Convex Infinity Mirror Image Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infinity mirror devices compress object or light source images into a narrow region when viewed from an angle perpendicular to the mirrors, failing to create well-separated and realistic images from a wide range of angles.
Innovation Solution
An infinity mirror device with a convex first reflective surface and a partially transparent second reflective surface, spaced apart by a predetermined distance, includes a light source between the mirrors, and optionally features a Fresnel lens structure or a reflective member to enhance image separation and realism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a conventional flat mirror configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the images are compressed into a narrow region when viewed from an angle perpendicular to the mirrors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing the conventional flat mirror with a convex mirror configuration. The second mirror is formed with a convex reflective surface having a specific radius of curvature (e.g., 100mm), which causes reflected light rays to diverge and images to be distributed over a wider angular range, thereby resolving the image compression problem while maintaining structural simplicity
2Shape
If a convex mirror is used to expand image distribution, then images are well separated from various angles, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the convex mirror by precisely controlling the radius of curvature parameter (e.g., 100mm) to achieve the desired image separation effect. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the patent achieves wide-angle image distribution without requiring complex multi-element optical systems, thus resolving the contradiction between image quality and device complexity
3Length of stationary object
If mirrors are placed close together, then the device size is compact, but images appear compressed and overlapping
Solution Approach 1:
The convex mirror configuration changes the optical path geometry such that even with a compact mirror spacing (e.g., 5-10mm), the curved reflective surface causes light rays to diverge, creating well-separated images distributed over a wide angular range. This resolves the contradiction by using curvature to achieve image separation without increasing the physical device dimensions
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 achieves well-separated and realistic images of an object or light source when viewed from various angles by utilizing a convex mirror configuration, which maintains image separation and minimizes bending, improving the overall infinity mirror effect.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror having a convex first reflective surface, a partially transparent second mirror having a second reflective surface facing the first reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
the first reflective surface has a Fresnel lens structure
Data Source
AI summary
An infinity mirror device has a first mirror having a convex first reflective surface, a partially transparent second mirror having a second reflective surface facing the first reflective surface wherein the first and second mirror are spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and a light source disposed in a space between the first and the second mirror.