Polarization-based optical device with virtual display and multiple fields of view

Abstract

An optical device includes at least one pair of displays, each pair having a first display and a second display configured to generate light in a visible spectral range. For each pair of displays, the optical device includes a first polarizer configured to polarize light incident from the first display, and a second polarizer configured to polarize light incident from the second display. The optical device also includes first and second polarization beam splitters for each pair of displays. Each polarization beam splitter is configured to receive polarized light from the first and second polarizers. Each polarization beam splitter is further configured to reflect one of the s-polarized component and the p-polarized component of the received polarized light into at least one field of view (FOV) and transmit the other of the s-polarized component and the p-polarized component of the received polarized light into the subject FOV.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to polarization-based optical devices with virtual displays and multiple fields of view. Background Art

[0002] A virtual image or display can be presented by a visual output device as a projection of an object or image located in a remote or peripheral location so that it appears to be in front of the viewer. An example of virtual imaging is Pepper's Ghost - an illusion technique used in theaters, cinemas, amusement parks, museums, television, and concerts. Virtual imaging is often used for entertainment (particularly in video games), education (e.g. in medical or industry training), business (in virtual meetings), and through virtual reality (VR) technology to create simulated experiences such as augmented reality and mixed reality.

[0003] Currently, realistic imaging is produced via virtual reality headsets or in multi-projection environments, such as specially designed rooms with multiple large screens. Virtual imaging is often accompanied by sound and other sensations to simulate the user's physical presence in the virtual environment and enhance the user experience. For example, virtual reality can combine auditory and video feedback, but can also allow other senses and force feedback through haptic technology. Generally speaking, a person using a virtual reality device is able to observe, move around, and interact with the projected surrounding environment. However, multiple viewers using the same device at the same time can usually observe the same virtual environment. Summary of the invention

[0004] An optical device includes at least one pair of displays. Each pair of displays includes a first display and a second display, wherein each individual display is configured to generate light within the visible spectrum. For each pair of displays, the optical device includes a first polarizer configured to polarize light incident from the first display and a second polarizer configured to polarize light incident from the second display. The optical device also includes first and second individual polarization beam splitters for each pair of displays. Each of the first and second polarization beam splitters is configured to receive polarized light from the first and second polarizers. Each of the first and second polarization beam splitters is also configured to reflect one of the s-polarization component and the p-polarization component of the received polarized light into at least one field of view (FOV), and transmit the other of the s-polarization component and the p-polarization component of the received polarized light into the FOV.

[0005] The optical device may include multiple pairs of first and second displays configured to simultaneously project multiple virtual images into multiple FOVs for viewing by multiple oppositely positioned viewers.

[0006] In a plurality of pairs of first and second displays, each display in a pair of displays may be arranged facing one display in another pair of displays. In such an embodiment, one of the respective first and second individual polarizing beam splitters may be arranged between each two facing displays.

[0007] Each of the respective first and second individual polarizing beam splitters may be disposed at equal angles relative to each of the two facing displays.

[0008] In one embodiment of the optical device, each of the first and second polarization beam splitters can be configured to reflect a similar polarization component of the corresponding received polarized light and transmit another similar polarization component of the corresponding polarized light into one or more FOVs.

[0009] Each of the first and second polarizing beam splitters can be configured to reflect an s-polarization component of polarized light and transmit a p-polarization component of polarized light into one or more FOVs.

[0010] For each pair of displays, the optical device may further include a half-wave plate disposed between the first and second polarizing beam splitters. The half-wave plate may be configured to rotate the polarization of light polarized by one of the first and second polarizing beam splitters by 90 degrees so that the rotated polarized light is transmitted through the other of the first and second polarizing beam splitters.

[0011] For each pair of displays, each of the first polarizing beam splitter, the second polarizing beam splitter and the half wave plate may be arranged on a common axis. In addition, the half wave plate may be offset from a midpoint between the first and second polarizing beam splitters.

