Phase Modulation Layer for Transparent Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transparent displays have low transparency and unclear images, limiting their applications in fields like digital signage, museums, and augmented reality due to their inability to provide vivid and fully transparent visuals.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a phase modulation layer, a reflection layer, and a compensating phase layer that manipulates light direction and distribution using optical transparent materials, allowing for vivid and glowing images while maintaining transparency, achieved through Computer Generated Holography and surface relief structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional transparent LCD/OLED displays or projection screens are used, then transparency is maintained, but image clarity and color vividness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical device is segmented into three functional layers: phase modulation layer, reflection layer, and phase compensation layer. Each layer performs a specific function - the phase modulation layer redirects projector light, the reflection layer reflects modulated light to viewers, and the phase compensation layer corrects optical path differences. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both vivid images and full transparency by distributing functions across separate layers rather than compromising a single layer.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical device have different optical properties tailored to specific functions. The phase modulation layer has spatially varying refractive indices or surface heights to redirect light from specific projector regions to corresponding viewer eye positions. The reflection layer has selective reflectivity optimized for projector wavelengths. This local quality optimization enables simultaneous achievement of image vividness in viewed directions and transparency in other directions.
2Measurement precision
If light redirection structures are added to improve image visibility, then image clarity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical light redirection systems with optical phase modulation. Instead of using movable mirrors or mechanical beam steerers, the invention uses fixed phase modulation layers with spatially varying optical properties to achieve precise light direction control. The phase compensation layer further simplifies the system by passively correcting optical path differences without requiring active control mechanisms.
3Ease of manufacture
If phase modulation is applied to redirect light, then reflection pattern control improves, but optical path difference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phase compensation layer acts as an intermediary element that corrects the optical path differences introduced by the phase modulation layer. It has optical properties specifically designed to counterbalance the phase modulations, thereby restoring optical path uniformity for transmitted light. This intermediary layer enables the system to achieve precise light distribution control through phase modulation while maintaining optical quality for both reflected and transmitted light paths.
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 fully transparent screens that can overlay digital information with the real world, providing a futuristic and 3D hologram effect, while maintaining ambient light rejection and polarization for improved contrast and vivid visuals.
Implementation Method 1
The phase modulation layer creates a pseudo-random surface that can manipulate light by changing the direction of its energy. Not only can the light direction be controlled by the phase modulation layer, but also the distribution of light energy can be redistributed to a desired pattern.
Implementation Method 2
When the light is incident onto the phase modulation layer and then the reflection layer, parts of the light are reflected back, and parts of the light pass through.
Implementation Method 3
When light is incident from opposite direction, it passes through the phase modulation layer and then phase compensation layer. All phase modulations are compensated out. Therefore, the light passes through all layers undisturbed, and the projection film is fully transparent to the light.
Implementation Method 4
The computer-generated information can be overlapped with the real world. It can generate a futuristic and 3D hologram display effect.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device is disclosed. The optical device has 1) a phase modulation layer, 2) a partially reflective layer, and 3) a phase compensation layer. When incident lights pass through the phase modulation layer, the partially reflective layer reflects and scatters the light back to the viewers. The direction and profile of the reflected light are determined by the phase modulation profile. When light passes through both the phase modulation layer and the phase compensation layer, its phase modulation is compensated to a substantially small level. Therefore, the transparent light passes through the optical device just like passing through a parallel transparent substrate without any disturbance.