Dihedral Corner Reflector Array for Mid-Air Floating Image Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image display devices using reflective imaging optical elements, such as those with corner cube reflectors, face challenges in avoiding unintended false images and have complex configurations, making it difficult to achieve a simple structure for displaying images in mid-air.
Innovation Solution
An image display device with a simple structure comprising an imaging element, a light source, a position detecting part, a driver, and a controller, where the imaging element includes a base member with a reflector array of dihedral corner reflectors, allowing the orientation of light emission to be modified based on the observer's position to accurately form a floating image in mid-air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a corner cube reflector is used to display images in mid-air, then the image formation position can be set relatively freely, but the configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reflector array into multiple reflector rows, where each row contains multiple dihedral corner reflectors arranged along a first direction. The rows are arranged in a second direction with specific spacing. This segmentation allows independent control of light reflection from different rows, enabling flexible image formation position while maintaining a manageable configuration through modular organization of reflective elements.
2Device complexity
If a dihedral corner reflector array is used, then the structure can be simplified, but false images may appear at unintended locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by setting different angles between the straight line (where first and second reflecting surfaces meet) and the plane for different reflector rows. The first reflector row has the smallest angle, while other rows have progressively larger angles. This localized angular variation ensures that reflected light from different rows reaches different observation positions, preventing false images while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular parameter of the dihedral corner reflectors systematically across different rows. By setting the angle between the straight line and the plane to increase from the first reflector row to other rows, the patent controls the reflection direction of light from each row. This parameter variation eliminates false image formation by ensuring that only the intended row reflects light to the observer's position.
3Ease of manufacture
If the reflector rows are arranged with uniform spacing, then the manufacturing is easier, but the image quality and observer position adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic arrangement where the spacing between reflector rows is not uniform but varies according to a specific pattern. The second spacing (between other adjacent rows) is set to be larger than the first spacing (between the first reflector row and the second reflector row). This dynamic spacing arrangement optimizes image quality and observer position adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture through a systematic rather than random configuration.
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 enables the formation of a clear and stable floating image at the observer's desired position, reducing the occurrence of false images and simplifying the device configuration, while allowing for flexible placement and orientation of the image display.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of dihedral corner reflectors includes a first reflecting surface configured to reflect light from the first surface side, and a second reflecting surface oriented to be orthogonal to the first reflecting surface and configured to reflect a reflected light from the first reflecting surface toward the first surface side
Data Source
AI summary
An image display device includes an imaging element, a light source that forms a floating image, a position detecting part, a driver, and a controller. The imaging element includes a base member including a first surface, and a reflector array on the base member; or a base member comprising a reflector array and including a first surface. The reflector array includes multiple reflector rows including multiple dihedral corner reflectors along a first direction. The reflector rows are arranged parallel to a second direction crossing the first direction. The dihedral corner reflectors each include a first reflecting surface, and a second reflecting surface orthogonal to the first reflecting surface.