1D-1D Curved Optical Structures for Stereoscopic Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autostereoscopic 3D displays require VR headgear, leading to eye strain and fatigue due to close viewing zones and binocular gaps, and existing lightfield display technologies face challenges such as large form factor, distortion, and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of field evolving cavities (FECs) with active-material layers, shield layers, multiple seed display panels, and 1D-1D curved optical structures to create tunable optical depth modulation and fractional lightfield signaling, reducing system footprint and increasing signal-to-noise performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If VR headgear is used for autostereoscopic 3D display, then immersive 3D viewing is achieved, but eye strain and fatigue occur due to close viewing zones and binocular gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D display planes to 3D lightfield manipulation using field evolving cavities. By controlling light propagation in three-dimensional space through multiple reflections and refractions, the system creates virtual images at different depths without requiring the viewer to be in close proximity, thereby eliminating eye strain while maintaining immersive 3Dææ
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces field evolving cavities as intermediary optical structures between the display and the viewer's eyes. These cavities manipulate light paths through controlled reflections and refractions, creating virtual images that appear at comfortable viewing distances while eliminating the need for direct close-up viewing of physical display elements
2Area of stationary object
If concentric lightfield technology is used to create large FOV immersive 3D displays, then field of view is increased, but form factor and distortion challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple discrete field evolving cavities, each responsible for specific angular and spatial segments of the lightfield. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each cavity's optical path, enabling large overall field of view while keeping individual component sizes manageable and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses field evolving cavities to manipulate light in three-dimensional space, creating virtual images that expand the perceived field of view without requiring proportional increases in physical display area. By controlling light propagation angles and paths through multiple reflections, the system achieves large FOV in a compact form factor
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
This approach enables comfortable and immersive 3D viewing with reduced eye stress, a smaller form factor, and increased manufacturing efficiency, while providing larger viewable zones and improved image quality.
Implementation Method 1
1D-1D curved optical structures
Implementation Method 2
1D-1D curved optical structures
Data Source
AI summary
An optical subsystem for use in a display system or an imaging system comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces collectively arranged to provide variable control of device-internal path lengths of light coming to an imaging sensor or traveling a path to an eye of a viewer. The optical subsystem can be used to provide multiple images concurrently at different apparent depths as perceived by the user.