[0012] In another embodiment of the optical device, the first polarizing beam splitter can be configured to receive polarized light from the first polarizer and reflect one of the s-polarization and p-polarization components of the polarized light into one or more FOVs. In such an embodiment, the second polarizing beam splitter can be configured to receive polarized light from the second polarizer and reflect the other of the s-polarization and p-polarization components of the polarized light into one or more FOVs.

[0013] For each pair of displays, each of the first and second polarizing beam splitters may be a transparent element.

[0014] A motor vehicle may include such an optical device.The optical device may be mounted in a passenger compartment of the vehicle so that multiple vehicle passengers can simultaneously observe various independent images.

[0015] The present invention also relates to the following technical solutions.

[0016] Solution 1. An optical device comprising:

[0017] at least one pair of displays, wherein each pair of displays comprises a first display and a second display, and wherein each individual display is configured to generate light within the visible spectrum;

[0018] For each pair of displays, a first polarizer configured to polarize light incident from the first display, and a second polarizer configured to polarize light incident from the second display; and

[0019] First and second separate polarization beam splitters for each pair of displays, wherein each of the first and second polarization beam splitters is configured to receive polarized light from the first and second polarizers and reflect one of an s-polarization component and a p-polarization component of the received polarized light into at least one field of view (FOV) and transmit the other of the s-polarization component and the p-polarization component of the received polarized light into at least one FOV.

[0020] Option 2. An optical device according to Option 1, wherein the at least one pair of displays includes multiple pairs of first and second displays, and the multiple pairs of first and second displays are configured to simultaneously project multiple virtual images into multiple FOVs for viewing by multiple relatively positioned observers.

[0021] Option 3. An optical device according to Option 2, wherein:

[0022] In the plurality of pairs of first and second displays, each display in one pair of displays is arranged to face one display in another pair of displays; and

[0023] One of the respective first and second individually polarizing beam splitters is disposed between each two facing displays.

[0024] Option 4. An optical device according to Option 3, wherein each of the corresponding first and second separate polarization beam splitters is arranged at an equal angle relative to each of the two facing displays.

[0025] Option 5. An optical device according to Option 1, wherein each of the first and second polarization beam splitters is configured to reflect a similar polarization component of the corresponding received polarized light and transmit another similar polarization component of the corresponding polarized light into the at least one FOV.

[0026] Option 6. An optical device according to Option 5, wherein each of the first and second polarization beam splitters is configured to reflect the s-polarization component of the polarized light and transmit the p-polarization component of the polarized light into the at least one FOV.

[0027] Option 7. According to Option 6, the optical device further includes, for each pair of displays, a half-wave plate, which is arranged between the first and second polarization beam splitters and is configured to rotate the polarization of light polarized by one of the first and second polarization beam splitters by 90 degrees so as to facilitate the rotation of polarized light to be transmitted through the other of the first and second polarization beam splitters.

[0028] Option 8. An optical device according to Option 7, wherein, for each pair of displays, each of the first polarization beam splitter, the second polarization beam splitter, and the half-wave plate is arranged on a common axis, and wherein the half-wave plate is offset from the midpoint between the first and second polarization beam splitters.

[0029] Scheme 9. An optical device according to Scheme 1, wherein:

[0030] The first polarizing beam splitter is configured to receive polarized light from the first polarizer and reflect one of an s-polarization and a p-polarization component of the polarized light into at least one FOV; and

[0031] The second polarization beam splitter is configured to receive the polarized light from the second polarizer and reflect the other of the s-polarization and p-polarization components of the polarized light into at least one FOV.

[0032] Option 10. An optical device according to Option 1, wherein, for each pair of displays, each of the first and second polarization beam splitters is a transparent element.

