Inclined Reflecting Surfaces in Optical Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-up displays and similar systems have limited viewing ranges for virtual images due to specular reflection, restricting the area where users can see the projected images, even with smaller display apparatuses.
Innovation Solution
An optical member with a light-transmissive substrate and inclined reflecting surfaces that redirect incident light, allowing a wider viewing angle by collecting and reflecting light in a different direction than traditional specular reflection, integrated into an image display system with a controller and projection optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If specular reflection is used in head-up displays, then the display structure is simple, but the viewing range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical member divides the substrate into multiple regions with different surface orientations. Each region has reflecting surfaces inclined at different angles relative to the substrate surface, allowing light to be reflected in different directions. This segmentation enables a wider viewing range while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the substrate are given different local optical properties through varying the inclination angles of reflecting surfaces. This allows each local region to redirect light toward specific viewing zones, collectively expanding the overall viewing range without requiring a completely complex system architecture.
2Area of stationary object
If inclined reflecting surfaces are added to expand viewing range, then the viewing range increases, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is first formed with an inclined face before the reflecting surfaces are created. This preliminary structuring of the substrate simplifies subsequent manufacturing steps, as the inclination is built into the base structure rather than requiring complex assembly of pre-formed angled components.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflecting surfaces are integrated directly into the substrate structure, merging the substrate formation and reflecting surface creation into a unified manufacturing process. This reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, thereby simplifying manufacturing despite the complex optical functionality.
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
Enables users to see virtual images over a broader range, enhancing the effectiveness of displays in vehicles, digital signage, and show windows by overlapping virtual content with real-world scenery or merchandise, improving advertising and information delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of reflecting surfaces located inside the substrate and configured to reflect at least a portion of incident light. At least a portion of the plurality of reflecting surfaces is inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the substrate surface so as to collect at least a portion of the incident light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical member includes a light-transmissive substrate, which includes a substrate surface, and reflecting surfaces located inside the substrate and configured to reflect at least a portion of incident light. At least a portion of the reflecting surfaces is inclined relative to the substrate surface so as to collect at least a portion of the incident light.