KR20020029915A - Display system with secondary viewing image capabilities - Google Patents

Abstract

Display systems according to various aspects of the present invention include systems and methods for providing first and second field of view images within a display system. Example display systems include imaging systems and lighting systems. The imaging system may include a system such as an LCD system, a color display tube (CDT) or projection system, etc. configured to provide an image to a viewer. The illumination system includes some means for directing the light source through the imaging system to produce a first field of view image and a second field of view image. For example, the lighting system may include a hologram or prism sheet to provide a second image. Moreover, such display systems can be readily manufactured using the current technology of making display systems. Accordingly, display systems according to various aspects of the present invention do not significantly increase the price or complexity of current display systems, but offer advantages in marketing and information content over prior art display systems.

Description

DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH SECONDARY VIEWING IMAGE CAPABILITIES}

This application claims the priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 185,151, filed February 17, 2000.

As electronic technology rapidly spreads to all aspects of modern life, the importance of the interface between the machine and the human being becomes very important. Because electronic applications sometimes require power savings and miniaturization, many designers employ liquid crystal displays (LCDs) as the preferred interface for providing information to the user. LCDs are commonly used in cell phones and portable computers, and increasingly in high-dimensional information content systems such as flat-panel televisions and projection systems.

Although various kinds of LCDs have been developed, as shown in FIG. 1, a typical LCD 100 includes a pair of transparent substrates 102 and 104, and the transparent substrates 102 and 104 are arranged between spacers disposed therebetween ( 110). The liquid crystal medium 112 is filled in the gap formed between these substrates 102 and 104 and held by the spacer 110. The substrate comprises an array of electrodes that typically make up a grid pattern of pixels to apply an electric field to a selected portion of the liquid crystal medium 112. The electric field changes the polarization of the light transmitted by the liquid crystal medium 112 through the liquid crystal. Light transmitted through the liquid crystal medium 112 is transmitted through the polarizer 106 to transmit light polarized only in the selected direction. Thus, by applying a suitable electrical signal to the electrode, an image can be formed on the display 100 at the first viewing angle 114.

In addition to the substrates 102 and 104 and the polarizer 106, the LCD 100 may further include a light source adapter 108 configured to increase the desired image display capability at the first viewing angle 114. Typically, light source adapter 108 may include a polarizing material and a reflective material such as aluminum, aluminate plastic, reflective lamination on a glass substrate, or the like, or a transparent material such as transparent plastic or other polymer. As such, the light source adapter 108 may direct light from the light source by reflecting from the reflective surface or through the adapter 108 through the pair of substrates 102 and 104 and the liquid crystal medium 112. Moreover, various light source adapters 108 are typically formed in thin plates on the back of the LCD 100. These light source adapters have been developed to optimize the contrast as well as the brightness of the image at the first viewing angle 114.

Unfortunately, current display systems are effective at providing instant visual image display at the first viewing angle, but can provide a second field of view image that can provide a variety of marketing and other information that benefits developers and manufacturers of display systems such as LCDs. It does not provide display ability.

The present invention relates to displays, and more particularly to display systems having the ability to display display images at different angles.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional display system.

2 illustrates an exemplary display system in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a display system in accordance with various aspects of the present invention.

4 is a cross-sectional view of a prism sheet having multiple sets of parallel surfaces.

FIG. 5 illustrates a three-dimensional view of a first watch image and a second watch image according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Display systems according to various aspects of the present invention include systems and methods for providing first and second field of view images within a display system. Such display systems include imaging systems and lighting systems. In an exemplary embodiment the imaging system includes an LCD system, but the imaging system may also include any system configured to present an image to a viewer. The illumination system directs the light source through the imaging system to produce a first field of view image and a second field of view image. According to one exemplary embodiment, the first field of view image comprises a variable image while the second field of view image comprises a fixed image. Moreover, in an exemplary embodiment, the second field of view image may provide a fixed image regardless of the activation of any LCD material in the imaging system.

The present invention may be more fully understood by referring to the detailed description and claims in connection with the drawings. Here, like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the drawings.

