Synthetic Image Display Device with Pinhole Panel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional three-dimensional video projectors face challenges in providing vivid 3D images due to the generation of virtual images, varying image size with viewer distance, and difficulties in projector installation, as well as excessive power consumption and heat generation in backlight units used to enhance brightness.

Innovation Solution

A synthetic image display device comprising a beam projector, a screen, and a transparent display panel with pinholes, allowing the first image to penetrate and be viewed through the panel, combined with a second image displayed on the panel, which is curved or planar, and a transmissive diffusion sheet to enhance three-dimensional effects and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional three-dimensional video projector generates a virtual image from the first image on the display screen using the lens, then a three-dimensional image can be provided, but it is substantially difficult to form an image in the space and the size of the virtual image varies depending on the distance from the viewer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional image qualityVSAvoidimage formation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a lens to generate a virtual image from the display screen, the patent inverts the approach by using a transparent display panel with pinholes to allow the projected image to pass through and be viewed directly, eliminating the virtual image formation issue while maintaining three-dimensional effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If both the first image and the second image are formed on the screen, then a synthetic image can be provided, but the first image is viewed in an inverted state which makes the conventional three-dimensional video projector inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage synthesis capabilityVSAvoidimage orientation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the display functions into two distinct components: a beam projector that projects the first image onto a screen, and a transparent display panel that displays the second image. This segmentation allows each component to maintain proper image orientation while achieving synthetic three-dimensional effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the projector is installed to project the second image toward the screen in the direction in which the viewer is located, then the projector image can be formed on the screen, but determining the installation position of the projector becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojector image formationVSAvoidprojector installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transparent display panel as a new dimensional element between the projector and screen, allowing the projector to be positioned flexibly in space while maintaining proper image formation. The panel's transparency enables image synthesis without constraining projector placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If two liquid crystal displays (LCDs) are provided at a predetermined interval to realize three-dimensional effects, then overlapping LCD screens can be viewed in different planes, but the rear LCD requires a backlight unit (BLU) that is 10 times or more brighter than the original LCD brightness due to transmittance below 10%, causing rapid aging due to excessive power consumption and heat generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional effect qualityVSAvoidbacklight unit power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the high-power backlight unit requirement with a beam projector that projects images onto a screen, eliminating the need for excessive brightness from backlight units. The transparent display panel with pinholes allows efficient light transmission without requiring 10 times or more brightness, thereby reducing power consumption and heat generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 device provides improved three-dimensional effects by combining actual images without virtual components, allows flexible projector installation, and minimizes power consumption and heat generation, resulting in a vivid and convincing synthetic image.

Implementation Method 1

the transparent display panel being formed with a pinhole for penetration of light in each pixel so that the first image penetrates and is viewed through the transparent display panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight penetration: Light

Data Source

PatentUS10591814B2Synthetic image displaying device

Publication Date: 2020.03.17 TOVIS CO LTD

AI summary

A synthetic image display device includes: a beam projector configured to project a first image; a screen on which the first image projected from the beam projector is formed; and a transparent display panel disposed so as to face the screen and configured to display a second image to be combined and viewed with the first image formed on the screen, the transparent display panel being formed with a pinhole for penetration of light in each pixel so that the first image penetrates and is viewed through the transparent display panel.