Patent Publication Number: US-11041986-B2

Title: Methods, systems, and products for image displays

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/863,872 filed Jan. 6, 2018 and since issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,591,661, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/166,439 filed May 27, 2016 and since issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,891,370, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/517,804 filed Oct. 18, 2014 and since issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,377,574, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/298,480 filed Nov. 17, 2011 and since issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,891,918, with all patent applications incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic displays are commonly used as output devices. Flat-panel displays, for example, are used in computers, phones, and entertainment systems to display movies, pictures, and other content. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features, aspects, and advantages of the exemplary embodiments are better understood when the following Detailed Description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified sectional view of a display device, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIGS. 2-3  are more sectional views of the display device, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIGS. 4-6  are more schematics illustrating the display device, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIGS. 7-8  are schematics illustrating multiple projectors, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIGS. 9-12  are schematics illustrating multiple images from multiple projectors, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 13  is another sectional view of the display device illustrating differing cross-sectional areas, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial sectional view illustrating encasement of the image  24 , according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram further illustrating the display device  20 , according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic illustrating magnification, according to exemplary embodiments; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic illustrating still more exemplary operating environments; and 
         FIG. 18  is another partial sectional view illustrating radii of curvature, according to exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the exemplary embodiments to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). 
     Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating the exemplary embodiments. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named manufacturer. 
     As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “comprises,” “including,” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     It will also be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first device could be termed a second device, and, similarly, a second device could be termed a first device without departing from the teachings of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 1  is a simplified sectional view of a display device  20 , according to exemplary embodiments. The display device  20  is enlarged for clarity of features. A projector  22  injects or emits an image  24  into a waveguide  26 . The image  24  may be injected at an angle such that total internal reflection (or “TIR”) is obtained. Because the injected image  24  is totally internally reflected within the waveguide  26 , a frustrator  28  may cause a frustrated image  30  to exit a surface  32  of the waveguide  26 . The frustrated image  30  may then be presented to a viewer&#39;s eye  40 . 
       FIG. 2  is another sectional view of the display device  20 , according to exemplary embodiments. Here the frustrator  28  is oriented on an opposite side  60  of the waveguide  26 . Whereas  FIG. 1  illustrated the frustrator  28  oriented to withdraw the frustrated image  30  from the top surface  32  of the waveguide  26 ,  FIG. 2  illustrates the frustrator  28  may be oriented to withdraw the frustrated image  30  from a bottom surface  70  of the waveguide  26 . The projector  22  injects the image  24  into the tapered cross-section  50  of the waveguide  26 . The one or more angled surfaces  60  of the tapered cross-section  50  reflect and focus the image  24  to create total internal reflection within the central region  58 . The frustrator  28  withdraws the frustrated image  30 . 
       FIG. 3  is another sectional view of the display device  20 , according to exemplary embodiments. Here, though, terminology is changed to illustrate a vertical orientation of the display device  20 . The image  24  is injected into the tapered cross-section  50  of the waveguide  26 . The image  24  is reflected by the one or more of the angled surfaces  60 , such that the image  24  is focused to create total internal reflectance in the central region  58  of the waveguide  26 . The frustrator  28  is placed or applied to an outer (or left) surface  80  of the waveguide  26 , thus causing the frustrated image  30  to exit the outer surface  80 . The frustrated image  30  then travels to the viewer&#39;s eye  40 . 
     The projector  22  be any device and utilize any image technology. The projector  22 , for example, may be a micro-projector or pico-projector that projects the image  24 . These image devices are increasingly found in compact portable devices, such as mobile phones, personal digital assistants, and digital cameras. These image devices may inject light of any frequency in the electromagnetic spectrum. These image devices generally comprise a power device (such as a DC battery or AC), electronics, laser light source(s), combiner optic, and scanning mirrors. Because these image devices are known, this disclosure need not provide a further discussion. 
     The frustrator  28  may be of any design. The frustrator  28 , for example, may be any metallic cladding applied to any surface of the waveguide  26 , thus causing the frustrated image  30  to locally exit the waveguide  26 . The frustrator  28 , however, may be any non-metallic coating applied to the waveguide  26 . The frustrator  28 , for example, may be any polymeric or elastomeric thin film, sheet, or material that is applied or adhered to the waveguide  26 . The frustrator  28 , in other words, may be any transparent or semi-transparent material that extracts the frustrated image  30  from the waveguide  26 . 
