Multi-Unit Diffractive Display for Omnidirectional Virtual Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image display technologies struggle to provide a realistic and versatile viewing experience by superimposing virtual images on backgrounds, lacking in sense of reality and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An image display apparatus comprising multiple display units with diffractive optical elements that surround a specified axis, diffracting image light to project virtual images superimposed on backgrounds, utilizing reflective holograms to enhance brightness and visibility from various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a virtual image is displayed using a single screen and projection unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sense of reality and viewing experience quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display system into multiple independent display units, each comprising a screen and a diffractive optical element. This segmentation allows each unit to contribute to the overall virtual image, creating a more realistic and immersive viewing experience while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple display units with diffractive optical elements to form a unified virtual image display system. The diffractive optical elements work together to project light that creates a coherent virtual image superimposed on the background, merging individual contributions into a unified realistic display
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diffractive optical element is arranged to surround the specified axis, then the viewing angle and versatility are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffractive optical elements are arranged in a circumferential pattern around a specified axis, creating a radially symmetric configuration. This curved arrangement enables the system to project virtual images in multiple directions simultaneously, providing omnidirectional viewing capability while maintaining geometric regularity that simplifies the overall design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of display units to a three-dimensional circumferential arrangement around an axis. This spatial reconfiguration adds a rotational dimension to the display system, enabling virtual images to be projected and viewed from all directions around the axis, significantly enhancing viewing versatility
3Illumination intensity
If multiple display units are used to create a circumferential arrangement, then the brightness and visibility are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple identical or similar display units arranged circumferentially. Each unit consists of a screen and a diffractive optical element that can be manufactured using the same processes, allowing for standardized production and assembly while achieving high overall brightness through the combined output of multiple units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple copies of the same display unit configuration, where each unit is an identical replication of the basic screen-diffractive element assembly. This copying approach simplifies manufacturing by enabling mass production of standardized modules that can be assembled in a circumferential pattern, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the increased number of 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 apparatus achieves high-brightness, realistic, and stereoscopic virtual image display from all directions, providing a strong sense of reality and versatility in viewing experiences.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element that includes a first surface and a second surface that is situated opposite to the first surface, the diffractive optical element diffracting image light of the object image that enters the first surface, and causing the image light to exit the first surface
Data Source
AI summary
An image display apparatus according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a plurality of display units. Each of the display units includes a screen on which an object image is formed; and a diffractive optical element that includes a first surface and a second surface that is situated opposite to the first surface, the diffractive optical element diffracting image light of the object image that enters the first surface, and causing the image light to exit the first surface, the diffractive optical element displaying a virtual image of the object image on a side of the second surface such that the virtual image is superimposed on a background. The diffractive optical elements of a plurality of the diffractive optical elements included in the display units are each arranged to at least partially surround a specified axis in a state in which the second surface faces the specified axis.