Air Density Front Projection Using Synchronized Sound Waves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current techniques for projecting light into ambient air lack diversity and quality without a solid screen, and there is a need for methods to make images visible in fluid media like air.

Innovation Solution

A device that projects light onto a density front in ambient air by varying the gas density using sources such as heat or sound waves, creating a refractive and reflective surface for image projection, combined with controlled light sources and synchronization to enhance image quality and diversity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If light is projected into ambient air without a solid screen, then the projection can be made in the absence of a physical screen, but the quality and diversity of images are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection medium flexibilityVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an acoustic field as an intermediary medium between the light source and the observer. Sound waves create density variations in air that act as a temporary projection surface, allowing light to be displayed without solid screens while maintaining image quality through controlled acoustic fields.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of air by using acoustic waves to create localized density changes. These parameter changes in the air medium create refractive index variations that form visible projection surfaces, enabling both flexibility in projection locations and adequate image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If density variation sources are used to create projection surfaces in air, then images can be projected without solid screens, but the complexity of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection surface creationVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs acoustic waves that serve multiple functions: they create the projection surface, define the projection area, and can be dynamically repositioned. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for surface creation and positioning, thereby managing device complexity while enhancing versatility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamically controllable acoustic fields that can be repositioned and reshaped in real-time. This dynamic approach replaces static solid screens with flexible, programmable acoustic surfaces, achieving versatility through software control rather than hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Illumination intensity

If sound waves are used to create density fronts for light projection, then visible projections in air are achieved, but synchronization with light frequency is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprojection visibilityVSAvoidsynchronization control
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control mechanisms that monitor the acoustic field and adjust the light projection timing accordingly. This feedback system automatically synchronizes the light frequency with the acoustic wave frequency, achieving visible projections while managing synchronization complexity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the periodic nature of acoustic waves to create rhythmically repeating projection surfaces. By synchronizing light emission with these periodic acoustic cycles, the system achieves consistent visibility without requiring complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 produces more diverse and higher quality images in ambient air by exploiting density variations in gas, allowing for visible projections without a physical screen, with adjustable focus and synchronization to maintain image clarity.

Implementation Method 1

The difference in density produces a variation in the refractive index of light in the gaseous medium, which can make light projections visible

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

Depending on the angles of incidence of light projections on a surface defined by a variation in gas density, the reflection and/or refraction of the emitted light on such a surface can be observed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The density of air can vary, particularly due to thermal diffusion in the atmosphere

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal diffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 4

A source of density variation can allow for the local production of a higher or lower density than the average density

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave: Sound

Data Source

PatentEP4711846A1Device and method for projecting synchronized light onto a sound wave
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 HABEGGER SIDNEY
  • EP4711846A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4711846A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4711846A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (1) for projecting light into a fluid environment (40), comprising at least one density-varying source (10) for locally varying the density of the fluid environment to produce at least one density front, and at least one light projection source (20), comprising a light source adapted for projecting at least one image (30) onto said at least one density front (11). The density front may be a compression wave having a frequency (F11). The image may be emitted intermittently at a frequency corresponding to the frequency of the wave. The present invention further covers a method of optical projection using this device.