Polarized Display Optics for Bright Virtual Image Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices struggle with visibility issues of virtual images in bright environments, such as during the daytime, due to the difficulty in visually recognizing information obtained through a projection surface.
Innovation Solution
A display device incorporating a light source device that emits first and second linearly polarized light, a liquid crystal panel with a reflective polarizing plate and optical element, and an optical element with a quarter-wave plate and reflective plate to modulate and project images, allowing for improved visibility of virtual images by manipulating polarization and phase differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a projection surface is used to display virtual image information, then two pieces of information can be displayed on one screen, but the virtual image becomes difficult to visually recognize in bright surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies polarization-based optical filtering to differentiate between the direct-view image and projected virtual image. By using a reflective polarizing plate and quarter-wave plate combination, the system creates distinct polarization states for different image paths, allowing the virtual image to be selectively enhanced or suppressed based on viewing angle and lighting conditions, thereby maintaining visibility contrast between the two information layers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective polarizing plate as an intermediary element between the light source and the display surfaces. This intermediary selectively reflects polarized light toward the virtual image projection path while allowing non-polarized or differently polarized light to pass through for the direct-view image, thereby mediating the interaction between the two information displays and resolving the visibility conflict in bright environments
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reflective polarizing plate is used to transmit first linearly polarized light and reflect second linearly polarized light, then the optical path is separated for dual image display, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective polarizing plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a beam splitter to separate optical paths, a polarizer to control light polarization states, and a reflector to direct light toward the virtual image projection path. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing system complexity while achieving the required optical path separation for dual image display
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
Enhances the visibility of virtual images in various lighting conditions by maintaining high luminance and clarity of projected images, even in bright surroundings.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective polarizing plate having a plate surface on which the first emission light is incident, the reflective polarizing plate being configured to transmit the first linearly polarized light and reflect the second linearly polarized light in a second direction different from the first direction
Implementation Method 2
The optical element includes a quarter-wave plate on which the second linearly polarized light reflected at the plate surface is incident along the second direction, and a reflective plate configured to reflect light transmitted through the quarter-wave plate
Implementation Method 3
a reflective plate configured to reflect light transmitted through the quarter-wave plate, in the second direction toward the quarter-wave plate
Implementation Method 4
the liquid crystal panel being configured to modulate the first linearly polarized light transmitted through the reflective polarizing plate and to emit the modulated first linearly polarized light toward a light-transmitting body
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a light source device configured to emit first emission light including first linearly polarized light and second linearly polarized light, in a first direction; a liquid crystal panel that includes a reflective polarizing plate configured to transmit the first linearly polarized light and reflect the second linearly polarized light in a second direction, and is configured to modulate the first linearly polarized light to emit the modulated light in the first direction as second emission light corresponding to a first image; and an optical element on which the reflected second linearly polarized light is incident along the second direction and that is configured to impart a phase difference to the incident light to emit the light in the second direction toward the reflective polarizing plate as third emission light. The liquid crystal panel is configured to modulate the third emission light to display a second image.