3D Imaging Apparatus Using Birefringent Light Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D imaging systems require two projection devices and 3D glasses, leading to complex system structures, high costs, and poor 3D effects due to ghost images and eye fatigue, particularly in applications like cinemas.
Innovation Solution
A 3D imaging method and apparatus that uses a light source dividing module to split 3D image light into polarized light beams through a birefringence effect, adjusts optical paths, and controls their alternation to match the frame rate, eliminating the need for two projection devices and 3D glasses by directly irradiating polarized light beams into the viewer's eyes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two projection devices are used to project left and right eye images respectively, then the 3D imaging effect is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate projection devices into a single projection device that projects both left and right eye images simultaneously using polarized light. The light source unit emits light that is divided into first and second polarized light beams with different polarization directions, which are then combined and projected through one projection lens, eliminating the need for two separate projection devices while maintaining 3D imaging quality
Solution Approach 2:
The single projection device is designed to perform multiple functions: it projects both left and right eye images, divides light into different polarization states, and directs them to different eyes. The light source dividing unit and polarized light combining unit enable one device to replace the functionality of two devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining imaging effectiveness
2Device complexity
If polarization 3D glasses are used, then the system cost is reduced, but ghost images appear and 3D effect deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different polarization directions to different parts of the light beam: the first polarized light beam has a first polarization direction directed toward the left eye, while the second polarized light beam has a second polarization direction directed toward the right eye. This local differentiation of polarization properties ensures that each eye receives only its intended image, eliminating ghost images and maintaining high 3D effect quality without requiring expensive shutter glasses
3Reliability
If shutter 3D glasses are used, then the 3D imaging system can function, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for shutter glasses by implementing polarization-based separation directly in the projection system. Instead of requiring active shutter glasses to control light transmission timing, the system uses passive polarization filters in the glasses combined with polarized light beams of different directions, eliminating the expensive electronic shutter components while maintaining 3D imaging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates separate optical paths for left and right eye images using polarized light beams with different polarization directions. These beams are combined in space and projected simultaneously, creating a copy of the imaging function for each eye through a single projection device, thereby eliminating the need for expensive shutter glasses while maintaining functional equivalence
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
Simplifies the system structure, reduces costs, and enhances the 3D effect by allowing viewers to see 3D images without glasses, while minimizing eye fatigue through brightness compensation.
Implementation Method 1
the light source dividing module being configured to divide, through a birefringence effect, a source 3D image light into a first polarized light carrying left eye image information and a second polarized light carrying right eye image information
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a 3D imaging method and apparatus, which divide a source 3D image light into two polarized light beams carrying image information through a birefringence effect, adjust optical paths of the two polarized light beams obtained through birefringence, and control the two polarized light beams to be alternately irradiated, thereby achieving 3D imaging; since the implementation of the above imaging method only requires one imaging apparatus having corresponding functions, the present application can simplify the system structure and reduce the system cost relative to a conventional 3D projection technology that requires two imaging devices; moreover, a viewer can directly see, with no need to wear corresponding 3D glasses, a 3D image due to the parallax caused by alternate irradiation of two polarized light beams carrying image information out of a projection device.