Transparent-Base Aerial Image Element With Asymmetric Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic image forming devices face challenges in manufacturing efficiency, visibility issues due to ghost images, limited viewing angles, and sharpness, primarily because of complex manufacturing processes and orthogonal light reflecting surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a transparent base member with radially and concentrically arranged light reflecting surfaces, allowing for easier manufacturing and reducing ghost images by minimizing parallel gaze directions, thereby enhancing visibility and viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If orthogonal light reflecting surfaces are used, then stereoscopic image formation is achieved, but ghost images appear and viewing angle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing from orthogonal (symmetric) light reflecting surfaces to non-orthogonal (asymmetric) surfaces. The first and second light reflecting surfaces are arranged at angles other than 90 degrees relative to each other, which prevents the formation of ghost images while maintaining stereoscopic image quality. This asymmetric arrangement eliminates the parallel gaze direction problem that causes ghost images in orthogonal configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular parameter between light reflecting surfaces from 90 degrees (orthogonal) to non-orthogonal angles. By adjusting this critical parameter, the system achieves better image quality and wider viewing angles while reducing ghost images. The specific angular relationship is optimized to prevent harmful light paths while maintaining effective stereoscopic image formation.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex manufacturing processes are used, then precise optical control panels are produced, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first and second optical control panels into a single integrated transparent base member. Instead of manufacturing separate panels and assembling them, the invention forms both light reflecting surfaces on one piece of transparent material, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining optical precision. This integration eliminates alignment issues and reduces production complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional manufacturing approach by forming light reflecting surfaces directly on a transparent base member rather than creating separate optical control panels first. This reversal of the manufacturing sequence simplifies the process, as the surfaces are formed in-situ on the final component rather than being assembled from separate parts.
3Reliability
If orthogonal light reflecting surfaces are used, then stereoscopic image formation is achieved, but viewing angle and image forming range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric (non-orthogonal) arrangement of light reflecting surfaces to expand the viewing angle. The non-90-degree configuration allows light to reach observers from a wider range of directions, increasing the image forming range while maintaining stereoscopic effect. This asymmetric geometry provides greater flexibility in viewing positions compared to the constrained orthogonal arrangement.
4Ease of manufacture
If radial and concentric groove patterns are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but ghost images may appear in certain viewing directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radial and concentric groove patterns with non-orthogonal light reflecting surface arrangement to prevent ghost images. While the radial and concentric patterns provide manufacturing simplicity, the asymmetric angular relationship between the first and second light reflecting surfaces eliminates the parallel gaze direction problem, ensuring ghost images do not appear even with these groove 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
The solution provides a sharp aerial image with minimal ghost images and a wider viewing angle, improving visibility and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
forms light externally entering and reflected once by each of the first and second light reflecting surfaces into an image in air
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial image forming element 10a used for an aerial image forming device 30 includes a plurality of first and second light reflecting surfaces 12 and 14 respectively formed vertically on the obverse and reverse surfaces of a flat plate-like transparent base member 11a. The plurality of first light reflecting surfaces 12 are placed radially on the obverse surface side of the transparent base member 11a centered on a reference point X existing outside the transparent base member 11a in planar view. The plurality of second light reflecting surfaces 14 are placed concentrically on the reverse surface side of the transparent base member 11a centered on a reference point Y overlapping the reference point X in planar view. The aerial image forming element forms light externally entering and reflected once by each of the first and second light reflecting surfaces 12 and 14 into an image in the air.