Asymmetric Half-Mirror Display for Face-to-Face Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices that use transparent displays between users face issues with image reversal, low transmittance, and the need for multiple devices, which impairs visual quality and usability during face-to-face communication.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration that includes a support, separate light sources, and half mirrors with inclined reflecting surfaces to project images in specific directions, preventing image reversal and allowing for high transmittance and independent image presentation to each user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transparent display is arranged between two users facing each other to present images to each user, then the display transparency is maintained, but the image presented to one user may be visually recognized in a reversed state by the other user, impairing visual quality
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is divided into separate first and second display units, each dedicated to presenting images to a specific user. This segmentation allows each display unit to be optimized for its specific viewing direction, preventing image reversal issues while maintaining overall system versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second display units are configured with asymmetric orientations relative to the light source. The first display unit has a first normal direction and the second display unit has a second normal direction, creating asymmetric image projection paths that prevent reversed image recognition while maintaining display adaptability
2Manufacturing precision
If light to the back side is blocked to prevent reversed image recognition, then image reversal is prevented, but the transmittance of the display device is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of blocking light with a single opaque layer, the device segments the display into multiple transparent display units with different orientations. Each unit allows light transmission while directing images to specific users through asymmetric configuration, maintaining high transmittance while preventing image reversal
Solution Approach 2:
Each display unit is configured with local optical properties optimized for its specific function. The first and second display units have different normal directions and reflectivity characteristics tailored to their respective viewing angles, allowing selective image direction without overall light blocking
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices are prepared according to the number of users to present different images, then independent image presentation is achieved, but the device complexity and space requirement increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple display functions are merged into a single display device by incorporating both first and second display units with different normal directions. This allows independent image presentation to multiple users while reducing the number of separate devices needed
Solution Approach 2:
The display device achieves multi-functionality by enabling different image presentations to different users simultaneously through asymmetric display unit configuration. A single device can serve multiple users with different viewing requirements, eliminating the need for separate devices for each user
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 enhances visual quality by preventing image reversal, maintains high transmittance for clear user visibility, and allows for easy setup and use with a single device, improving face-to-face communication experiences.
Implementation Method 1
a first half mirror mounted on the support and provided with a first reflecting surface inclined with respect to an emitting direction of light of the first light source
Data Source
AI summary
Used is a display device having: a support; first and second image light source units mounted on the support; a first half mirror mounted on the support and having a first reflecting surface inclined with respect to an emitting direction of light of the first image light source unit; and a second half mirror mounted on the support and having a second reflecting surface inclined with respect to an emitting direction of light of the second image light source unit. The light emitted from the first image light source unit is reflected by the first reflecting surface and irradiated in a first direction, and the light emitted from the second image light source unit is reflected by the second reflecting surface and irradiated in a second direction different from the first direction. The same image or a different image can be simultaneously displayed at the first and second display regions.