Acute-Angled Display Optics for Safe Windshield Image Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional information display systems, particularly in vehicles, lack consideration for safety and visibility due to direct image light entry into the observer's eyes, inefficient light utilization, and restricted installation due to windshield inclination, limiting high-resolution image display and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
An information display system with a configuration that includes a transparent sheet and a light direction changing unit to control image light direction, using a specific polarization component and an image light control film with a sandwich structure of transparent and black silicon layers to prevent direct light entry and enhance light utilization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If image light is projected directly from the liquid crystal display panel to the observer, then visibility is improved, but safety deteriorates due to direct exposure of light to the observer's eyes
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent sheet with a light diffusion layer is introduced as an intermediary between the liquid crystal display panel and the observer. This diffusion layer scatters the image light, preventing direct exposure to the observer's eyes while maintaining visibility of the projected image.
Solution Approach 2:
The light path is segmented into direct light components and diffused light components. The transparent sheet separates these paths, allowing the diffused light to reach the observer while blocking the direct light path that would cause safety issues.
2Illumination intensity
If a light diffusion layer containing binder and fine particles is used, then light scattering is improved, but light utilization efficiency deteriorates due to absorption and reflection losses
Solution Approach 1:
The refractive index of the light diffusion layer is optimized to match the surrounding media, reducing reflection losses. The particle size, concentration, and material composition of the diffusion layer are carefully controlled to maximize scattering efficiency while minimizing absorption and reflection losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The light diffusion layer is constructed as a composite material combining transparent binder and carefully selected fine particles with complementary optical properties. This composite structure achieves effective light scattering while maintaining high light transmission and minimizing energy losses.
3Loss of information
If conventional projection systems are used, then image display is achieved, but power consumption increases due to inefficient light delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The optical parameters of the system are optimized including the refractive index matching, particle size distribution, and layer thickness of the diffusion layer. These parameter optimizations maximize light transmission efficiency and minimize losses, thereby reducing the power required to achieve the desired image brightness.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides safe, high-resolution image display with reduced power consumption by efficiently delivering image light to observers, improving visibility and usability without direct light entry into the eyes.
Implementation Method 1
an image light characteristic converting unit for converting the image light from the light source constituting the image projection apparatus into image light having a narrow diffusion angle and composed of a specific polarization component
Implementation Method 2
the image light reflected by the transparent sheet is recognized by the observer
Implementation Method 3
an image light control film configured to restrict an emission direction of the image light is provided on an upper surface of the image projection apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An information display system having acute-angled diffusion characteristics configured to display an image to inside or outside of a space via a transparent projected member, the information display system including an image projection apparatus, a transparent sheet provided on an inner surface of a display region set on a part of the projected member; and a light direction changing unit that directs a direction of image light toward the transparent sheet of the display region, the image projection apparatus including an image light characteristic converting unit, and an image light control film that restricts an emission direction of the image light being provided on an upper surface of the image projection apparatus, so that the image light is not directly delivered to an observer and the image light reflected by the transparent sheet is recognized by the observer.