Household Assistant Projector with Intelligent Glass Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing household assistants with projectors for large format visual output are expensive, require high processing power, and have complex display systems, making them less robust and more costly, while also being less versatile for different household settings.
Innovation Solution
A household assistant with a projector that can use either a surface on its housing or an external surface as a projection area, utilizing intelligent glass with controllable transparency to eliminate the need for a dedicated display and reduce power consumption, allowing for a more compact and robust design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated display is provided for visual output, then the household assistant can display information, but the device becomes more expensive, complex, and power-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display function with the projector by using the projector to project images onto a transparent or translucent display surface integrated into the housing. This merging eliminates the need for a separate dedicated display device, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to provide visual output.
Solution Approach 2:
The projector is designed to serve multiple functions: it can project images onto external surfaces (walls, tables) for large-format display, and simultaneously serve as the display device by projecting onto the integrated transparent display surface within the housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated display hardware.
2Reliability
If a dedicated display is provided for visual output, then the household assistant can display information, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the display function with the projector system, the patent eliminates the need for separate display backlighting and control circuits that would consume additional power. The single projector serves both as the light source and image generator for the display function, reducing overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The projector performs dual functions as both a projection device for external surfaces and as a display device through the transparent display surface. This universality means one power-consuming component (the projector) replaces what would traditionally require multiple powered components (projector + dedicated display).
3Adaptability or versatility
If the household assistant is made compact for easier placement, then it can be used in different household locations, but the projector and optical components become more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the transparent display surface directly into the housing structure, nesting the display function within the existing housing boundaries rather than requiring additional external components. This nesting approach allows compact design while maintaining display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical path control to redirect light from the projector through the transparent display surface, effectively using the third dimension (depth/optical path) to accommodate the projection mechanism within the compact housing. This allows the projector to be positioned inside the housing while still providing external projection capability.
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 solution simplifies the household assistant, reduces costs, enhances robustness, and allows for easier placement in various household settings by using intelligent glass for adjustable opacity and a lens system for adaptable projection ratios, enabling efficient and versatile visual output.
Implementation Method 1
The transparency of the element can be controlled. In particular, the element can be driven to be opaque to act as a rear projection surface or clear to allow passage of a projected image to the second surface. This can be realized by a coating with controllable transparency on a transparent substrate such as glass or plastic.
Implementation Method 2
In a second embodiment, a liquid crystal is attached to the element. The liquid crystal can, for example, be accommodated between two panes of glass in the manner of a liquid crystal display.
Implementation Method 3
a projector accommodated in the case; and a device for controlling an optical path of the projector in such a way that either a first surface located on the housing or a second surface located outside of the housing can be used as a projection surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A household assistant comprises a housing; a projector enclosed in the housing; and a device for controlling a beam path of the projector such that either a first surface located on the housing or a second surface located outside the housing can be used as a projection surface.