Auto Stereoscopic Projector Screen Using Segmented Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for viewing large-screen stereographic imagery require viewers to wear glasses or maintain a fixed position, limiting accessibility and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A screen comprising miniature reflective curved surfaces or transparent lenses, paired with a high-resolution projector that controls light focus on subsections of each surface, allowing multiple viewers to perceive stereo images without glasses or fixed positions by ensuring spatial separation of images for each eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional filtering techniques (active shutter glasses, polarized projection, anaglyph 3D) are used to separate left and right eye images, then stereo image separation is achieved, but viewers must wear glasses which reduces accessibility and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is divided into multiple curved reflective surfaces or transparent lenses arranged in an array, each element directing light to specific viewing positions. This segmentation allows different spatial locations to receive different eye-specific images without requiring glasses, resolving the contradiction between image separation and viewing accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized screen with curved reflective surfaces or transparent lenses as an intermediary between the projector and viewers. This mediator separates the left and right eye images spatially by directing them to different viewing positions, eliminating the need for glasses while maintaining stereo separation
2Measurement precision
If traditional stereo projection methods are used, then stereo image separation is achieved, but viewers must maintain a fixed position which limits viewing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The screen comprises multiple segmented curved surfaces or lenses, each capable of directing light to different angular positions. This segmentation enables multiple discrete viewing positions to be supported simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between precise stereo separation and viewing position flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different viewer positions by utilizing the spatial separation property of the curved surfaces. As viewers move to different positions within the designed viewing area, the system naturally directs the appropriate eye-specific images to their locations, providing flexibility while maintaining separation accuracy
3Measurement precision
If curved reflective surfaces or transparent lenses are used without diffusion, then clear objective lens images are formed, but the screen appears to show only bright miniature reflections in darkened rooms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each curved surface element small enough (smaller than the smallest detail a human can resolve from the viewing distance) that the bright objective lens reflections are spatially separated and averaged with unlit sections. This allows each local element to maintain clear imaging while the overall screen appears uniformly bright without visible reflections
4Measurement precision
If high pixel resolution is used to control light on each curved surface subsection, then accurate stereo separation is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is manufactured as an array of identical or similar curved surface elements (reflective or transparent lenses). This segmentation allows for standardized fabrication processes and reduces manufacturing complexity compared to creating custom high-resolution patterns, while maintaining accurate stereo separation through the precise geometric arrangement of the segmented elements
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
Enables multiple viewers to experience large-screen stereoscopic imagery without glasses or fixed positions, with the projector's pixel control ensuring distinct images for each eye, blending lit and unlit sections for a seamless viewing experience.
Implementation Method 1
a screen comprised of either a plurality of miniature reflective curved surfaces
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of curved and transparent lenses stacked in an array to make a screen
Implementation Method 3
the only bright section on each curved surface would be a miniature reflection of the projector's objective lens
Data Source
AI summary
A projector system using a screen comprised of either a plurality of miniature, reflective, and concave or convex curved surfaces that are arranged in a pattern to create a screen surface for front projection, or a plurality of miniature, transparent, and curved convex or concave lenses that are arranged in a pattern to create a screen surface for rear projection, and a projector system with the pixel capacity to control the color and brightness focused onto many different subsections of each curved surface. Each curved lens or curved mirror surface is small enough so that when viewed from the viewing area, the lit and unlit areas seen within each individual curved surface blend together so that only the average brightness and color of each curved surface can be seen by a viewer. By controlling the subsections of each curved surface with focused light from a high resolution projector, the system can control the image the viewer sees in their left eye separately from their right eye and the viewer can see stereographic images without the need to wear filtering glasses. With inclusion of an external head tracking system, the left/right images for each subsection can be switched as needed when one or multiple viewers move their head or seating position within the viewing area.