3D Image Projection Mechanism Using Micro Projectors and Refractive Screen

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic devices lack an efficient 3-D image projection mechanism, which is essential for displaying three-dimensional images, making them less intuitive and less capable in communication and data processing tasks.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device equipped with a display panel, a processing module, and at least two micro projectors, where the processing module generates a 3-D display command to form a projection screen with a different light refractive rate than air, allowing the micro projectors to project a 3-D image frame on this screen, which is positioned vertically to the display panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flat display panel is used to display 2-D images, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the display capability is limited and cannot provide immersive 3-D experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2-D display to 3-D display by introducing a projection screen positioned at an angle relative to the display panel. Multiple micro projectors project images onto this angled screen, creating a three-dimensional visual effect that enhances adaptability and display capability while maintaining a relatively compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The projection screen is integrated within the device body, positioned between the display panel and the external environment. The micro projectors are embedded in the device structure, creating a nested arrangement where the 3-D projection system is contained within the overall device form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple micro projectors are used to project 3-D images, then the 3-D display effect is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3-D display effectVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The 3-D display system is divided into multiple independent micro projectors, each responsible for projecting a specific portion of the 3-D image. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, where each micro projector can be produced and tested separately before being integrated into the final device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The projection screen serves multiple functions: it acts as a display surface for the micro projectors, provides structural support for the 3-D image formation, and can be positioned at different angles to optimize the viewing experience. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the projection screen is positioned vertically to the display panel, then the 3-D image formation is optimized, but the space requirement and device design complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improve3-D image formationVSAvoiddevice design
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The projection screen is positioned at an angle relative to the display panel, creating a dynamic geometric relationship that optimizes the 3-D image formation. This angular positioning allows the screen to be adjusted or flexed to different degrees, providing flexibility in device design while maintaining precise 3-D image projection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 the formation of a 3-D display frame on the projection screen, enhancing user interaction and data visualization capabilities in electronic devices by converting 2-D displays into immersive 3-D experiences.

Implementation Method 1

a light refractive rate of the projection screen is different from that of the air around the projection screen

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS8820936B2Electronic device having 3-D image projection mechanism and 3-D image projection method of the same
Publication Date: 2014.09.02 HTC CORP
  • US8820936B2 patent drawing
  • US8820936B2 patent drawing
  • US8820936B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device having a 3-D image projection mechanism is provided. The electronic device comprises a display panel, a processing module, a projection screen and at least two micro projectors. The display panel is formed on a main body of the electronic device to display a 2-D display frame. The processing module determines whether a 3-D display request is received and generates a 3-D display command when the 3-D display request is received. The projection screen is formed according to the 3-D display command and is substantially vertical to the display panel, in which a light refractive rate of the projection screen is different from that of the air around the projection screen. The micro projectors are disposed in a circumference of the display panel and project image on the projection screen according to the 3-D display command such that a 3-D display frame is formed thereon.