3D Holographic Display Using Time-Division SLM and Active Shutters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current three-dimensional holographic image display devices face limitations such as narrow viewing angles, insufficient resolution, and visual fatigue due to the lack of monocular depth cues, which restrict the effectiveness of holographic methods in providing realistic images.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional holographic image display device utilizing a spatial light modulator (SLM) to display holograms for both eyes using a time division method, combined with a reproducing lens unit, beam dividing unit, and active shutters to control light transmission, allowing for synchronized display of computer-generated holograms and adjustment of viewing angles to reduce visual fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single SLM is used to display holograms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the viewing angle remains narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies time-division multiplexing to alternately display left-eye and right-eye holograms on a single SLM at different time intervals. Combined with synchronous shutter control that opens/closes in correspondence with the hologram switching, this periodic action enables a single SLM to provide sequential stereoscopic images to both eyes, achieving a wide effective viewing angle without requiring multiple SLMs or complex optical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic shutter control where the left and right eye shutters are synchronously activated and deactivated in response to the time-division hologram display. This dynamic synchronization ensures that each eye receives only its designated hologram at the appropriate time, enabling a single static SLM to dynamically serve multiple viewing angles and purposes
2Manufacturing precision
If the SLM refresh rate is increased to improve image quality, then the image reproduction quality improves, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the SLM to refresh at extremely high rates to display separate images for both eyes simultaneously, the patent uses time-division multiplexing to alternately display left and right eye holograms at lower refresh rates. The synchronous shutter control ensures that each eye receives the appropriate image during its active period, thereby achieving high-quality stereoscopic display while reducing the power consumption associated with high-speed SLM operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple SLMs are used to expand viewing angle, then the viewing angle increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for multiple SLMs by implementing time-division multiplexing on a single SLM. By alternately displaying left-eye and right-eye holograms and synchronously controlling the shutters, the system achieves wide viewing angle coverage and stereoscopic display capability that would otherwise require multiple simultaneous SLMs, thereby significantly reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A single SLM in the patent performs multiple functions by sequentially displaying different holograms for left and right eyes. Through time-division multiplexing and synchronous shutter control, one SLM serves the role of multiple SLMs would need to play simultaneously, achieving multi-functionality and reducing system 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
The solution enables a wider viewing angle and reduced visual fatigue by providing both binocular and monocular depth cues, enhancing the realism of the displayed images without the need for complex optical systems, and is suitable for use in head-mounted displays.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator (SLM) to display holograms for a left and a right eye
Implementation Method 2
a reproducing lens unit to reproduce an image by converting light emitted from the hologram displayed on the SLM
Implementation Method 3
a beam dividing unit to divide light incident from the reproducing lens unit so as to proceed along a first path and a second path
Implementation Method 4
a right eye active shutter disposed in a light path between the beam dividing unit and the right eye and substantially synchronized with the SLM to transmit or block light
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional holographic image display device and a method using the same are provided. Light corresponding to left and right eye holograms is emitted according to a time division method and divided into a first path and a second path. Active shutters operate substantially in synchronization with the emitted left and right eye holograms to provide images to a user's left and right eyes.