[0033] Solution 11. A motor vehicle comprising:

[0034] a body defining a passenger compartment; and

[0035] An optical device positioned within a passenger compartment and comprising:

[0036] at least one pair of displays, wherein each pair of displays comprises a first display and a second display, and wherein each individual display is configured to generate light within the visible spectrum;

[0037] For each pair of displays, a first polarizer configured to polarize light incident from the first display, and a second polarizer configured to polarize light incident from the second display; and

[0038] First and second separate polarization beam splitters for each pair of displays, wherein each of the first and second polarization beam splitters is configured to receive polarized light from the first and second polarizers and reflect one of an s-polarization component and a p-polarization component of the received polarized light into at least one field of view (FOV) and transmit the other of the s-polarization component and the p-polarization component of the received polarized light into at least one FOV.

[0039] Option 12. A motor vehicle according to Option 11, wherein the at least one pair of displays includes multiple pairs of first and second displays, and the multiple pairs of first and second displays are configured to simultaneously project multiple virtual images into multiple FOVs for viewing by multiple observers relatively located in the passenger compartment.

[0040] Option 13. A motor vehicle according to Option 12, wherein:

[0041] In the plurality of pairs of first and second displays, each display in one pair of displays is arranged to face one display in another pair of displays; and

[0042] One of the respective first and second individually polarizing beam splitters is disposed between each two facing displays.

[0043] Option 14. A motor vehicle according to Option 13, wherein each of the respective first and second separate polarizing beam splitters is arranged at an equal angle relative to each of the two facing displays.

[0044] Option 15. A motor vehicle according to Option 11, wherein each of the first and second polarization beam splitters is configured to reflect a similar polarization component of the corresponding received polarized light and transmit another similar polarization component of the corresponding polarized light into the at least one FOV.

[0045] Option 16. A motor vehicle according to Option 15, wherein each of the first and second polarization beam splitters is configured to reflect the s-polarization component of the polarized light and transmit the p-polarization component of the polarized light into the at least one FOV.

[0046] Option 17. A motor vehicle according to Option 16, wherein, for each pair of displays, the optical device further comprises a half-wave plate, which is disposed between the first and second polarization beam splitters and is configured to rotate the polarization of light polarized by one of the first and second polarization beam splitters by 90 degrees so as to facilitate the transmission of the rotated polarized light through the other of the first and second polarization beam splitters.

[0047] Option 18. A motor vehicle according to Option 17, wherein, for each pair of displays, each of the first polarization beam splitter, the second polarization beam splitter and the half-wave plate is arranged on a common axis, and wherein the half-wave plate is offset from the midpoint between the first and second polarization beam splitters.

[0048] Embodiment 19. A motor vehicle according to embodiment 11, wherein:

[0049] The first polarizing beam splitter is configured to receive polarized light from the first polarizer and reflect one of an s-polarization and a p-polarization component of the polarized light into at least one FOV; and

[0050] The second polarization beam splitter is configured to receive the polarized light from the second polarizer and reflect the other of the s-polarization and p-polarization components of the polarized light into at least one FOV.

[0051] Solution 20. A motor vehicle comprising:

[0052] a body defining a passenger compartment; and

[0053] An optical device, which is positioned within a passenger compartment and comprises:

[0054] a plurality of pairs of first and second displays configured to simultaneously project a plurality of virtual images into a plurality of fields of view (FOVs) for viewing by a plurality of observers relatively positioned within a passenger compartment, wherein each pair of displays comprises a first display and a second display, and wherein each individual display is configured to produce light within a visible spectrum;

[0055] For each pair of displays, a first polarizer is configured to polarize light incident from the first display, and a second polarizer is configured to polarize light incident from the second display; and

[0056] First and second separate polarization beam splitters for each pair of displays, wherein each of the first and second polarization beam splitters is configured to receive polarized light from the first and second polarizers and reflect one of an s-polarization component and a p-polarization component of the received polarized light into a plurality of FOVs and transmit the other of the s-polarization component and the p-polarization component of the received polarized light into the plurality of FOVs.

