Dark Projection Screen with Translucent Diffuser for Contrast

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Dark or black colored projection screens typically have low light reflection, resulting in poor image quality with low intensity and unsatisfactory contrast due to their optical properties, which are not compatible with effective image projection.

Innovation Solution

A projection screen comprising two distinct diffuse reflection elements, where one is translucent or transparent and the other is dark in color, with a textured surface to enhance diffuse reflection, allowing for high white luminance and low black luminance, thereby improving image brightness and contrast while maintaining a dark appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If dark or black colored media are used as projection screens, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the light reflection is reduced resulting in poor image quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage brightnessVSAvoidoptical compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The projection screen is divided into two distinct functional layers: a translucent or transparent diffusing element and a dark-colored diffusing element. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the translucent layer provides light diffusion while the dark layer provides aesthetic appearance, resolving the contradiction between image brightness and visual appeal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite structure combining two different types of diffusing elements with complementary properties. The translucent/transparent element contributes to light transmission and diffusion, while the dark-colored element provides aesthetic appearance and low black luminance, creating a composite material system that achieves both high white luminance and dark appearance simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If dark colored lacquered glass is used as projection screen, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the optical properties are incompatible with image projection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewhite luminanceVSAvoidoptical performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The screen is segmented into two functional layers where the translucent or transparent diffusing element handles light diffusion for reliable image projection, while the dark-colored diffusing element provides aesthetic appearance. This segmentation ensures both optical performance and visual appeal are achieved independently

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The translucent or transparent diffusing element acts as an intermediary between the projector and the dark-colored element, enabling light to pass through and be diffused before reaching the dark layer, thus ensuring reliable image projection while maintaining dark aesthetic appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Illumination intensity

If dark colored substrates are used, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but fingerprints and dirt become extremely visible

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecontrastVSAvoidvisibility of dirt
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The translucent or transparent diffusing element provides a light-colored surface layer that is less sensitive to dirt and fingerprint visibility, while the dark-colored element remains hidden behind it. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by making the visible surface resistant to showing contaminants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 achieves high white luminance values and low black luminance, providing excellent image brightness and contrast, reducing the visibility of dirt and fingerprints, and allowing for adjustable viewing angles, making it suitable for various projection applications.

Implementation Method 1

two distinct diffuse reflection diffusing elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffuse reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The first diffusing element is translucent or transparent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

The second diffusing element is dark in color

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffuse reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

dark in color... low black luminance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP3635485B1Dark-coloured or black projection screen
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA
  • EP3635485B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~2A
  • EP3635485B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~2B
  • EP3635485B1 patent drawingFigure 3D~4D

AI summary

An article used as a dark-coloured or black projection screen, comprising two separate, diffuse-reflection diffusing elements in the form of parallel planes or plates, referred to as first and second diffusing elements, characterised in that the first diffusing element is translucent or transparent and the second diffusing element is of a dark colour.