White Hidden Display Face Layer Pigment Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hidden electronic displays, especially those using white light, face challenges in blending with their surroundings while maintaining clear image visibility, as they often result in blurry images due to lack of contrast and excessive light transmission, and current materials used for hiding displays are not optimally capable of obscuring the display when inactive.
Innovation Solution
A hidden graphical display apparatus and method that uses a face layer and a projection layer with a light source, where the projection layer projects white light onto the face layer in active mode and visually obscures it as a white or off-white surface in inactive mode, utilizing a combination of Micah and titanium dioxide pigments and an OLED light source to achieve clear image display and concealment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional hidden electronic displays use clear glass or clear material over a dark face, then the display can be hidden when inactive, but the display appears aesthetically displeasing and does not blend with certain environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color change technology by using a face layer that transitions from a clear state (when inactive) to a white or light-colored state (when active). This is achieved through the interaction of the OLED light source with the face layer materials (polycarbonate sheet with Micah and titanium dioxide pigments), causing the face layer to appear white when illuminated and blend with light-colored environments, while remaining clear when off to allow concealment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials in the face layer by combining polycarbonate sheet with specific pigments (Micah and titanium dioxide) in defined proportions. This composite structure enables the face layer to exhibit both optical transparency when unilluminated and white light scattering when illuminated, resolving the contradiction between concealment and aesthetic integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If white light is projected onto a white face layer, then the display can blend with light-colored environments, but the transmitted light causes blurry images due to lack of contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different optical properties in different areas of the face layer. The first area (display region) has optimized pigment concentration and thickness to allow sufficient light transmission for image visibility, while the second area (surrounding region) has different properties to maximize environmental blending. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between environmental blending and image clarity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by optimizing specific parameters including the concentration ratios of Micah (5%-20%) and titanium dioxide (80%-95%) pigments, the thickness of the face layer, and the distance between the OLED light source and face layer (0-0.35mm). These parameter optimizations enable the face layer to simultaneously achieve environmental blending and sufficient image contrast.
3Manufacturing precision
If the projection layer is positioned close to the face layer (0-0.35mm distance), then high resolution images can be displayed, but the structure becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the projection layer and face layer into a closely integrated structure with minimal spacing (0-0.35mm). The OLED light source is positioned directly behind the face layer, and in some embodiments, the OLED is bonded to at least part of the face layer. This merging reduces the need for complex mounting structures while maintaining high image resolution through close proximity.
4Ease of manufacture
If the face layer uses high pigment concentration (80%-95% titanium dioxide) to achieve white color and concealment, then the display can be effectively hidden when inactive, but light transmission is reduced causing dimmer displayed images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the principle of copying light by employing the OLED light source that emits light matching the spectral characteristics needed to illuminate the face layer effectively. The OLED generates white light that, when transmitted through the pigmented face layer, maintains sufficient brightness while the face layer appears white when the display is inactive, achieving both concealment and adequate display brightness.
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
Enables clear, high-resolution image display on white or light-colored faces while effectively obscuring the display when inactive, addressing the issues of contrast and visibility, and providing an aesthetically pleasing integration with surrounding environments.
Implementation Method 1
the light source may include an organic light-emitting diode (OLED)
Implementation Method 2
a light source configured to operate in an active mode and an inactive mode. In addition, when in the active mode, the projection layer may be configured to project light from the light source
Implementation Method 3
the face layer may include a plurality of pigments. In some examples, the plurality of pigments may include at least one part Micah and at least one part titanium dioxide
Implementation Method 4
the back side may be configured to transmit 15%-45% of the projected white light
Data Source
AI summary
A hidden display apparatus, system, and method. A display apparatus embodiment may include a face layer and a projection layer, with the projection layer positioned behind the face layer. The face layer may include a front side and a back side. The front side may include a first area configured to display high resolution images and a second area positioned around the first area. The first area and the second area may be made of the same material, and have similar color(s) and/or patterns. The projection layer may include a light source operative in an active mode and an inactive mode. When in the active mode, the projection layer may project light to the face layer to display images in the first area. When in the inactive mode, the face layer may be visually obscured so that the first area and the second area together display a colored surface.