Aerial suspension imaging optical system based on polarized light control and reflection optical structure

Abstract

The invention discloses an air suspension imaging optical system based on polarized light control and a reflection optical structure. The air suspension imaging optical system comprises an image source assembly; a polarization light splitting module, a polarization state conversion module and a reflection module; linearly polarized light emitted by the image source assembly is sequentially reflected or transmitted by the polarization beam splitting module, enters the polarization state conversion module to change the polarization state, is focused by the reflection module, returns, is converted into linearly polarized light through the polarization state conversion module again, and is transmitted or reflected through the polarization beam splitting assembly. A naked eye visible suspension real image without a physical medium is formed in the imaging area; through the above structure, the image light realizes high-efficiency light path turn-back and direction selection through a polarization control path, high-luminous-efficiency and high-quality aerial imaging is realized, and finally, an aerial real image which is visible to naked eyes and free of a medium is formed at a specific spatial position in the air; the system does not need to depend on a traditional imaging medium, and has the advantages of compact structure, high luminous efficiency utilization rate and good imaging brightness and definition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of optical imaging technology, and in particular to an aerial suspended imaging optical system based on polarized light control and a reflective optical structure, which is suitable for scenes such as advertising display, exhibition display, and human-computer interaction. Background Art

[0002] Aerial imaging technology is one of the emerging display technologies that has attracted much attention in recent years. It enables images to be displayed suspended in the air, enabling immersive interactions. One of the core challenges of aerial imaging technology (also known as "suspended imaging" or "aerial display") is solving the problem of how light can form an image in air without a carrier. The vast majority of currently used aerial imaging technologies rely on some form of intermediate medium to change the optical path, converge light, or serve as an imaging carrier, such as glass film, fog screens, and reflective screens for light control and imaging display. Specifically, "glass film" media utilize optical microstructure-based films / flat panels and precisely designed and manufactured micro-nanostructures, such as microprism arrays, lens arrays, and metal grids, to precisely deflect and focus incident light. When light passes through this special film, it is redirected by the microstructures on the film and converged at a specific position in front of the film, forming a real image. The observer, without wearing any equipment, can directly see a suspended, touchable, and interactive image in the air. The advantages of "glass film" media are clear and stable imaging, the ability to achieve naked-eye 3D effects, support touch interaction, a relatively large viewing angle, and good environmental adaptability. However, their disadvantages are also obvious, namely, the need for a physical flat panel, the imaging position is usually close to the front of the panel, the size and shape are limited by the panel, and the manufacturing cost is relatively high.

[0003] "Mist curtain" type media is a medium based on particle scattering. It uses high-pressure nozzles to produce an extremely fine, uniform and smoothly flowing water mist wall or "dry mist". The water mist wall or "dry mist" serves as a projection screen. The projector from the rear projects the image onto the water mist. The water mist particles scatter the light, thereby forming a visible image in the air. Its advantage is that the imaging area can be made relatively large, allowing people to walk through it, creating a strong sense of immersion and mystery, and the cost is relatively low. Its disadvantages are also obvious, that is, the imaging clarity and brightness are greatly affected by the environment, the stability is poor, and it is easily affected by airflow disturbances, resulting in image distortion or jitter, and true touch interaction cannot be achieved. A continuous supply of water / mist is required, and the ambient humidity will increase.

[0004] "Reflective screen" media is based on optical mirror reflection, usually referring to a variant of Pepper's Ghost or a device using a concave mirror or a semi-transparent and semi-reflective mirror. It mainly uses mirror reflection to change the light path to create the visual effect of a suspended image. Its advantages are relatively mature and simple technology, controllable costs (especially Pepper's Ghost), and the ability to achieve a larger suspended virtual image. Its disadvantages are that the projection source / real object needs to be hidden, the observation angle is limited (usually there is only one optimal viewing angle), the imaging position is virtual (touch interaction is not possible), and a larger space is required to arrange the optical device.

[0005] It can be seen that the above-mentioned solutions using glass film, fog screen, reflective screen, etc. for light control and imaging display have the following defects in the implementation process: (1) low light efficiency utilization rate (<30%) and large energy loss; (2) limited imaging quality, insufficient resolution and brightness; (3) strong dependence on imaging media (such as thin film, air atomization layer, etc.), complex system and poor stability.

