Retroreflective Display Elements for Image Continuity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices using optical and retroreflective elements often result in discontinuous images due to regions without retroreflective properties, leading to reduced image quality and efficiency in light utilization.

Innovation Solution

A display device comprising an optical element and reflective elements with distinct retroreflective and specular-reflective portions, where the reflective elements have a specific layout and structure to ensure that light is effectively retroreflected and utilized for image formation, reducing discontinuities and improving display quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If retroreflective elements are used to form images in air, then image formation is achieved, but image continuity deteriorates due to non-retroreflective regions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage continuityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of reflective elements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retroreflective element is segmented into multiple reflective regions (first reflective region, second reflective region, third reflective region) with different orientations. Each region independently reflects light from corresponding display regions, ensuring continuous image formation across the entire field of view without gaps caused by non-retroreflective areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the retroreflective element have locally optimized reflective properties with specific orientations tailored to reflect light from particular display regions. This local customization ensures that each area contributes effectively to image continuity in its corresponding viewing zone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If reflective elements with large area are used to improve image continuity, then image quality improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage continuityVSAvoidstructural complexity of reflective element arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retroreflective element is divided into multiple functional regions with distinct orientations, allowing each segment to serve a specific purpose in reflecting light from corresponding display areas. This segmentation enables comprehensive light utilization without requiring a single overly complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple reflective regions with different orientations are merged into a single integrated retroreflective element, combining their light-reflecting functions to achieve continuous image formation across the entire field of view while maintaining a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If regions without retroreflective properties exist in retroreflective elements, then manufacturing is simplified, but light utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidlight utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The retroreflective element is segmented into multiple reflective regions that collectively cover the entire element area, eliminating non-retroreflective gaps. Each segment is manufactured with a specific orientation, and their combination ensures complete light utilization from all display regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retroreflective element is designed to perform multiple reflective functions simultaneously through its different oriented regions, making the entire element area productive for light reflection and image formation, thereby maximizing light utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances image continuity and display quality by ensuring that light is efficiently retroreflected and utilized, even in regions with low retroreflective properties, thereby improving the overall brightness and reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a first reflective portion retroreflects reflective light reflected on the optical element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRetroreflection: Retroreflector

Implementation Method 2

a second reflective portion specularly reflects the reflective light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpecular reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS10268070B2Display device incorporating reflective and retroreflective elements

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 MAGNOLIA WHITE CORP

AI summary

According to one embodiment, a display device includes an optical element which transmits or reflects incident light, and a first reflective element including a first reflective portion and a second reflective portion. The first reflective portion retroreflects reflective light reflected on the optical element. The second reflective portion has an area less than an area of the first reflective portion and regularly reflects the reflective light.