[0057] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and best mode for carrying out the disclosure when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Figure 1 is a plan view of a motor vehicle having an optical device mounted in a passenger compartment of the vehicle in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 2A According to the present disclosure Figure 1 An enlarged schematic partial cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an optical apparatus is shown, including optical equipment for simultaneously projecting multiple virtual images into different FOVs for viewing by multiple observers, and illustrating the path of incident light.

[0060] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A An enlarged schematic plan view of the optical arrangement shown, expanded to include four observers.

[0061] Figure 3A According to the present disclosure Figure 1 An enlarged schematic partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an optical device shown in , including an optical device for simultaneously projecting multiple virtual images into different FOVs for viewing by multiple observers, and illustrating the path of incident light.

[0062] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A An enlarged schematic plan view of the optical arrangement shown, expanded to include four observers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that terms such as "above," "below," "upward," "downward," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," and the like are used descriptively in the drawings and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the teachings herein may be described in terms of functional and / or logical block components and / or various processing steps. It should be recognized that such block components may include a plurality of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions.

[0064] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components, Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a motor vehicle 10 is shown. The motor vehicle 10 may include, but is not limited to, a commercial vehicle, an industrial vehicle, a bus, an aircraft, a boat, a train, etc. It is also contemplated that the motor vehicle 10 may be a mobile platform, such as an aircraft, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), a boat, a personal mobility device, a robot, etc., for purposes of the present disclosure. The motor vehicle 10 includes a body 12. As shown, the body 12 may have a front side or front end 12-1, a left body side 12-2, a right body side 12-3, a rear side or rear end 12-4, a top side or portion (e.g., a roof) 12-5, and a bottom side or chassis 12-6. The body sides 12-1 to 12-6 generally define and enclose a vehicle interior, including a passenger compartment 14 and a cargo and powertrain compartment (not shown).

[0065] like Figure 1As shown, the motor vehicle 10 includes an optical device 16 located within the passenger compartment 14. The optical device 16 is configured as a system of cooperating optical elements, which will be described in detail below. Although the optical device 16 is specifically shown in the context of the motor vehicle 10, it is not excluded that the optical device of the subject matter is used in another non-mobile environment, such as inside a building structure. The optical device 16 is intended to allow multiple observers positioned relative to each other in a close distance (such as an office or vehicle space) to view separate and different virtual images while also being able to see each other on or through these images. As a result, the disclosed optical device 16 can facilitate continuous eye contact and / or conversation between observers without interrupting the viewing of the virtual images.

[0066] The optical device 16 includes one or more pairs of display channels or displays. Figure 2A and 3A 18A and 18B are shown as first and second pairs of display channels. Although two pairs of display channels are shown, it is not excluded that the optical device has a greater number of such display pairs. Each display pair 18A, 18B includes a first display 18-1 and a second display 18-2. As shown, each individual display 18-1, 18-2 in each pair 18A, 18B is configured to display video and / or images received via digital signals, such as still images, pre-recorded videos and / or live pictures and sounds, which are defined by corresponding light beams 20-1A, 20-2A and 20-1B, 20-2B in the visible spectrum. Displays 18A, 18B can display different pictures and sounds simultaneously for viewing by a single observer located nearby, as will be discussed in detail below.

[0067] Continue to refer Figure 2A and 3A , for each pair of displays 18A, 18B, the optical device 16 further comprises a first polarizer 22-1 in a fixed position relative to the adjacent first display 18-1 and a second polarizer 22-2 in a fixed position relative to the adjacent second display 18-2. Depending on the selected transmission axes of the respective first and second polarizers 22-1, 22-2 of the display pair 18A, 18B, the linearly polarized light beam passing through the subject polarizers will include either the s-polarization component or the p-polarization component of the respective incident light 20-1A, 20-2B in the visible spectral range, while absorbing the other. Figure 2A In the embodiment shown, each polarizer 22-1, 22-2 produces similar polarized light, and Figure 3A In the illustrated embodiment, polarizers 22-1, 22-2 of different display pairs 18A, 18B produce light of different polarizations.