[0006] Based on this, the purpose of the present invention is to address the deficiencies of the above-mentioned existing technologies and provide an aerial suspended imaging optical system based on polarization light control and reflective optical structure, which is a new optical system that can achieve high-brightness and high-definition aerial imaging without relying on traditional imaging media. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In response to the defects in the existing technology, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an aerial suspended imaging optical system based on polarization light control and reflective optical structure, which is a new optical system that can achieve high-brightness and high-definition aerial imaging without relying on traditional imaging media, so as to solve the problems caused by the aerial imaging technology in the existing technology, which relies on some form of intermediate medium to change the light path, converge light or serve as an imaging carrier, such as glass film, fog curtain, reflective screen, etc. for light control and imaging display.

[0008] Specifically, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to address the deficiencies in the above-mentioned prior art. The present invention provides an air-suspended imaging optical system based on polarization light control and reflective optical structure, including: an image source component for emitting S-polarized light or P-polarized light.

[0009] The polarization splitting module is used to reflect the S-polarized light and transmit the P-polarized light; or to transmit the P-polarized light and reflect the P-polarized light.

[0010] The polarization state conversion module is arranged between the polarization splitting module and the reflection module. It is used to convert linearly polarized light (S-polarized light or P-polarized light) into circularly polarized light, and after reflection, convert the circularly polarized light into linear polarized light (P-polarized light or S-polarized light) orthogonal to the original polarization direction, thereby realizing light direction control.

[0011] The reflection module is used to reflect and focus the light onto a predetermined imaging area in the air.

[0012] When the aerial suspended imaging optical system is in use, the S-polarized light or P-polarized light emitted by the image source component is sequentially reflected or transmitted by the polarization splitting module, enters the polarization state conversion module to change the polarization state, is focused by the reflection module and then returns, and is again converted by the polarization state conversion module into linear polarized light perpendicular to the polarization direction of the image source, and is transmitted through the polarization splitting component to form a real suspended image visible to the naked eye without the need for a physical medium in the imaging area. That is, a real aerial real image observable to the naked eye is finally formed at the "image plane" position in the air.

[0013] In the air-suspended imaging optical system, the polarization splitting module and the polarization state conversion module are used in conjunction to achieve polarization state control and reversible light path, making the optical system structure more compact and the light efficiency higher.

[0014] In one embodiment of the air-suspended imaging optical system based on polarization control and reflective optical structure according to the present invention, the image source component includes any of the following configurations: a display screen that directly emits linearly polarized light.

[0015] A display screen that emits unpolarized light has a polarizer in front of it to generate linearly polarized light.

[0016] A display screen that emits unpolarized light has a polarizer and a half-wave plate at its front end to generate linearly polarized light.

[0017] In one embodiment of the airborne imaging optical system based on polarization control and reflective optical structure according to the present invention, the polarization beam splitting module is a polarization beam splitting prism, which is a single glass-cemented polarization beam splitting film; a glass-film-glass structure with a coated polarization beam splitting film in the middle, or any other structure that can achieve reflection of S-polarized light and transmission of P-polarized light; the polarization beam splitting prism (PBS) can be configured with different polarization-selective reflection and transmittances: S-polarization reflectance 1% to 99%, P-polarization transmittance 1% to 99%; further, the S-polarization reflectance + P-polarization transmittance = 100%.

[0018] A polarizing plate can be optionally attached to the side of the polarizing beam splitter (PBS) away from the quarter-wave plate to limit or filter light with a specific polarization direction.

[0019] Furthermore, a quarter wave plate film can be selectively attached to the side of the polarizer away from the polarization beam splitter (PBS) to convert the transmitted P-polarized light or the reflected S-polarized light into circularly polarized light.

[0020] In addition, the polarizer can be replaced with a 1 / 4 wave plate to convert the transmitted P-polarized light or the reflected S-polarized light into circularly polarized light; the surface of the polarization beam splitter is coated with an anti-reflection film, preferably an AR film with a reflectivity of ≤1% to reduce stray light; the optical axis direction of the polarizer can be set to an angle of ±90° or ±270° with the optical axis of the image source component to achieve the best polarization matching effect.

