Prism Film Structure for Low-Cost Floating Image Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of forming a floating image using a dihedral corner reflector array (DCRA) is difficult and costly due to the requirement of cutting, aligning, and stacking thin glass plates, which complicates the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A prism film is used to reflect light into a floating image, comprising a plurality of prism strips stacked in a first direction with triangular prisms that receive, reflect, and emit light to create a floating image, and a filler layer with a lower refractive index than the prisms to enhance structural stability and image sharpness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If DCRA is formed by alternately piling secondary mirror structures composed of thin glass plates aligned parallel to each other on primary mirror structures, then floating image can be formed, but the manufacturing process becomes difficult and costly due to cutting, aligning and stacking thin glasses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex DCRA structure with a prism film that copies the light reflection function. Instead of using actual thin glass plates arranged in complex mirror structures, a planar prism film with specific geometric patterns is used to achieve the same retro-reflection effect, dramatically simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the floating image formation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical assembly of multiple thin glass plates (mechanical system) with a single integrated prism film structure. The complex physical stacking and alignment of multiple components is replaced by a planar optical element that achieves the same function through its geometric design, eliminating the need for precise mechanical assembly
2Reliability
If DCRA is formed by alternately piling secondary mirror structures composed of thin glass plates aligned parallel to each other on primary mirror structures, then floating image can be formed, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a prism film that copies the light reflection function of the expensive DCRA structure. By using a planar film with printed or molded prism patterns instead of actual stacked glass mirrors, the manufacturing cost is dramatically reduced while maintaining the floating image formation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, fragile thin glass plates with a more economical prism film structure. The prism film can be manufactured using cheaper materials and processes (such as printing or molding on a substrate) while achieving the same optical function, making the overall system more cost-effective
3Ease of manufacture
If prism film is used to reflect light into floating image, then manufacturing cost is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but image sharpness and structural stability need enhancement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a filler layer as an intermediary between the prism structures and the surrounding environment. This filler layer with refractive index matching enhances the optical performance and image sharpness, while also providing structural support to maintain the precision of the prism geometry during manufacturing and operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the refractive index of the filler layer to match specific values that enhance both image sharpness and structural stability. By carefully controlling this physical parameter, the prism film achieves high-quality image formation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness
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 prism film enables efficient and cost-effective manufacturing of a floating image display apparatus with improved image quality and reduced manufacturing costs, allowing for larger viewing angles and contactless interaction with the aerial image.
Implementation Method 1
a prism film configured to reflect the light output by the display into a floating image
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of prisms may include a light-transparent material having a higher refractive index than air
Data Source
AI summary
A floating image display apparatus includes: a display configured to output light corresponding to an image; and a prism film configured to reflect the light output by the display into a floating image, where the prism film comprises a plurality of prism strips stacked in a first direction, and where at least one prism strip among the plurality of prism strips comprises: a substrate layer extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of prisms provided along the second direction on a first surface of the substrate layer.