The invention is described in part with respect to functional components and various manufacturing processes. Such components and process steps can be realized by a number of materials that are configured to perform a particular function. Moreover, the described display system can include various additional components that are configured to provide image display capability. For example, the present invention may utilize various integrated circuit components, drivers, signal processors, and the like, and may perform various functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. The invention may be embodied in many forms and the display system described herein is merely one exemplary application for the invention.

According to various aspects of the present invention, display systems and methods provide multiple images at multiple viewing angles, providing various marketing and other benefits to developers and manufacturers of display systems such as LCDs. Thus, the display system can be combined with various information content devices such as cell phones, cash machines and portable computers as well as television and projection systems to provide a more flexible and useful system for displaying information and images.

Referring to FIG. 2 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the display system 200 includes an imaging system 202 and an illumination system 204. Imaging system 202 includes any system configured to present an image to a viewer. The lighting system 204 includes an apparatus configured to direct light through the imaging system 202 to provide a first field of view image in the first viewing angle 206 and a second field of view image in the second viewing angle 208.

Imaging system 202 includes any suitable system configured to provide an image viewer with an illumination system 204. Imaging system 220 is configured to transmit and / or reflect light from illumination system 204 to provide a first image in first viewing angle 206 and a second field of view image in second viewing angle 208. In the illustrative embodiment, which is helpful for explanation, the imaging system 202 includes a conventional LCD panel 100 as shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 3, in the imaging system 302, the first substrate 304 and the second substrate 306 are made of any transparent material for holding the liquid crystal medium 312 therebetween. Preferably, the first substrate 304 and the second substrate 306 are arranged on a second substrate adjacent to and parallel to the first substrate 304 to accommodate the liquid crystal medium 312 in a gap formed therebetween. 306). Moreover, spacers 310 may be included in liquid crystal medium 312 to maintain separation between substrates 304 and 306. Moreover, to facilitate containment of the liquid crystal medium 312 between the substrates 304 and 306, a sealant 308 is provided to seal and prevent leakage of the liquid crystal medium 312. The first substrate 304 and the second substrate 306 in this embodiment transmit light to provide an image. The first and second substrates 304, 306 may comprise any other suitable material, such as conventional glass or plastic films used in LCD systems. In addition, each of the substrates 304 and 306 is provided with an array of transparent electrodes (not shown) formed on the substrate, such as electrodes composed of pixels of a lattice pattern, to selectively apply an electric field across the liquid crystal medium 312 portion. do.

The liquid crystal medium 312 may react to an electric field, such as an electric field provided by an electrode in the substrates 304 and 306, to change the polarization of light transmitted through the liquid crystal medium 312 and the substrates 304 and 306. Contains any known media that are present. For example, the liquid crystal medium 312 includes nematic, cholesteric or smectic liquid crystals.

The imaging system 302 also includes at least one polarizer 314 configured to transmit only light that is polarized in the selected direction. In this embodiment, the first and second polarizers 314 and 316 are configured to transmit light polarized in the selected direction. According to a preferred exemplary embodiment, the first and second polarizers 314 and 316 are configured to polarize light allowing for the provision of the first and second field of view images. Thus, the first and second polarizers 314 and 316 may each include an optical filter. Furthermore, the first and second polarizers 314 and 316 can include another photoactive filter, such as a retarder, to provide higher contrast in the display image.

The imaging system 302 described above includes a conventional LCD panel, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be applied to several display systems such as a CRT or a projection system. In general, imaging system 202 includes any imaging system that allows light to be directed by illumination system 204 to provide a primary image at a first viewing angle and a subimage at one or more other viewing angles. Thus, the imaging system may include any system that acts as a light filter, such as a light valve, a specific light modulator that can adjust light in other spaces.

The illumination system 204 is configured to direct light through the imaging system 202 to provide multiple images corresponding to the multiple position viewing angles. For example, the illumination system 204 can be configured to provide a first image at the first viewing angle 206 and a second view at the second viewing angle 208. In this embodiment, the first image provided to the viewer within the first viewing angle comprises an image generated by the imaging system. In a computer system, the first image may be text or graphics, such as a glyph logo provided on a conventional display. Moreover, in ATMs, the first image includes text and graphics for communicating with the customer. Thus, the first image may include information that is intended to be presented to the operator or user of the display system. Moreover, the first image is not limited to text or graphics, but may include uniform images of luminance, such as silver and / or black or other color backgrounds, and is not limited to any one type of image form.