[0021] In one embodiment of the airborne imaging optical system based on polarization control and reflective optical structure according to the present invention, the quarter wave plate can realize the mutual conversion of polarization states between linear polarized light and circular polarized light, including but not limited to the following methods: a birefringent crystal wave plate with a certain thickness, the thickness of which satisfies ,in is the working wavelength, The refractive index of the crystal; liquid crystal phase retarder, which adjusts the phase delay by electric field; composite wave plate (multi-level wave plate), which is composed of multiple layers of birefringent materials stacked together to expand the working bandwidth; cemented wave plate structure with glass or optical plastic as the substrate; glass-1 / 4 wave plate-glass sandwich structure; and any other device that can realize the polarization state conversion between linearly polarized light and circularly polarized light; both sides can be coated with AR anti-reflection film to enhance the transmittance.

[0022] In one embodiment of the air-suspended imaging optical system based on polarization light control and reflective optical structure according to the present invention, the reflective module includes: a substrate whose surface is spherical, aspherical, free-form, or Fresnel, and whose material is glass, plastic, or metal; a reflective film selected from aluminum film, silver film, gold film, or dielectric high-reflective film, with a reflectivity of 1%-99%; the curvature parameters of the reflective module are optimized according to the position and size of the imaging area to achieve precise focusing of the light, thereby ensuring clear imaging.

[0023] In one embodiment of the air-suspended imaging optical system based on polarization light control and reflective optical structure according to the present invention, the air-suspended imaging optical system also includes an ambient light suppression module: a polarizing plate is attached to the side of the polarization splitter prism away from the 1 / 4 wave plate, and the polarization direction is orthogonal to the polarization direction of the image source.

[0024] In one embodiment of the air-suspended imaging optical system based on polarization light control and reflective optical structure according to the present invention, the air-suspended imaging optical system also includes a polarization state conversion module: a 1 / 4 wave plate film is attached to the side of the polarization splitter prism away from the polarization state conversion module, and the angle between the optical axis of the 1 / 4 wave plate and the polarization direction of the linear polarized light is ±45° or ±135°.

[0025] In one embodiment of the air-suspended imaging optical system based on polarization light control and reflective optical structure according to the present invention, the air-suspended imaging optical system also includes an anti-blue light module, and the implementation method of the anti-blue light module includes but is not limited to any of the following methods: coating an anti-blue light film on the surface of the image source component.

[0026] An anti-blue light film is coated on a side of the polarization beam splitter prism away from the quarter wave plate.

[0027] In one embodiment of the air-suspended imaging optical system based on polarization light control and reflective optical structure according to the present invention, the air-suspended imaging optical system also includes an anti-fingerprint module: an AF anti-fingerprint film is coated on the side of the polarization splitter prism away from the 1 / 4 wave plate to reduce the adhesion of dust and grease and reduce the number of times the screen needs to be cleaned.

[0028] In one embodiment of the air-suspended imaging optical system based on polarized light control and reflective optical structure according to the present invention, the suspended real image depth of the imaging area is adjustable, and the adjustment method includes any of the following methods: changing the distance between the reflective module and the polarization beam splitter prism.

[0029] Adjust the distance between the image source component and the polarization beam splitter prism.

[0030] The focus position is adjusted by changing the curvature of the reflection module.

[0031] In one embodiment of the mid-air levitation imaging optical system based on polarization control and reflective optical structure according to the present invention, the system light efficiency utilization rate is ≥60%, and the resolution of the levitation real image is ≥2K.