     The waveguide  26  may also be of any shape and design. The waveguide  26  generally has a planar cross-section, although opposite surfaces and/or sides need not be parallel. A bottom surface of the waveguide  26  and a top surface of the waveguide  26 , for example, may be parallel. The bottom surface and the outer surface, however, may not be parallel, thus contributing to the wedge-shaped cross-section. Moreover, the waveguide  26  may have any number of edges or sides. The waveguide  26 , for example, may have a rectangular top or plan view, thus having four (4) edges or sides. The waveguide  26 , however, may have a triangular shape (e.g., three sides or edges) when viewed from above (plan view). The waveguide  26 , however, may have more than four edges, such as a pentagonal or hexagonal shape when viewed from above. The waveguide  26  may also be constructed or formed of any material, such as glass, polymer, and/or acrylic. The waveguide  26  may also be transparent or even semi-transparent. 
       FIGS. 4-6  are more schematics illustrating the display device  20 , according to exemplary embodiments. The features of the display device  20  are enlarged for clarity. Here a diffuser  90  may be used to diffuse, or spread out, the frustrated image  30 . As the frustrator  28  withdraws the frustrated image  30  from the waveguide  26 , the frustrated image  30  may be too small for adequate human perception. Perception may be especially acute for mobile smart phones and music players having small display devices. The diffuser  90 , then, may be used to optically diffuse the frustrated image  30  for enhanced perception.  FIG. 4  is another cross-sectional illustration showing the diffuser  90  spreading out the frustrated image  30 , while  FIG. 5  is a top view of the display device  20  showing a diffused image  92 . As earlier paragraphs explained, the image  24  is injected into the tapered cross-section  50  of the waveguide  26 . The image  24  is reflected and focused by the tapered cross-section  50  to create total internal reflectance in the central region  58  of the waveguide  26 . The frustrator  28  withdraws the frustrated image  30  from the waveguide  26 , and the diffuser  90  optically produces the diffused image  92 . Because the frustrator  28  and the separate diffuser  90  may be different media, the frustrated image  30  refracts at a boundary between the frustrator  28  and the diffuser  90 . The diffuser  90  thus spreads out or diffuses the frustrated image  30  to optically produce the diffused image  92 .  FIG. 6  is another cross-section illustration of the display device  20  showing the diffuser  90  may also be configured for any side of the waveguide  26 . 
     The diffuser  90  may be of any design. The diffuser  90 , for example, may be any non-metallic and/or dielectric material of any thickness having an indices of refraction. The diffuser  90  may be a film, paste, cladding, coating, or paint for optical diffusion. The diffuser  90 , though, may also be any metallic and/or magnetic material that produces optical diffusion. The diffuser  90  may be any transparent or semi-transparent material that produces the diffused image  92 . Moreover, the diffuser  90  may be tinted or colored for enhanced effect. 
       FIGS. 7-8  are schematics illustrating multiple projectors, according to exemplary embodiments.  FIG. 7 , for example, is a top view of the display device  20  that illustrates multiple projectors injecting the single image  24  into the waveguide  26 . A first projector  100 , for example, injects the image  24  into the tapered cross-section  50  of the waveguide  26 . A second projector  102  may also inject the same image  24  into the tapered cross-section  50  of the waveguide  26 . The two separate images  24  are again reflected and focused by the tapered cross-section  50  and withdrawn by the frustrator  28 . Because the two separate projectors  100  and  102  inject the same two images  24 , the separate images  24  may need to be optically aligned to avoid distortion. The first projector  100 , then, may be adjustable about a projection axis L P1  (illustrated as reference numeral  104 ) to aim or align the image  24  output from the first projector  100 . The second projector  102 , likewise, may also be adjustable about a projection axis L P2  (illustrated as reference numeral  106 ) to aim or align the image  24  output from the second projector  102 . The two separate projectors  100  and  102  may need to be adjusted to optically combine the image  24 . 
       FIG. 8  also illustrates multiple projectors. Here, though, each projector may be associated with a corresponding tapered cross-section. The first projector  100 , for example, injects the image  24  into a first tapered cross-section  110 , while the second projector  102  may also inject the same image  24  into a second tapered cross-section  112 . The first tapered cross-section  110  reflects and focuses the image  24  to create total internal reflectance in the central region  58  of the waveguide  26 . The second tapered cross-section  112  also reflects and focuses the image  24  into the central region  58  of the waveguide  26 . The first tapered cross-section  110  and the second tapered cross-section  112 , though, are configured to optically align each frustrated image  30  that is withdrawn by the frustrator  28 . The two separate images  24  are thus optically combined to visually produce a single frustrated image  30 . 
