Optical Waveguide Display with Transparent Modules and Lightproof Mediums
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices are complex in structure and have complicated manufacturing processes, requiring a backlight source and driving circuit to display fixed images, which limits their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A display device comprising an optical waveguide with transparent display modules and an optical source, where light is transmitted through the modules without total reflection, eliminating the need for a backlight source and driving circuit, and allowing for adjustable incident angles to switch between different display patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional display devices use a backlight source and driving circuit to display fixed images, then the display function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the backlight source and driving circuit from the display device, retaining only the essential optical waveguide and transparent display module components. This extraction eliminates unnecessary complexity while preserving the core display function through total internal reflection mechanisms and pre-designed optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical waveguide serves multiple functions: it acts as both the light transmission medium and the structural framework for the display device. The transparent display module integrated on the waveguide combines display functionality with the waveguide structure, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture.
2Reliability
If conventional display devices use a backlight source and driving circuit to display fixed images, then the display function is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is segmented into distinct functional modules: the optical waveguide as the core light transmission component, and the transparent display module as the image formation component. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing processes for each module, simplifying production compared to integrating multiple complex subsystems like backlight units and driving circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pre-designed display patterns etched or formed on the transparent display module, which are replicated through the optical waveguide. This copying approach eliminates the need for real-time electronic control and complex driving circuits, simplifying both manufacturing and operation while maintaining display functionality.
3Device complexity
If light is transmitted through the optical waveguide without total reflection, then the structure is simplified and manufacturing costs are reduced, but the ability to control light direction and display patterns is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent display module is designed with spatially varying optical properties, including regions with different refractive indices and selectively positioned light-exiting areas. This local quality variation allows specific regions to control and direct light in predetermined patterns while maintaining overall structural simplicity and enabling multiple display configurations.
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 enables the display of fixed and multiple fixed images with a simple structure and reduced manufacturing costs, while allowing for real-time switching between display patterns without the need for a backlight source or driving circuit.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitted by the optical source being transmitted in the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 2
passing through the at least one transparent display module, and then exiting the display device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a display device and a method of manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a display device includes: an optical waveguide; at least one transparent display module disposed on the optical waveguide, each transparent display module corresponding to one display pattern; an optical source disposed at a light incident side of the optical waveguide, a light emitted by the optical source being transmitted in the optical waveguide, passing through the at least one transparent display module, and exiting the display device; and a lightproof medium disposed on regions of the optical waveguide excepting regions where the transparent display module and the optical source are located.