[0032] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following positive effects: the aerial suspended imaging optical system based on polarization control and reflective optical structure proposed by the present invention comprises: an image source component; a polarization splitting module, a polarization state conversion module, and a reflective module; the linearly polarized light emitted by the image source component is sequentially reflected or transmitted by the polarization splitting module, enters the polarization state conversion module to change its polarization state, is focused by the reflective module, and then returns, and is again converted by the polarization state conversion module into linearly polarized light perpendicular to the polarization direction of the image source, and is transmitted through the polarization splitting component to form a real suspended image visible to the naked eye in the imaging area without the need for a physical medium. Through the above structure, the image light achieves efficient optical path folding and direction selection via the polarization control path, achieving high-light-efficiency, high-quality aerial imaging. Ultimately, a real aerial image visible to the naked eye without a medium can be formed at a specific spatial position in the air; that is, the aerial suspended imaging optical system based on polarization control and reflective optical structure in the present invention has the advantages of not relying on traditional imaging media, having a compact structure, high light efficiency utilization, and good imaging brightness and clarity, and is widely applicable to advertising display, human-computer interaction and other fields. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 The structure of the aerial suspension imaging optical system in the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 1 .

[0034] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the change of polarized light path in the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the function of the polarization beam splitter prism in the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 The structure of the aerial suspension imaging optical system in the present invention is shown as follows: Figure 2 .

[0037] The markings in the accompanying drawings are: 1-image source component, 2-polarization splitting module, 3-polarization state conversion module, 4-reflection module, 5-imaging area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Below, the exemplary embodiments according to the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0039] It is understood that the term "a" should be understood as "at least one" or "one or more", that is, in one embodiment, the number of an element may be one, while in another embodiment, the number of the element may be multiple, and the term "a" should not be understood as limiting the quantity. "Multiple" means greater than or equal to two.

[0040] Although ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," and the like will be used to describe various components, these are not intended to limit those components. The terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component could be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component could be referred to as a first component without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0041] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing various embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular is intended to include the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms "including" and / or "having" when used in this specification specify the presence of a stated feature, number, operation, component, element, or combination thereof, and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, components, elements, or combinations thereof.

[0042] The following combination Figure 1-4 The present invention is further described with specific embodiments.

[0043] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an aerial suspension imaging optical system based on polarization light control and reflective optical structure, which is a new optical system that can achieve high-brightness and high-definition aerial imaging without relying on traditional imaging media, so as to solve the problems caused by the aerial imaging technology in the existing technology, which relies on some form of intermediate medium to change the light path, converge light or serve as an imaging carrier, such as glass film, fog curtain, reflective screen, etc. for light control and imaging display.

[0044] Specifically, the present invention provides an air-suspended imaging optical system based on polarization control and reflection optical structure, such as Figure 1 As shown: including: image source component 1, used for emitting S-polarized light.

[0045] The polarization splitting module 2 is configured to reflect the S-polarized light and transmit the P-polarized light.

[0046] The polarization state conversion module 3 is arranged between the polarization splitting module 2 and the reflection module 4, and is used to convert linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light, and then convert the circularly polarized light into linear polarized light orthogonal to the original polarization direction after reflection, so as to realize light direction control.

[0047] The reflection module 4 is used to reflect and focus the light onto a predetermined imaging area 5 in the air.

[0048] like Figure 2As shown: When the aerial suspended imaging optical system is in use, the S-polarized light emitted by the image source component 1 is sequentially reflected by the polarization splitting module 2, converted by the polarization state conversion module 3, and focused by the reflection module 4 before returning. It is then converted into P-polarized light again by the polarization state conversion module 3 and transmitted by the polarization splitting module 2 to form a real suspended image visible to the naked eye without the need for a physical medium in the imaging area 5. That is, a real aerial image observable to the naked eye is finally formed at the "image plane" position in the air.

[0049] In the air-suspended imaging optical system, the combined use of the polarization splitting module 2 and the polarization state conversion module 3 realizes polarization state control and reversible optical path, making the optical system structure more compact and the light efficiency higher.

[0050] The image source component 1 includes any of the following configurations: a display screen that directly emits S-polarized light.

[0051] A display screen that emits unpolarized light has a polarizer in front of it to generate S-polarized light.

[0052] A display screen that emits unpolarized light has a polarizer and a half-wave plate at its front end to generate S-polarized light.

[0053] A display screen that emits P-polarized light has a half-wave plate at its front end to convert the P-polarized light into S-polarized light.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the polarization splitting module 2 is specifically a polarizing beam splitter prism (PBS), which is a single glass bonded polarizing beam splitter film; a glass-film-glass structure, with a coated polarizing beam splitter film in the middle, etc., which can reflect S-polarized light and transmit P-polarized light.

