Textured Display System Using Optical Fiber Light Guide
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems struggle to effectively project images on textured or non-planar surfaces without requiring significant spatial adjustments, maintenance-intensive projectors, and heat issues, while maintaining image quality.
Innovation Solution
A display system utilizing a digital display device with an optical assembly of fused optical fibers that translates light from a planar surface to a textured surface, hiding the source of the image and minimizing distortion, using a textured display element with a transparent material and paint to blend with the surrounding environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If projectors are used to project images on textured surfaces, then images can be displayed on irregular surfaces, but the projectors require significant distance from the surface, need frequent maintenance, generate heat, and require mirror setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the projection function from a traditional projector system and implements it directly through a digital display device (LCD or LED) with integrated optics. This eliminates the need for separate projectors, mirrors, and complex alignment mechanisms, while maintaining the ability to display images on textured surfaces through the textured display element
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a textured display element as an intermediary between the digital display device and the textured surface. This element transfers the light pattern from the display device to the textured surface, enabling image display on irregular surfaces without requiring the display device itself to be positioned far away or complex mirror arrangements
2Length of stationary object
If projectors are positioned close to textured surfaces to reduce space requirements, then installation becomes more feasible, but image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The textured display element serves as an intermediary that allows the digital display device to be positioned close to the textured surface while maintaining image quality. The element optically couples the display device output to the textured surface, enabling high-quality images at short distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a digital display device with integrated optics rather than traditional projector optics. This allows the system to operate at close distances while maintaining image quality through direct light emission and control
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional projectors are used, then images can be projected on textured surfaces, but maintenance frequency increases due to lamp replacements and mirror adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the maintenance-intensive projector components (lamps, mirrors, projection optics) and replaces them with a solid-state digital display device. This extraction eliminates the need for lamp replacements and mirror adjustments while preserving the image projection capability on textured surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a digital display device with integrated optics that has no consumable parts requiring replacement. The system uses solid-state components with long lifetimes, eliminating the maintenance cycle associated with traditional projector lamps and optical components
4Adaptability or versatility
If projectors are used to display images on textured surfaces, then thematic displays are enabled, but heat generation and maintenance intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal-based projection system (projector lamps that generate significant heat) with a solid-state digital display device. This substitution eliminates the heat generation problem while maintaining the ability to create themed displays on textured surfaces through direct light emission from LCD or LED elements
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 high-quality, crisp image projection on irregular surfaces with reduced maintenance and heat generation, while disguising the digital display source, allowing for flexible and cost-effective implementation in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
an optical assembly or system to present images or light output from a display device on an offset and textured (or non-planar) image display surface
Implementation Method 2
The body may be formed of a substantially transparent material with an optical index matching an optical index (i.e., index of refraction) of the optical fibers in the block
Data Source
AI summary
A display system for displaying images on a textured surface. The system includes a display device with a monitor having a screen operable to output light associated with still or animated images. The system further includes an optical block comprising a plurality of optical fibers bonded together to define parallel guide paths. First ends of the optical fibers define a first block surface and second ends of the optical fibers define a second block surface. The first block surface is positioned adjacent the screen to receive and transmit the output light along the guide paths to the second block surface. The system includes a textured display element covering the second block surface for receiving light exiting the second block surface and having a non-planar exterior surface emitting or projecting the received light. The textured display element has a body with an optical index matching that of the optical fibers.