Retroreflective Aerial Display Layout for Wider Viewing Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in expanding the viewing angle of aerial images while maintaining a reduced size and cost, particularly when multiple optical systems are required to achieve wide viewing angles.
Innovation Solution
A display device design that utilizes a pair of retroreflective members inclined outward from a light source, paired with beam splitters, to display the same aerial image in two directions, reducing the need for multiple light sources and minimizing the number of optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical systems are used to achieve wide viewing angles, then the viewing angle of aerial images is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single integrated optical system. The beam splitter is positioned to simultaneously direct light to multiple retroreflective members, merging the functions of multiple optical paths into one compact structure. This allows wide viewing angles to be achieved without proportionally increasing the number of separate optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses retroreflective members arranged in different spatial orientations to expand the viewing angle in multiple dimensions. By tilting the retroreflective members at different angles relative to the light source, the system creates aerial images visible from various viewing directions without requiring multiple separate optical systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to display aerial images in multiple directions, then the viewing angle is improved, but the cost increases due to multiple expensive light sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light distribution function by using a single light source that emits light in multiple directions simultaneously. The beam splitter divides the light path, and different retroreflective members reflect light toward different viewing directions, achieving multi-directional display without multiple light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light source serves multiple functions by illuminating different retroreflective members that direct light to various viewing angles. The beam splitter and retroreflective members work together to make one light source perform the work of multiple light sources, reducing cost while maintaining multi-directional viewing 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
The design achieves a wider viewing angle for aerial images without increasing device size or cost, allowing users to view the same image from different directions, while sharing an expensive light source and reducing component count.
Implementation Method 1
a first retroreflective member arranged on one end side of the light source to be inclined outward at a first inclination angle with respect to the normal to the emission surface; a second retroreflective member arranged on the other end side of the light source to be inclined outward at a second inclination angle with respect to the normal to the emission surface
Implementation Method 2
a first optical member configured to separate incident light into reflected light and transmitted light, which is arranged to face the first retroreflective member; and a second optical member configured to separate incident light into reflected light and transmitted light
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A display device is capable of displaying an aerial image by utilizing retroreflection. The display device includes a light source configured to emit an image from an emission surface; a first retroreflective member arranged on one end side of the light source to be inclined outward at a first inclination angle with respect to a normal to the emission surface; a second retroreflective member arranged on another end side of the light source to be inclined outward at a second inclination angle with respect to the normal to the emission surface; a first optical member configured to separate incident light into reflected light and transmitted light, which is arranged to face the first retroreflective member; and a second optical member configured to separate incident light into reflected light and transmitted light, which is arranged to face the second retroreflective member.