[0055] Polarization beam splitters can be configured with different polarization selective reflection and transmittance: S polarization reflectance 1%~99%, P polarization transmittance 1%~99%.

[0056] A polarizing plate can be selectively attached to the side of the polarization beam splitter prism away from the polarization state conversion module 3 to limit or filter light with a specific polarization direction.

[0057] Furthermore, a quarter wave plate film can be selectively attached to the side of the polarizer away from the polarization beam splitter prism to convert the transmitted P-polarized light into circularly polarized light.

[0058] In addition, the polarizer can be replaced with a quarter-wave plate to convert the transmitted P-polarized light into circularly polarized light.

[0059] The surface of the polarization beam splitter prism is coated with an anti-reflection film, preferably an AR film, with a reflectivity of ≤1% to reduce stray light.

[0060] The optical axis direction of the polarizer can be set to form an angle of ±90° or ±270° with the optical axis of the image source component 1 to achieve the best polarization matching effect.

[0061] The polarization state conversion module 3 is specifically a 1 / 4 wave plate (quarter wave plate): wherein the 1 / 4 wave plate can realize the mutual conversion of polarization states between linearly polarized light and circularly polarized light, including but not limited to the following methods: a birefringent crystal wave plate with a certain thickness, the thickness of which satisfies ,in is the working wavelength, The refractive index of the crystal; liquid crystal phase retarder, which adjusts the phase delay by electric field; composite wave plate (multi-level wave plate), which is composed of multiple layers of birefringent materials stacked together to expand the working bandwidth; cemented wave plate structure with glass or optical plastic as the substrate; glass-1 / 4 wave plate-glass sandwich structure; and any other device that can realize the polarization state conversion between linearly polarized light and circularly polarized light; both sides can be coated with AR anti-reflection film to enhance the transmittance.

[0062] The reflection module 4 includes: a substrate, the surface of which is a spherical surface, an aspherical surface, a free-form surface, or a Fresnel surface, and the material of which is glass, plastic, or metal.

[0063] The reflective film is selected from aluminum film, silver film, gold film or dielectric high reflective film, with a reflectivity of 1%-99%.

[0064] The curvature parameters of the reflective module 4 are optimized according to the position and size of the imaging area 5 to achieve precise focusing of light, thereby ensuring clear imaging.

[0065] The air-suspended imaging optical system further includes an ambient light suppression module: a polarizer is attached to a side of the polarization splitting module 2 away from the polarization state conversion module 3 , and the polarization direction is orthogonal to the S-polarized light.

[0066] Among them, the air-suspended imaging optical system also includes a polarization splitting component: a 1 / 4 wave plate is attached to the side of the polarization splitting module 2 away from the polarization state conversion module 3, and the angle between the optical axis of the 1 / 4 wave plate and the polarization direction of the S-polarized light is ±45° or ±135°.

[0067] Among them, the air-suspended imaging optical system also includes an anti-blue light module, and the implementation method of the blue light module includes but is not limited to any of the following methods: coating an anti-blue light film on the surface of the image source component 1; coating an anti-blue light film on the side of the polarization splitting module 2 away from the polarization state conversion module 3.

[0068] The air-suspended imaging optical system further includes an anti-fingerprint module: an AF anti-fingerprint film is coated on the side of the polarization splitting module 2 away from the polarization state conversion module 3 to reduce the adhesion of dust and grease and reduce the number of screen cleaning times.

[0069] Among them, the suspended real image depth of the imaging area 5 is adjustable, and the adjustment method includes any of the following methods: changing the distance between the reflection module 4 and the polarization splitting module 2; adjusting the distance between the image source component 1 and the polarization splitting module 2; adjusting the focusing position by changing the curvature of the reflection module 4.

[0070] In one embodiment of the mid-air levitation imaging optical system based on polarization control and reflective optical structure according to the present invention, the system light efficiency utilization rate is ≥60%, and the resolution of the levitation real image is ≥2K.