[0068] In the first display pair 18A, the first polarizer 22-1 is configured to polarize light 20-1A incident from the first display 18-1 to produce a first polarized light beam 24-1A, and the second polarizer 22-2 is configured to polarize light 20-2A incident from the second display 18-2 to produce a second polarized light beam 24-2A. In the second display pair 18B, the first and second polarizers 22-1, 22-2 similarly polarize light 20-1B, 20-2B incident from the respective first and second displays 18-1, 18-2 to produce respective first and second polarized light beams 24-1B, 24-2B. Although the first and second polarizers 22-1, 22-2 may be selected to transmit either the s-polarized light beam component or the p-polarized light beam component, Figure 2A The depicted polarizer transmits corresponding s-polarized beam components 24-1A, 24-1B, 24-2A and 24-2B. Figure 3A In an embodiment, one of the polarizers 22-1, 22-2 in each pair of displays 18A or 18B is configured to transmit the s-polarized beam component, while the other of the two polarizers in each pair of displays transmits the p-polarized beam component.

[0069] The optical device 16 also includes first and second separate polarizing beam splitters or filters 26-1, 26-2, one for each pair 18A, 18B of the displays 18-1, 18-2. Each of the polarizing beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 can be a transparent element that functions in the visible light spectrum range of approximately 380 to 750 nanometers and has an optical coating that is selected to optimize the polarization separation performance of the beam splitter in each wavelength range and incidence angle range. The first polarizing beam splitter or filter 26-1 has a specific fixed optical orientation that can be configured to reflect or transmit the s-polarized component and conversely transmit or reflect the p-polarized beam component (e.g., 24-1A, 24-2A, 24-2B) for a selected field of view (FOV). The second polarizing beam splitter 26-2 also has a separate fixed optical orientation that can be configured to reflect or transmit the s-polarized beam component, and conversely transmit or reflect the p-polarized component received from the corresponding polarizer 22-1, 22-2 (e.g., 24-1B, 24-2A, 24-2B) for a selected FOV.

[0070] It is generally considered that the electric field direction of p-polarized light is parallel to the plane of incidence on the device, while the electric field direction of s-polarized light is oriented perpendicular to that plane. Each of the polarizing beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 is configured to support the visible spectral range at an incident angle of light corresponding to a selected FOV while maintaining its polarization selective behavior. In the context of the optical device 16, as Figure 2A and 3AAs shown, each of the first and second polarizing beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 may be configured to receive polarized light, namely first and second polarized light beams 24-1A, 24-2A, 24-1B, 24-2B from each of the first and second polarizers 22-1, 22-2 corresponding to individual display pairs 18A, 18B.

[0071] In respectively Figure 2A and Figure 3A In each embodiment of the optical device 16 shown in FIG. 1 , the first and second polarization beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 are configured to reflect one of the s-polarization component and the corresponding p-polarization component of the received polarized light, i.e., the corresponding beam of polarized light 24-1A, 24-2A, 24-1B or 24-2B, into at least one FOV. Specifically, the first and second polarization beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 reflect the s-polarization component or the p-polarization component of the corresponding polarized light beam into the first FOV 28-1 and / or the second FOV 28-2. The first FOV 28-1 and the second FOV 28-2 may correspond to the position of a single observer, in Figure 2A and 3A In addition, each of the first and second polarization beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 is configured to transmit the other of the s-polarization component and the p-polarization component of the received polarized light 24-1A, 24-2A, 24-1B or 24-2B into the first FOV 28-1 and / or the second FOV 28-2.

