Image Display Apparatus Radial Beam Scanning for 3D Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image display apparatuses that use multiple projectors to create three-dimensional images are limited by the size of the projectors and the arrangement pitch, which restricts the angular resolution and display quality, leading to a large configuration size.

Innovation Solution

An image display apparatus that employs a beam emitting section and a polyhedral mirror rotary member with mirror surfaces to radially emit and scan beams horizontally, allowing for higher angular resolution without increasing the apparatus size by simulating multiple projectors' arrangement on a circumference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple projectors are arranged on a circumference to display three-dimensional images, then the display capability for multiple perspectives is achieved, but the apparatus size increases and angular resolution is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay capability for multiple perspectivesVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple projectors into a single beam emitting section that radially emits multiple beams. The mirror rotary member with multiple mirror surfaces replaces multiple separate projection systems, consolidating what would have been multiple projector units into one integrated apparatus, thereby reducing overall size while maintaining multi-perspective display capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The beam emitting section is segmented to emit multiple independent beams radially in different directions. The mirror rotary member is segmented into multiple mirror surfaces, each handling a specific beam. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multi-perspective display without requiring multiple complete projector units, thus reducing apparatus size

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple projectors are arranged on a circumference, then multi-perspective display is enabled, but the arrangement pitch between projectors is limited by their size, restricting angular resolution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular resolutionVSAvoidarrangement pitch between projectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of multiple projectors on a circumference to a radial emission pattern from a central beam emitting section. The mirror rotary member rotates to direct beams in different angular positions, effectively using rotational motion to achieve angular resolution that would otherwise require larger horizontal spacing between multiple projectors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the size of individual projectors is reduced to decrease apparatus size, then the configuration becomes more compact, but the angular resolution and display quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapparatus sizeVSAvoidangular resolution

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical projection system (projectors with lenses and optical components) with an optical scanning system using a rotating mirror. This substitution allows for precise angular control of beam directions through rotational positioning, achieving high angular resolution without the size constraints of traditional projector components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution achieves equal or higher angular resolution in the horizontal direction for multiple perspectives without enlarging the apparatus, enabling efficient display of three-dimensional images with improved quality.

Implementation Method 1

a mirror rotary member having a rotation axis and an inner surface, in which the inner surface has a plurality of mirror surfaces that reflects each of the plurality of beams, and the mirror rotary member as a whole rotates about the rotation axis as a center to thereby perform, by the plurality of mirror surfaces, scanning with each of the plurality of beams emitted from the beam emitting section in the horizontal direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11435595B2Image display apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.09.06 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An image display apparatus of the present invention includes: a beam emitting section (10) that radially emits a plurality of beams (Ls1 to Ls5) in a horizontal direction; a mirror rotary member (20) having a rotation axis (Pc) and an inner surface, the inner surface having a plurality of mirror surfaces (21) that reflects each of the plurality of beams (Ls1 to Ls5), the mirror rotary member as a whole rotating about the rotation axis (Pc) as a center to thereby perform, by the plurality of mirror surfaces (21), scanning with each of the plurality of beams (Ls1 to Ls5) emitted from the beam emitting section (10) in the horizontal direction; and a screen (2) to be irradiated with the plurality of beams (Ls1 to Ls5) with which the scanning is performed by the plurality of mirror surfaces (21).