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 face challenges in avoiding 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 is designed, incorporating multiple light sources and an imaging element with a reflector array featuring dihedral corner reflectors arranged in a specific configuration, allowing for the formation of multiple floating images in mid-air without overlapping, by adjusting the angles and positions of the reflector rows and light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dihedral corner reflectors are used for displaying images in mid-air, then image display capability is achieved, but false images appear at unintended locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the inclination angles of dihedral corner reflectors based on their specific positions in the array. Each reflector is tilted at a different angle relative to the optical axis, creating position-dependent light reflection characteristics. This ensures that only reflectors corresponding to the intended image formation angle contribute to the displayed image, while others direct light away, thereby eliminating false images at unintended locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If corner cube reflectors are used to freely set floating image position, then image formation flexibility is improved, but optical element configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical element into multiple independent dihedral corner reflectors arranged in an array. Each reflector can be independently positioned and angled, allowing flexible control over image formation locations. This segmentation approach replaces complex corner cube reflector configurations with simpler, modular dihedral reflectors that achieve the same functional flexibility through geometric arrangement rather than complex internal structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple reflector rows with varying angles are used, then false images are eliminated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies the inclination angle parameter of dihedral corner reflectors based on their position in the array. By establishing a mathematical relationship between reflector position and optimal tilt angle, the design transforms the challenge of eliminating false images into a controlled parameter optimization problem. This allows manufacturers to follow precise angular specifications for each reflector position, making the manufacturing process more predictable and quality control more systematic.
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 display of images in mid-air with reduced false images and a simpler configuration, effectively utilizing space and allowing for flexible positioning of floating images, suitable for various applications including automotive use.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the multiple 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 and multiple light sources. The imaging element reflects light of the multiple light sources and forms multiple floating images in mid-air. The imaging element includes a base member including a first surface, and a reflector array on the base member. The reflector array includes multiple reflector rows including multiple dihedral corner reflectors along a first direction. The multiple reflector rows are arranged parallel to a second direction crossing the first direction. The multiple dihedral corner reflectors each include a first reflecting surface, and a second reflecting surface orthogonal to the first reflecting surface.