Input Transmission Polarizer for Display Illumination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display apparatuses that utilize polarized light often waste energy as the polarization state not utilized by the pixel control element is not harnessed for illumination, leading to inefficiencies in energy usage.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a light source, a pixel control element, and an input transmission polarizer that polarizes incident light into orthogonal first and second light portions, where the first portion is used by the pixel control element and the second portion is output for illumination, utilizing a polarizing beam splitter or similar components to achieve this functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a polarizer is used to provide polarized light to the pixel control element, then the display function is achieved, but the unused polarization state is wasted and not used for illumination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidwasted polarization state

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light from the light source into two separate paths using a polarizing beam splitter: one path provides polarized light to the pixel control element for display, while the other path directs the orthogonal polarization state to illumination. This segmentation allows both polarization states to be utilized independently for different functions, eliminating energy waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light source serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both display light (through the pixel control element) and illumination light (through the orthogonal polarization path). The polarizing beam splitter enables this multi-functionality by directing different polarization states to different destinations, making the single light source universal for both display and illumination purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If the entire light from the light source is directed to the pixel control element, then display performance is maximized, but no light is available for illumination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination availabilityVSAvoidlight not used for display

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of light direction by using polarization state as the controlling parameter. The polarizing beam splitter separates light based on its polarization orientation, directing one polarization state to the pixel control element and the orthogonal state to illumination. This parameter-based separation allows simultaneous optimization of both display and illumination without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of energy

If no polarizer is used, then all light is available for both display and illumination, but the pixel control element cannot operate properly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy utilizationVSAvoidpixel control element operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The polarizing beam splitter acts as an intermediary device between the light source and the two functional paths (display and illumination). It mediates the distribution of light by separating the orthogonal polarization states, ensuring that the pixel control element receives the necessary polarized light for proper operation while simultaneously making illumination light available from the other polarization state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 energy-efficient operation by utilizing the entire polarization state of the light, providing illumination without wasting the polarization not used by the pixel control element, thus enhancing the overall efficiency of the display apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

an input transmission polarizer configured to: polarize incident light from the light source into transmitted first and second light portions, wherein the first light portion has a first polarization and the second light portion has a second polarization and wherein the first and second polarizations are orthogonal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS10209611B2Apparatuses and methods for providing light

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

An apparatus including a light source; a pixel control element; and an input transmission polarizer configured to: polarize incident light from the light source into transmitted first and second light portions, wherein the first light portion has a first polarization and the second light portion has a second polarization and wherein the first and second polarizations are orthogonal; to provide the first light portion as input to the pixel control element; and to output the second light portion to provide the second light portion for illumination.