Holographic Optical Element Display for Compact 3D Depth Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional display devices for vehicles and aircraft, employing prism orthogonal technologies with two TFT-LCDs and a glass combiner, face challenges due to large packaging sizes, which are not suitable for tight dimensional constraints, limiting the incorporation of other essential systems.
Innovation Solution
A display device utilizing a holographic optical element (HOE) with a thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT-LCD) and a second light source with discrete wavelengths to generate virtual images behind the first screen, allowing for multiple image planes and reduced packaging size by combining image information without the need for a bulky combiner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two TFT-LCDs are arranged at 90 degrees with a flat combiner to create depth information, then three-dimensional display capability is achieved, but packaging size becomes relatively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of multiple displays and the combiner into a single integrated display device. The first and second displays are merged with the combiner structure, eliminating the need for separate perpendicular TFT-LCDs and a separate combiner component, thus reducing overall packaging volume while maintaining 3D display capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional arrangement of perpendicular displays to a three-dimensional virtual image space. By creating virtual images at different depths behind the combiner, the system utilizes the depth dimension to convey information without requiring additional physical space for separate display planes
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flat combiner is used to merge images from two displays, then depth information is conveyed to the user, but the device requires tight dimensional constraints that limit incorporation of other systems
Solution Approach 1:
The combiner is integrated as part of the display device structure rather than being a separate component. This merging reduces the overall system complexity and eliminates the need for additional space-consuming components, allowing other systems to be incorporated within the same dimensional constraints
3Adaptability or versatility
If two separate TFT-LCDs are used to provide image planes, then multiple image planes are achieved, but the case becomes relatively large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using physical second displays to create additional image planes, the patent uses virtual images generated by reflecting light from the first display through the combiner. This optical copying approach creates multiple perceived image planes without requiring additional physical display volumes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates additional image planes in the depth dimension through virtual images behind the combiner, rather than adding more physical display layers. This allows multiple image planes to be perceived without increasing the physical case volume
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 enables the generation of three-dimensional images with depth information across multiple planes, improving situational awareness without the need for glasses, while significantly reducing the display device's package size and enhancing optical properties for better image representation.
Implementation Method 1
a holographic optical element (HOE) with a thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT-LCD) and a second light source with discrete wavelengths to generate virtual images behind the first screen
Implementation Method 2
A HOE is an optical element such as for example a lens, filter, beam splitter, diffraction grating or mirror that is produced using holographic imaging processes or principles
Implementation Method 3
The second display unit comprises a second light source for providing light with a plurality of predetermined discrete wavelengths for creating the second image information
Implementation Method 4
a holographic optical element (HOE) with a thin-film-transistor liquid-crystal display (TFT-LCD)
Data Source
AI summary
A display device for displaying images conveying depth information comprises a first display unit for representing first image information on a first screen. The first display unit comprises the first screen with a holographic optical element, HOE, provided thereon, and a first light source for providing light for illuminating the first screen. The display device further comprises a second display unit for representing second image information. The second display unit comprises a second light source for providing light with a plurality of predetermined discrete wavelengths for creating the second image information, and a second screen which is provided in parallel or oriented at an acute angle relative to the first screen in order to project the second image information onto the first screen and thereby generate a virtual image corresponding to the second image information behind the first screen.