Mid-Air Image Display Reflector Array to Prevent Virtual Images
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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, incorporating a light source, optical system, light-shielding member, and light-transmitting member, utilizing a reflector array of dihedral corner reflectors with specific angular arrangements to control light reflection and transmission, minimizing unintended reflections and simplifying the device configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dihedral corner reflectors are used for image display, then image formation is achieved, but unintended virtual images are displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element is divided into multiple imaging regions, each corresponding to a specific viewing direction. Each region contains reflectors oriented at specific angles to reflect light only to its designated viewing direction, preventing unintended virtual images from forming in other directions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the imaging element have different local optical properties. Reflectors in each region are oriented at different angles tailored to that region's viewing direction, creating localized image formation zones that prevent unwanted virtual images elsewhere.
2Adaptability or versatility
If corner cube reflectors are used with additional optical elements, then image formation position can be set freely, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging element uses a planar configuration with reflectors at various angles rather than a fixed three-dimensional corner cube structure. This dynamic arrangement allows the imaging element to be positioned at different locations and orientations while maintaining proper image formation, eliminating the need for complex additional optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from three-dimensional corner cube reflectors to a two-dimensional planar imaging element with multiple reflector orientations. This dimensional simplification reduces structural complexity while maintaining the ability to form images at desired positions through angular variation of reflectors.
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 solution enables precise control of image formation in mid-air, reducing unintended virtual images and simplifying the device structure, enhancing usability and application flexibility.
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
Data Source
AI summary
An image display device includes: an imaging element; a light source configured to irradiate light toward the imaging element; an optical system located in an optical path between the imaging element and the light source; 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.