Switchable Floating Image Display Using Segmented Light-Emitting Stacks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional three-dimensional image switchable designs using active-matrix displays are costly and complex, making them unsuitable for low-cost or small-volume applications like floating image buttons, which require non-contact interfaces to prevent virus transmission.
Innovation Solution
A switchable floating image display device comprising a light-emitting stack layer, a light-emitting pattern stack layer, a transparent barrier layer, an optical imaging module, and a power supply module, where the light-emitting stack layer and pattern stack layer generate distinct pattern beams to form floating images, with the optical imaging module reconstructing these beams into three-dimensional images, and the power supply module controls which image is displayed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If active-matrix display is used to achieve image switching, then image switching capability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is segmented into multiple independent light-emitting stacks, each capable of displaying a specific image. By selectively activating different stacks, image switching is achieved without requiring a complex active-matrix display system. Each stack contains light-emitting units arranged in specific patterns that form complete images when activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different light-emitting stacks based on control signals from the power supply module. This dynamic activation/deactivation of specific stacks enables image switching functionality while maintaining a simple static structure for each individual stack, avoiding the complexity of active-matrix controls.
2Adaptability or versatility
If active-matrix display is used to achieve image switching, then image switching capability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into multiple independent light-emitting stacks that can be manufactured using simple, cost-effective processes. Each stack uses basic light-emitting units without requiring expensive active-matrix manufacturing techniques, thereby reducing overall production costs while maintaining image switching capability through selective activation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical or similar light-emitting stacks are created as copies, each capable of displaying a specific image. This approach allows using simple, standardized manufacturing processes for each stack rather than requiring complex active-matrix display fabrication, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while achieving image switching through selective copying/activation of different stacks.
3Device complexity
If traditional physical button is used, then device structure is simple, but contact transmission risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical physical button is replaced with an optical display system using light-emitting stacks. Users interact by selecting displayed images rather than physically pressing buttons, eliminating surface contact and the associated transmission risk while maintaining a relatively simple device structure through the use of direct light emission and optical imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical field serves as an intermediary between the device and the user. Instead of direct mechanical contact, information is transmitted through visible floating images created by the light-emitting stacks and optical imaging module, allowing user interaction without physical contact with the device surface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If active-matrix display is used, then image switching capability is improved, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple compact light-emitting stacks arranged in a space-efficient configuration. Each stack is a small, self-contained unit that can be closely integrated with others, allowing image switching functionality to be achieved within a reduced overall device volume compared to traditional active-matrix displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-emitting stacks are nested or closely integrated within the device structure, with each stack positioned to utilize shared optical paths and imaging components. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall device volume while maintaining the capability to display multiple images through selective activation of different stacks.
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
The solution enables a cost-effective, simple, and customizable non-contact interface for displaying switchable floating images, reducing the need for expensive active-matrix displays and allowing for smaller device volumes, while preventing indirect contact infections by eliminating surface contact.
Implementation Method 1
The light-emitting stack layer is configured to generate a first pattern beam, and the light-emitting pattern stack layer is configured to generate a second pattern beam
Implementation Method 2
The optical imaging module is configured to enable the first pattern beam to form a first floating image, and enable the second pattern beam to form a second floating image
Data Source
AI summary
A switchable floating image display device, including a light-emitting stack layer, a light-emitting pattern stack layer, a transparent barrier layer, an optical imaging module, and a power supply module, is provided. The light-emitting stack layer is configured to generate a first pattern beam. The light-emitting pattern stack layer is configured to generate a second pattern beam. The transparent barrier layer is disposed between the light-emitting stack layer and the light-emitting pattern stack layer. The optical imaging module is configured to enable the first pattern beam to form a first floating image, and enable the second pattern beam to form a second floating image. The power supply module is electrically connected to the light-emitting stack layer and the light-emitting pattern stack layer, and configured determine whether to generate the first or second floating image by switching between the light-emitting stack layer and the light-emitting pattern stack layer to emit light.