[0071] On the basis of the above technical contents disclosed, in order to further understand the contents of the present invention, four specific embodiments are disclosed as follows: Embodiment 1: In a typical embodiment, as Figure 1-3 As shown, the aerial suspension imaging optical system of the present invention includes: an image source component 1, a polarization beam splitter prism 2, a quarter wave plate 3, a reflector 4, and an imaging area 5 for forming an aerial real image.

[0072] 1. Image Source: The image source is an OLED screen, which outputs unpolarized light. A polarizer is placed in front of the image source's light outlet to convert unpolarized light into S-polarized light. The polarizer's optical axis is perpendicular to the beam splitting axis of the PBS to ensure that the S-polarized light is effectively reflected by the PBS.

[0073] 2. Polarization Beam Splitting Module: The polarization beam splitting module is specifically a polarization beam splitter prism (PBS). The PBS uses a glass-polarization beam splitting film-glass bonded structure to achieve high reflection of S-polarized light (>99%) and high transmission of P-polarized light (>90%). Both surfaces are coated with an antireflection coating (AR coating), with a reflectivity of less than 1%.

[0074] Polarization conversion module: This module is specifically a quarter-wave plate 3, located between the polarization splitter module and the reflector. The wave plate is a glass-based cemented structure. S-polarized light is converted to circularly polarized light after passing through the polarization conversion module. After reflection, it becomes orthogonal P-polarized light, which is then transmitted through the polarization splitter module.

[0075] 4. Reflective Imaging Component: The reflector uses a spherical glass substrate with a silver-coated reflective film, achieving a reflectivity greater than 93%. Its shape, optimized through precision optical design, converges light in a designated imaging area, resulting in a clear image suspended in the air.

[0076] The light path is as follows: image source → polarizer (generates S-polarized light) → polarizing beam splitter (reflection) → 1 / 4 wave plate (converts to circularly polarized light) → reflector (focusing) → return → 1 / 4 wave plate (converts to P-polarized light) → polarizing beam splitter (transmission) → aerial image.

[0077] Example 2: In a typical embodiment, as Figure 1-3 As shown, the aerial suspension imaging optical system of the present invention includes: an image source component 1, a polarization beam splitter prism 2, a quarter wave plate 3, a reflector 4, and an imaging area 5 for forming an aerial real image.

[0078] 1. Image source component: The image source is an LCD screen, and the output is S-polarized light.

[0079] 2. Polarization Beam Splitting Module: This module is specifically a polarization beam splitter prism (PBS). The PBS utilizes a glass-polarization beam splitting film-glass bonded structure, achieving high reflection of S-polarized light (>99%) and high transmission of P-polarized light (>90%). Both surfaces are coated with an antireflection coating (AR coating), resulting in a reflectivity of less than 1%.

[0080] 3. Polarization Conversion Module: This module consists of a quarter-wave plate 3, located between the PBS and the reflector. The plate is a glass-cemented structure. S-polarized light is converted to circularly polarized light after passing through the plate. After reflection, it becomes orthogonal P-polarized light, which is then transmitted through the PBS.

[0081] 4. Reflective Imaging Component: The reflector uses a spherical glass substrate with a silver-coated reflective film, achieving a reflectivity greater than 93%. Its shape, optimized through precision optical design, converges light in a designated imaging area, resulting in a clear image suspended in the air.

[0082] The light path is as follows: image source (S-polarized light) → polarizing beam splitter (reflection) → 1 / 4 wave plate (converted to circularly polarized light) → reflector (focusing) → return path → 1 / 4 wave plate (converted to P-polarized light) → polarizing beam splitter (transmission) → aerial image.

[0083] Example 3: In a typical embodiment, as Figure 1-3 As shown, the aerial suspension imaging optical system of the present invention includes: an image source component 1, a polarization beam splitter prism 2, a quarter wave plate 3, a reflector 4, and an imaging area 5 for forming an aerial real image.

[0084] 1. Image source component: The image source is an LCD screen, and the output is S-polarized light.

[0085] 2. Polarization Beam Splitting Module: This module is specifically a polarization beam splitter prism (PBS). The PBS utilizes a glass-polarization beam splitting film-glass bonded structure, achieving high reflection of S-polarized light (>99%) and high transmission of P-polarized light (>90%). Both surfaces are coated with an antireflection coating (AR coating), resulting in a reflectivity of less than 1%.

