Three-Dimensional Display Using Overlapping Floating Images

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D display technologies have not achieved a perfect display effect and lack excellent performance in all aspects.

Innovation Solution

A three-dimensional display device comprising first and second display modules, each including a display light source, retroreflective component, and light splitting component, where the components are abutted end-to-end, forming first and second floating images that partially overlap, creating a trompe l'oeil effect for a three-dimensional image when viewed by human eyes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If current 3D display technologies are used, then three-dimensional display function is achieved, but display effect quality is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay effect qualityVSAvoiddisplay performance completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is divided into multiple independent display modules (first display module with first display panel, second display module with second display panel). Each module generates its own floating image, and the images are then fused together. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently while achieving superior overall display效果 through image fusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple floating images from different display modules are merged/fused together to form a comprehensive three-dimensional display effect. The light splitting components and retroreflective components combine light paths from multiple sources, creating overlapping floating images that enhance the overall 3D display quality and performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple display modules are used to improve display quality, then display effect is enhanced, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay effect qualityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into modular display units, each containing a display panel, light splitting component, and retroreflective component. This modular segmentation makes the complex system easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain, as each module can be produced independently and then integrated.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The components are arranged in a nested configuration where display panels are positioned at ends of light splitting components, which are in turn positioned at ends of retroreflective components. This nested arrangement optimizes space utilization and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining multiple display modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Manufacturing precision

If floating images are made to overlap to create 3D effect, then three-dimensional display quality is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional display qualityVSAvoidimage alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The nested arrangement of display panels, light splitting components, and retroreflective components ensures that floating images are naturally positioned to overlap at the correct locations. The geometric relationships established by the nested structure facilitate precise alignment without requiring additional complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The light splitting components are configured with asymmetric angle relationships (first angle between first light splitting component and first retroreflective component, second angle between second light splitting component and second retroreflective component). This asymmetric configuration allows flexible control of light paths and floating image positions, enabling precise alignment while accommodating manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 device realizes high-quality three-dimensional displays through the fusion of partially overlapping floating images, enhancing the display effect by utilizing different visual distances and color depths or brightness.

Implementation Method 1

a first retroreflective component... a second retroreflective component... display light emitted by the first display light source exits the first light splitting component and forms a first floating image; and display light emitted by the second display light source exits the second light splitting component and forms a second floating image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRetroreflection: Retroreflector

Implementation Method 2

a first light splitting component... a second light splitting component... display light emitted by the first display light source exits the first light splitting component and forms a first floating image; and display light emitted by the second display light source exits the second light splitting component and forms a second floating image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight splitting: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4614212A1Three-dimensional display apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD
  • EP4614212A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4614212A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4614212A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A three-dimensional display device includes a first display module to form a first floating image and a second display module to form a second floating image, and the first floating image and the second floating image partially overlap. A trompe l'oeil effect of the first floating image and the second floating image being fused to form a three-dimensional image is generated when viewed by human eyes, and three-dimensional displays can be realized.