Air-Floating Video Optics for Ghost-Free In-Vehicle Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air floating video display apparatuses lack improvements in visual resolution and contrast, which are essential for enhanced video quality, especially in applications like vehicle-based systems where high visibility and non-contact interaction are critical.
Innovation Solution
The air floating video display apparatus incorporates a video display apparatus with a polarization separation member and a retroreflector featuring a λ/4 plate, which converts polarized video light to enhance visibility and reduce ghost images, allowing for high-resolution, high-visibility air floating video displays, even in vehicles with minimal obstruction of the driver's view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional air floating video display apparatus is used, then the video can be displayed in the air, but the visual resolution and contrast are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A polarization separation member is introduced as an intermediary component between the display apparatus and the retroreflector. This member separates polarized light into different directions, enabling the formation of a real image in the air with improved resolution and contrast by controlling the polarization state of light rays
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the polarization parameter of light by using a λ/4 plate (quarter-wave plate) on the retroreflector surface. This converts linearly polarized light from the display into circularly polarized light upon reflection, which then passes through the polarization separation member to form a clear real image with enhanced visual quality
2Illumination intensity
If the air floating video display apparatus is installed in a vehicle, then route guidance and POI information can be provided to the driver, but the visibility may be obstructed by the vehicle interior and external light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization separation member acts as an optical intermediary that selectively transmits and reflects polarized light. This enables the system to maintain high video visibility by directing polarized light from the display through the retroreflector to form a bright real image in the air, while the polarized nature of the light helps it stand out against varying external light conditions in the vehicle environment
3Loss of information
If a retroreflector is used to display the air floating video, then the video can be projected, but ghost images are generated which reduce image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The polarization separation member is positioned between the display apparatus and the retroreflector to act as an optical intermediary. It separates the polarized light into specific paths, ensuring that only the desired light rays reach the retroreflector and are reflected back to form a clean real image, thereby preventing ghost images from forming
Solution Approach 2:
The λ/4 plate on the retroreflector changes the polarization parameter of the reflected light by 90 degrees. This polarization conversion ensures that the reflected light passes through the polarization separation member in the correct direction to form a sharp real image, while preventing unwanted multiple reflections that would create ghost images
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 provides a high-visibility, high-resolution air floating video display that reduces ghost images and maintains clear visibility even under strong external light conditions, enhancing safety and comfort in vehicle applications while minimizing the risk of contact infections.
Implementation Method 1
a video light of a specific polarized wave emitted from the liquid crystal display panel passes through the polarization separation member, is reflected by the retroreflector, and passes through the λ/4 plate to be subjected to polarization conversion into a video light of the other polarized wave
Implementation Method 2
a retroreflector arranged outside the second housing so as to face the video display apparatus and having a λ/4 plate provided on a retroreflection surface
Implementation Method 3
a polarization separation member arranged at a predetermined angle with respect to the video display apparatus and the retroreflector, in a space connecting the video display apparatus and the retroreflector
Data Source
AI summary
An air floating video with high visibility suitable for use in a vehicle is provided that contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 3: “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages,” and 9: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.” The air floating video display apparatus includes a housing which is attachable at a position near a ceiling or a rearview mirror in the vehicle and stores a video display apparatus. A retroreflector on which a N/4 plate is provided and a polarization separation member arranged at a predetermined angle are provided outside the housing. A video light of a specific polarized wave from the video display apparatus is subjected to polarization conversion via the polarization separation member, the retroreflector, etc., and an air floating video is displayed at a predetermined position on the basis of the video light of the other polarized wave.