Aerial Image Visibility Control Using Dynamic Contrast

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerial image formation technologies face challenges in maintaining visibility of aerial images when they overlap with backgrounds, particularly due to color tone similarities between the image and the background, leading to reduced recognition of characters and images.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus is developed that includes a visibility control system, using a second aerial image forming unit to improve the visibility of a first aerial image by strategically positioning and configuring a second image behind the first, utilizing human detection sensors and image processing to adjust the position, size, and content of the second image based on the observer's distance and direction, employing contrasting colors and patterns to enhance visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single aerial image is formed in the air, then the device complexity is low, but the visibility of the image deteriorates when it overlaps with backgrounds of similar color tone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidvisibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines a first aerial image forming unit and a second aerial image forming unit into a single integrated system. The controller coordinates both image forming units to display complementary images simultaneously in the air, where the second image enhances the visibility of the first image by providing contrasting color tones in regions where the first image overlaps with similar-colored backgrounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by making different parts of the displayed image have different properties. The second aerial image is specifically configured to have color tones that contrast with the background in regions where the first image has poor visibility, while maintaining consistency with the first image in regions where the first image already has good visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a second aerial image is added to improve visibility, then the visibility of the first image improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the controller perform multiple functions: it controls both the first aerial image forming unit and the second aerial image forming unit, detects observer positions using sensors, determines which regions need visibility enhancement, and dynamically adjusts the second image's content and position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses environmental sensors to automatically detect observer positions and background conditions, then autonomously determines the optimal configuration for the second aerial image to enhance visibility. The system self-adjusts without requiring manual intervention or complex external control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the second aerial image is positioned to overlap with the first image, then the visibility improves through color contrast, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic positioning where the second aerial image's position, size, and content are adjusted in real-time based on detected observer positions and background conditions. The controller dynamically reconfigures the second image forming unit to maintain optimal visibility enhancement across different viewing scenarios, rather than using fixed static positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to detect observer positions and continuously monitors the display environment. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the second aerial image's configuration to maintain effective visibility enhancement. The feedback loop allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain precision without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10810915B2Information processing apparatus, information processing system, and non-transitory computer readable medium
Publication Date: 2020.10.20 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP
  • US10810915B2 patent drawing
  • US10810915B2 patent drawing
  • US10810915B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes a controller that improves visibility of a first image. The first image is formed in the air by using a first image forming unit.