Rotating Mirror 3D Display for Multi-Angle Viewing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional 3D display systems, such as lenticular televisions, require viewers to remain in a specific location and are not effective in brightly lit environments or for providing holographic game displays that can be interacted with from multiple sides, limiting their application and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A 3D display system that uses a screen element, such as a sheet of mesh or netting material, to reflect ambient light when not in use and transmit light from a stereoscopic or autostereoscopic display to create a floating 3D image viewable from various angles, allowing for a 360-degree interactive experience without the need for special glasses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a lenticular autostereoscopic display is used to provide 3D imagery, then the display can show multiple view images through lenticules, but the viewer must remain in a specific location and at a predefined height, limiting viewing flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing flexibilityVSAvoidviewing angle range
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a 2D lenticular display surface to a 3D volumetric display space using a rotating mirror assembly. The mirror rotates to direct light from different display regions to different spatial locations, creating a volumetric 3D image that can be viewed from multiple angles and positions, thereby adding a spatial dimension to the viewing experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dynamically rotating mirror assembly that continuously changes the direction of reflected light. The mirror rotation enables the display to dynamically redirect light rays to different viewing positions, allowing viewers to move freely around the display while maintaining the 3D imaging effect, thus making the system adaptive to changing viewer positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Illumination intensity

If a conventional 3D display is used in brightly lit environments, then the display can be placed in well-traveled spaces, but the 3D imagery becomes difficult to see

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental lightingVSAvoiddisplay brightness visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a rotating mirror as an intermediary optical element between the display screen and the viewer. The mirror reflects and redirects light from the display, creating a virtual 3D image in space. This intermediary allows the display to overcome ambient lighting conditions by projecting the image into the environment where it can be viewed from multiple angles with enhanced visibility against bright backgrounds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a standard printed signage or monitor is used on walls, then the information is always present, but it is ignored or considered non-entertaining

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation availabilityVSAvoidviewer engagement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs vibrant, full-color 3D imagery displayed through the rotating mirror system. The ability to present colorful, dynamic 3D images that appear to float in space creates visual spectacle and entertainment value, transforming static wall signage into engaging, attention-grabbing displays that can attract and hold viewer interest in well-traveled spaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

By transitioning from 2D flat signage to 3D volumetric imaging, the patent adds visual depth and realism that makes the displayed information more captivating. The 3D images appear to emerge from the wall surface, creating a more immersive and entertaining experience that draws viewers in rather than being ignored like traditional flat signage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If conventional 3D televisions are used for holographic game displays, then 3D imagery can be provided, but the display cannot be viewed or interacted with from multiple sides

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive capabilityVSAvoidmulti-side viewing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a true 3D volumetric display using the rotating mirror assembly, which projects light to form images in three-dimensional space rather than on a flat 2D screen. This volumetric approach allows multiple players to approach the display from different sides and angles, view the same 3D image, and interact with it, enabling multi-player holographic gaming experiences that conventional 2D televisions cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables a 3D display system that is viewable and interactive from multiple sides, even in brightly lit environments, with a low footprint and cost-effective design, providing a realistic and engaging holographic experience.

Implementation Method 1

The screen element is designed or configured to reflect light from the viewing space so as to appear opaque to a viewer in the viewing space when the 3D display operates in the second state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the screen element is designed or configured to transmit at least a portion of the light output by the 3D display when the 3D display operates in the first state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission:

Data Source

PatentUS11226493B2Display system for producing daylight-visible holographic or floating 3D imagery
Publication Date: 2022.01.18 DISNEY ENTERPRISES INC
  • US11226493B2 patent drawing
  • US11226493B2 patent drawing
  • US11226493B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for displaying three dimensional (3D) images. The system includes a 3D display operating in a first state to display a 3D image by outputting light into a viewing space and operating in a second state in which the 3D image is not displayed. The system further includes a screen element positioned between the 3D display and the viewing space. The screen element reflects light from the viewing space to appear opaque to a viewer in the viewing space when the 3D display operates in the second state. The screen element transmits the light output by the 3D display, whereby the 3D display image is perceivable by the viewer in the viewing space. The screen element includes a sheet of mesh or netting material that transmits light output by the 3D display through its pores or openings and may be a planar sheet of scrim, tulle, or chiffon.