Methods, systems, and products for image displays
Methods, systems, and products illuminate display devices. An image is injected into a tapered portion of a waveguide. The tapered portion reflects the image to create total internal reflectance of the image within the waveguide. A frustrator withdraws a frustrated image from the waveguide, and the frustrated image is displayed to a viewer.
1. A method, comprising:
injecting an image into a tapered portion of a waveguide;
reflecting the image within the tapered portion to create total internal reflectance in the waveguide;
applying a frustrator to a surface of the waveguide;
withdrawing, through the surface, a frustrated image from the waveguide; and
displaying the frustrated image.
2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising diffusing the frustrated image to enhance perception to a viewer.
3. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising magnifying the frustrated image to enhance perception to a viewer.
4. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising reflecting the frustrated image at an angled surface of the tapered portion of the waveguide.
5. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising focusing the frustrated image into the tapered portion of the waveguide.
6. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising injecting a second image into the waveguide.
7. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising refracting the frustrated image.
8. An apparatus, comprising:
a waveguide having an edge and a tapered portion;
a projector injecting an image into the edge of the waveguide, the image reflecting within the tapered portion of the waveguide at an angle that creates total internal reflectance in a central portion of the waveguide; and
a frustrator applied to a surface of the waveguide, the frustrator withdrawing a frustrated image through the surface of the waveguide for display.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a reflective material on the tapered portion of the waveguide to reflect the image.
10. The apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a diffuser that diffuses the frustrated image.
11. The apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a diffuser that refracts the frustrated image.
12. The apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a magnifying feature that magnifies the frustrated image.
13. The apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising an angled surface of the tapered portion of the waveguide that reflects the image.
14. The apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a second projector that also injects the image into the waveguide.
15. The apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a second projector that injects a second image into the waveguide.
16. The apparatus according to claim 8 , further comprising a circuit that applies a voltage to the projector.
17. A device, comprising:
a waveguide having an edge and a tapered portion;
a projector injecting an image into the edge of the waveguide, the image reflecting within the tapered portion of the waveguide at an angle that creates total internal reflectance in a central portion of the waveguide; and
a frustrator applied to a surface of the waveguide, the frustrator withdrawing a frustrated image through the surface for display.