Curved display based on programming origami tessellations

Abstract

Curved displays have recently become very popular, with wide applications for both industry and consumers. However, built upon initially flat films, most flexible displays are often incompatible with general nondevelopable surfaces. In this paper, we report a method for producing curved displays of nondevelopable shapes by using a structure-mechanics-inspired functional optimization method to design tessellation patterns that fold into the desired shapes. Representative displays in spherical and saddle shapes are demonstrated. The microfabrication process is employed for manufacturing 2D flexible foldable circuit boards, pick-and-place technology is used for placing illuminant elements onto the boards, and mold guidance is used for folding 2-D sheets into curved 3D display prototypes. The proposed technology is feasible for mass production and advances the application of next-generation curved displays.