Mid-Air Image Display Reflector Layout for Unintended Image Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image display devices that use dihedral corner reflectors or corner cube reflectors face challenges in avoiding unintended virtual image display and have complex configurations, limiting their practical application and usability.
Innovation Solution
An image display device with a reflector array comprising a plurality of dihedral corner reflectors arranged to control light reflection angles and a light-transmitting member to selectively transmit specific wavelengths, allowing for a simple structure that can display images in mid-air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dihedral corner reflectors are used for mid-air image display, then image display function is achieved, but unintended virtual images are displayed at unwanted locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the tilt angles of dihedral corner reflectors across different regions of the imaging element. Specifically, reflectors in different rows have different tilt angles relative to the base member, with first reflectors having a first tilt angle and second reflectors having a second tilt angle. This local variation in reflector orientation controls the reflection directions to display virtual images only at intended locations while suppressing unintended images.
2Adaptability or versatility
If corner cube reflectors are used to set image formation position freely, then image positioning flexibility is improved, but device configuration becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the imaging element into multiple rows of dihedral corner reflectors, with each row having a specific tilt angle configuration. The reflectors are arranged in at least two rows: first reflectors with a first tilt angle and second reflectors with a second tilt angle. This segmentation allows independent control of reflection paths for different image positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to corner cube reflector systems.
3Device complexity
If simple structure is used for image display device, then device complexity is reduced, but image display capability in mid-air is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves mid-air image display capability with a simple structure by carefully controlling the tilt angle parameters of the dihedral corner reflectors. The first tilt angle and second tilt angle are specifically designed to be within certain ranges (0° to 45°) to ensure proper reflection and image formation. By optimizing these angular parameters, the system achieves the desired image display function without requiring complex optical components.
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 provides a simple structure for mid-air image display with controlled image positioning and high-contrast visibility, reducing unintended image formation and enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
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
Implementation Method 2
a light-transmitting member that is arranged to transmit light emitted from the imaging element and selectively controls a transmission of light of at least some wavelengths of the light emitted from the imaging element
Data Source
AI summary
An image display device includes: an imaging element; a light source configured to irradiate light toward the imaging element; a light-shielding member configured to shield a portion of light of at least the light source; and a light-transmitting member configured to transmit light emitted from the imaging element, the light-transmitting member selectively controlling a transmission of light of at least some wavelengths of the light emitted from the imaging element.