3D Display Expanding Viewing Window via Pupil-Aligned Focal Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-mounted displays (HMDs) face challenges in expanding the viewing window, limiting the area in which a user can observe a 3D image, especially due to misalignment of focal points with the user's pupil position.
Innovation Solution
A 3D image display apparatus with multiple light sources forming focal points on a predetermined focal plane, a spatial light modulator, and a processor that selects and controls the light sources to align focal points with the user's pupil, using a Maxwellian view optical system to focus images at specific points, and optionally includes eye tracking and beam steering for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single light source is used in conventional HMDs, then the device structure is simple, but the viewing window is limited and cannot be expanded to cover different pupil positions
Solution Approach 1:
The single light source is segmented into multiple light sources (first light source and second light source), each forming focal points at different positions on the focal plane. This segmentation allows the system to cover a broader range of pupil positions and expand the viewing window while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular arrangement of the light sources.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple light sources are used to expand the viewing window, then the viewing area increases, but the device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific light sources based on the detected pupil position. The processor controls which light source (first or second) is activated depending on where the pupil is located, allowing the viewing window to be expanded while maintaining ease of operation through adaptive, position-based control rather than requiring manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an eye tracking sensor to detect the pupil position and provides feedback to the processor, which then selects the appropriate light source to activate. This feedback mechanism ensures that the correct light source is always active based on real-time pupil position, simplifying operation while maximizing the viewing window coverage.
3Manufacturing precision
If focal points are not aligned with the user's pupil, then the device structure is simple, but the image clarity and viewing experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple light sources are pre-positioned to form focal points at different locations on the focal plane during manufacturing. This preliminary arrangement ensures that regardless of pupil position, there is always a focal point available for alignment, achieving high manufacturing precision without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical alignment adjustment mechanisms with an electronic selection system. Instead of physically moving focal points to track the pupil, the system electronically selects which light source to activate based on pupil position detection, achieving precise focal point alignment while reducing device complexity.
4Illumination intensity
If light sources are continuously activated, then the image brightness is sufficient, but flickering occurs and image quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light sources are activated periodically rather than continuously. The processor controls the light sources to blink in synchronization with the frame rate, activating only when needed to display image information. This periodic activation maintains sufficient image brightness while preventing flickering and improving overall image quality and reliability.
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
Enlarges the viewing window by ensuring that the focal points align with the user's pupil, providing a broader field of view and improving image clarity without relying on the user's vision, and allows for sequential blinking of light sources to prevent flickering.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator configured to modulate light from the plurality of light sources according to 3D image information
Implementation Method 2
a focusing optical system configured to focus an image formed by the spatial light modulator on the focal plane
Implementation Method 3
The focusing optical system may be a Maxwellian view optical system configured to focus image information at one point on the user's pupil
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional (3D) image display apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of light sources; a spatial light modulator configured to modulate light from the plurality of light sources according to 3D image information; and a focusing optical system configured to focus an image formed by the spatial light modulator onto a focal plane. The plurality of light sources may be arranged such that multiple focal points, respectively corresponding to the plurality of light sources, are formed on the focal plane near a pupil of a user.