Dynamic Focusing Element for 3D Video Projector Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video projectors project images with a single focal distance, which is sub-optimal for 3D content and augmented reality applications, as they fail to accommodate varying focal lengths, leading to blurred images due to human eye accommodation limitations.
Innovation Solution
A video projector system with a moving focusing element that changes its focal length to display different parts of an image at corresponding focal distances, using depth information to activate pixels only when the focusing element is at the appropriate position, allowing for high frame rates to maintain a continuous perception of focused images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single focal distance is used for projection, then the projector structure is simple, but the image quality deteriorates for 3D content and augmented reality applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a moving focusing element that dynamically changes focal length during image projection. The focusing element moves along the optical axis to adjust focal distance, enabling the system to adapt to different depth requirements in 3D content and augmented reality applications while maintaining image sharpness across varying focal planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the image into multiple depth layers based on depth information, with each layer projected at a corresponding focal distance. This segmentation allows different parts of the image with different depth values to be focused at appropriate distances, improving overall image quality for multi-depth content.
2Reliability
If the lens aperture is closed to increase depth of focus, then the focusing range is improved, but the projector brightness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of statically closing the aperture to increase depth of focus, the patent dynamically adjusts the focal length by moving the focusing element. This dynamic focusing approach maintains bright projection by keeping the aperture open while achieving extended depth of focus through focal plane adjustment rather than aperture restriction.
3Device complexity
If a fixed focal distance is used for 3D display, then the projector structure is simple, but the 3D effect quality deteriorates due to mismatched focus distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focal length adjustment that responds to depth information in the displayed content. The focusing element moves to match the focal distance with the stereo disparity, providing both near and far cues for authentic 3D perception. This dynamic adaptation enables accurate focus-distance matching without requiring complex pre-calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses depth information from the video content as feedback to control the focusing element position. By monitoring the depth values of displayed objects, the system automatically adjusts the focal length to match the content's depth requirements, ensuring accurate focus-distance correspondence for 3D display.
4Manufacturing precision
If different parts of the image are displayed at different focal positions, then the image quality for multi-depth content is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image based on depth information, dividing it into multiple depth layers. Each segment is then projected at its corresponding focal distance by coordinating the focusing element movement with pixel activation timing. This segmentation approach enables selective focusing of different image regions without requiring multiple physical projectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic scanning of the focusing element through different focal positions, activating corresponding pixel groups at each position. This periodic action, combined with high frame rates, creates the perception of continuous multi-focal projection while using a single moving focusing element, thereby managing device complexity.
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 enables clear projection of 3D content and augmented reality by ensuring each part of the image is displayed at the correct focal distance, enhancing the user's perception and reducing blurriness, while also improving image sharpness and alignment on the retina.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system that projects the image and focuses it onto the screen, eye retina or other object
Data Source
AI summary
A method and devices for displaying images, the method comprising: receiving an image, the image comprising depth information; determining at least a first group of pixels and a second group of pixels, based on the depth information; and displaying the first group of pixels at a first focus position of the projection device, and the second group of pixels at a second focus position of the projection device.