The second image is provided to the viewer outside the first viewing angle, such as next to the computer user or behind the ATM customer. The second image includes a constant image that is not associated with the first image. For example, the second image may include a logo and a trade name of a bank associated with a computer manufacturer or an ATM. Additional images may be added for different viewing angles, such that multiple sponsors or equivalent may be characteristic of the information to the viewer outside the first viewing angle. In this embodiment, the second image provided by the illumination system 204 is configured to be viewed at an angle so as not to disturb or reduce the view of the first field of view image.

The boundary between the first viewing angle and the second viewing angle can be selected according to any suitable criteria. For example, the first viewing angle of the illumination system 204 substantially matches the optimal viewing angle of the imaging system 202. Typically, LCDs exhibit an optimal viewing angle that exhibits optimum contrast and brightness. Outside the optimum viewing angle, contrast and brightness are significantly reduced. By selecting the first viewing angle of the illumination system 204 to correspond to the optimal viewing angle of the imaging system 202, a user within the first viewing angle sees the information of the sharp and high contrast image provided by the imaging system 202. However, the viewer outside the first viewing angle and the optimal viewing angle of the imaging system sees a relatively dark second image. Alternatively, the first viewing angle of the illumination system may be narrower than the optimal viewing angle for the imaging system. This narrow first viewing angle allows privacy to be protected from an observer outside the first viewing angle, such as a passerby at an ATM.

The lighting system 204 can include any suitable system for providing different images to viewers at different viewing angles. According to an example embodiment, the illumination system 204 may include a hologram for providing a first image to a viewer within a first viewing angle and for providing one or more other images to a viewer outside of the first viewing angle. have. Within the first viewing angle, the hologram is suitably configured as a holographic optical element configured to receive light over a wide range of angles and to transmit or reflect light over a relatively narrow angle. As a result, the hologram enhances the brightness of light provided to the viewer within the first viewing angle, and reduces the brightness of light provided to the viewer outside the first viewing angle.

For example, referring temporarily to FIG. 5, an exemplary embodiment of a display system having a first watch image 502 and a second watch image 504 is shown. According to this embodiment, the first field of view image 502 can be viewed from a plurality of optimal viewing angles as defined by the conical field of view 506. Moreover, the second field of view image 504 can be viewed from a plurality of second viewing angles defined by the second cone field of view 508. The volume field of view of the first conical watch 506 and the second conical watch 508 can be defined in various ways in accordance with a number of different design criteria, and is not limited to any particular viewing angle. Moreover, as will be described in more detail below, the second conical field of view may create a view of a single second field of view image that is within a plurality of viewing angles, or may create a plurality of second field of view images, each of which is a plurality of different Associated with the viewing angle.

Subsequently, the first image suitably includes a uniform light source, and the hologram provides light of substantially uniform and enhanced brightness to the viewer within the first viewing angle. Since light is transmitted through the imaging system 202 to reach the viewer, the image generated by the entire display 202 is the image displayed by the imaging system 202. Thus, the illumination system 204 acts as a halo or reflection system to illuminate the information supplied by the imaging system 202 within the first viewing angle.

The hologram is further configured to provide one or more second images to the viewer outside the first viewing angle. The hologram can suitably provide a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image at a second (or first) viewing angle. The second image is not related to the information provided by the imaging system 202. For example, the second image may include a logo or a constant message displayed to the viewer within the second viewing angle. The second image is, for example, combined with a conventional hologram technique that allows a hologram to present one image to a viewer at one angle and a different image to a viewer at another angle. Properly generated As a result, viewing the information provided by the imaging system 202 tends to be obscure to the viewer outside the first viewing angle, and instead the observer is not concerned with the information provided by the imaging system 202. Receive a second image, such as a company name or logo.

