Display Assembly Reducing Reflections via Wave Retarder Phase Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional displays suffer from reflections that can obstruct the view of personnel in environments like aircraft cockpits and vehicle windshields, particularly in low visibility conditions, due to stray light being reflected from the display surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A display assembly incorporating a wave retarder film and light control layers to adjust the phase of linearly polarized light and constrain the field of view, reducing reflections by up to 95% through the use of optical retarders and light control films, such as louver films or fiber optic face plates, which are strategically positioned to minimize interference with the viewer's field of vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional display assemblies are used, then the display can emit light for visibility, but reflections from surfaces in the environment obstruct the view of personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the polarization state of light emitted from the display through wave retarder films. The wave retarder adjusts the phase of linearly polarized light to specific values (e.g., 45 degrees, 135 degrees) that minimize reflection according to Brewster's law, thereby reducing reflected light intensity while maintaining display visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful reflection effect into a beneficial outcome by utilizing the polarization properties of light and Brewster's angle principle. By controlling the polarization phase to specific angles, the display emits light that minimizes reflection off canopy or windshield surfaces, effectively turning the reflection phenomenon from a problem into a solution for reduced glare.
2Ease of operation
If the field of view is expanded to improve visibility, then more of the display can be seen, but reflections from wider angles increase distractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing angularly selective light control through wave retarder films and light control layers. These components create different optical properties for different viewing angles, allowing optimal performance in the primary viewing direction while suppressing reflections at oblique angles through polarization control specific to each angle range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the optical properties of the display adaptive to viewing angle through the use of wave retarder films that exhibit angle-dependent polarization effects. The light control layers dynamically adjust the polarization state based on the angle of incidence, maintaining reduced reflections across a wide range of viewing angles while preserving visibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If light control layers are added to constrain field of view and reduce reflections, then visibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing wave retarder films that perform multiple functions simultaneously: they control polarization phase to reduce reflections, maintain display visibility across viewing angles, and provide angular selectivity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining wave retarder films with specific polarization properties and light control layers in a multi-layer optical structure. This composite approach integrates reflection reduction and field of view control functions into a unified optical stack, managing complexity through material composition rather than separate mechanical components.
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 combination of wave retarders and light control films effectively reduces reflections in the display environment, allowing for improved visibility in critical situations by aligning the light phase with the incidence angle and constraining the field of view to minimize distractions from stray light.
Implementation Method 1
The wave retarder film is configured to adjust the phase of linearly polarized light from the display element. The phase of the linearly polarized light is adjusted so that reflections of the linearly polarized light from a surface in the environment of the display are reduced.
Data Source
AI summary
A display system and method uses a display element. The display element can provide linearly polarized light. A wave retarder film can be configured to adjust the phase of the linearly polarized light so that reflections of the linearly polarized light from a surface in the environment of the display are reduced. A first light control layer is configured to constrain the field of view of the display in at least a first direction.