimensional approach allows light to be redirected horizontally within a thin structure, narrowing the visual frame without increasing device thickness.
3Length of stationary object
If the light guide unit thickness is decreased to reduce device thickness, then light guide efficiency decreases and crosstalk between pixels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by introducing light scattering particles only in specific regions of the light guide plate where needed for light extraction, rather than uniformly throughout. This selective placement maintains light guide efficiency in the thin structure while preventing excessive light propagation that would cause pixel crosstalk.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements local quality by creating regions with different optical properties within the light guide plate. Light scattering particles are concentrated in specific areas to enhance light extraction efficiency, while other regions maintain low scattering to prevent crosstalk, optimizing performance in each local zone.
4Area of stationary object
If the non-display area is reduced to improve designability, then the area for housing components and hiding wires decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the light guiding function from the traditional frame structure and integrates it into a separate light guide plate component. This allows the frame area to be minimized for aesthetic purposes while the light guide plate handles the optical functions, and components can be housed in the display assembly without requiring a large traditional frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple functions into the light guide plate structure, including light guidance, light diffusion, and structural support. This integration allows the non-display area to be minimized while still providing necessary component housing space through the combined functional structure.
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 configuration allows for a narrowed frame while maintaining high-resolution imaging and preventing increases in device thickness, improving light guide efficiency and reducing crosstalk, thus enhancing the visibility and brightness of the image display.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction element which is disposed between the image display unit and the light guide unit and diffracts light from the display area toward a side of the non-display area adjacent to the edge
Implementation Method 2
a light guide unit which has one surface disposed so as to face at least an edge of the display area of the image display unit on a viewing side and another surface that is disposed at an opposite side of the light guide from the one surface and is provided at a position shifted further toward the non-display area than the one surface
Implementation Method 3
a diffraction element such as a polarization diffraction grating
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image display device including an image display unit which includes a display area in which a plurality of pixels is arranged, and a non-display area provided at a periphery of the display area, a light guide unit which has one surface disposed so as to face at least an edge of the display area of the image display unit on a viewing side and another surface that is disposed at an opposite side of the light guide from the one surface and is provided at a position shifted further toward the non-display area than the one surface, and a diffraction element which is disposed between the image display unit and the light guide unit and diffracts light from the display area toward the side of the non-display area adjacent to the edge.