In addition, other optical systems can be used to provide the first and second images. For example, lighting system 204 may comprise a prism sheet or other similar material. Referring to FIG. 4, the prism sheet 400 suitably includes multiple reflective, transmissive or transflective surfaces, the first set of surfaces 402a-402d are parallel to each other, and the second set of surfaces 404a-404d. Are parallel to each other, and the third set of surfaces 406a to 406d are also configured to be parallel to each other. Although the present description includes only three sets of surfaces in two dimensions, the prism sheet can be configured to include multiple sets of surfaces facing in a certain direction.

Each set of surfaces 402, 404, 406 is configured to display a different image. For example, the central set of surfaces 404 is configured to display the first image within the first viewing angle 410 of the white light source, thus optimal reflection of incident light to the viewer at the first viewing angle 410. Or provides permeation. The outer set of surfaces 402, 406 can display the second image. Thus, the viewer outside the first viewing angle receives the second image instead of the first image.

The lighting system 204 can be configured to provide one or more sub-images. According to another embodiment, the illumination system 204 may comprise a plurality of fixed images corresponding to the plurality of first viewing angles 208, that is, the plurality of viewing angles may correspond to a plurality of second field of view images. And not to obstruct the field of view by others of the first field of view image provided by 200. For example, referring again to FIG. 2, the illumination system 204 can include a second field of view image corresponding to the second viewing angles 208a, 208b. Moreover, additional viewing angles 208 may be included within a plurality of viewing angles within the field of view 203 of the display system 200, for example, the first conical field of view 506 and the second conical field of view 508.

Moreover, if the first image is not provided, for example if the LCD system is not turned on, the illumination system 204 may be suitably configured to provide the second field of view image at all viewing angles, ie the illumination system 204. May provide a second field of view image, such as a fixed image, regardless of the activation of any LCD material in the imaging system 202. Thus, the illumination system 204 is configured to continue to provide a second field of view image regardless of the operation of the imaging system 202 or to provide only operation of the imaging system 202 to the second field of view image.

Thus, in one example having a plurality of second field-of-view images that are constructed and positioned appropriately for the second viewing angle 208, the viewer may view the plurality of second images as a single, such as a flower opening or a vibration logo. In a sequential way to appear as a variable image, it may be momentarily positioned at one or more second viewing angles 208. In the present exemplary embodiment, conventional hologram techniques may provide multiple images in a single hologram to create an aspect or variable shape of operation. Similarly, multiple related images can be placed on the surface of various sets of prism sheets to produce perceived movement or to change as the viewer's perspective changes.

The lighting system 204 can be applied as appropriate to the light source available. For example, the illumination system may be a reflection system such as a reflective hologram or reflective prism sheet configured to redirect light received through the imaging system 202 back and through the imaging system 202. Alternatively, the illumination system 204 can be transparent, such as a transparent hologram or transparent prism sheet configured to deliver light received from the back of the illumination system 204 to a viewer through the imaging system 202. Moreover, the illumination system 204 may include a combination of these two forms in a transflective system configured to provide both reflection and transmission of the light source through the imaging system 202.

In addition, the illumination system 204 may provide a monochrome image, such as black and white, gray scale images, multicolor images, ie red, green, blue or yellow. Moreover, lighting system 204 may also be appropriately configured to provide a full color image. Thus, the illumination system 204 can provide the first and second images in a color array or simple monochrome configuration.

The lighting system 204 can include an attachment mechanism for attaching the lighting system 204 to the imaging system 202. For example, the illumination system can include an adhesive film 305 for attaching the hologram to the second substrate 306. If the second polarizer 316 is included in the display system 300, the film 305 may be attached directly to the second polarizer 316. Moreover, the adhesive film 303 may include a release sheet and equivalents thereof to prevent the adhesive from contacting other surfaces prior to assembly or fabrication. However, according to another exemplary embodiment, the illumination system 303 may have an adhesive used that includes reflective particles and equivalents to provide the necessary action, such as diffusion or other action.

