Light Guide Arrays with Compound Curvature for 3D Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-based devices face challenges in fitting within desired systems and operating as intended, particularly in providing effective visual information and user input in various environments.
Innovation Solution
The use of light guide arrays formed from bundles of transparent fibers surrounded by low-index cladding material, which can include capacitive touch sensors and optical structures for displaying three-dimensional images, providing tactile feedback, and integrating with displays to enhance user interaction and system integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional planar displays are used, then manufacturing is simple, but they cannot provide effective visual information and user input in various operating environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional planar (2D) displays to three-dimensional displays by introducing depth as an additional dimension. The light guide array with compound curvature and optical structures creates volumetric light fields that enable 3D imaging, allowing the display to adapt to various operating environments including augmented reality applications where depth perception is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material structures including light guide arrays formed from multiple fibers or transparent materials with different refractive indices, cladding layers, and integrated optical structures. This composite approach enables the display to function across diverse environments by combining materials with complementary optical properties that can be tuned for specific operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If light guide arrays with compound curvature are used, then three-dimensional images and tactile feedback are achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes compound curvature in the light guide array design, where the waveguide surface is shaped with varying radii of curvature to control light propagation paths. This curvature enables three-dimensional image formation and tactile feedback through non-planar surface features, while the systematic application of curvature principles allows for manufacturable designs despite the increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs parameter changes in the optical path by varying the refractive indices of different layers, adjusting the curvature radii at different zones of the light guide array, and modifying the spacing between optical structures. These parameter variations enable precise control over light field formation and tactile feedback characteristics while maintaining manufacturability through systematic design approaches.
3Illumination intensity
If optical structures are integrated over the exit surface, then light-field display and light directionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into segmented components including individual optical structures positioned over specific regions of the light guide array exit surface. Each optical structure can be independently optimized for specific light directionality requirements, and the segmented approach allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, reducing overall device complexity despite the sophisticated optical functionality.
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 improved light-based systems that provide effective visual output, user input, and tactile feedback, while accommodating non-planar features and seamless integration with other system components, enhancing usability and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The fibers may be plastic fibers or other transparent fibers that are surrounded by a low index cladding material. Light from the light-emitting device may be conveyed from the entrance surface to the exit surface by the light guide array.
Implementation Method 2
Optical structures may be formed over the exit surface. The optical structures may be configured to form a light-field display that displays three-dimensional images
Implementation Method 3
Light sources and detectors may convey light to a user's finger on the exit surface and may measure reflected light from the user's finger to determine the location of the user's finger.
Data Source
AI summary
A light-based device may provide images and other light output to a user and may gather user input. The device may include a light guide array formed from a bundle of fibers. The light guide array may have an entrance surface that receives light emitted by a light-emitting device. The light-emitting device may include one or more light-emitting diodes and may be a display having an array of pixels. Light from the light-emitting device may be conveyed from the entrance surface to the exit surface by the light guide array. The exit surface of the light guide array may have a compound curvature. Optical structures may be formed over the exit surface. The light-based device may form light-field display, may form a touch sensor, may form a controller, and may form other structures.