[0086] Furthermore, a quarter-wave plate is attached to the surface of the PBS away from the image source to convert the linearly polarized light from inside the system into circularly polarized light. The angle between the optical axis of the quarter-wave plate and the polarization axis of the polarized light is ±45°.

[0087] 3. Polarization Conversion Module: This module consists of a quarter-wave plate 3, located between the PBS and the reflector. The plate is a glass-cemented structure. S-polarized light is converted to circularly polarized light after passing through the plate. After reflection, it becomes orthogonal P-polarized light, which is then transmitted through the PBS.

[0088] 4. Reflective Imaging Component: The reflector uses a spherical glass substrate with a silver-coated reflective film, achieving a reflectivity greater than 93%. Its shape, optimized through precision optical design, converges light in a designated imaging area, resulting in a clear image suspended in the air.

[0089] The light path is as follows: image source (S-polarized light) → polarizing beam splitter (reflection) → 1 / 4 wave plate (converted to circularly polarized light) → reflector (focusing) → return path → 1 / 4 wave plate (converted to P-polarized light) → polarizing beam splitter (transmission) → 1 / 4 wave plate film (converted to circularly polarized light) → aerial image.

[0090] Example 4: In a typical embodiment, as Figure 4 As shown, the aerial suspension imaging optical system of the present invention includes: an image source component 1, a polarization beam splitter prism 2, a quarter wave plate 3, a reflector 4, and an imaging area 5 for forming an aerial real image.

[0091] 1. Image source component: The image source is an LCD screen, and the output is P-polarized light.

[0092] 2. Polarization Beam Splitting Module: This module is specifically a polarization beam splitter prism (PBS). The PBS utilizes a glass-polarization beam splitting film-glass bonded structure, achieving high reflection of S-polarized light (>99%) and high transmission of P-polarized light (>90%). Both surfaces are coated with an antireflection coating (AR coating), resulting in a reflectivity of less than 1%.

[0093] 3. Polarization Conversion Module: This module is specifically a quarter-wave plate 3, located between the polarization splitter module and the reflector module. The plate is a glass-based, glued structure. P-polarized light is converted to circularly polarized light after passing through the quarter-wave plate 3. After reflection, it is converted to orthogonal S-polarized light, which is then reflected by the polarization splitter module.

[0094] 4. Reflective Imaging Component: The reflector uses a spherical glass substrate with a silver-coated reflective film, achieving a reflectivity greater than 93%. Its shape, optimized through precision optical design, converges light in a designated imaging area, resulting in a clear image suspended in the air.

[0095] The light path is as follows: image source (P polarized light) → polarizing beam splitter (transmission) → 1 / 4 wave plate (converted to circularly polarized light) → reflector (focusing) → return path → 1 / 4 wave plate (converted to S polarized light) → polarizing beam splitter (reflection) → aerial image.

[0096] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or substitute equivalents for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0097] It should be noted that the various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. Reference can be made to the common and similar parts between the various embodiments. For the systems or devices disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the method description.

[0098] It should be understood that in the present invention, "at least one (item)" refers to one or more, and "plurality" refers to two or more. "And / or" is used to describe the association relationship of associated objects, indicating that three relationships may exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent: only A exists, only B exists, and A and B exist at the same time, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the previous and next associated objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one of the following items" or similar expressions refers to any combination of these items, including any combination of single items or plural items. For example, at least one of a, b or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, c can be single or multiple.

[0099] It should also be noted that, in the present invention, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are merely used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article, or device comprising a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. In the absence of further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising a ..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or device comprising the element.

[0100] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented directly using hardware, software modules executed by a processor, or a combination of the two. The software modules can be placed in random access memory (RAM), internal memory, read-only memory (ROM), electrically programmable ROM, electrically erasable programmable ROM, registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art.

[0101] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is intended to enable one skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is intended to be embodied in the widest possible manner consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An aerial suspended imaging optical system based on polarization control and reflective optical structure, characterized in that: include: An image source component (1) is used to emit a first polarized light; a polarization splitting module (2) is used to first transmit the first polarized light and second transmit the second polarized light; a polarization state conversion module (3) is arranged between the polarization splitting module (2) and the reflection module (4), and is used to convert the first polarized light into circularly polarized light, and after reflection, convert the circularly polarized light into a second polarized light orthogonal to the original polarization direction; and a reflection module (4) is used to reflect and focus the light onto a predetermined imaging area (5) in the air.

