Holographic Display Off-Axis Viewing Window via Beam Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current holographic display technologies restrict 3D image viewing to a narrow, fixed position in front of the display panel due to large pixel size limitations of spatial light modulators and perpendicular reference beam incidence, limiting viewer flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A holographic display apparatus incorporating a spatial light modulator, an optical element that bends the incident beam to change the viewing window's position off-axis, and an image processor generating hologram data to enable side-viewing capability, utilizing components like diffractive optical elements and beam deflectors to adjust the viewing angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional spatial light modulator with large pixel size is used, then the device can be manufactured with current technology, but the viewing window becomes narrow and the viewer can only view from a fixed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical element that bends the reference beam by a specific angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to shift the viewing window from the front (z-axis) to the side (x-axis or y-axis) of the spatial light modulator. This dimensional transformation allows viewers to observe the holographic image from lateral positions rather than being constrained to the front viewing position, thereby expanding viewing flexibility without requiring smaller pixel sizes
2Adaptability or versatility
If the reference beam is incident perpendicular to the spatial light modulator, then the optical system is simple, but the viewer can only view the 3D image in front of the spatial light modulator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical element as an intermediary component between the reference beam source and the spatial light modulator. This optical element bends the reference beam by a predetermined angle before it reaches the spatial light modulator, thereby changing the viewing window position to enable side viewing. The optical element acts as a mediator that transforms the beam direction without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire optical system or modification of the spatial light modulator itself
3Adaptability or versatility
If the viewing window is positioned off-axis by a large angle, then side viewing is enabled, but the position of the viewing window requires precise control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-positioning the optical element to bend the reference beam by a specific angle (e.g., 45 degrees) before the beam reaches the spatial light modulator. The optical element is designed and positioned in advance to achieve the desired off-axis viewing window position, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during operation. This preliminary configuration ensures precise viewing window positioning while maintaining system simplicity
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
Enables 3D image viewing from various angles, including the side, expanding the viewing window and enhancing user convenience by allowing holographic displays to be mounted on diverse devices such as tabletops and portable devices.
Implementation Method 1
the reference light is diffracted and an image of the original object is reproduced
Implementation Method 2
an optical element arranged to bend an incident beam onto at least one of a light incident surface and a light exit surface of the spatial light modulator
Implementation Method 3
a holographic pattern having recorded thereon an interference pattern obtained by interference between object light reflected from an original object and the reference light
Implementation Method 4
a condensing lens configured to focus the reference beam on to the spatial light modulator
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a holographic display apparatus including: a spatial light modulator that modulates a wavefront of a reference beam to form a hologram image; an optical element arranged to change a position of a viewing window of the hologram image off-axis by a first angle; and an image processor that generates hologram data according to the position of the viewing window of the hologram image and a hologram image to be reproduced, and provides the hologram data to the spatial light modulator. The hologram image formed by the spatial light modulator is viewable from a side of the spatial light modulator.