       FIGS. 9-12  are schematics illustrating multiple images from multiple projectors, according to exemplary embodiments. Here the first projector  100  injects a first image  120  into the tapered cross-section  50  of the waveguide  26 , while the second projector  102  injects a different, second image  122 . The first image  120  and the second image  122  may be complementary, such that their optical combination is withdrawn by the frustrator  28  as the single, frustrated image  30 . If optical alignment is needed, each projector  100  and  102  may be aligned or aimed about their respective projection axes L P1  and L P2  to ensure the output images  120  and  122  are optically combined. As  FIG. 10  illustrates, image alignment may additionally or alternatively be achieved using the first tapered cross-section  110  and/or the second tapered cross-section  112 . The first image  120  may be reflected, focused, and aligned by the first tapered cross-section  110 , while the second image  122  is reflected, focused, and aligned by the second tapered cross-section  112 . 
       FIGS. 11-12  also illustrate multiple images from multiple projectors. Here, though, the multiple projectors may project different images from different sides of the waveguide  26 . As  FIG. 11  illustrates, the first projector  100  injects the first image  120  into the corresponding first tapered cross-section  110 , while the second projector  102  injects the different, second image  122  into the second tapered cross-section  112 . The first tapered cross-section  110  and the second tapered cross-section  112 , though, are configured along opposite sides or edges of the waveguide  26 . Because the two separate images  120  and  122  may be complementary, each respective tapered cross-section  110  and  112  may reflect, focus, and align the respective images  120  and  122 , such that their optical combination is withdrawn by the frustrator  28  as the single, frustrated image  30 . Optical alignment may also be accomplished by adjusting each projector  100  and  102  about their respective projection axes L P1  and L P2 . 
       FIG. 12  is another sectional view of the display device  20  having multiple projectors, according to exemplary embodiments. The first projector  100  injects the first image  120  into the corresponding first tapered cross-section  110 , while the second projector  102  injects the different, second image  122  into the second tapered cross-section  112  on the opposite side of the waveguide  26 . The first tapered cross-section  110  reflects, focuses, and aligns the first image  120  to create total internal reflectance in the central region  58  of the waveguide  26 . The second tapered cross-section  112  also reflects, focuses, and aligns the second image  122  to create total internal reflectance in the central region  58  of the waveguide  26 . Because the first image  120  and the second image  122  are aligned, the frustrator  28  withdraws the combined frustrated image  30  from the waveguide  26 . Each tapered cross-section  110  and  112  may have the greater cross-sectional thickness T edge  (illustrated as reference numeral  54 ) than the cross-sectional thickness T cen  (illustrated as reference numeral  56 ) of the thinner central region  58  of the waveguide  26 . 
       FIG. 13  is another sectional view of the display device  20 , according to exemplary embodiments. Here, though, the tapered cross-sections  110  and  112  may have different cross-sectional areas, depending on design criteria and/or the optical properties desired in the waveguide  26 . As  FIG. 13  illustrates, the first tapered cross-section  110  (illustrated at a left edge  130  of the waveguide  26 ) may have a greater cross-sectional thickness T left  (illustrated as reference numeral  132 ) than a cross-sectional thickness T right  (illustrated as reference numeral  134 ) of the second tapered cross-section  112  (illustrated at a right edge  136  of the waveguide  26 ). The first tapered cross-section  110  may, likewise, have a greater or longer cross-sectional length L left  (illustrated as reference numeral  138 ) than a cross-sectional length L right  (illustrated as reference numeral  140 ) of the second tapered cross-section  112 . The thicknesses and lengths of the tapered cross-sections  110  and  112  may be unequal to achieve different focusing and/or alignment objectives. 
