Dihedral Corner Reflector Array for Floating Image Clarity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing dihedral corner reflector array optical elements with protrudent tubular bodies face difficulties in forming a clear floating image due to asymmetrical structures, where the tubular body side has an uneven convex structure and the substrate side has a smooth surface, making it hard for viewers to see the real image with a feeling of float in the air.
Innovation Solution
A display device using a dihedral corner reflector array optical element with protrudent bodies made of transparent material, where each protrudent body has orthogonal mirror planes perpendicular to the substrate, and is configured to face the observed object side, with a frustum shape and taper portions, and optionally metal reflective films on the plane sides to enhance light reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the dihedral corner reflector array optical element uses protrudent tubular bodies with asymmetrical structure, then the light reflection capability is improved, but the clarity of floating image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the protrudent bodies to have different structures on different sides: one side has a smooth surface while the other side has an uneven convex structure. This asymmetrical design enables differential light reflection - the smooth side provides regular reflection for clear image formation, while the uneven side enhances light scattering and reflection intensity, thereby resolving the contradiction between image clarity and reflection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by giving different surface characteristics to different regions of the optical element. The smooth surface region is optimized for producing clear floating images through regular reflection, while the uneven convex structure region is optimized for enhancing overall light reflection intensity. This localized differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other
2Illumination intensity
If the protrudent bodies face the viewer side, then the reflected light intensity is increased, but the feeling of float in the air is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry by orienting the protrudent bodies such that the smooth surface faces the viewer side while the uneven convex structure faces the object side. This asymmetrical orientation ensures that the smooth surface provides regular reflection that maintains the floating image effect for viewers, while the uneven structure on the object side maximizes light collection and reflection intensity from the observed object
3Device complexity
If the dihedral corner reflector uses penetrating holes through the substrate, then the structural simplicity is improved, but the floating image formation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional approach: instead of having holes penetrating through the substrate (object on one side, viewer on the other), the patent configures the protrudent bodies with the object side and viewer side both on the same side of the substrate. This inverted arrangement allows both the observed object and the viewer to be positioned on the same side, enabling proper floating image formation while maintaining structural simplicity through integral formation with the substrate
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 configuration allows for a higher intensity of reflected light from the dihedral corner reflector array optical element, making it easier for viewers to observe the real image with an increased feeling of float in the air by positioning the lighting device to minimize light intensity from the regular reflection direction.
Implementation Method 1
each of unit optical elements has two orthogonal mirror surface which are perpendicular to each other... the dihedral corner reflector (mirror surfaces 61a, 61b of the penetrating hole) reflects twice a ray of light emitted from a point light source (o) while passing trough the substrate 60 with a bend
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a dihedral corner reflector array optical element composed of a substrate and a plurality of dihedral corner reflectors arranged regularly on one main surface of the substrate, the dihedral corner reflectors including orthogonal mirror planes perpendicular to each other and being perpendicular to the main surface of the substrate; and an object existing by the one surface of the substrate, the optical element forming a real image of the object by the other main surface of the substrate. The optical element includes a plurality of protrudent bodies integrally formed of a transparent material of the substrate, each of the protrudent bodies including two sides of orthogonal mirror planes perpendicular to each other as the dihedral corner reflector perpendicular to the main surface of the substrate. The optical element is disposed so that the protrudent bodies face toward a space in which the object exists.