Display Device Floating Image Optical Path Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices struggle to create a realistic floating image effect with a significant distance from the device surface while maintaining a thin profile, as they require increasing the floating amount of the real image without thickening the device.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a display device comprising a display unit, an imaging element, and a first reflecting unit, where the first reflecting unit reflects light from the display unit to the imaging element, allowing for the formation of a real image at a position symmetric to the device surface, thereby increasing the floating distance of the image without significantly increasing the device thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the floating amount of the real image is increased by using a retroreflection device, then the visual effect of floating image is improved, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter that redirects light from the display unit at an angle (typically 45 degrees) to the imaging element, changing the optical path from a straight linear arrangement to an angled three-dimensional configuration. This dimensional change allows the light to travel a longer effective distance while keeping the physical device thickness reduced, as the optical path is folded into a different spatial dimension rather than extending linearly
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging element is positioned within the device structure such that it is disposed between the beam splitter and the display unit, creating a nested arrangement where components are arranged in layers. This nesting allows the optical components to be compactly integrated while maintaining the necessary optical path length for image formation at a desired floating distance
2Length of stationary object
If the imaging element is positioned closer to the display unit to reduce device thickness, then the device profile is maintained, but the floating distance of the real image is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary optical element that receives light from the display unit and redirects it to the imaging element. This intermediary component enables the imaging element to be positioned at a distance from the display unit that would be too large in a direct configuration, by mediating the light path through angular redirection. The beam splitter effectively decouples the physical separation distance from the optical path length, allowing the imaging element to form images at appropriate floating distances while maintaining a compact device profile
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
This configuration enables a practical display device that effectively increases the floating amount of the real image while maintaining a thin profile, enhancing the visual effect of the image appearing to float in mid-air.
Implementation Method 1
The first reflecting unit includes a portion facing the major surface, and is configured to reflect the light emitted from the display unit and to cause the light to be incident on the portion of the imaging element not overlapping the display unit
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a display unit, an imaging element, and a first reflecting unit. The display unit emits a light. The imaging element has a major surface and is configured to form a real image of an object at a symmetric position of the object with the major surface serving as a plane of symmetry. The imaging element includes a portion not overlapping the display unit as viewed along a normal direction of the major surface. The first reflecting unit includes a portion facing the major surface, and is configured to reflect the light emitted from the display unit and to cause the light to be incident on the portion of the imaging element not overlapping the display unit.