Multi-layer Projection Display Using Alternating Panel Opacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-layer displays (MLDs) for electronic gaming machines consume significant energy and produce heat due to high light absorption, requiring high-intensity light sources to compensate for the loss, which is inefficient and wasteful.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer projection display system using overlapping panels that alternate between opaque and transparent states at a high frequency, allowing a projector to project images onto either panel depending on its state, creating a three-dimensional appearance without the need for intense light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If existing MLDs use multiple LCD panels with diffusers and polarizers to create three-dimensional depth, then the three-dimensional appearance is achieved, but approximately 97% of light is absorbed requiring high-intensity light sources and consuming significant energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by alternately switching the opacity of first and second panels at high frequency. The controller causes panels to transition between opaque and transparent states in sequence, allowing light to pass through only when needed for image projection. This periodic switching eliminates the need for continuous high-intensity backlighting required by traditional MLDs with permanent diffusers and polarizers, dramatically reducing energy consumption while maintaining the three-dimensional display effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter of the panels from static (permanently opaque or transparent) to dynamic (switchable between opaque and transparent states). By using panels whose light transmission parameter can be changed on demand, the system achieves high light efficiency - light passes through panels only when required for display, rather than being continuously absorbed by fixed optical layers like diffusers and polarizers in conventional MLDs.
2Illumination intensity
If high-intensity light sources are used to compensate for light absorption in existing MLDs, then sufficient illumination is achieved, but significant heat is produced
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic switching of panel opacity, the system requires illumination only during the brief periods when panels are transparent and images are projected. This eliminates the need for continuous high-intensity backlighting, thereby producing minimal heat while maintaining adequate display brightness during active display periods.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple overlapping LCD panels are used to produce three-dimensional depth with binocular depth cue and motion parallax, then the three-dimensional appearance is achieved, but the device complexity increases with multiple layers including diffusers and polarizers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary optical layers (diffusers and polarizers) from the traditional MLD structure. By using switchable opaque/transparent panels instead of panels with permanent diffusing and polarizing layers, the system achieves three-dimensional display functionality with a simplified structure containing only the essential panel and backlight components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational mode of panels from static optical properties (permanent diffusion and polarization) to dynamic opacity control. This parameter change allows the system to achieve three-dimensional effects through temporal multiplexing of opaque and transparent states, eliminating the need for complex multi-layer optical structures.
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 reduces energy consumption and heat production by optimizing light usage, creating a three-dimensional effect with improved efficiency and reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
each panel is configured to become substantially transparent in response to application of a first voltage to the respective panel, and further configured to become substantially opaque in response to application of a second voltage to the respective panel
Implementation Method 2
The projector is configured to project an image onto the first panel when the first panel is opaque, and to project the image onto the second panel when the second panel is opaque
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layer projection display including first and second panels separated by a predetermined distance, wherein at least a portion of the first panel overlaps at least a portion of the second panel, and the first panel is disposed between a viewing location and the second panel. The display also includes a controller configured to cause the first and second panels to alternate between substantially opaque and substantially transparent states at a determined frequency, such that the first panel is substantially opaque when the second panel is substantially transparent, and the second panel is substantially opaque when the first panel is substantially transparent. The display further includes a projector configured to project an image onto the first panel when the first panel is substantially opaque, and further configured to project the image onto the second panel when the second panel is substantially opaque.