Flat Panel Waveguide Display with Graded Refractive Index Dielectric Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flat panel waveguide displays face challenges in design complexity and mass production due to complex geometric structures, which result in serious distortions and difficulties in achieving high-quality projection systems.
Innovation Solution
A flat panel waveguide display design featuring a fan out region with total internal reflection, a screen region with varying refractive index dielectric layers, and an optical reversing component, allowing for seamless connection of multiple displays to form large screens, while incorporating a scattering film and anti-reflection layers to enhance image quality and reduce reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional waveguide display structures are used, then light path guidance is achieved, but serious distortions are introduced and design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into distinct functional regions: a fan-out region with first dielectric layer for light distribution, and a screen region with second dielectric layer for image display. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized independently, reducing overall design complexity while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different dielectric layers are applied to different regions of the waveguide with specific refractive index profiles. The first dielectric layer in the fan-out region has different optical properties than the second dielectric layer in the screen region, allowing local optimization of light propagation characteristics to minimize distortions.
2Length of stationary object
If tapered waveguide structures are used, then display thickness is reduced, but geometric construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic optical control through variable refractive index dielectric layers rather than static geometric tapering. The dielectric layers with graded refractive indices dynamically guide light propagation, achieving thin profile without the geometric complexity of tapered structures.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex geometric construction is used, then light path control is improved, but mass production difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/geometric light path control structures with optical dielectric layers having specific refractive indices. This substitution allows light path control to be achieved through material properties rather than complex geometric constructions, significantly easing mass production.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls light propagation by changing the refractive index parameter of dielectric layers rather than changing geometric parameters. The first and second dielectric layers have different refractive index profiles, allowing precise light path control through optical parameter optimization rather than complex geometric design.
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 design improves image quality by gradually increasing refractive indices along the light path, reducing distortions, and enabling seamless connection of multiple displays to create ultra-large screens with enhanced chromatic dispersion correction and reduced production complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a fan out region allowing light experiencing total internal reflection therein
Implementation Method 2
refractive index of each section of the first group is different from one another
Implementation Method 3
chromatic dispersion generated when lights of different wavelengths enter into the fan out region
Implementation Method 4
a scattering film (also known as diffuser) coated on the first dielectric layer
Implementation Method 5
anti-reflection sub-layer between the waveguide and the first dielectric layer and/or between the first dielectric layer and the scattering film to eliminate partially reflection
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a flat panel waveguide display, including: a fan out region, configured to allow light to experiences total internal reflection therein; a screen region, which comprises a front surface, a back surface and several side surfaces, the front surface is opposite to the back surface, wherein one side surface of the screen region optically connects to one side surface of the fan out region; and a first dielectric layer, coated on entire surface of the front surface of the screen region, wherein both of the fan out region and the screen region are made of waveguide material; wherein the first dielectric layer is divided into a first group of sections along direction of light path of light entering from the fan out region into the screen region, refractive index of each section of the first group is different from one another. Accordingly, the invention further provides a flat panel waveguide display system.