Tilted Optical Modulator for 3D Floating Image Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional image display devices are unable to project three-dimensional images or objects moving in three-dimensional space, as they only project flat images onto flat screens and cannot combine or match images to form a three-dimensional representation.

Innovation Solution

An image display device comprising a display device, an optical modulation element, and a modulation device, where the optical modulation element is angled between 20 degrees and 70 degrees relative to the display surface, allowing images to be projected at different imaging positions with varying distances from the optical modulation element, enabling the creation of floating three-dimensional images or simulating movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional flat display devices project images onto a flat screen, then the image can be displayed clearly, but the three-dimensional image and movement in three-dimensional space cannot be shown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage dimensionalityVSAvoiddisplay structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by tilting the optical modulation element at an angle of 20-70 degrees relative to the display surface, transforming the traditional two-dimensional flat image projection into a three-dimensional floating image display. This angular orientation enables light to modulate and form images at different depths, creating a three-dimensional visual effect while maintaining a relatively simple display structure.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The optical modulation element serves as an intermediary component between the flat display surface and the projected image. By positioning this element at a specific angle, it mediates the transformation from two-dimensional display data to three-dimensional floating images, enabling depth perception and spatial movement without requiring complete structural redesign of the display system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two flat display devices project images at different distances, then depth perception may be improved, but the images remain separated and cannot be combined to form a three-dimensional image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage depthVSAvoidnumber of display devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple display devices into a single integrated system. By using one display device with a tilted optical modulation element, images at different distances are combined and modulated together to form a unified three-dimensional image, eliminating the need for separate display devices while achieving depth perception and spatial integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical modulation element performs multiple functions: it modulates light from the display, creates floating images at different depths, and integrates multiple image layers into a single three-dimensional composition. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate display devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the optical modulation element is angled at 20-70 degrees relative to the display surface, then floating three-dimensional images can be projected, but the alignment and positioning precision become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional image projectionVSAvoidoptical element alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a parameter range (20-70 degrees) for the optical modulation element angle rather than a single fixed value. This parameter flexibility allows manufacturers to achieve three-dimensional image projection within a acceptable tolerance range, reducing the stringency of alignment precision requirements while maintaining the core functionality of floating image display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for the display of floating three-dimensional images and the simulation of movement by projecting images at different positions with varying distances from the optical modulation element, enhancing the visual experience and interaction with the displayed content.

Implementation Method 1

an optical modulation element, and a modulation device. The display device has a display surface, wherein the display surface has a normal direction. The optical modulation element is disposed on the display device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical modulation: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS20250044612A1Image display device
Publication Date: 2025.02.06 INNOLUX CORP
  • US20250044612A1 patent drawing
  • US20250044612A1 patent drawing
  • US20250044612A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is an image display device including a display device, an optical modulation element, and a modulation device. When the modulation device is in a first state, the display device projects a first image at a first imaging position through the optical modulation element. When the modulation device is in a second state, the display device projects a second image at a second imaging position through the optical modulation element. A minimum distance from the first imaging position to the optical modulation element is different from a minimum distance from the second imaging position to the optical modulation element.