Retroreflective Display Device with Specular Reflection Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices with retroreflector arrays having discontinuous areas face issues with light not being retroreflected, leading to discontinuous display images and reduced display quality.
Innovation Solution
The use of a display device configuration that includes a reflective element with both retroreflective and specular reflection surfaces, where the retroreflective surfaces are uneven and the specular reflection surfaces are even, allowing for efficient retroreflection and specular reflection of light to form a continuous display image, even if the retroreflective surfaces are discontinuously formed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If retroreflector arrays have discontinuous areas to simplify manufacturing, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but light retroreflection is lost and display image continuity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector array is divided into multiple independent retroreflectors, each capable of retroreflecting light. These segmented retroreflectors are arranged in an array pattern, allowing the structure to be manufactured using simple molding processes while maintaining overall retroreflection functionality through the collective action of individual elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specular reflection layer in specific regions where retroreflectors are discontinuous or absent. This creates local quality differentiation: regions with retroreflectors provide retroreflection, while regions with specular reflection layers provide specular reflection, ensuring continuous display image coverage even when retroreflector placement is discontinuous
2Reliability
If retroreflective surfaces are made uneven for retroreflection, then retroreflection efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflector array is divided into multiple independent retroreflectors, each capable of retroreflecting light. These segmented retroreflectors are arranged in an array pattern, allowing the structure to be manufactured using simple molding processes while maintaining overall retroreflection functionality through the collective action of individual elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specular reflection layer as an intermediary element in regions where retroreflectors are discontinuous. This intermediary layer compensates for the absence of retroreflectors by providing specular reflection, ensuring continuous display image coverage without requiring complex manufacturing for the entire surface
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 enhances display quality by reducing discontinuity in the image and suppressing deterioration in display quality, while also simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs by allowing for the use of inexpensive molds and continuous base formation.
Implementation Method 1
a retroreflective surface in an uneven state on which light reflected on the optical element is retroreflected
Implementation Method 2
a specular reflection surface on which light reflected on the optical element is specularly reflected
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device includes an optical element urging incident light to be transmitted or reflected, a first reflective element includes a first retroreflective surface in an uneven state on which the light reflected on the optical element is retroreflected, and a first specular reflection surface on which the light reflected on the optical element is specularly reflected, and a second reflective element includes a second retroreflective surface in an uneven state on which the light reflected on the first specular reflection surface is retroreflected.