As considered above, the display system of the present invention can suitably provide a first watch image and a second watch image. Thus, such a display system can provide additional substitutes for providing information and pictures. For example, in a laptop or other small PC application, a user of a system located at a first viewing angle may see a first field of view image, such as various text, graphical messages, or pictorial images, while another viewer at the second viewing angle may You will see a second clock image, such as a promotional post or other commercial advertisement. Moreover, in addition to providing a secure form, the second field of view image can provide information regarding the first viewing angle. For example, the second field of view image may provide a text message indicating that the viewer needs to be realigned or repositioned to be positioned at the desired first viewing angle.

The present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments. However, changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, various substrates, polarizers, and other components may be implemented in other ways, or may be constructed of different materials and thicknesses, depending on the particular application or considering a number of criteria associated with the operation of the system. Moreover, the information content of the second and first images may include any text, graphic or pictorial representations and is not limited to those described herein. Moreover, the techniques described herein may be extended or modified for use with other display modes in addition to the display system of the example embodiments. Such and other changes or modifications are considered to be within the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims (20)

A display system for providing an image to a viewer, Imaging system; And And a lighting system, wherein the lighting system directs a light source through the imaging system to provide a first image at a first viewing angle and a second image at a second viewing angle. The display system of claim 1, wherein the imaging system comprises an LCD display. 3. The LCD of claim 2, wherein the LCD display is A first substrate; LCD materials; A second substrate disposed adjacent and parallel to the first substrate; The LCD material is received between the first substrate and the second substrate, and And an electrode array for applying an electric field across said LCD material portion to alter said first image. The display system of claim 1, wherein the illumination system comprises a reflective hologram. The display system of claim 1, wherein the illumination system comprises a transmissive hologram. The display system of claim 1, wherein the illumination system comprises a semi-transparent hologram. The display system of claim 1, wherein the lighting system comprises a prism sheet. A display system for providing a clock image, A first substrate; LCD materials; A second substrate disposed adjacent and parallel to the first substrate; the LCD material is received between the first substrate and the second substrate, and An illumination system for directing a light source through the first substrate and the second substrate to produce a first image in a first viewing angle and a second image in a second viewing angle, wherein the first field of view image is a variable image, And the second image is a fixed image. 10. The display system of claim 8, wherein the illumination system comprises a hologram for directing a light source at the first viewing angle and for directing a light source at the second viewing angle. As a method for displaying an image to a viewer, Providing a first image of at least one of a variable image and a fixed image at a first viewing angle; And Providing a second image that is a fixed image at a second viewing angle. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein providing the first field of view image at the first viewing angle comprises directing a light source from the illumination system through the imaging system to provide at least one of a variable image and a fixed image. How to. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein providing a second field of view image at the second viewing angle comprises directing a light source from the lighting system through the imaging system to provide the fixed image. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the imaging system comprises an LCD display. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the illumination system comprises at least one of a hologram and a prism sheet. A display system for displaying an image to a viewer, A first polarizing plate; A first transparent substrate disposed adjacent to and parallel to the first polarizing plate; LCD materials; A second transparent substrate disposed adjacent to and parallel to the first transparent substrate; The LCD material is received between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, A second polarizer disposed adjacent to and parallel to the second transparent substrate; An electrode array for instructing activation of LCD material in the first substrate and the second substrate; And Directing a light source through the second polarizer, the second substrate, the LCD material, the first substrate and the first polarizer to provide a first field of view image at a first viewing angle and a second field of view image at a second viewing angle. And a lighting device for the display, wherein the first field of view image is a variable image controlled by activation of the LCD material and the second field of view image is a fixed image independent of activation of the LCD material. The display system of claim 15, wherein the lighting device comprises a hologram. 17. The display of claim 16, wherein the hologram comprises a reflective hologram for reflecting through the second polarizer, the second substrate, the LCD material, the first substrate, and the first polarizer to the light source backside. system. 17. The hologram of claim 16, wherein the hologram comprises a transmissive hologram for allowing a back light source to be transmitted through the hologram, wherein the back light source comprises the second polarizer, the second substrate, the LCD material, and the first substrate. And focus and guide through the first polarizer. The display system of claim 15, wherein the first clock image and the second clock image comprise at least one of a full color image and a monochrome image. The display system of claim 15 wherein the lighting device comprises a prism sheet.