Segmented Reflector Layout for Multi-View Vehicle Information Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information display systems, such as optical camouflage and head-up displays, face limitations in designability and installation flexibility due to restrictions on the placement of light projection units, particularly in achieving monocular vision and multiple viewpoints.

Innovation Solution

A reflector with two-dimensionally arranged unit regions, each containing multiple reflecting surfaces that split and reflect luminous flux in various directions, allowing for more freedom in the installation location of the light projection unit by enabling monocular vision and multiple viewpoints without requiring the light projection unit to be on the same axis as the reflector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the light projection unit is placed on the same axis as the reflector to achieve proper reflection, then the reflection function is improved, but the installation flexibility and design freedom are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidalignment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is divided into multiple unit regions, each containing multiple reflecting surfaces with different orientations. This segmentation allows each unit to handle light from different directions, eliminating the need for strict axial alignment between the light projection unit and the reflector center.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reflecting surfaces within each unit region are designed with asymmetric orientations relative to the main surface normal. This asymmetric arrangement enables the reflector to properly reflect light regardless of the light projection unit's position, providing design freedom while maintaining reflection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single reflecting surface is used, then the structure is simple, but multiple viewpoints and monocular vision cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple viewpointsVSAvoidreflector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each unit region is segmented into multiple reflecting surfaces, where each surface is oriented to reflect light toward a specific viewpoint direction. This segmentation enables the creation of multiple virtual viewpoints and supports monocular vision requirements without requiring complex external optical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a single-plane reflection to a multi-dimensional reflection structure by arranging reflecting surfaces at various angles in three-dimensional space. This dimensional expansion allows light to be reflected toward multiple directions simultaneously, achieving multiple viewpoints from a single reflector location.

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

3Area of stationary object

If the light projection unit is positioned far from the reflector to avoid obstruction, then the viewing angle is improved, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidviewing angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The reflector is segmented into multiple unit regions with reflecting surfaces oriented at different angles. This segmentation allows the system to achieve wide viewing angles even when the light projection unit is positioned close to the reflector, eliminating the need for large installation space while maintaining viewing quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution relaxes the restrictions on the installation location of the light projection unit, allowing for more design flexibility and preventing blurred scenery or images, while ensuring that the displayed information is recognized as part of the background, thus reducing driver fatigue and improving the viewing experience.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the unit regions includes a plurality of reflecting surfaces two-dimensionally arranged, and splits a luminous flux entering the plurality of reflecting surfaces to perform reflection in a plurality of directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3521898B1Reflection plate, information display device, and movable body
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3521898B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3521898B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3521898B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A movable body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body and an information display apparatus mounted on the vehicle body. The information display apparatus provided at the movable body includes a light projecting part that projects a luminous flux and a reflector that reflects the luminous flux from the light projecting part. The reflector includes a plurality of unit regions two-dimensionally arranged over a main surface. Each of the unit regions includes a plurality of reflecting surfaces two-dimensionally arranged, and splits a luminous flux entering the plurality of reflecting surfaces to perform reflection in a plurality of directions.