We have successfully developed a novel transparent screen using inkjet-printed cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC) dots. By precisely orienting the CLCs in spherical layers, this transparent screen has wide viewing angle for front projection, and achieves both low haze and high screen gain. The clearness of this innovative projected image can make augmented reality applications look much more realistic.Author Keywords transparent screen; cholesteric liquid crystal; inkjet; spherical orientation; wide viewing angle; front projection. Objectives and BackgroundTransparent screens are currently drawing great interest, as they enable the projected image to look as if it were floating in air. They have many applications, like augmented reality (AR) where a projected image is superimposed on a background object, digital signage, and head-up displays.In the past, various transparent screens have been proposed. Those using scattering by small particles [1,2,3], those making patterns with scattered particle portions and transparent portions [4], those using a microlens array [5], and those using a combination of prism-like structure and particle scattering [6] are known. However, in all of these transparent screens, if reflection intensity is raised, haze also becomes large. It has been difficult to avoid this trade-off relation and achieve both sufficient brightness and sufficient transparency. Moreover, as the forward scattering is strong in those screens using particle scattering, those screens are intrinsically limited to rear projection type displays as in Fig. 1(a), and open space on either side of the screen is required. This is a large restriction, especially in indoor applications that cannot install the projector on the rear side. For such applications, a transparent screen that allows front projection is desired.For further space-saving, a short focus projector as shown in Fig. 1(b) is also being developed [7]. As a short focus projector projects light from a point close to the screen at a sharply oblique angle, the screen needs to have a wide viewing angle.In this paper, we describe development of a novel transparent screen that resolves the abovementioned issues. This transparent screen consists of CLCs that are deposited using drop-ondemand inkjet technology [8]. Using our unique orientation controlling technology [9], we precisely control the orientation of the CLCs. This novel transparent screen has a wide viewing angle for front projection, and achieves both low haze and high screen gain.In 2-1 below, we explain the fundamental components and concepts of this technology. In 2-2, we describe the configuration of our novel transparent screen. In 2-3, the performance of the screen is described. Results and Discussion 2-1. Orientation Control of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Dot:CLCs organize themselves into a helical layer structure in which the director axis of the liquid crystal molecules twists with each layer. CLC layers selectively reflect light of wavelength equal to the pitch of this helix, and the ...
A brilliant cosmetic film with polymerized cholesteric material (PCM) has been developed. The film features a variety of colors by helical pitch gradients, diffusive texture, and arbitrary color patterns. It hides the display when turned off, and transmits display images when turned on. We believe it could change the display in the Off‐state from the conventional black wall to specially designed decorations. In addition, they can be applied to hidden sensors.
We have successfully developed a lowest haze transparent screen which can display higher contrast images than ever, by aligning waving cholesteric liquid crystals. Because the high contrast image is highly visible even in a bright environment, this could change signage and automotive industries.
We have successfully developed a novel transparent screen leading to a new AR display without unexpected light, combining with a light guide system. We believe this novel AR display could expand applications into show window and vehicles.
We have successfully developed a cosmetic film with polymerized cholesteric material. The film features a variety of colors by helical pitch gradients, diffusive texture, and arbitrary color patterns. It hides the display when turned off, and transmits display images when turned on. We believe it could change the display in the OFF‐state from the conventional black wall to specially designed decorations. In addition, they can be applied to hidden sensors.
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