Transparent Display Projection via Periodic Light Scattering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semi-transparent display screens allow unscattered light to pass through, causing hot spots and reducing energy efficiency, as they do not effectively scatter all light emitted by the light source, leading to discomfort and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electrically-controllable display screen and a light source that alternate between opaque and transparent modes at high frequency, synchronizing their duty cycles to ensure the light source only emits light when the screen is opaque, thereby scattering all light and preventing unscattered light from passing through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the display screen is made semi-transparent to allow viewing through the screen, then transparency is improved, but unscattered light passes through causing hot spots and reducing energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by synchronizing the light source and display screen to alternate between on and off states in a coordinated manner. The light source emits light only during periods when the display screen is opaque, and remains off when the screen becomes transparent. This periodic synchronization eliminates unscattered light transmission while maintaining the perceived transparency effect, thereby resolving the energy efficiency problem associated with semi-transparent displays.
2Loss of energy
If the display screen scatters all light to prevent hot spots, then energy efficiency is improved, but the screen cannot maintain continuous transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action to create the perception of continuous transparency through rapid alternation between opaque and transparent states. By synchronizing this periodic switching with the light source emission cycles, the system maintains energy efficiency (light is scattered only when needed when the screen is opaque) while the human eye perceives continuous transparency due to the high frequency of alternation exceeding the flicker fusion threshold.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the light source emits light continuously to maintain image display, then image continuity is improved, but unscattered light causes hot spots and optical discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by controlling the light source to emit light in synchronized cycles with the display screen's opacity transitions. The light source emits light only during periods when the display screen is opaque (when light is scattered), and remains off during transparent periods. This periodic emission eliminates hot spots and optical discomfort while the rapid cycling creates the perception of continuous image display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by ensuring the display screen transitions to the opaque state before the light source emits light. This timing coordination ensures that all light emitted by the source is scattered by the screen, preventing hot spots from forming. The preliminary switching to opaque state guarantees that no unscattered light reaches the viewer, eliminating optical discomfort while maintaining image continuity.
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 creates a perception of continuous transparency while avoiding hot spots and enhancing energy efficiency by ensuring all light is scattered, reducing optical discomfort and improving the display's energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
The display screen scatters the light to display an image on a surface of the display screen
Implementation Method 2
a display screen reflecting the light being displayed on a transparent screen
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an apparatus includes a light source. The light source is configured to operate in a first mode by emitting light during a first period of time during which a display screen reflecting the light is substantially opaque. The light source is also configured to operate in a second mode by not emitting light during a second period of time during which the display screen is substantially transparent. The light source is also configured to repeatedly alternate between the first mode and the second mode to create a perception of an image resulting from the display screen reflecting the light being displayed on a transparent screen.