Holographic Display Using Segmented SLMs for Compact 3D Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current holographic displays are large and power-intensive, with limited field of view and resolution, making them unsuitable for wearable devices and requiring high computational loads, storage, and bandwidth, and lacking the ability to switch between 2D and 3D modes.
Innovation Solution
A compact holographic display system incorporating an electrically addressable spatial light modulator (EASLM), a diffractive optical element (DOE) mask array, and an optically addressable spatial light modulator (OASLM) integrated with a backlight unit, capable of forming holograms with pixel sizes of 1 μm or less, allowing for coherent and non-coherent light sources, and switching between 2D and 3D modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional holographic displays use high-quality optical systems and large pixel sizes (3-250 μm), then image quality and field of view are improved, but device size becomes too large for wearable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the spatial light modulator into multiple sub-SLMs arranged in a matrix configuration. Each sub-SLM has reduced pixel size (1 μm or less) but collectively they provide the necessary field of view through coordinated operation. This segmentation allows miniaturization while maintaining functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D display architecture to a 3D volumetric holographic display using multiple sub-SLMs stacked or arranged in spatial configuration. This dimensional transition enables compact form factor while providing wide field of view through spatial multiplexing of the sub-SLMs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pixel size is reduced to 1 μm or less to achieve wide field of view, then viewing angle increases, but manufacturing precision and data processing requirements become extremely difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing a single large-SLM with ultra-fine pixels, the patent segments the display into multiple sub-SLMs with coarser pixels that are easier to manufacture. The collective arrangement of these sub-SLMs achieves the equivalent optical performance of a single ultra-fine pixel SLM, significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple copies of identical or similar sub-SLM units arranged in a matrix. Each sub-SLM is a standard, manufacturable component that can be produced with conventional precision. The replicated structure achieves the desired viewing angle through geometric arrangement rather than requiring ultra-fine pixel fabrication.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional displays use large pixel sizes (3-250 μm), then manufacturing is easier, but the field of view is limited to about 5°
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the display architecture by arranging multiple sub-SLMs in a matrix configuration. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows each sub-SLM to maintain manufacturable pixel sizes while the collective structure provides wide field of view, decoupling manufacturing ease from optical performance.
4Measurement precision
If digital hologram operations are performed with high resolution and large field of view, then image quality improves, but computational load and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the holographic computation and display tasks across multiple independent sub-SLMs. Each sub-SLM processes a portion of the holographic data, reducing the computational burden on any single processing unit. This parallelized segmentation lowers overall power consumption while maintaining high-resolution output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple sub-SLMs with individually addressable pixels, allowing only the necessary portions of the hologram to be displayed at any given time. This partial action approach reduces computational load and power consumption by avoiding processing of unnecessary data, while still achieving high resolution where needed.
5Measurement precision
If conventional holographic displays are designed for 3D mode, then 3D image quality is good, but the display cannot switch to 2D mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the multi-sub-SLM architecture to be universally capable of both 3D holographic display and 2D image display modes. The same hardware structure supports multiple functions by adjusting the activation and coordination of sub-SLMs, enabling mode switching without requiring separate display systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the sub-SLM matrix where individual sub-SLMs can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the display mode requirement. This dynamic reconfiguration allows seamless transition between 3D holographic mode (all sub-SLMs active) and 2D display mode (selective sub-SLM activation), providing adaptability while maintaining 3D capability.
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, wide-field-of-view holographic display with reduced computational load, storage capacity, and bandwidth requirements, increasing autonomous operation time and battery life, and enabling compact designs suitable for mobile devices.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element (DOE) mask array arranged on the EASLM
Implementation Method 2
optically-addressable spatial light modulator (OASLM) technology is used to convert an incoherent light distribution into a phase distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A holographic display and a method, performed by the holographic display, of forming a holographic image are disclosed. The holographic display includes an electrically addressable spatial light modulator (EASLM); a diffractive optical element (DOE) mask array arranged on the EASLM; and a controller configured to operate the holographic display to form a hologram image, wherein the controller is further configured to address the EASLM to backlight the DOE mask array required to form a set of hologram image voxels by turning on a corresponding EASLM pixel.