Retroreflective Display Element with Bent Reflector Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices that form images in the air using retroreflective properties face issues with degraded retroreflective performance at joints between reflector plates, leading to reduced display quality and loss of display light.
Innovation Solution
The display device incorporates a reflective element with strategically positioned and shaped reflector plates, where end portions are designed to minimize retroreflection loss by being hidden from the optical path, and the plates are bent in convex shapes to enhance retroreflective efficiency, reducing non-uniformity and streaks in the image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple reflector plates are used to form the retroreflective portion, then the retroreflective area is increased, but the retroreflective properties are degraded at each joint between the reflector plates
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflective portion is divided into multiple reflector plates arranged in a matrix pattern, allowing the retroreflective area to be expanded while maintaining individual plate integrity. Each plate acts as an independent retroreflective unit with its own support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A light-transmitting member is introduced as an intermediary component to support the reflector plates from the rear surface side. This mediator distributes mechanical stress and maintains precise positioning of each plate, preventing degradation at joints while preserving retroreflective properties.
2Area of stationary object
If reflector plates are arranged in a matrix pattern, then the retroreflective coverage is improved, but non-uniformity and streaks occur in the retroreflected light
Solution Approach 1:
Each reflector plate is individually positioned and supported to ensure uniform optical properties across the entire matrix. The light-transmitting member provides localized support that maintains consistent spacing and orientation of each plate, eliminating non-uniformity and streaks in the retroreflected light.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-transmitting member creates a uniform support structure beneath all reflector plates, ensuring that each plate is held at the same optical potential. This equipotential support system prevents variations in retroreflective performance across different regions of the matrix arrangement.
3Area of stationary object
If the retroreflective portion is made larger, then the display area is increased, but the joints between reflector plates cause light loss
Solution Approach 1:
The light-transmitting member acts as an intermediary support structure that allows reflector plates to be arranged in a large matrix while minimizing joint effects. By supporting plates from the rear surface side, it reduces light loss at joints and enables expansion of the display area without proportional increase in light loss.
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 configuration effectively suppresses deterioration in display quality by minimizing light loss and non-uniformity, ensuring clear and efficient retroreflection, thereby improving the overall display image formation.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective element which retroreflects the display light reflected from the optical element
Implementation Method 2
the retroreflective surfaces are bent at positions adjacent to the joint
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a display module which emits display light, an optical element which transmits or reflects the display light, and a reflective element which retroreflects the display light reflected from the optical element. The reflective element includes a first reflector including a first retroreflective surface having retroreflective properties, a first end portion, and a second end portion which is more separated from the optical element than the first end portion, and a second reflector including a third end portion, which overlaps the second end portion and is closer to the optical element than the second end portion, and a second retroreflective surface having retroreflective properties.