Multi-modal Projection Display with Optical Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display devices struggle to consolidate both large-screen and small-screen functions into a single device while minimizing size and maximizing usability, particularly in varying environmental conditions and user proximity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-modal display device with a projector and optical guide system that adjusts the projection beam to display content on either an internal screen or an external surface based on user distance and environmental factors, allowing seamless switching between small-screen and large-screen modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a device has a fixed display size, then the display structure is simple, but the device cannot adapt to different viewing distances and scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic display system where the projection beam direction is adjusted based on user proximity. When the user is close, the beam targets the internal projection screen; when the user is far, the beam targets the external surface. This dynamic switching between different display targets enables the device to adapt to varying viewing distances without requiring multiple fixed displays, thus improving adaptability while managing structural complexity through a single adjustable optical path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device combines both large-screen and small-screen functions, then the device becomes multi-functional, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal display device where a single projector can serve multiple functions by projecting onto different surfaces. The same projector hardware is used for both small-screen internal projection and large-screen external projection, eliminating the need for separate display devices. This multi-functionality is achieved through software control of the projection beam direction rather than through multiple physical displays, thereby maintaining device compactness while providing versatile display capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the volume contradiction by transitioning from a spatial arrangement of multiple displays to an optical dimensional approach. Instead of physically accommodating separate small and large screens, the system uses the projection beam's directional capability to create different display dimensions on-demand. The internal projection screen and external surface serve as different projection planes, allowing the same projector to deliver appropriate display sizes for different scenarios without increasing the device's physical volume.
3Area of stationary object
If the projector is positioned to project on external surface, then large-screen function is achieved, but the internal projection screen cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic optical guide system that can redirect the projection beam between two targets: the internal projection screen and the external surface. The optical guide adjusts the beam direction based on the desired display mode and user proximity. This dynamic switching capability allows the projector to achieve large-screen projection area when needed while maintaining the ability to project onto the internal screen for close viewing, thus preserving display mode flexibility without compromising either projection area or adaptability.
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 flexible and adaptive visual content presentation, ensuring clear display in different scenarios by automatically adjusting the display mode according to user proximity and ambient conditions, thereby enhancing user experience and reducing clutter.
Implementation Method 1
an optical guide adjusting a position of the projector to aim the projection beam at one of the internal projection screen and the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-modal display device is presented. The display device has a shell having an internal projection screen and an opening, a projector emitting a projection beam from inside the shell. There is an optical guide adjusting a position of the projector to aim the projection beam at either the internal projection screen or the opening. A processor coupled to the optical guide may select a display position, wherein different display positions are associated with different display area sizes. The method includes determining a distance between a projector and a user, and automatically selecting a display mode based on the distance.