Inflatable Envelope Projector Using Zenith Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems using inflatable projection envelopes face challenges in achieving undistorted 3D image reproduction due to the complexity of wide-angle lens calculations and imaging errors, requiring intricate rendering of output data and lens deviation properties.
Innovation Solution
A gas-inflatable envelope with a flexible material and a projector inside, using a reflection mirror at the zenith to fully reflect the projection beam onto the inner surface, maintaining internal pressure with a blower, and optionally integrating a microcomputer and light registering apparatus for interactive image generation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wide-angle lens is used to expand the projection beam onto the entire inner side of the three-dimensional envelope, then the image coverage area is improved, but the device complexity increases due to complex rendering calculations and lens deviation properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wide-angle lens from the projector system and replaces it with a standard lens combined with a reflection mirror. This removes the complex wide-angle lens while maintaining the ability to cover the entire inner surface of the envelope through optical reflection geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflection mirror as an intermediary element between the projector and the envelope surface. The mirror redirects the projection beam to achieve full surface coverage without requiring complex wide-angle lens calculations, simplifying the overall system
2Area of stationary object
If the projector is arranged outside the envelope with a wide-angle lens, then the projection can cover the entire envelope surface, but imaging errors and distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional projection arrangement by placing the projector inside the envelope rather than outside. Combined with the reflection mirror at the zenith, this inverted configuration achieves full surface coverage while maintaining accurate imaging without the distortion problems of external wide-angle projection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the projection system by moving the projector from an external position to an internal position within the envelope. This dimensional change, combined with the mirror reflection geometry, enables accurate full-surface projection without wide-angle lens distortion
3Stability of the object's composition
If gas is continuously blown into the envelope to maintain internal pressure, then the envelope structure stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a blower that operates in cycles rather than continuously. The control unit activates the blower only when pressure drops below a threshold, allowing the envelope to maintain stability through periodic pressure supplementation rather than continuous gas flow, thereby reducing energy consumption
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 nearly full coverage of the inner surface with image information, extending projector operation through cooling and allowing interactive projections, while maintaining internal pressure and preventing envelope damage with pressure regulation.
Implementation Method 1
A gas-inflatable envelope which is made of a flexible material and has an inner surface used as a three-dimensional projection screen and an interior enclosed by the envelope. The display apparatus is equipped with a gas inlet opening through which a gas, preferably air, is blown into the envelope in order to unfold and inflate the envelope and to maintain the envelope internal pressure in the inflated state
Implementation Method 2
a reflection mirror having a curved, for example spherically, in particular hemispherically shaped mirror surface is arranged at the zenith of the envelope, in which case the image produced by the projection beam may be still or moving and visible on the outer surface of the envelope
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for displaying still and moving images on a three-dimensional projection screen includes a gas-inflatable envelope made of flexible material with an inner surface serving as three-dimensional projection screen, a gas inlet opening, a fan connected to the gas inlet opening and which generates a gas flow that inflates the envelope, an interior surrounded by the envelope, a projector emitting a projector beam and a reflection mirror set up in the zenith of the envelope, said reflection mirror having a curved mirror surface for deflecting the projector beam onto the inner surface of the envelope. The image generated by the projector beam is visible on the outer surface of the envelope. The projector is configured within the interior of the envelope and aligned in such a way that the projector beam is reflected onto the inner surface serving as a three-dimensional projection screen via the reflection mirror.