Retroreflective Prism Array for Display Ghosting Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Imaging devices with polarizing filters and retroreflective elements suffer from light scattering in non-retroreflective regions, leading to degradation of display quality due to ghosting effects.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration featuring an optical element that transmits first linearly polarized light and reflects second linearly polarized light, combined with a retroreflective element having retroreflective and non-retroreflective units, and a modulating element with phase-difference imparting and non-phase-difference units, arranged to overlap the retroreflective and non-retroreflective units respectively, to suppress light scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a retroreflective element with non-retroreflective regions is used to control light paths, then light scattering is reduced, but ghosting effects occur that degrade display quality
Solution Approach 1:
The retroreflective element is segmented into multiple independent retroreflective prisms arranged in an array. Each prism processes light independently, confining retroreflection to specific angular ranges and preventing overlapping light paths that cause ghosting. The segmentation allows precise control of light paths while eliminating the harmful ghosting effects caused by uncontrolled scattering in non-retroreflective regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the retroreflective element have different optical properties - each retroreflective prism has highly reflective surfaces oriented at specific angles, while the spaces between prisms allow light transmission. This local differentiation enables the system to retroreflect light within specific angular ranges while allowing other light paths to pass through, thereby reducing both scattering and ghosting effects simultaneously.
2Reliability
If retroreflective prisms are arranged in an array with spacing, then light path control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple retroreflective prisms are merged into a single integrated element where adjacent prisms share common boundaries. The prisms are arranged in a compact array format that combines multiple light-path controlling units into one cohesive structure, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable light path control through the collective arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The retroreflective element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it retroreflects light within specific angular ranges, transmits light in other directions, and controls the formation of aerial images. This multi-functionality is achieved through the universal design of the prism array that handles various light paths through a single structural configuration, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 light scattering and degradation of display quality by ensuring that only retroreflected light contributes to the formation of the aerial image, thereby enhancing image clarity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element (10) including a transmission axis, which transmits first linearly polarized light and reflects second linearly polarized light crossing the transmission axis
Implementation Method 2
a retroreflector (23) comprising three reflective surfaces (A1 to C1) orthogonal to each other
Implementation Method 3
a modulating element (ME) including a modulating unit (MU) which imparts a phase difference to transmitted light
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device includes an optical element including a transmission axis which transmits first linearly polarized light and reflecting second linearly polarized light which crosses the transmission axis, a display unit which emits display light of the second linearly polarized light towards the optical element, a retroreflector including a retroreflective unit which retroreflects reflection light reflected by the optical element, and a non-retroreflective unit, a modulating element including a modulating unit disposed in a position which overlaps the retroreflective unit, and a non-modulating unit disposed in a position which overlaps the non-retroreflective unit.