Projection Display With Switchable Diffuser for Off-State Transparency
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with displays often have an undesirable appearance when turned off, as existing technologies do not provide sufficient transparency or visibility options.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an adjustable diffuser that can switch between high and low diffusion states, coupled with a spatial light modulator and optional additional layers like an active absorber or switchable mirror, to achieve high transparency when off and high visibility when on.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a traditional display (OLED or LCD) is used, then the display can show images when on, but the display has an undesirable appearance when turned off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a switchable diffuser that can dynamically change its optical properties between two states: a first state with low haze (allowing light transmission when display is off) and a second state with high haze (diffusing light when display is on). This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by adapting the display's appearance based on its operational state, making it aesthetically pleasing both when on and when off.
2Ease of operation
If the display is made transparent when off, then aesthetics improve, but visibility and contrast when on may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the optical properties of the diffuser material. By changing the haze parameter of the diffuser between low and high states, the system achieves both transparency when off (low haze) and adequate light diffusion when on (high haze), thus resolving the contradiction between aesthetic appearance and display visibility.
3Illumination intensity
If an adjustable diffuser with high haze is used, then light diffusion is improved for visibility, but transparency when off is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The switchable diffuser dynamically adjusts its haze level based on display operation state. When the display is off, the diffuser is in the low haze state allowing transparency. When the display is on, the diffuser switches to high haze state for improved light diffusion and visibility. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between visibility and transparency.
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 ensures the display appears invisible when off, while maintaining high visibility and improved contrast when in use, enhancing user experience and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable diffuser that is operable in a first state with a first haze and a second state with a second haze that is greater than the first haze
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a projection display that has a high transparency when the display is turned off. The high off-state transparency may create the appearance of the display being invisible in the off-state, which may be desirable in certain electronic devices. The projection display may include an adjustable diffuser, a spatial light modulator that projects images onto the adjustable diffuser, a mirror that reflects the images from the spatial light modulator to the adjustable diffuser, and a light source that provides light to the spatial light modulator. The projection display may also include an adjustable opacity layer that is controlled based on detected ambient light levels. The projection display may also include an adjustable reflectivity layer. The adjustable diffuser and/or light source may be pixelated to increase contrast in the projection display.