Multiview 3D Wristwatch Directional Backplane Scattering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wristwatches lack the ability to display time in a three-dimensional format that provides a realistic, floating-in-space view, limiting user engagement and visual experience.

Innovation Solution

A multiview 3D wristwatch employing a directional backplane with patterned gratings and a shutter layer to modulate directional lightbeams, allowing for the generation of 3D time views by scattering input planar lightbeams into directional lightbeams with precise directionality and angular control, enabling multiple color and shape options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If conventional display methods are used in wristwatches, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to display time in three-dimensional format is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay formatVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional planar lightbeam display to three-dimensional directional lightbeams by introducing a directional backplane with patterned gratings. This dimensional change enables time to be displayed as if floating in space, providing true 3D visualization while maintaining a compact wristwatch form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a directional backplane with patterned gratings as an intermediary component between the light source and the viewer. This intermediary scatters input planar lightbeams into directional lightbeams with precise directionality and angular control, enabling 3D time views without requiring complex holographic materials or structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If directional backplane with patterned gratings is used to scatter light into directional lightbeams, then 3D time views are generated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay capabilityVSAvoidinternal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The directional backplane with patterned gratings serves multiple functions: it scatters light into directional lightbeams, provides angular control for 3D visualization, and enables multiple color and shape options. This multi-functional component achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the patterned gratings (such as grating period, orientation, and depth) to control the directionality and angular spread of scattered lightbeams. By adjusting these parameters, the system can generate different 3D time views with customizable colors and shapes, providing versatility through parameter optimization rather than structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 users to view time in a three-dimensional format as if floating in space, with modulated directional lightbeams providing customizable and engaging 3D time views, enhancing the visual experience and design versatility.

Implementation Method 1

The directional pixels receive the input planar lightbeams and scatter a fraction of them into directional lightbeams

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

The directional backplane employs a unique directional backplane that is used to provide a light field in the form of directional lightbeams. The directional lightbeams are scattered by a plurality of directional pixels in the directional backplane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP2951649B1Multiview 3D wrist watch
Publication Date: 2019.09.11 LEIA INC
  • EP2951649B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2951649B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2951649B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A multiview 3D wrist watch is disclosed. The wrist watch has clock circuitry to determine a time and a plurality of light sources to generate a plurality of input planar lightbeams. A directional backplane having a plurality of directional pixels scatters the plurality of input planar lightbeams into a plurality of directional lightbeams, each directional lightbeam having a direction and angular spread controlled by characteristics of a directional pixel in the plurality of directional pixels. A shutter layer receives the time from the clock circuitry and modulates the plurality of directional lightbeams to generate a 3D time view.