Aerial Imaging Element with Mirror for 3D Orientation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems that form three-dimensional images in the air often invert protrusions and recesses, leading to unnatural or non-three-dimensional effects due to the use of odd or insufficient numbers of imaging optical systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising an aerial imaging element and a reflective member with a mirror surface, where the aerial imaging element reflects light to form a real image in plane symmetry with the projected object, and the reflective member forms a virtual image that is reflected again to create a second real image with correctly oriented protrusions and recesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an odd number of imaging optical systems is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the protrusions and recesses are inverted leading to unnatural three-dimensional images
Solution Approach 1:
A reflective member (mirror) is introduced as an intermediary element between the aerial imaging element and the projected object. This mediator reflects light to form a virtual image that is then imaged by the aerial imaging element, effectively adding an additional imaging stage without directly increasing the complexity of the aerial imaging element itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging function is segmented into two separate components: the aerial imaging element and the reflective member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the reflective member handles the first reflection to create proper orientation, while the aerial imaging element focuses the light to form the real image in air.
2Manufacturing precision
If an even number of imaging optical systems is used, then the protrusions and recesses are correctly oriented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective member serves as a simple intermediary that performs the necessary reflection without requiring complex imaging optics. This approach achieves the even-numbered imaging effect (correct orientation) while keeping the added complexity minimal - essentially just a mirror rather than a full imaging optical system.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple aerial imaging elements are arranged in a line, then the three-dimensional image quality improves, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging multiple complex aerial imaging elements in a line, a single reflective member is used as an intermediary to achieve the same optical effect. This approach improves three-dimensional image quality through proper light reflection while avoiding the need to manufacture and assemble multiple expensive aerial imaging elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective member creates a virtual image that serves as an intermediate copy of the projected object. This virtual copy is then imaged by the aerial imaging element, effectively achieving enhanced three-dimensional quality without duplicating the entire aerial imaging element.
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
This configuration ensures that the real image formed has correctly oriented protrusions and recesses, providing a natural three-dimensional effect without the inversion issues present in previous systems, while maintaining low manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an aerial imaging element that reflects entering light so as to form a real image aerially
Implementation Method 2
The reflective member is arranged so as to reflect first entering light to emit to the aerial imaging element as second entering light
Data Source
AI summary
A display device, including: an optical system including an aerial imaging element, and a reflective member having a mirror surface that reflects light, wherein the reflective member is arranged so as to reflect first entering light to emit to the aerial imaging element as second entering light, the first entering light is emitted from a projected object and is reflected by the aerial imaging element, and wherein the aerial imaging element reflects the first entering light so as to form a first real image in a position that is in plane symmetry with the projected object with respect to a plane in which the aerial imaging element is formed; and reflects the second entering light so as to form a second real image in a position that is in plane symmetry with a virtual image of the first real image formed by the reflective member with respect to the plane.