Holoform 3D Display Using Light Pipes to Reduce Complexity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holoform 3D display systems are limited by poor image quality, high cost, and reliability issues due to the need for multiple projectors, which also result in limited field of view and visual artifacts like cross talk and moiré, making them unsuitable for commercial applications.
Innovation Solution
A time multiplexed holoform 3D display system using a single projector and an angular array of light pipes, eliminating the need for moving parts and employing LED illumination to reduce speckle and eye safety concerns, while maintaining high image quality and increasing the field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple projectors are used to create a 3D viewing experience, then image quality and field of view are improved, but device complexity, cost, and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projection system by separating the image formation function (single high-resolution projector) from the light delivery function (angular array of light pipes). Each light pipe delivers light to a specific angular position on the holographic screen, effectively segmenting the light paths while using a single projector source. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining multiple view angles without requiring multiple projectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light pipes as intermediary elements between the single projector and the holographic screen. These light pipes act as optical mediators that redirect and distribute light from the single projector to multiple angular positions on the screen, enabling a single projector to achieve the effect of multiple projectors in terms of field of view and image quality.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple projectors are used to create a 3D viewing experience, then field of view is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the light delivery path into multiple independent light pipes, each responsible for a specific angular sector. This segmentation allows the single projector to maintain high reliability while the light pipes distribute the image across the entire field of view, eliminating the reliability issues associated with multiple projectors.
3Device complexity
If time multiplexing is used with a single projector, then device complexity is reduced, but image quality deteriorates due to moving parts and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical time-multiplexing systems with a static optical system using light pipes. Instead of mechanically scanning or switching between multiple projectors, the light pipes are fixed optical elements that simultaneously deliver light to multiple angular positions. This eliminates moving parts and associated delays while maintaining the benefits of a single projector configuration.
4Quantity of substance
If laser illumination is used in time multiplexed holoform systems, then bandwidth requirements are met, but harmful factors increase due to speckle and safety concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from laser to LED, transitioning from coherent to incoherent light source. This parameter change maintains the bandwidth capabilities required for high-quality 3D display while eliminating the harmful speckle effects and safety concerns associated with laser illumination. The LED provides sufficient luminous output and color rendering without the coherence-related artifacts.
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 provides a high-resolution 3D image with a wide angle of view, reducing costs and improving reliability by eliminating moving optics and associated delays, while maintaining or exceeding image quality objectives and achieving a large field of view without the need for multiple projectors.
Implementation Method 1
an angular array of light pipes to redirect and distribute light from the projector to multiple angular positions on the holographic screen
Implementation Method 2
a special directional scattering screen is used to limit where a viewer can see the appropriate image information
Implementation Method 3
employing LED illumination to reduce speckle and eye safety concerns
Data Source
AI summary
A 3D projection apparatus comprises a projector, and an angular array of illumination optics coupled to an imager in the projector to create a plurality of views for an 3D image. An array of projection optics is coupled to the imager and a light source is coupled to the angular array of projection optics.