Switched Emissive Transparent Display for Occlusion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D display systems, particularly volumetric displays, struggle with representing occlusion and view-dependent effects, requiring special glasses and having limited viewer positions and large footprints, with existing solutions like transparent OLED displays being restricted in size and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A 3D display system employing rapid switching techniques between content and mask states using a transparent LCD panel and a switchable backlight assembly, allowing per-pixel opacity control without a background display, enabling compact and larger displays with improved occlusion handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If volumetric displays are used to provide automultiscopic experience, then 3D images with correct focus and depth cues are achieved, but occlusion and view-dependent effects cannot be represented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies temporal switching between transparent and opaque states of display elements to dynamically control occlusion. By rapidly alternating between states, the system creates the perception of solid objects that can occlude background content, resolving the contradiction between maintaining 3D image quality and enabling occlusion representation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic switching of display elements between transparent and opaque states at high frequency. This periodic action allows the display to present different visual information at different moments, enabling both 3D depth perception and occlusion effects to coexist through temporal multiplexing.
2Area of stationary object
If transparent OLED displays with LCD masks are used, then minimal footprint and direct interaction are achieved, but display size is limited to 2 inches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backlight assembly into multiple independently controllable regions that can be selectively switched between transparent and opaque states. This segmentation allows different portions of the display to serve different functions simultaneously, enabling both compact form factor and larger effective display area through spatial and temporal multiplexing.
3Ease of operation
If switched dual layer display system is used, then controllable color, luminance, and opacity are achieved, but dependence on background display is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the background display dependency by making the backlight assembly itself transparent when not needed for content presentation. This allows the display to function independently without requiring a separate background display, while still maintaining per-pixel opacity control through selective switching of backlight regions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If rapid switching between content and mask states is implemented, then per-pixel opacity control is achieved, but synchronization between LCD panel and backlight is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of the LCD panel and backlight assembly into a unified switching system. By coordinating the switching of both components simultaneously, the system achieves per-pixel opacity control while managing synchronization requirements through integrated control logic that operates the combined system as a unified entity.
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 system provides a compact, high-resolution 3D display capable of accurate occlusion and viewer flexibility, overcoming limitations of existing technologies by enabling opaque emissive content on a transparent field with synchronized switching of the LCD panel and backlight, enhancing user experience without the need for special glasses.
Implementation Method 1
a transparent LCD panel and a switchable backlight assembly
Implementation Method 2
switchable backlight assembly
Implementation Method 3
switchable backlight assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A display system adapted to use rapid switching techniques to switch between displaying content and displaying a mask for that content so as to provide per-pixel opacity control. The display system may employ rapid synchronized switching of both a non-emissive, transparent display and a transparent backlight. In a first state, the display is operated to display content with the backlight acting as a scattering luminous backlight. In the other or second state, the display is operated to display one or more masks (for some or all objects or items of the content displayed in the first state) with the backlight functioning as a clear and unlit backlight. The display system is capable of producing opaque emissive content on a transparent field to provide a novel display and/or for use in compact spatial augmented reality applications.