Transparent Display Pixel Transmittance Control for AR Visibility

Solution Overview

Problem

Current transparent displays for augmented reality (AR) lack sufficient visibility enhancement, particularly in environments with varying light conditions, due to the inability to control light transmittance effectively during both light emission and non-emission states.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of transmittance control devices, such as electrochromic, electrowetting, or dimming mirror layer-based systems, that can switch between light transmission and absorption or reflection operations, allowing for optimized light management in pixels with light-transmission regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If transparent materials are used in display pixels to enable visual recognition of the back-surface side, then transparency is improved, but visibility control capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransparencyVSAvoidvisibility control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a transmittance control device that can dynamically adjust the light transmittance of transparent display pixels. This device switches between a first state (first transmittance level) and a second state (second transmittance level), enabling the transparent pixel to adapt its visibility according to different display needs while maintaining its transparent material structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by controlling the transmittance parameter of incident light through the transmittance control device. By changing the transmittance parameter between two distinct levels corresponding to the first and second states, the system achieves visible control over transparent pixels without altering their fundamental transparent material properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If transparent materials are used in display pixels, then presence in AR is improved, but visibility enhancement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepresence in ARVSAvoidvisibility enhancement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmittance control device dynamically adjusts the illumination characteristics of transparent pixels by switching between two transmittance states. This enables the display to enhance visibility when needed while maintaining AR presence, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By controlling the light transmittance parameter of transparent pixels, the system can adjust illumination intensity to enhance visibility while preserving the AR presence effect. The transmittance control device modifies the optical parameter to achieve both goals simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If light-transmission regions are provided in pixels, then transparency is improved, but light transmittance control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmissionVSAvoidlight transmittance control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by introducing a transmittance control device that adds dynamic control capability to otherwise static transparent pixels. The device can switch between first and second states with corresponding different transmittance levels, enabling operational control over light transmission without compromising the transparent structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The transmittance control device acts as an intermediary between the transparent pixel structure and the light transmission function. It mediates the light passing through transparent pixels, providing control capability while maintaining the fundamental light-transmission property of the transparent materials

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enhances visibility by ensuring appropriate light transmittance during both light emission and non-emission states, improving presence in AR applications and reducing external light interference, thereby enhancing the overall display experience.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporation of transmittance control devices, such as electrochromic, electrowetting, or dimming mirror layer-based systems, that can switch between light transmission and absorption or reflection operations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 2

Incorporation of transmittance control devices, such as electrochromic, electrowetting, or dimming mirror layer-based systems, that can switch between light transmission and absorption or reflection operations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrowetting: Electrowetting

Implementation Method 3

Incorporation of transmittance control devices, such as electrochromic, electrowetting, or dimming mirror layer-based systems, that can switch between light transmission and absorption or reflection operations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8976438B2Display and electronic unit

Publication Date: 2015.03.10 MAGNOLIA BLUE CORP

AI summary

There are provided a display and an electronic unit capable of enhancing visibility. The display includes: a plurality of pixels each including a light-emission device, and having a light-transmission region in at least a part thereof; and one or more transmittance control devices capable of controlling a transmittance of incident light.