Reflection-Type Aerial Image Optics With Folded Light Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical image formation devices require large occupancy space due to symmetrical formation of aerial images, necessitating either excessive height or depth dimensions, which limits their miniaturization and visibility without reducing the viewing angle.
Innovation Solution
A reflection-type aerial image formation device using overlaid optical control units with orthogonal light reflecting surfaces and strategically placed mirrors to bend and shorten the optical path, reducing device size and thickness while maintaining visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the optical image formation device forms an aerial image symmetrically through the optical image formation means, then the image quality is maintained, but the device requires large occupancy space in the height or depth direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing from symmetrical optical path configuration to asymmetrical configuration. Specifically, the optical path lengths from the display means to the optical image formation means and from the optical image formation means to the aerial image are made unequal, allowing the device to achieve compact dimensions while maintaining image quality through careful optimization of the asymmetrical path lengths
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar optical path arrangement to a three-dimensional folded optical path arrangement. By introducing optical mirrors and folding the optical path in multiple dimensions, the device achieves compact occupancy space while maintaining the required optical path lengths for image quality
2Length of stationary object
If the linear distance from the display means to the aerial image is shortened, then the device is miniaturized, but the viewing angle is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses three-dimensional optical path folding through mirrors and prisms to shorten the linear distance from display means to aerial image while maintaining adequate optical path lengths. This dimensional transformation allows compact device size without compromising viewing angle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite optical systems combining multiple optical elements (mirrors, prisms, optical image formation means) to achieve both compact size and maintained viewing angle performance through coordinated optimization of each component
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical path length is increased to maintain viewing angle, then the device size increases, but miniaturization is achieved when optical path is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by folding the optical path into three-dimensional space using mirrors and prisms. This allows the optical path length to be sufficiently long for maintaining viewing angle while the linear device dimensions remain compact due to the folded configuration
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 device achieves a sharp aerial image with excellent visibility and reduced dimensions by folding the optical path, allowing for miniaturization and improved privacy without compromising the viewing angle.
Implementation Method 1
Light emitted from display means and irradiating the first reflecting mirror is reflected by the first reflecting mirror to be made incident on the first optical control unit
Implementation Method 2
light reflected once by the first light reflecting surface to be made incident on the second optical control unit
Implementation Method 3
reflected once by the second light reflecting surface to exit from the second optical control unit
Implementation Method 4
light exiting from the second optical control unit is reflected by the second reflecting mirror to form an image displayed on the display means into an aerial image
Data Source
AI summary
A reflection-type aerial image formation device includes a first reflecting mirror placed on a side of a first optical control unit of an optical image formation means so as to face the first optical control unit at an interval and a second reflecting mirror placed on a side of a second optical control unit of the optical image formation means so as to face the second optical control unit at an interval.