Mid-Air Image Display Using Dihedral Reflector Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image display devices that utilize dihedral corner reflectors or corner cube reflectors face challenges in avoiding unintended virtual image display and have complex configurations, limiting their practical application.
Innovation Solution
An image display device with a simple structure is designed using a base member with a reflector array of dihedral corner reflectors, where the angles between reflecting surfaces are strategically set to control light reflection, allowing for mid-air image formation and detection of an object's approach to adjust device operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dihedral corner reflectors or corner cube reflectors are used to display images in mid-air, then image display capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and unintended virtual images appear
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element is divided into multiple reflector rows, each containing multiple dihedral corner reflectors. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex image display functionality while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure by breaking down the problem into manageable modular units.
Solution Approach 2:
Different reflector rows are configured with different angles between the straight line (where first and second reflecting surfaces meet) and the reference plane. Specifically, the first reflector row has the smallest angle, while other reflector rows have progressively larger angles. This local variation in angular configuration allows precise control over light reflection paths, enabling mid-air image formation while avoiding unintended virtual images.
2Adaptability or versatility
If corner cube reflectors are used with additional optical elements to set image formation position freely, then image formation flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves flexible image formation positioning by varying the angular parameter of the dihedral corner reflectors. By adjusting the angle between the straight line (where reflecting surfaces meet) and the reference plane across different reflector rows, the system can control where images form in mid-air without requiring additional complex optical elements. This parameter-based control provides flexibility while maintaining structural simplicity.
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
The device effectively displays images in mid-air with a simple structure, enabling non-contact operation and reducing unintended image display, while allowing for user-specific image adjustments based on environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging element reflects the first image and forms the first image in mid-air as a mid-air image
Implementation Method 2
Each of the plurality of dihedral corner reflectors includes a first reflecting surface configured to reflect light from the first surface side, and a second reflecting surface oriented to be orthogonal to the first reflecting surface and configured to reflect a reflected light from the first reflecting surface toward the first surface side
Data Source
AI summary
An image display device includes: a first display device configured to output a first image representing an operation part for an apparatus; an imaging element configured to reflect the first image and to form the first image in mid-air as a mid-air image; a first sensor configured to detect an approach of a detection object to the mid-air image and to output a first signal; and a controller configured to output a second signal to the apparatus based on the first signal.