Transparent Projection Screen with Cross-Polarized Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display systems fail to create a transparent interface or monitor that does not reveal the projector or components generating imagery, leading to 'blow-by' issues where light passes through, ruining the illusion, especially in crowded areas where viewers can be on either side of the display.
Innovation Solution
A display system using a printed projection surface on a transparent film with polarizing materials to control blow-by, where a first polarizer polarizes light before it hits the screen and a second polarizer, oriented for cross-polarization, reduces light leakage from the projector, making the screen appear transparent while blocking most of the projected light from the other side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transparent projection screen is used to allow viewers to see through it, then transparency is improved, but light passes through the screen causing blow-by that reveals the projector
Solution Approach 1:
A polarizing filter is introduced as an intermediary between the projector and the transparent screen. The filter polarizes the projected light, allowing it to pass through the screen when viewed from the front, while blocking the light from passing through to the back side, thus eliminating blow-by while maintaining transparency.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarization state of the light is changed as it passes through the polarizing filter. By controlling the polarization parameter of the light, the system allows selective transmission: the polarized light passes through the transparent screen to create the image, but the same polarized light is blocked from passing through to the other side, solving the blow-by problem.
2Ease of manufacture
If a scrim or holofilm glass is used as a projection surface, then imagery can be displayed, but the projected light passes through the material and hits viewers on the back side
Solution Approach 1:
The polarizing filter serves as an intermediary component that modifies the light properties before it interacts with the transparent screen. This intermediary element enables the screen to function as both a projection surface and a light barrier, preventing light leakage to the back side while maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Ease of operation
If the projector is positioned to illuminate the transparent screen, then imagery is displayed, but the projector position is revealed to observers
Solution Approach 1:
The polarizing filter acts as an intermediary that allows the projector to illuminate the screen for display purposes while simultaneously hiding the projector's position from observers on the back side. The filter blocks the light carrying information about the projector's position from reaching the back side.
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 system effectively reduces blow-by to nearly imperceptible levels, allowing viewers on both sides to see the projected image without revealing the projector's position, maintaining the illusion of a transparent interface while being robust enough for use in crowded spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarizer positioned proximate to the lens receiving and first polarizing the projected light
Implementation Method 2
a second polarizer adapted to second polarize the projected light to provide cross-polarization and reduce blow-by
Data Source
AI summary
A display system that is adapted to provide control blow-by. The display system includes a projector that is operable to project light through a lens. The system also includes a first polarizer positioned proximate to the lens receiving and first polarizing the projected light. The display system further includes a projection screen assembly that includes a transparent projection screen and a second polarizer. The projected light first strikes the transparent projection screen causing a projected image to be displayed. The second polarizer is adapted to second polarize the projected light to provide cross-polarization and reduce blow-by in the display system. The first and second polarizers are configured with first and second axes of polarization, and the first and second polarizers are arranged in the display system with the first axis of polarization substantially orthogonal to the second axis of polarization to provide full cross-polarization of the projected light.