Sky Scene Optical Display with 2D Collimated Sunlight Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically operated optical display devices for creating a perception of a sky scene are expensive, complex, and struggle to achieve realistic depth perception due to the need for large arrays of light sources and precise alignment, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
The optical display device employs a collimated light generation system with optical expansion systems to expand collimated light beams in two orthogonal directions, using prism sheets and a viewing control system to obscure internal components, allowing a single light source to cover the entire output aperture, and incorporates superimposed or offset collimated light beams to enhance realism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If large arrays of light sources and collimating lens arrays are used to achieve sunlight intensity, then illumination intensity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple light sources into a single light source by using a beam combining optical system. Multiple collimated light beams from different light sources are superimposed to create a unified sunlight component, reducing the number of individual light source assemblies while maintaining the required illumination intensity across the output aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical expansion systems that expand collimated light beams in multiple dimensions (horizontal and vertical directions) to cover the entire output aperture. This dimensional expansion allows a single light source to illuminate the full aperture area, eliminating the need for large arrays of light sources and corresponding collimating lens arrays.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment of light sources and collimating lens arrays is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical expansion systems as intermediary components between the light source and the output aperture. These expansion systems include expansion lenses and beam combining optics that automatically manage the alignment and distribution of light across the aperture, reducing the need for precise manual alignment of multiple light sources and collimating lenses.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple collimated light sources are used to cover separate sections of the output aperture, then illumination coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical expansion systems that expand collimated light beams in both horizontal and vertical dimensions simultaneously. This two-dimensional expansion allows a single light source to cover the entire output aperture area, replacing the need for multiple light sources arranged to cover separate sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple expanded collimated light beams into a single unified illumination field using beam combining optics. The expanded beams from different directions are superimposed to provide uniform coverage across the entire output aperture, achieving comprehensive area coverage with fewer light sources.
4Device complexity
If a single light source with optical expansion systems is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical expansion systems with expansion lenses and beam combining optics as intermediary components that manage the light distribution and alignment. These intermediaries provide built-in alignment mechanisms and tolerance compensation, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to direct multi-source configurations.
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 reduces the need for multiple light sources, achieves uniform and realistic sunlight representation, and provides a cost-effective, compact device that simulates a sky scene with accurate depth perception.
Implementation Method 1
a collimating system to receive light from the light source and produce the collimated light beam therefrom
Implementation Method 2
the first optical expansion system is arranged to expand the collimated light beam in a first expanded direction over the output aperture
Implementation Method 3
the second optical expansion system is arranged to expand the collimated light beam in a second expanded direction over the output aperture, wherein the second expanded direction is different (e.g., not collinear) to the first expanded direction
Implementation Method 4
A portion of the collimated beam is scattered by the diffuse light generator by Rayleigh scattering as blue, diffuse light to provide an artificial skylight component
Data Source
AI summary
An optical display device arranged to create a perception of a sky scene, comprising: a collimated light generation system comprising: a collimated light source to produce a collimated light beam; a first optical expansion system; a second optical expansion system; a diffuse light generation system, and; an output aperture through which output light is projected, the diffuse light generation system arranged to generate a diffuse skylight component in the output light, and the collimated light generation system arranged to generate a collimated sunlight component in the output light, wherein the first optical expansion system is arranged to expand the collimated light beam in a first expanded direction over the output aperture as the collimated sunlight component, and the second optical expansion system is arranged to expand the collimated light beam in a second expanded direction over the output aperture as the collimated sunlight component.