Optical Waveguide Expands Display Image Into Non-Display Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tiled display apparatuses, the connection of multiple display devices creates non-display areas where bezels overlap, leading to image discontinuity and reduced immersion due to the presence of drive ICs and printed circuits, which hampers the seamless expansion of the image output from the display area into the non-display area.
Innovation Solution
A display device with an optical plate featuring an optical waveguide and a body portion with different refractive indices, where the optical waveguide receives light from the display area and outputs it over the non-display area, using femtosecond laser processing to form inflection points that enhance light transmission and prevent image discontinuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple display devices are connected in a tiled arrangement, then the screen size is increased, but the image immersion deteriorates due to overlapping bezel areas forming non-display areas
Solution Approach 1:
An optical plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the display panel and the viewer. This optical plate contains an optical waveguide that redirects light from the display area into the non-display area, effectively using the non-display area as a mediator to expand the perceived image area and eliminate the visual disruption caused by overlapping bezels.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the third dimension (depth/thickness of the optical plate) to solve a two-dimensional display problem. By forming an optical waveguide within the optical plate and using inflection points to redirect light at specific angles, the solution expands the image into the non-display area by leveraging spatial dimensionality rather than simply increasing the flat display area.
2Use of energy by moving object
If an optical waveguide is formed in the optical plate, then light transmission is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to femtosecond laser processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the optical plate by creating inflection points with specific curvature radii (first inflection point with radius R1, second inflection point with radius R2 where R1 < R2). These parameter changes in the geometric structure enable controlled light redirection while being achievable through femtosecond laser processing, balancing performance improvement with manufacturing feasibility.
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 effectively expands the image output from the display area into the non-display area, preventing image discontinuity and enhancing the overall image continuity and immersion in tiled display systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical plate disposed on the display panel and including an optical waveguide and a body portion surrounding the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide includes an input terminal which is disposed on the display area and receives light from the display panel and an output terminal which is disposed over the non-display area and outputs the light
Implementation Method 2
irradiating a body portion of an optical plate with a femtosecond laser beam to form a melting portion having a first inflection point and a second inflection point
Implementation Method 3
irradiating a body portion of an optical plate with a femtosecond laser beam to form a melting portion
Implementation Method 4
cooling the optical plate to decrease voids in the melting portion to form an optical waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel including a display area and a non-display area; and an optical plate disposed on the display panel and including an optical waveguide and a body portion surrounding the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide includes an input terminal which is disposed on the display area and receives light from the display panel and an output terminal which is disposed over the non-display area and outputs the light.