Spatial Image Projection Apparatus Optical Path Length Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spatial image projection apparatuses require a bulky configuration due to the need for a specific distance between the display panel and the convex lens, limiting their usefulness and resulting in a smaller projected image size.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical-path length-converter between the display unit and the projection unit, which includes a polarizer and a mirror to adjust the optical path length, allowing for a reduction in the thickness of the apparatus while maintaining the size of the spatial image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a convex lens is used to project spatial images, then spatial image projection is achieved, but the apparatus requires a bulky configuration due to the need for a specific distance between the display panel and the convex lens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical path converter that redirects light through a different spatial dimension using a beam splitter and mirror arrangement. This allows the optical path to fold back on itself, effectively adding a dimensional component to the light trajectory without increasing the physical footprint of the apparatus in the primary projection direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path converter components (beam splitter, mirror) are positioned within the existing optical path between the display panel and projection lens, nesting the path-lengthening mechanism inside the原有 structure. This allows the extended optical path to be contained within the original apparatus boundaries rather than requiring external extension.
2Volume of moving object
If the distance between the display panel and convex lens is reduced to decrease apparatus size, then the apparatus becomes more compact, but the size of the projected spatial image becomes smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path converter acts as an intermediary element between the display panel and projection lens, mediating the relationship between physical distance and optical path length. By introducing this intermediate optical system with beam splitting and reflection, the patent decouples the physical separation distance from the effective optical path length, allowing compact physical dimensions while maintaining sufficient optical path for full-size image projection.
3Reliability
If special glasses are used for spatial image projection, then stereoscopic 3D viewing is achieved, but the viewing experience is limited when no glasses are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical filtering system (polarization filters, shutter mechanisms in glasses) with a direct spatial light projection system. By projecting light that naturally converges to form a 3D image in space, the system eliminates the need for mechanical or optical filtering components in the viewer's glasses, allowing both glasses-on and glasses-off viewing modes.
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 depth and size of the spatial image projection apparatus while ensuring the projected image remains the same size as the displayed image, enhancing usability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a polarizer configured to transmit only specific polarized light, among the light introduced from the display unit, toward the projection unit, and to reflect the remaining light other than the specific polarized light
Implementation Method 2
a mirror configured to transmit light, introduced from the display unit, to the polarizer, and to convert the light reflected from the polarizer into specific polarized light
Data Source
AI summary
A spatial image projection apparatus including a receiver configured to receive an image signal; a display unit configured to display an image acquired by processing the image signal; a projection unit configured to project a spatial image to a prescribed space by transmitting or reflecting light corresponding to the image displayed on the display unit; and an optical-path length-converter located between the display unit and the projection unit so as to change an optical-path length of the image. Further, the optical-path length-converter includes a polarizer configured to transmit only specific polarized light, among the light introduced from the display unit, toward the projection unit, and to reflect the remaining light other than the specific polarized light; and a mirror configured to transmit light, introduced from the display unit, to the polarizer, and to convert the light reflected from the polarizer into specific polarized light so as to again reflect the light to the polarizer.