Angle Sensitive Pixel Array with Liquid Crystal Layer for Dynamic Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light field cameras using micro-lens arrays lack flexibility in controlling light propagation at different angles, resulting in lost angular direction information and the need for multiple micro-lens orientations to adjust light reaching the pixel array, limiting their application in VR, AR, and MR systems.
Innovation Solution
A light field camera with an angle-sensitive pixel array incorporating a liquid crystal layer that overlays the pixel array, allowing for dynamic control of light transmission at specific angles through voltage adjustments, enabling flexible capture of intensity and angle information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a micro-lens array is used to capture light field information, then intensity and angular direction information can be captured, but flexibility in controlling light propagation at different angles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the static micro-lens array with a liquid crystal layer that can dynamically change its optical properties. The liquid crystal layer's molecular orientation can be controlled by applying voltage, allowing real-time adjustment of light transmission characteristics at different angles. This enables the system to adaptively control which angular directions are captured, providing flexibility that the fixed micro-lens array cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using voltage as a control parameter to modify the liquid crystal layer's optical properties. By changing the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer, the system can alter the molecular orientation and consequently the light transmission characteristics. This allows dynamic adjustment of angular selectivity and light propagation control, transforming the system from a fixed optical configuration to an adjustable one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple micro-lens arrays of different orientations are used to control light at different angles, then flexibility in light control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the liquid crystal layer serve multiple functions through a single component. Instead of requiring separate micro-lens arrays for different angular directions, the liquid crystal layer can be controlled at different voltage levels to achieve various angular selectivity patterns. This single multi-functional component replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized components, simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes (voltage levels) to enable a single liquid crystal layer to perform the function of multiple micro-lens arrays. By adjusting the voltage parameter, the same physical component can change its optical characteristics to control light at different angles, eliminating the need for multiple physical orientations of micro-lens arrays and reducing device complexity.
3Device complexity
If a fixed micro-lens array is used, then the structure is simple, but information about angular directions not passed through the array is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the liquid crystal layer to dynamically adjust its optical properties based on the capture requirements. Instead of being fixed and permanently excluding certain angular directions, the system can dynamically reconfigure which angles are transmitted to the sensor array. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different scene characteristics and capture requirements, preventing information loss by selectively capturing relevant angular information when needed.
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 solution enhances the flexibility and accuracy of light field capture, enabling depth estimation and eye tracking in VR, AR, and MR systems by dynamically controlling light transmission based on voltage levels, improving angular resolution and motion blur management.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid crystal layer overlaying the array of pixels. A controller coupled to the ASP array controls, at each time instant of one or more time instants, one or more voltage levels applied to the liquid crystal layer. The controller adjusts, based on the one or more voltage levels, the liquid crystal layer to control amounts of light at one or more defined angles transmitted through the liquid crystal layer
Data Source
AI summary
A light field camera capturing one or more light field frames including intensity and angle information of received light. The light field camera includes an array of pixels, a liquid crystal layer overlaying the array of pixels, and a controller. The controller controls, at each time instant, one or more voltages applied to the liquid crystal layer. The controller adjusts, based on the one or more voltages, the liquid crystal layer to control amounts of light at one or more angles transmitted through the liquid crystal layer and captured by the array of pixels as a light field frame. The controller can determine depth information based on the captured one or more light field frames.