Aerial Image Tactile Feedback via Air Plate Blower
Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices with polarizing filters and retroreflective elements fail to provide a realistic 'touch' sensation when observers attempt to interact with aerial images, lacking the tactile feedback necessary for a convincing simulation experience.
Innovation Solution
A display device incorporating a retroreflective element, an optical element that reflects and transmits light, a blower mechanism to create an air plate, and a sensor to detect objects, allowing the controller to adjust airflow and sound output to simulate tactile interaction with aerial images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a retroreflective element and polarizing filter are used to form aerial images, then the visual display of images is achieved, but the tactile sensation of touching the aerial image is lost
Solution Approach 1:
An air plate is introduced as an intermediary substance between the aerial image and the observer's hand. The air plate is formed by blowing air from a blower toward the aerial image, creating a tangible medium that transmits tactile sensations when touched, while remaining transparent to light so the aerial image remains visible.
Solution Approach 2:
A blower mechanism is used to generate and direct airflow to form the air plate. The pneumatic system creates a controlled air cushion that has physical presence and can be touched, providing tactile feedback while maintaining optical transparency for image display.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air is blown to create a tactile air plate, then tactile sensation is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blower mechanism serves multiple functions: it cools the light source by directing airflow over it, and it forms the tactile air plate by directing airflow toward the aerial image. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling function and air plate formation function are merged into a single blower mechanism. The airflow path is designed to simultaneously achieve both cooling the light source and creating the tactile interface, reducing device complexity through functional integration.
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
Enables observers to perceive a tactile sensation by manipulating airflow in the region of the aerial image, enhancing the simulation experience with visual and auditory feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflective element which retroreflects incident light
Implementation Method 2
an optical element comprising a lower surface opposing the display and the retroreflective element and an upper surface on an opposite side to the lower surface, which reflects part of the display light toward the retroreflective element and transmits reflection light retroreflected by the retroreflective element
Implementation Method 3
a first blower mechanism which blows air to a side of the upper surface
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a display which emits display light, a retroreflective element which retroreflects incident light, an optical element including a lower surface opposing the display and the retroreflective element and an upper surface on an opposite side to the lower surface, which reflects part of the display light toward the retroreflective element and transmits reflection light retroreflected by the retroreflective element and a first blower mechanism which blows air to a side of the upper surface.