Retroreflective Prism Array for Vivid Volumetric Image Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic image display devices face challenges such as high production complexity, cost, and difficulty in achieving vivid images due to the use of numerous dihedral corner reflectors, belt-shaped light-reflective panels, and minute corner cubes, which result in visibility issues and reduced image clarity.
Innovation Solution
An image display apparatus featuring first and second light-reflective surfaces formed in a right-triangle-wave pattern on transparent bodies, with third and fourth light-reflective surfaces arranged vertically and horizontally, respectively, to create retroreflective bodies that redirect light rays and form vivid images without linear penetration, allowing for easier and more precise production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of dihedral corner reflectors are arranged in a grid-like pattern, then volumetric images can be formed on the opposite side, but production becomes difficult and light amount is insufficient for vivid images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple dihedral corner reflectors into a single integrated prism unit with multiple reflective surfaces. Instead of arranging separate reflectors in a grid pattern, the invention combines their functions into one cohesive structure that can be produced as a single component, thereby simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the ability to form volumetric images through multiple reflection paths
2Reliability
If belt-shaped planar light-reflective portions are arranged in light-controlling panels, then stereoscopic images can be formed, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple belt-shaped planar light-reflective portions into a single integrated prism structure. Instead of producing and assembling separate light-controlling panels with numerous reflective portions, the invention creates one unified prism component that performs all reflection functions, thereby reducing production complexity and cost while maintaining stereoscopic image formation capability
3Reliability
If corner cubes are aligned in a large number, then stereoscopic images can be formed in the air, but high-precision production becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple corner cubes into a single integrated prism unit with built-in reflective surfaces positioned at precise angles. Instead of requiring the alignment of numerous separate corner cubes, the invention produces one component where all reflective surfaces are factory-pre positioned at the correct orientations, thereby eliminating alignment difficulties while maintaining the ability to form stereoscopic images in air
4Reliability
If half-mirrors and notched corner cubes are used, then images can be formed, but objects become visible through notches and images lack vividness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple half-mirror surfaces and notched corner cube functions into a single integrated prism structure with complete reflective surfaces. This unified design eliminates the notches and partial mirrors that caused visibility issues, providing full reflective coverage that enhances light return and image vividness while maintaining stereoscopic image formation 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 apparatus enables low-cost, high-precision production of vivid volumetric images with reduced visibility of objects, as the structured light-reflective surfaces allow for regular arrangement and efficient light redirection, resulting in cost-effective and high-quality image formation.
Implementation Method 1
receives light rays from an object A on one side of the image display apparatus and forms an image on the other side of the image display apparatus as an image B
Implementation Method 2
first to third light-reflective surfaces, which form retroreflective bodies, and then turning in a different direction on a corresponding one of the fourth light-reflective surfaces
Data Source
Figure 1(A)~1(C)
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Light rays from an image A are made to enter one or more retroreflective bodies formed by first and second light-reflective surfaces 13 and 14 and third light-reflective surfaces 15, the first and second light-reflective surfaces 13 and 14 each being orthogonal to one another and formed in a right-triangle-wave pattern in cross section, the third light-reflective surfaces 15 being orthogonal to each of corresponding ones of the first and second light-reflective surfaces 13 and 14, a direction of each of one or more reflected lights from the one or more retroreflective bodies is further turned in a different direction on a corresponding one of fourth light-reflective surfaces 16, and an image B is formed at a different position.