Aerial Image Projector Layout for Clear Retroreflected Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial image projectors face challenges in presenting detailed and coherent aerial images to users, particularly when mounted on movable bodies, due to diffusion and reduced resolution caused by the retroreflective elements and the distance between display devices and retroreflective elements.
Innovation Solution
The aerial image projector incorporates a first reflective element, a second reflective element, a first optical element, and two display devices to transmit, reflect, and collect image light in specific directions, allowing for the formation of clear aerial images both inside and outside a movable body by reducing diffusion through a compact and flexible optical system that includes lenses and polarizers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a retroreflective element is used to form aerial images, then the image can be displayed without additional lighting, but the resolution and coherence of the image deteriorate due to light diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflective element is divided into multiple independent reflective elements (first reflective element, second reflective element, third reflective element) arranged in a specific pattern. Each element reflects light from specific display devices to form separate image portions, reducing overall diffusion while maintaining retroreflective functionality. This segmentation allows precise control of light paths for each image component.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the reflective element structure are assigned different functions: some regions use retroreflective elements for nighttime visibility, while other regions use transparent or translucent elements for daytime image projection. The display devices are also selectively positioned and configured to match the local optical properties of each reflective element region, optimizing both resolution and energy utilization in different areas.
2Area of moving object
If the distance between display devices and retroreflective elements is increased, then the image can be formed larger, but the resolution and coherence deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-distance optical path to multiple optical paths with different effective distances. Some display devices are positioned closer to the reflective elements while others are positioned farther away, creating a multi-dimensional spatial arrangement. This allows different portions of the aerial image to be formed at optimal distances, maintaining resolution while achieving overall larger image size through the combined effect of multiple image portions.
3Loss of information
If multiple display devices are used to emit image light, then more information can be presented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective element structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a retroreflective element for nighttime safety visibility, a projection surface for daytime aerial images, and a spatial organizer for multiple display devices. The same physical structure (the reflective element array) handles both image formation and light direction control, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system despite using multiple display devices.
4Manufacturing precision
If a compact optical system is used to reduce diffusion, then the image coherence improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective elements are integrated directly with the display device array, eliminating the need for separate optical coupling components. The reflective elements serve as both the optical element and the projection surface, merging multiple functions into a single structure. This integration reduces the number of discrete components and assembly steps while maintaining the compact optical path needed for coherent image formation.
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 enhances the resolution and coherence of aerial images, enabling more information to be presented to users by minimizing diffusion and optimizing light utilization, allowing seamless extension of images from inside to outside a movable body.
Implementation Method 1
The first reflective element transmits, in a second direction, a part of first image light traveling in a first direction and representing an image, reflects, in a third direction, a part of second image light traveling in the second direction
Implementation Method 2
The second reflective element retroreflects the first image light transmitted through the first reflective element as the second image light
Implementation Method 3
The first optical element is between the first reflective element and the second reflective element and collects the first image light and the second image light
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial image projector includes a first reflective element, a second reflective element, a first optical element, a first display device, and a second display device. The first reflective element transmits, in a second direction, a part of first image light traveling in a first direction, reflects, in a third direction, a part of second image light traveling in the second direction, and transmits, in the third direction, a part of third image light traveling in a fourth direction. The second reflective element retroreflects the first image light transmitted through the first reflective element as the second image light. The first optical element is between the first reflective element and the second reflective element and collects the first image light and the second image light. The first display device emits the first image light. The second display device emits the third image light.