Mirror Image Display Using Disk-Like Liquid Crystal Polarization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mirrors with image display functions face challenges in achieving brighter images and maintaining excellent view angle characteristics, particularly when images are viewed from oblique directions, as existing technologies using reflective-type polarizing plates with rod-like liquid crystals fall short in brightness and chromaticity consistency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a 1/4 wavelength plate and a circular polarization reflection layer made from disk-like liquid crystal compounds, which converts linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light, reducing light reflection and enhancing view angle characteristics by using a combination of disk-like and rod-like liquid crystal layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate display device is placed near the mirror, then image display function is added, but space consumption increases and integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display device with the mirror by positioning the display device behind the reflective layer of the mirror. The mirror serves as both a reflective surface and a housing for the display device, eliminating the need for separate display space. The control unit integrates control functions for both the display device and lighting device, further consolidating system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device is nested within the mirror structure itself. The reflective layer of the mirror acts as a protective cover for the display device, while the display device is positioned in the space between the reflective layer and the rear surface of the mirror. This nesting approach allows the display function to be embedded within the existing mirror footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate display device is placed near the mirror, then image display function is added, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a reflective surface, a housing for the display device, and a mounting structure for the lighting device. The control unit provides universal control capabilities for both the display device and lighting device, allowing a single component to perform multiple roles and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for the display device and lighting device are merged into a single control unit. This integration simplifies the system architecture by reducing the number of separate control components and interconnections required, while still providing both image display and lighting control functionalities.
3Illumination intensity
If high brightness is used for display, then visibility improves, but glare is generated affecting mirror function
Solution Approach 1:
The display device operates by periodically updating images at specific refresh rates rather than continuously emitting light. This periodic operation allows the display to achieve high brightness when needed while maintaining the mirror's reflective function during non-display periods, reducing overall glare exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device is positioned in a specific location behind the reflective layer where it can provide high brightness for visibility without directly interfering with the mirror's reflective surface. The reflective layer acts as a selective barrier that allows display light to pass through in controlled areas while maintaining reflection in other areas, enabling local optimization of both display brightness and mirror 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 solution results in a mirror that displays brighter images with improved view angle characteristics, allowing easy recognition of images even when polarizing sunglasses are used, and maintains consistent tint across different viewing angles.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective layer which has a function of reflecting light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
To provide a mirror with an image display function which is capable of displaying a brighter image and has excellent view angle characteristics. A mirror with an image display function includes an image display device, a 1/4 wavelength plate, and a circular polarization reflection layer in this order, the circular polarization reflection layer includes a cholesteric liquid crystal layer of which a central wavelength of a selective reflection band is positioned in a visible light region, and at least one of the 1/4 wavelength plate or the circular polarization reflection layer includes a layer formed of a liquid crystal composition containing a disk-like liquid crystal compound.