Masked Display Haze Matching via Refracting Beads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display assemblies with masking layers often exhibit higher haze levels than the openings, making the openings visible, especially under bright light and off-angle conditions, which is exacerbated by the contrast between the masking layer and the unmasked area, and is particularly challenging on curved substrates.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a first substrate with a masking layer and an optically clear adhesive containing refracting beads, where the refracting beads have a refractive index different from the adhesive, and polarizers are used to reduce haze by scattering light and aligning polarized light, ensuring the masking layer and openings have matching haze levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a masking layer is used to conceal display elements, then the display elements are hidden when not in use, but the masking layer creates visible haze contrast with the openings making them detectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by modifying only the optical properties of the masking layer in specific regions. A haze-inducing layer is applied selectively to areas adjacent to openings, creating localized haze that matches the optical appearance of the opening regions. This allows the masking layer to remain transparent over openings while creating matching haze in adjacent areas, eliminating visible contrast boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes optical property changes by introducing a haze-inducing layer that modifies the light scattering characteristics of the masking layer. The haze layer changes the optical appearance from transparent to hazy in specific regions, matching the appearance of opening areas. This optical transformation eliminates the visual contrast between masked and unmasked regions, making openings imperceptible.
2Loss of information
If the masking layer has higher haze than openings, then the masking layer provides better concealment, but the contrast in haze levels makes openings visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively positioning the haze-inducing layer in adjacent areas while maintaining transparency over openings. This creates a spatial variation in haze levels that is intentional and controlled, with higher haze in adjacent regions matching the optical appearance of opening regions, thereby achieving uniform visual appearance across the entire display surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the masking layer by introducing a haze-inducing layer with different light scattering properties. The haze level is adjusted in adjacent areas to match the apparent haze of opening regions, creating parameter uniformity in visual appearance. This allows the masking layer to maintain high concealment effectiveness while achieving uniform haze perception across masked and unmasked areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display assembly uses a curved front substrate, then the design accommodates complex form factors, but uniform haze appearance becomes difficult to achieve across different angles and light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the haze-inducing layer in specific geometric relationships to curved opening regions. The haze layer is applied in areas that are optically adjacent to curved openings, creating localized haze zones that follow the curvature of the substrate. This maintains uniform visual appearance across different viewing angles and light conditions while accommodating complex curved form factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses curved substrates by applying the haze-inducing layer in configurations that follow the curvature of the front substrate. The haze layer is positioned in adjacent areas that conform to the curved geometry, ensuring that the optical path and haze distribution remain consistent across different viewing angles. This maintains uniform haze appearance on curved surfaces while preserving the concealment function.
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 system effectively reduces haze contrast between the masking layer and openings, making the openings less visible, even under bright light and off-angle conditions, and maintains uniform appearance on curved substrates.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of refracting beads having a refractive index and disposed within the optically clear adhesive... the refractive index of at least some of the plurality of refracting beads may differ from the refractive index of the optically clear adhesive
Implementation Method 2
a first polarizer disposed on the first adhesive... The first polarizer may be a linear polarizer
Implementation Method 3
refracting beads having a refractive index and disposed within the optically clear adhesive; the refractive index of at least some of the plurality of refracting beads may differ from the refractive index of the optically clear adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A system for reducing haze in a display comprises a first substrate having a first surface and a second surface; a masking layer disposed on the first surface of the first substrate; an optically clear adhesive; at least one of a display element and an imager; a first linear polarizer disposed between the display element and the optically clear adhesive; and a second linear polarizer. The masking layer comprises at least one opening in optical communication with at least one of the display element and the imager. The second linear polarizer may have a transmission angle generally aligned to the transmission angle of the first linear polarizer.