Transparent Illumination Pixel Structure for Stray Light Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transparent illumination technologies deter views through their non-illuminated surfaces due to visible light-emitting markings and stray light emission from the front surface of optical materials, particularly caused by light reflection.
Innovation Solution
A one-way see-through illumination device is created using a light guide with a pattern of pixels, comprising a light diffusing layer and a light reflecting layer, formed through photolithography and material deposition techniques, where the pixels are designed to frustrate total internal reflection and minimize light emission from the non-illuminated side by using a light diffusing material like titanium oxide and a light reflecting material like aluminum, with pixel widths less than 15 microns to prevent visibility and diffraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional transparent illumination methods are used with larger pixels (>25 microns), then the illumination structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the pixels become visible and stray light emission occurs from the non-illuminated surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by reducing pixel width from traditional >25 microns to <15 microns, and further to sub-micron dimensions in some embodiments. This parameter reduction makes pixels invisible to the human eye while maintaining the illumination function, thereby resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating localized pixel structures with specific optical properties (light diffusing layer and light reflecting layer) only where needed for illumination, while keeping the rest of the light guide surface smooth and transparent. This localized approach enables precise control of light emission characteristics
2Illumination intensity
If the front surface of the optical material is smooth, then light transmission is efficient, but light reflection from the front surface causes stray light emission and reduces transparency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful light reflection from the front surface into a beneficial effect by using the reflected light to illuminate the pixel structures. The light that would normally cause stray light emission is instead utilized to enhance the illumination output of the pixels, transforming a harmful factor into a useful resource
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the pixel structure with light diffusing and reflecting layers) between the light guide and the external environment. This intermediary structure mediates the interaction between light and the front surface, controlling light emission to eliminate stray light while maintaining efficient light transmission
3Object-affected harmful factors
If pixel width is reduced below 15 microns to prevent visibility, then transparency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lithography methods with advanced photolithography techniques and other deposition methods that can achieve sub-micron precision. This substitution of manufacturing approaches enables the creation of extremely small pixels (<15 microns, ideally <1 micron) without proportionally increasing manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the illumination function into discrete pixel elements that can be independently controlled and manufactured. By dividing the illumination area into many small, identical pixel units, the manufacturing complexity is distributed across multiple simple structures rather than requiring one large precision component
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 solution effectively generates transparent illumination by directing light only from the illuminated side, preventing its visibility from the opposite side, thus enhancing transparency and eliminating rainbow patterns caused by diffraction.
Implementation Method 1
the pattern of pixels and the light guide are arranged to generate transparent illumination by the frustration of total internal reflection of light injected into the light guide
Implementation Method 2
forming the pixels, including a light diffusing layer and a light reflecting layer
Implementation Method 3
forming the pixels, including a light diffusing layer and a light reflecting layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method of forming a one-way see-through illumination device including a light guide and a pattern of pixels on a surface of the light guide. The method includes forming pixel wells corresponding to the pixels, via a formation method including photolithography, on the surface of the light guide. The pixels, including a light diffusing layer and a light reflecting layer, are formed using the pixel wells, wherein the pattern of pixels and the light guide are arranged to generate transparent illumination by the frustration of total internal reflection of light injected into the light guide.