Movable Beam-Splitter for Aerial Image Display Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerial imaging display devices using retro-reflection suffer from the issue of the display main body entering the field of view during observation, which impairs the floating feeling of the aerial image.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a movable beam-splitter and display, with a mechanism that adjusts their inclination angles to prevent the display from entering the field of view, thereby expanding the movable range of the aerial image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display is made movable to expand the movable range of the aerial image, then the viewing angle is widened, but the display may enter the field of view and impair the floating feeling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angleVSAvoiddisplay entering field of view
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the beam-splitter movable while keeping the display fixed. The beam-splitter is positioned on a movable stage that can change its inclination angle, allowing the aerial image to be moved to different viewing positions without moving the display. This dynamic adjustment of the beam-splitter enables multiple viewing angles while preventing the display from entering the field of view, thus resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the beam-splitter is moved to expand the movable range of the aerial image, then the viewing angle is widened, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovable range of aerial imageVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the beam-splitter as an intermediary element between the display and the aerial image. By moving the beam-splitter on a movable stage, the aerial image can be repositioned without moving the display itself. This intermediary approach allows for expanded viewing angles while keeping the overall structure relatively simple, as only the beam-splitter needs to be made movable rather than the entire display system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution allows for a wider viewing angle of the aerial image, maintaining its floating feeling while minimizing the movement of the display, thus enhancing user experience and space efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a beam-splitter configured to reflect light emitted from the display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a retro-reflective member configured to reflect the light from the beam-splitter in a same direction as incident light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRetro-reflection: Retroreflector

Data Source

PatentEP4095590B1Display device
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 ALPS ALPINE CO LTD
  • EP4095590B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4095590B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4095590B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

Provided is a display device (100) having a function to prevent a display (110) from entering an aerial image (150). A display device (100) of the present invention includes a display (110) capable of displaying an image, a beam-splitter (120) that reflects light from the display (110), a retro-reflective member (130) that reflects the light from the beam-splitter (120) in the same direction as incident light, a first variable unit that varies an inclination angle of the display, and a second variable unit that varies an inclination angle of the beam-splitter, and prevents the image of the display (110) from entering an aerial image (150).