Complex Light Modulator for Holographic Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current three-dimensional image display methods, such as glasses-based and holographic methods, face limitations in increasing the number of viewpoints and matching the perceived depth with the focus of the eyes, leading to viewer fatigue and inefficiencies in generating high-resolution, low-noise holographic images.

Innovation Solution

A complex light modulator comprising a polarization plate, an amplitude modulator, a phase modulator, and color filters, with a specific arrangement of cured liquid crystal layers and a light alignment layer, is used to generate complex light modulation characteristics, reducing diffraction effects and improving alignment between amplitude and phase modulators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional spatial light modulator is used to generate holographic images, then the basic three-dimensional image display function is achieved, but the resolution is insufficient and noise is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light modulation function into separate amplitude modulation and phase modulation modules. The amplitude modulator controls light intensity while the phase modulator controls light phase, allowing independent optimization of each function to achieve high resolution and low noise holographic images that cannot be obtained with a single conventional modulator

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the amplitude modulator and phase modulator into a single integrated complex light modulator device. This merging allows the system to simultaneously perform both amplitude and phase modulation with precise alignment between the two modules, achieving superior image quality with reduced noise and higher resolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate amplitude and phase modulators are used, then complex light modulation characteristics can be achieved, but alignment between the modulators becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight modulation capabilityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The amplitude modulator and phase modulator are integrated into a single device structure where they share common components such as the liquid crystal layer and electrode structures. This merging ensures that the modulators are automatically aligned during manufacturing, eliminating the alignment difficulties that would arise from using separate modules while maintaining the ability to perform complex light modulation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If conventional display methods are used, then basic three-dimensional image display is possible, but the viewing window is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing window areaVSAvoiddisplay efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of light modulation by independently controlling both amplitude and phase of light waves. This allows for more efficient light utilization and a larger effective viewing window, as the complex light modulation enables better control over light propagation and interference patterns, thereby expanding the viewing area while maintaining high display efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution enhances the resolution and reduces noise in holographic displays, allowing for a larger viewing window and improved alignment, thereby addressing the limitations of existing methods and providing a more comfortable and efficient three-dimensional image display experience.

Implementation Method 1

a first polarization plate, a second polarization plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

a first cured liquid crystal layer, a second cured liquid crystal layer, a third cured liquid crystal layer, and a fourth cured liquid crystal layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLiquid crystals: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 3

color filters provided between the amplitude modulator and the phase modulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240411181A1Complex light modulator, holographic display device, and see-through display device
Publication Date: 2024.12.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20240411181A1 patent drawing
  • US20240411181A1 patent drawing
  • US20240411181A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A complex light modulator including a first polarization plate, a second polarization plate provided, an amplitude modulator provided between the first polarization plate and the second polarization plate, a phase modulator provided between the amplitude modulator and the second polarization plate, and color filters provided between the amplitude modulator and the phase modulator.