       FIG. 14  is a partial sectional view illustrating encasement of the image  24 , according to exemplary embodiments. Here exemplary embodiments may further include features that encase or retain the image  24  for total reflection within the tapered cross-section  50  (or reference numerals  110  and  112 ). Because the tapered cross-section  50  reflects and focuses the image  24  for total internal reflection, the tapered cross-section(s) may further have features for reducing, or even preventing, refraction of the image  24 . As the image  24  encounters the angled surface(s)  60 , some of the image  24  may refract at a boundary interface. That is, some of the incident image  24  may reflect and some of the incident image  24  may transmit through the tapered cross-section  50  and into another medium (e.g., air or argon). Because total internal reflection is desired, any of the angled surface(s)  60  may have an encasement feature  150 . The encasement feature  150  ensures the image  24  reflects with minimal or no refracting. The encasement feature  150 , for example, may be any metallic or non-metallic coating or cladding that causes the image  24  to completely, or nearly completely, reflect at any angled surface  60  within the tapered cross-section  50 . The encasement feature  150  may be applied to an inner surface within the tapered cross-section  50 , and/or the encasement feature  150  may be applied to an outer surface. The encasement feature  150  may be embedded within a wall thickness of the tapered cross-section  50 , such as reflective particles. The encasement feature  150  may be a reflective foil or film that is applied to, or deposited onto, an inner or outer surface of the tapered cross-section  50 . The encasement feature  150  may also be a physical reflector, although a reflector is less optically efficient (as refraction has occurred). The encasement feature  150  may entirely or partially extend, or be applied, along an entire length of the angled surface  60 . Regardless, the encasement feature  150  ensures the image  24  reflects with minimal or no refracting. 
       FIG. 15  is a block diagram further illustrating the display device  20 , according to exemplary embodiments. Here the display device  20  may include a projector electronics circuit  160 . The projector electronics circuit  160  causes the projector  22  to output the image  24 . A processor  162  (e.g., “μP”), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other component may execute a projector algorithm  164  stored in a memory  166 . The projector algorithm  164  includes code or instructions may cause the processor  162  to control the projector electronics circuit  160  and/or the projector  22 . The projector electronics circuit  160  may also apply a voltage that electrically powers the projector  22 . The projector algorithm  164  may even cause the processor  162  to command an audible device (e.g., speaker, piezoelectric, or vibrator) to produce sounds and other audible features. 
       FIG. 16  is a schematic illustrating magnification, according to exemplary embodiments. Here the frustrator  28  may magnify the frustrated image  30  withdrawn from the waveguide  26 . As  FIG. 16  illustrates, the frustrator  28  may have features that optically magnify the frustrated image  30 . An outer surface  180  of the frustrator  28 , for example, may have a convex cross-sectional contour  182 , thus acting as a magnifying lens to enlarge an appearance of the frustrated image  30 . Magnification may be especially useful for cell phones, e-readers, and other devices with small displays. Exemplary embodiments, however, may also de-magnify (such as when the outer surface  180  of the frustrator  28  has a concave cross-sectional contour). 
       FIG. 17  is a schematic illustrating still more exemplary embodiments.  FIG. 17  illustrates that the display device  20  and/or the projector algorithm  162  may operate within any processor-controlled device  200 . The processor-controlled device  200 , for example, may be a computer  204 , personal digital assistant (PDA)  206 , a Global Positioning System (GPS) device  208 , television  210 , an Internet Protocol (IP) phone  212 , a pager  214 , a cellular/satellite phone  216 , or any system and/or communications device utilizing a digital processor  218  and/or a digital signal processor (DP/DSP)  220 . The processor-controlled device  200  may also include watches, radios, vehicle electronics, clocks, printers, gateways, mobile/implantable medical devices, and other apparatuses and systems. Indeed, the processor-controlled device  200  may be any device having any type of display device. Because the architecture and operating principles of the various processor-controlled devices  200  are well known, the hardware and software componentry of the various processor-controlled devices  200  are not further shown and described. 
       FIG. 18  is another partial sectional view illustrating the display device  20 , according to exemplary embodiments. Here the tapered cross-section  50  (or reference numerals  110  and  112 ) may further include a radius  300  of curvature that helps obtain total internal reflection (or “TIR”) within the waveguide  26 . The radius  300  of curvature may be molded, attached, or fabricated at any portion of the tapered cross-section  50 .  FIG. 18 , for example, illustrates a side  302  having a convex curvature  304  that outwardly bows from the tapered cross-section  50 . The radius  300  of curvature, however, may have a convex curvature  306 . As  FIG. 18  further illustrates, a bottom side  308  may inwardly bow within or into the tapered cross-section  50 . One or more sides of the tapered cross-section  50  may include the radius  300  of curvature, and the radius  300  of curvature may be constant or vary along an arc length  310 . 
     Exemplary embodiments may be physically embodied on or in a computer-readable storage medium. This computer-readable medium may include a hard drive, USB drive, CD-ROM, DVD, tape, cassette, floppy disk, memory card, and large-capacity disks. This computer-readable medium, or media, could be distributed to end-subscribers, licensees, and assignees. A computer program product comprises a computer readable medium storing processor-executable instructions for displaying an image. 
     While the exemplary embodiments have been described with respect to various features, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilled in the art will recognize the exemplary embodiments are not so limited. Other variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments.