Scattering Layer Segmentation for Display Disguising
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image display apparatuses have an unattractive 'black hole' appearance when turned off due to complete light absorption, which is not aesthetically pleasing and requires additional disguising devices to scatter ambient light, but current scattering layers do not provide sufficient hiding power without increasing thickness, voltage, and reducing transmissivity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reflective member between the display device and scattering layer to reflect scattered ambient light, and using a transparent, plate-shaped light source to enhance the disguising effect while maintaining image quality and luminance, with an active scattering layer controlled by electrodes and a polarizer to manage light scattering based on voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of the scattering layer is increased to improve hiding power, then the hiding power is improved, but the driving voltage increases and transmissive state transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The scattering layer is divided into multiple thinner layers (first scattering layer and second scattering layer) separated by a reflective member. This segmentation allows each layer to be thinner while collectively providing sufficient hiding power through multiple scattering events and reflection, avoiding the need for a single thick layer that would require high driving voltage.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a reflective member in the optical path, adding a new dimension to light interaction. Instead of relying solely on increased scattering layer thickness, the reflective member redirects scattered light back through the scattering layer, enhancing hiding power through multiple passes without increasing the physical thickness or driving voltage requirements.
2Reliability
If the thickness of the scattering layer is increased to improve hiding power, then the hiding power is improved, but the transmissive state transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The scattering layer is segmented into multiple thinner layers with a reflective member in between. This allows light to pass through the first layer, be reflected, and pass through the second layer, achieving sufficient hiding power while maintaining better transmission compared to a single thick layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective member acts as an intermediary that redirects scattered light back through the scattering layer. This intermediary element enhances the hiding effect by creating multiple scattering opportunities without requiring increased material thickness, thereby preserving transmission characteristics.
3Shape
If a scattering layer is added to prevent the 'black hole' appearance, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scattering layer structure serves multiple functions: it prevents the black hole appearance by scattering ambient light, provides switching capability between scattered and non-scattered states, and works with the reflective member to enhance both hiding power and transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses a composite structure combining scattering layer(s) with a reflective member. This composite approach integrates multiple optical functions (scattering, reflection, transmission) into a single integrated system, managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
An image display apparatus including a display device for displaying an image by emission of display light in a first direction; a scattering layer disposed in front of the display device, for scattering at least a portion of ambient light; a transparent plate-shaped light source, arranged parallel to the scattering layer and being optically coupled to the scattering layer. The plate-shaped light source may be a passive light source, in which case at least one light source is arranged along an edge of the plate-shaped light source. When the display device is ON, the scattering layer and the plate-shaped light source are transparent. When the display device is OFF, the scattering layer is scattering and the plate-shaped light source is ON.