[0072] Continue to refer Figure 2A and Figure 3A , each pair 18A, 18B of displays 18-1, 18-2 is configured to simultaneously project multiple virtual images into multiple FOVs 28-1, 28-2 for viewing by multiple observers, namely a first observer 30-1 and a second observer 30-2. Specifically, the first FOV 28-1 can include a virtual image from the first display 18-1 and a view of the second observer 30-2, as indicated by the combined image 32-1. Similarly, the second FOV 28-2 can include a virtual image from the second display 18-2 and also a view of the first observer 30-1, as indicated by the combined image 32-2. For example, the images from the displays 18-1, 18-2 can be superimposed on or otherwise combined with the respective views of the observers 30-1, 30-2. As a result, the optical device 16 may create the illusion for the first observer 30-1 that the images from the display pair 18A and 18B are floating above the second observer 30-2, and likewise create the illusion for the second observer 30-2 that the images from the display pair 18A and 18B are floating above the first observer 30-1.

[0073] To affect viewing of such virtual images, the first and second observers 30-1, 30-2 will be relatively positioned within the passenger compartment 14 or a similar non-moving space, such as sitting opposite each other. In addition, each individual display 18-1, 18-2 of a particular pair of displays (e.g., pair 18A) can be arranged to be opposite and facing one display of another pair of displays (e.g., pair 18B). The individual displays 18-1, 18-2 of each display pair 18A, 18B are arranged to be substantially perpendicular to an axis X extending through the first polarizing beam splitter 26-1 and the second polarizing beam splitter 26-2. Axis X can define an axis of symmetry of the optical device 16, thereby establishing the general direction of the FOVs 28-1 and 28-2, and the relative positioning of the observers 30-1, 30-2.

[0074] like Figure 2A and 3A As shown in each of the first and second individual polarizing beam splitters 26-1, 26-2, one of the respective first and second individual polarizing beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 is disposed between each two facing displays 18-1, 18-2. The above configuration may be repeated for as many pairs of first and second displays 18-1, 18-2 as desired for the optical device 16. To facilitate simultaneous viewing of multiple images by opposing observers, the first polarizing beam splitter 26-1 may be disposed at the same or equal angle θ (45 degrees) relative to each of the two facing displays 18-1, 18-2 of each pair 18A and 18B. As shown, the second polarizing beam splitter 26-2 may similarly be disposed at the same angle θ relative to each of the two corresponding facing displays 18-1, 18-2.

[0075] exist Figure 2A In the embodiment of the optical device 16 shown, each of the first and second polarization beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 is configured to reflect a similar polarization (s- or p-) component of polarized light received from the corresponding first and second polarizers 22-1, 22-2. In the same embodiment, each of the first and second polarization beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 is also configured to transmit another similar polarization (p- or s-) polarization component of the corresponding received polarized light into the corresponding first or second FOV 28-1, 28-2. Specifically, as Figure 2A As shown, the first polarization beam splitter 26-1 can be configured to reflect the s-polarized beam components 24-1A and 24-2B, and transmit the p-polarized beam component 24-2A into the first FOV 28-1. The second polarization beam splitter 26-1 can be similarly configured to reflect the s-polarized beam components 24-1B and 24-2A, and transmit the p-polarized beam component 24-2B into the second FOV 28-2.

[0076] exist Figure 2AIn the embodiment of FIG. 1 , for each pair of displays, such as 18A, 18B, the optical device 16 may further include a half-wave plate 34 disposed between the first and second polarization beam splitters 26-1, 26-2. Figure 2A As shown, for each pair of displays, such as 18A, 18B, the first polarization beam splitter 26-1, the second polarization beam splitter 26-2 and the half-wave plate 34 are arranged on a common axis x. Typically, the half-wave plate is made of a birefringent (or birefringent) material that is configured to rotate polarized light by 90 degrees, that is, to shift the polarization direction of linearly polarized light from "s" to "p", or vice versa. The material of such a half-wave plate can be, for example, quartz, mica or plastic.