2. The aerial levitation imaging optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first polarized light is S polarized light, and the second polarized light is P polarized light; the first transmission is reflection, and the second transmission is transmission; the image source component (1) includes any of the following configurations: a display screen that directly emits S polarized light; a display screen that emits non-polarized light, a polarizer is provided at the front end thereof to generate S polarized light; a display screen that emits non-polarized light, a polarizer and a 1 / 2 wave plate are provided at the front end thereof to generate S polarized light; a display screen that emits P polarized light, a 1 / 2 wave plate is provided at the front end thereof to convert P polarized light into S polarized light.

3. The aerial levitation imaging optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first polarized light is P polarized light, and the second polarized light is S polarized light; the first transmission is transmission, and the second transmission is reflection; the image source component (1) includes any of the following configurations: a display screen that directly emits P polarized light; a display screen that emits non-polarized light, a polarizer is provided at the front end thereof to generate P polarized light; a display screen that emits non-polarized light, a polarizer and a 1 / 2 wave plate are provided at the front end thereof to generate P polarized light; a display screen that emits S polarized light, a 1 / 2 wave plate is provided at the front end thereof to convert P polarized light into P polarized light.

4. The aerial levitation imaging optical system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The polarization splitting module (2) can reflect S-polarized light and transmit P-polarized light, with the S-polarized light reflectivity ranging from 1% to 99% and the P-polarized light transmittance ranging from 1% to 99%. The surface of the polarization splitting module (2) is coated with an antireflection film with a reflectivity of ≤1%, and the antireflection film is preferably an AR film.

5. The aerial levitation imaging optical system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The polarization state conversion module (3) can realize the mutual conversion of polarization states between linearly polarized light and circularly polarized light, including but not limited to the following methods: a birefringent crystal wave plate with a thickness satisfying ,in is the working wavelength, is the crystal refractive index; the liquid crystal phase retarder adjusts the phase delay by the electric field; the composite wave plate is composed of multiple layers of birefringent materials to expand the working bandwidth.

6. The aerial levitation imaging optical system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The reflection module (4) comprises: a substrate, the surface of which is spherical, aspherical or free-form, and the material of which is glass, plastic or metal; a reflection film selected from aluminum film, silver film, gold film or dielectric high-reflection film, and the reflectivity is 1%-99%; the curvature parameters of the reflection module (4) are optimized according to the position and size of the imaging area (5) to achieve precise focusing of light.

7. The aerial levitation imaging optical system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The air-suspended imaging optical system further comprises an ambient light suppression module: a polarizing plate is attached to a side of the polarization splitting module (2) away from the polarization state conversion module (3), and the polarization direction is orthogonal to the first polarized light.

8. The aerial levitation imaging optical system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The air-suspended imaging optical system further comprises a polarization splitting component: a quarter wave plate is attached to a side of the polarization splitting module (2) away from the polarization state conversion module (3), and the angle between the optical axis of the quarter wave plate and the polarization direction of the first polarized light is ±45° or ±135°.

9. The aerial levitation imaging optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air-suspended imaging optical system further comprises an anti-blue light module, and the implementation of the blue light module includes but is not limited to any of the following methods: coating an anti-blue light film on the surface of the image source component (1); coating an anti-blue light film on the side of the polarization splitting module (2) away from the polarization state conversion module (3); and the air-suspended imaging optical system further comprises an anti-fingerprint module: coating an AF anti-fingerprint film on the side of the polarization splitting module (2) away from the polarization state conversion module (3).

10. The aerial levitation imaging optical system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The depth of the suspended real image of the imaging area (5) is adjustable, and the adjustment method includes any of the following methods: changing the distance between the reflection module (4) and the polarization beam splitting module (2); adjusting the distance between the image source component (1) and the polarization beam splitting module (2); and adjusting the focus position by changing the curvature of the reflection module (4).

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