Pinhole Array With Elliptic Reflectors For 3D Viewing Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D display technologies face issues with maintaining high-resolution images when light beam reflection conditions are non-uniform, and the viewing area is limited, leading to a floating image that may be perceived as low-definition or restricted in scope.
Innovation Solution
A pinhole array comprising entrance and exit pinholes with elliptic semi-sphere recessed reflection surfaces, where each pair of pinhole reflectors faces each other and reflects light rays at least twice to form images, allowing for a wider viewing area without the perception of a screen or diffuser.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If orthogonal flat reflectors are used to guide light rays, then the actual image can be formed, but the reflecting conditions become non-uniform and the accuracy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the reflection process into multiple discrete pinhole reflectors arranged in an array, where each reflector handles a specific light ray path. This segmentation allows for more uniform and controllable reflection conditions compared to large flat reflectors, reducing the overall precision requirements while maintaining image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved pinhole reflectors instead of flat surfaces. The curvature of the pinhole reflectors helps to uniformize the reflection conditions by directing light rays more consistently, thereby improving reliability while reducing the stringent accuracy requirements associated with flat reflector systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mirror system is used to enable free viewpoint observation, then the actual image can be formed, but the viewing area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pinhole array is divided into multiple pinhole reflectors that can be independently positioned and oriented. This segmentation enables the system to accommodate multiple viewpoints by directing light rays from different angles through different pinhole pairs, thereby expanding the viewing area while maintaining viewpoint flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the system from a single mirror plane to a three-dimensional array of pinhole reflectors. By arranging pinholes in multiple layers and positions, the system creates additional spatial dimensions for light ray propagation, enabling both free viewpoint observation and a larger viewing area simultaneously.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple pinhole reflectors are used to reflect light rays at least twice, then the viewing area is widened, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pinhole reflectors are merged into a single integrated pinhole array structure. The array functions as a unified optical element where the collective arrangement of pinholes achieves the multi-reflection light guiding function, thereby expanding the viewing area while managing device complexity through structural integration.
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 configuration enhances the perception of high-definition, floating 3D images that can be viewed from any direction without the awareness of a reflecting object, improving contrast and resolution while expanding the viewing area.
Implementation Method 1
each of which is configured to emit the light ray entering therein from said entrance pinhole, after reflecting at least two (2) times therein
Data Source
AI summary
Two pieces of elliptic semi-sphere surfaces, each forming a pinhole at the zenith thereof and also forming a reflection mirror on an inside thereof are stuck onto each other, with facing the interior surfaces thereof, respectively. A light ray entering therein from one of the pinholes, after being reflected between the elliptic semi-sphere surfaces facing to each other, emits from the pinhole on opposite side at an angle plane symmetric to the incident angle. Disposing the elliptic semi-sphere surfaces facing to each other, aligning on a plane, by plural numbers thereof, there is built up a pinhole array. Plural numbers of light rays reflecting on and/or emitting from a display object, which is disposed on one side of the pinhole array, after passing through the plural numbers of pinholes of the pinhole array, form an image at a position plane symmetric thereto, on the opposite side of the pinhole array.