[0077] Therefore, each half-wave plate 34 is configured to offset the polarization of polarized light so that the rotated polarized light (p polarization component or s polarization component) is transmitted through the other of the first and second polarization beam splitters 26-1, 26-2. In the embodiment of the subject matter, the first and second polarization beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 are configured to reflect and transmit similar polarization components of light received from their respective first and second polarizers 22-1, 22-2. With the help of the half-wave plate 34, each of the first and second polarization beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 can also transmit the polarized light component reflected from the other beam splitter along its X-axis direction.

[0078] Also like Figure 2A As shown, if so desired, the half wave plate 34 can be offset from halfway or the midpoint M along the X axis between the first and second polarizing beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 to provide space for an additional display channel pair between the half wave plate and one of the beam splitters. Figure 2A The optical device 16 shown allows images from each or both of the first display 18-1 and the second display 18-2 to be projected simultaneously into the first FOV 28-1 or the second FOV 28-2. The individual images projected from the first and second displays 18-1, 18-2 can be combined in the first FOV 28-1 and / or the second FOV 28-2. The combined image projected into the first FOV 28-1 can be viewed by the first observer 30-1, and the combined image projected into the second FOV 28-2 can be simultaneously viewed by the second observer 30-2. In addition, because the first and second observers 30-1, 30-2 are located opposite each other, these observers can also see and communicate with each other when viewing the images projected from the first and second displays 18-1, 18-2. The above format can be repeated for each additional pair of observers located around the optical device 16 in the complementary FOV. Thus, the optical device 16 of the subject matter can be expanded to include as many multiples of observer pairs as the enclosed space of the present invention allows, in Figure 2B1, 2, 30-3, and 30-4.

[0079] Figure 3A An alternative embodiment of the optical device 16 is depicted. In the alternative embodiment of the optical device 16, the first polarization beam splitter 26-1 is configured to receive the polarized light 24-1A from the first polarizer 22-1 and reflect the s-polarization component 24-1A or the p-polarization component 24-1B of the polarized light into the FOV 28-1 and / or the FOV 28-2. On the other hand, Figure 3A The second polarization beam splitter 26-2 in the embodiment is configured to receive polarized light from the second polarizer 22-2 and reflect the other of the s-polarization component 24-2A and the p-polarization component 24-2B of the polarized light into the FOV 28-1 and / or the FOV 28-2. In other words, the first and second polarization beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 are configured to reflect and transmit opposite polarization components of light received from their respective first and second polarizers 22-1, 22-2. Therefore, each of the first and second polarization beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 is capable of additionally transmitting a polarized light component reflected from the other beam splitter along its X-axis direction.

[0080] Similar to Figure 2A The optical device 16 shown, Figure 3A The device allows images from each or both of the first display 18-1 and the second display 18-2 to be projected simultaneously into the first FOV 28-1 or the second FOV 28-2. The combined image projected into the first FOV 28-1 can also be viewed by the first observer 30-1, and the combined image projected into the second FOV 28-2 can be viewed by the second observer 30-2. The first and second observers 30-1, 30-2 are within the line of sight of each other and are therefore able to communicate while simultaneously viewing the images projected from the first and second displays 18-1, 18-2. In addition, Figure 2A The optical device 16 shown in FIG. Figure 3A The optical arrangement in can be extended and replicated for each additional pair of observers around the optical element located in a complementary FOV. Figure 3B As depicted, the subject optical device 16 can accommodate four individual observers 30 - 1 , 30 - 2 , 30 - 3 , and 30 - 4 (or more).

[0081] In general, Figure 2AIn the optical device 16 shown, each of the first and second polarization beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 reflects and transmits similar polarization light (s- or p-polarization components 24-1A, 24-2A or 24-1B, 24-2B, respectively), and a half-wave plate 34 is used to shift the polarization of light between the two beam splitters. Figure 3A In an embodiment, the first and second polarization beam splitters 26-1, 26-2 reflect light of opposite polarizations (e.g., if the first polarization beam splitter 26-1 transmits the s-polarization component, the second polarization beam splitter 26-2 transmits the p-polarization component), thereby eliminating the need for the polarization direction of the light to be shifted therebetween, for example via a half-wave plate.

