Book-Like 3D Card Viewer for Thin, Ambient-Light Observation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D devices are not suitable for collection cards due to excessive volume, weight, and the need for external lighting, and they cannot be applied to book structures without compromising the standard dimensions and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A 3D collection card system comprising a 3D observation device with a thin-film structure and left and right lenses, integrated into a book-like case, allowing for 3D images to be viewed with ambient light, and accommodating multiple cards for easy handling and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional 3D devices are used, then 3D image viewing is enabled, but the device volume and weight become excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D image viewing capabilityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The 3D observation device is divided into separate components: a book-like case containing optical elements (lenses, mirrors) and a separate 3D card with printed images. This segmentation allows the viewing function to be distributed, reducing the volume of any single component while maintaining the complete 3D viewing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from traditional front-illuminated 3D displays to back-illuminated transmission mode. By printing images on the back surface of transparent cards and illuminating from behind, the system achieves 3D viewing in a thinner profile, effectively utilizing the z-dimension (thickness) to reduce overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional 3D devices are used, then 3D image viewing is enabled, but the device weight becomes excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D image viewing capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs lightweight, disposable-like components such as printed transparent cards with images and simple optical elements. These replace heavy, permanent 3D display devices, achieving 3D viewing with minimal weight while the cards can be easily replaced or discarded after use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses thin transparent cards with printed images instead of bulky solid-state displays. These thin-film structures provide the necessary optical function for 3D viewing while contributing minimal weight to the overall system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If conventional 3D devices are used, then 3D image viewing is enabled, but external lighting is required which complicates the structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D image viewing capabilityVSAvoidlighting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses ambient environmental light as the illumination source rather than incorporating built-in lighting systems. The transparent cards and optical elements are designed to work with externally available light, allowing the device to serve itself by utilizing the surrounding environment's resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The optical elements (lenses, mirrors) in the book-like case serve multiple functions: they guide ambient light through the transparent cards, create the 3D viewing effect, and eliminate the need for dedicated lighting structures. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity.

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

4Reliability

If film-based 3D screens are used, then 3D viewing is possible, but toxic chemicals are required which limits mass production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D viewing capabilityVSAvoidmass production capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces chemical film-based 3D displays with a mechanical/optical printing system. Images are printed on transparent cards using conventional printing methods, eliminating the need for toxic chemical processing while maintaining 3D viewing functionality through optical element arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines transparent card material with printed image layers and optical elements to create a composite structure that achieves 3D viewing without relying on toxic chemical films. This composite approach enables standard manufacturing processes to be used.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

5Reliability

If book thickness exceeds 20-50 mm, then 3D device functionality is achieved, but the book shape becomes unattractive and handling becomes inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3D device functionalityVSAvoidbook shape aesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The book-like case is designed with dynamic elements that can fold or adjust, allowing the optical path length (which determines 3D functionality) to be achieved through folding mechanisms rather than straight-line thickness. This maintains a thin, attractive book shape while providing sufficient optical path for 3D viewing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Optical elements and structural components are nested within each other in a compact arrangement, allowing the book to maintain a thin profile while containing all necessary elements for 3D viewing functionality. The nested structure eliminates the need for excessive thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables large-scale 3D image viewing with improved resolution and reduced weight, facilitating easy handling and storage, while maintaining book-like dimensions and aesthetics, and allowing mass production without the use of toxic chemicals.

Implementation Method 1

a blocking film (15)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

left and right lenses (20, 22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS20260042032A13D collection card system
Publication Date: 2026.02.12 CHOI HAE YONG
  • US20260042032A1 patent drawing
  • US20260042032A1 patent drawing
  • US20260042032A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a 3D collection card system including a book case, a 3D collection card, and a 3D observation device, wherein 3D pictures are configured on both left and right sides of a center line of the 3D collection card, and a fixing means is provided at a lower end thereof, the 3D observation device is provided with a blocking film and a fixing base on which left and right lenses folded to the left and right and 3D cards are mounted in link with a resilient device, each of the 3D collection card and the 3D observation device is configured in the form of a book, so that a user uses the 3D observation device with one hand and frequently replaces the 3D collection card with the other one hand.