3D Display Ray Propagation for Real-Time Zooming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current three-dimensional displays lack the ability to effectively zoom in or out of images in real-time while maintaining the depth perception, and struggle with displaying objects obstructed by other objects, limiting their application and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for projecting three-dimensional images by capturing input rays, determining propagated output ray positions and angles based on non-zero propagation distances, and using arrays of image capture devices and display elements to produce zoomed-in or zoomed-out images, as well as reconstructing obscured object portions by back-tracing input rays and estimating their positions and directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current three-dimensional displays are used, then depth perception is maintained, but the ability to zoom in or out in real-time is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezooming capabilityVSAvoidreal-time display performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic zooming capability by allowing the propagation distance parameter to be adjusted in real-time during display operation. The system can transition between different zoom levels (zoomed-in, zoomed-out, or no zoom) while maintaining the three-dimensional image quality and depth perception, enabling adaptive viewing according to user needs without requiring system reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If current three-dimensional displays are used, then depth perception is maintained, but the ability to display obstructed objects is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobstacle penetration capabilityVSAvoidray processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes ray data to reconstruct obscured portions of objects. By analyzing rays that have passed around or through opaque objects and using algorithms to estimate and interpolate blocked regions, the system creates virtual representations of hidden object parts, enabling viewers to perceive behind opaque objects without requiring complex physical modifications to the display hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If propagation distance is changed to achieve zooming, then zoomed-in or zoomed-out images are produced, but the depth perception may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezoom level adjustmentVSAvoiddepth accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by adjusting the propagation distance value as a controllable variable to achieve different zoom levels. By modifying this single parameter while maintaining the geometric relationships and ray tracing algorithms, the system can zoom in or out without fundamentally altering the depth encoding mechanism, thus preserving accurate depth perception across different zoom states.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10496238B23D display ray principles and methods, zooming, and real-time demonstration

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

AI summary

The present disclosure is generally related to three-dimensional displays and methods for displaying three-dimensional images. Some embodiments may be related to zooming for 3D image capture and display in real-time.