[0082] Either of the two described embodiments of the optical device 16 facilitates multiple observers positioned in close proximity to each other to view different virtual images while also being able to see and communicate with each other on or through these images. The optical device 16 is a system of fixed optical elements that cooperate relative to an enclosed space, such as the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 10. The imaging displays are used in pairs and are positioned orthogonally relative to the FOV. Thus, the positioning of the optical elements in the optical device 16 defines a specific position for a single observer from which multiple virtual images and each observer's counterpart can be viewed simultaneously. Although the optical device 16 can be used in non-mobile environments as well as in motor vehicles, the optical device may be particularly useful in the context of ride-sharing and taxi applications.

[0083] The detailed description and drawings support and describe the present disclosure, but the scope of the present disclosure is limited only by the claims. Although some best modes and other embodiments for implementing the claimed disclosure have been described in detail, there are various alternative designs and embodiments to practice the disclosure defined in the appended claims. In addition, the embodiments shown in the drawings or the features of the various embodiments mentioned in this specification are not necessarily to be understood as embodiments independent of each other. On the contrary, it is possible that each feature described in one example of an embodiment can be combined with one or more other desired features from other embodiments, resulting in other embodiments not being described in words or with reference to the drawings. Therefore, such other embodiments fall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An optical device comprising: at least one pair of displays, wherein each pair of displays comprises a first display and a second display, and wherein each individual display is configured to generate light within the visible spectrum; for each pair of displays, a first polarizer configured to polarize light incident from the first display, and a second polarizer configured to polarize light incident from the second display; and First and second separate polarization beam splitters for each pair of displays, wherein each of the first and second polarization beam splitters is configured to receive polarized light from the first and second polarizers and reflect one of an s-polarization component and a p-polarization component of the received polarized light into at least one field of view (FOV) and transmit the other of the s-polarization component and the p-polarization component of the received polarized light into at least one FOV.

2. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one pair of displays includes a plurality of pairs of first and second displays configured to simultaneously project a plurality of virtual images into a plurality of FOVs for viewing by a plurality of oppositely positioned observers.

3. The optical device according to claim 2, wherein: In the plurality of pairs of first and second displays, each display in one pair of displays is arranged to face one display in another pair of displays; and One of the respective first and second individually polarizing beam splitters is disposed between each two facing displays.

4. An optical device according to claim 3, wherein each of the respective first and second individual polarizing beam splitters is arranged at an equal angle relative to each of the two facing displays.

5. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the first and second polarization beam splitters is configured to reflect a similar polarization component of the corresponding received polarized light and transmit another similar polarization component of the corresponding polarized light into the at least one FOV.

6. The optical device according to claim 5, wherein: Each of the first and second polarization beam splitters is configured to reflect an s-polarization component of the polarized light and transmit a p-polarization component of the polarized light into the at least one FOV.

7. The optical device according to claim 6 further includes, for each pair of displays, a half-wave plate, which is arranged between the first and second polarization beam splitters and is configured to rotate the polarization of light polarized by one of the first and second polarization beam splitters by 90 degrees so that the rotated polarized light is transmitted through the other of the first and second polarization beam splitters.

8. The optical device according to claim 7, wherein: For each pair of displays, each of the first polarizing beam splitter, the second polarizing beam splitter, and the half wave plate are disposed on a common axis, and wherein the half wave plate is offset from a midpoint between the first and second polarizing beam splitters.

9. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: The first polarizing beam splitter is configured to receive polarized light from the first polarizer and reflect one of an s-polarization and a p-polarization component of the polarized light into at least one FOV; and The second polarization beam splitter is configured to receive the polarized light from the second polarizer and reflect the other of the s-polarization and p-polarization components of the polarized light into at least one FOV.

10. The optical device according to claim 1, wherein: For each pair of displays, each of the first and second polarizing beam splitters is a transparent element.

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