Front-Projection Interactive Display Retroreflective Screen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interactive display devices with rear-projection configurations face challenges in wall-mounting due to large enclosed projection volumes, require complex alignment of cameras and projectors, and incur additional manufacturing costs from the object casing, making them impractical for certain use environments.
Innovation Solution
A front-projection interactive display system using a projector, a display screen with a retroreflective layer and a diffuser layer, and cameras to capture images, allowing for wide-range image viewing and optical detection of user interactions without a fixed optical axis alignment, and enabling cost-effective installation in various orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If rear-projection configuration is used, then image projection is achieved, but enclosed projection volume becomes large making wall-mounting difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional rear-projection configuration by placing the projector in front of the display surface rather than behind it. This front-projection approach eliminates the need for a large enclosed volume behind the display, enabling wall-mounting while maintaining image projection functionality. The projector projects images onto the front surface of the display, reversing the conventional optical path arrangement.
2Manufacturing precision
If rear-projection configuration is used, then image projection is achieved, but complex alignment of cameras and projectors is required
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting to front-projection configuration, the patent simplifies the alignment requirements between cameras and projectors. The camera and projector can be positioned closer together on the same side of the display, reducing the complexity of optical axis alignment compared to rear-projection where components are on opposite sides of the display surface.
3Strength
If rear-projection configuration with object casing is used, then structural support is provided, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for a complex object casing structure by transitioning to front-projection. The display can be mounted directly on walls or surfaces without requiring an enclosed housing to contain rear-projection components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining sufficient structural support for the display system.
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
Facilitates practical and cost-effective installation in diverse environments by allowing flexible mounting and reducing manufacturing costs, while maintaining effective user interaction through gesture recognition and image projection.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflective layer and a diffuser layer covering the retroreflective layer, the diffuser layer being configured to diffusely reflect a first portion of light incident on the diffuser layer from the projector such that a second portion of light passes through the diffuser layer and is reflected by the retroreflective layer back through the diffuser layer
Implementation Method 2
the diffuser layer being configured to diffusely reflect a first portion of light incident on the diffuser layer from the projector
Implementation Method 3
a camera configured to capture images of the display screen via light reflected by the retroreflective layer
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed herein that relate to the front-projection of an interactive display. One disclosed embodiment provides an interactive display system comprising a projector and a display screen configured to display an image projected by the projector, the display screen comprising a retroreflective layer and a diffuser layer covering the retroreflective layer, the diffuser layer being configured to diffusely reflect only a portion of light incident on the diffuser layer from the projector such that another portion of light passes through the diffuser layer and is reflected by the retroreflective layer back through the diffuser layer. The interactive display system also comprises a camera configured to capture images of the display screen via light reflected by the retroreflective layer to identify via the images a user gesture performed between the projector and the display screen.