Aerial Projection Device Asymmetric Screen Offset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for aerial and dematerialized projection of images struggle when replacing real objects with digital images, as the reflected image interferes with the source image, degrading the quality and causing unwanted illumination, especially in the case of auto-stereoscopic images where the reflected image is sharp and on the same plane as the screen.
Innovation Solution
A device with a concave spherical mirror and an autostereoscopic image display screen, where the screen is offset from the optical axis by at least half its height, and optionally a semi-reflecting mirror, to prevent interference between the reflected and original images, maintaining image quality and preventing external light reflections from disturbing the projected image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the display screen is placed at the focal point of the concave mirror to achieve scale 1 projection, then the projected image maintains original dimensions, but the return image interferes with the source image degrading quality
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is deliberately positioned asymmetrically offset from the optical axis of the concave mirror by at least half the screen height. This asymmetric placement ensures that the return image reflected by the concave mirror does not overlap with the source image on the display screen, eliminating interference while maintaining scale 1 projection quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by introducing a spatial dimension offset perpendicular to the optical axis. Instead of adjusting only the axial position, the screen is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, separating the source image and return image in the lateral dimension while maintaining their axial relationship for scale 1 projection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the display screen is brought closer to the concave mirror to magnify the projected image, then the return image is de-focused and less interfering, but the projected image acquires a domed appearance due to conical perspective
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is positioned asymmetrically offset from the optical axis at a specific distance that balances two requirements: being close enough to the mirror to de-focus the return image and reduce interference, while maintaining the geometric conditions for scale 1 projection without conical perspective distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The position parameters of the display screen are precisely optimized - both the axial distance from the mirror and the lateral offset distance. This parameter optimization allows the system to simultaneously achieve de-focused return image (reducing interference) and maintain scale 1 projection (avoiding domed appearance).
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a semi-reflecting mirror is added to redirect the return image, then external light reflections are blocked, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A semi-reflecting mirror is introduced as an intermediary optical element positioned at a 45-degree angle to the optical axis. This mirror redirects external light reflections away from the display screen while allowing the projection light to pass through, effectively blocking harmful external reflections with minimal impact on the overall device structure.
4Manufacturing precision
If the screen is offset from the optical axis to prevent return image interference, then image quality is maintained, but the device requires larger housing space
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is positioned asymmetrically offset from the optical axis by at least half its height, which prevents return image interference and maintains image quality. This asymmetric layout is optimized to fit within compact housing dimensions, balancing image quality requirements with space constraints.
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 solution allows for high-quality, interference-free aerial and dematerialized projection of auto-stereoscopic images, maintaining the original image quality and preventing external light from disturbing the projected image, while enabling interaction and compact design suitable for various industries.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system comprising at least one concave spherical mirror having an optical axis, a focal length F... said optical system being arranged in said housing so that it can orient at least a part incident light received towards said observation window to form therein a dematerialized and floating image
Implementation Method 2
a semi-reflecting mirror arranged inclined on the optical path connecting said screen and said spherical mirror... so that the image displayed by said screen appears, after a transmission by the semi-reflecting mirror, a reflection on the spherical mirror and a reflection on the semi-reflecting mirror, dematerialized and floating through the observation window
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention concerns a device for the dematerialised aerial projection of a digital image (31) comprising: a housing (10) in which an opening is provided forming a viewing window (15) for viewing a dematerialised aerial image (32) of said digital image (31); an optical system comprising at least one concave spherical mirror (24), said optical system being arranged in said housing (10) such that it can direct at least some of the received incident light towards said observation window (15) in order to form a dematerialised aerial image (32) of the digital image (31) there; a display screen (23) for displaying said digital image (31) to be projected, housed in said housing (10) facing said spherical mirror (24) at a distance equal to double the focal length of the spherical mirror, and separated from said optical axis (20) of said spherical mirror (24), perpendicularly to this optical axis (20), by a distance at least equal to half the height of the display screen (23).