Holographic Projector Pixel Alignment for Maximum Replay Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display technologies fail to maximize the resolution of holographic projections due to mismatched shapes between hologram pixels and replay fields, leading to inefficient utilization of image pixels.

Innovation Solution

A holographic projection system with a spatial light modulator featuring rectangular pixels orthogonally oriented to the replay field, ensuring the aspect ratio of the replay field matches that of the pixels, thereby maximizing the resolution of image pixels through precise shape alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional display technologies use square or rectangular pixels aligned parallel to the replay field, then the device complexity is simple and ease of manufacture is high, but the resolution of image pixels in the holographic replay field is not maximized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresolution of image pixelsVSAvoidpixel orientation configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by using rectangular pixels with a specific aspect ratio that is orthogonal to the replay field aspect ratio, rather than using symmetric square pixels or conventional rectangular pixels aligned parallel to the replay field. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the diffraction pattern to maximize image pixel resolution in the holographic replay field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by orienting the rectangular pixels orthogonally (perpendicularly) to the replay field instead of parallel to it. This inversion of the typical alignment configuration resolves the technical contradiction by maximizing resolution through this counterintuitive orthogonal arrangement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Measurement precision

If rectangular pixels are used with aspect ratio matched to replay field, then resolution is maximized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to precise orthogonal orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresolution of image pixelsVSAvoidorthogonal orientation alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric rectangular pixel shape with orthogonal orientation to the replay field creates a unique diffraction pattern that maximizes resolution. The manufacturing precision is focused on achieving the correct orthogonal alignment and aspect ratio, which simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to attempting to optimize all pixel parameters simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Productivity

If square pixels are used in the spatial light modulator, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the efficiency of image pixel utilization in rectangular replay fields is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage pixel utilization efficiencyVSAvoidpixel shape configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses asymmetric rectangular pixels instead of symmetric square pixels to better match the rectangular geometry of the replay field. This asymmetric configuration improves image pixel utilization efficiency by optimizing the diffraction pattern to fill the rectangular replay field more effectively, reducing wasted space and improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 system achieves maximum resolution in the holographic replay field by optimizing the shape of hologram pixels to match the replay field, enhancing image quality and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The SLM may comprise a plurality of individually-addressable pixels which may also be referred to as cells or elements. The light modulation scheme may be binary, multilevel or continuous.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight modulation:

Implementation Method 2

The spatially-modulated light is diffracted by the pixels of the spatial light modulator.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

The light source is arranged to illuminate the plurality of pixels to form the spatially-modulated light forming a holographic reconstruction at the replay field.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3607401B1Holographic projector
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 DUALITAS LTD
  • EP3607401B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3607401B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3607401B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

There is provided a holographic projection system arranged to project light to a rectangular replay field. The holographic projection system comprises: a spatial light modulator, comprising an array of pixels, arranged to receive a computer-generated hologram and output spatially-modulated light forming a holographic reconstruction at the rectangular replay field, wherein each pixel is rectangular; and a light source arranged to illuminate the plurality of pixels to form the spatially- modulated light forming a holographic reconstruction at the replay field, wherein the rectangular replay field is spatially separated from the spatial light modulator and the aspect ratio of the rectangular replay field is substantially equal to the aspect ratio of each pixel but orthogonally orientated.