Retroreflective Aerial Image Display With Local Transmittance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial image display devices suffer from issues where the original light source is visible at certain viewing angles, causing confusion and reducing the luminance of the aerial image, and existing solutions either restrict the viewing angle or compromise the concealability of the light source.
Innovation Solution
A display device using a transmission film with varying transmittance, where a low transmittance area is positioned to obscure the light source while maintaining the luminance of the aerial image, and a gradual change in transmittance is employed to minimize luminance fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a uniform transmittance transmission film is used, then the light source is either fully visible or fully concealed, but the luminance of the aerial image deteriorates or the concealability of the light source is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission film is designed with non-uniform transmittance distribution, where different regions have different transmittance values. Specifically, a low transmittance area is positioned to obscure the light source while maintaining higher transmittance in other areas to preserve aerial image luminance. This local differentiation of optical properties resolves the contradiction between concealability and luminance maintenance.
2Ease of manufacture
If the transmittance is reduced to conceal the light source, then the concealability improves, but the luminance of the aerial image decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly reducing transmittance across the entire film, the patent applies low transmittance only in the specific region where the light source is visible. The rest of the film maintains higher transmittance to preserve aerial image quality. This localized approach allows concealment of the light source without compromising overall luminance.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission film is segmented into different functional zones: a low transmittance area for concealing the light source and a high transmittance area for maintaining aerial image luminance. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its function independently, resolving the contradiction between concealability and luminance preservation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the viewing angle is restricted to avoid seeing the light source, then the concealability improves, but the adaptability of the display device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission film is designed with spatially varying transmittance properties, creating a low transmittance zone that selectively obscures the light source from specific viewing angles while maintaining transparency in other directions. This allows the display device to maintain wide viewing angles while preserving concealability through local optical property differentiation.
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 effectively conceals the light source while preserving the luminance of the aerial image, allowing for a wider viewing angle without compromising image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission film formed on the polarized-beam splitter, wherein the transmission film includes a low transmittance area in which the light source is difficult to be seen
Implementation Method 2
a polarized-beam splitter disposed to face the light source and the retroreflective member
Implementation Method 3
a retroreflective member disposed being inclined to the other side of the reference line
Data Source
AI summary
A display device configured for displaying an aerial image by using retro-reflection is provided. The display device includes: a light source disposed being inclined to one side of a reference line; a retroreflective member disposed being inclined to another side of the reference line; a polarized-beam splitter disposed to face the light source and the retroreflective member; and a transmission film formed on the polarized-beam splitter. The transmission film includes a low transmittance area in which the light source is difficult to be seen in an observation range where the aerial image is visible.