Holographic Projector Multi-Plane Layout for Pixel Crosstalk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Holographic projectors face issues with image pixel crosstalk and reduced image quality due to adjacent, closely spaced image spots on different planes, which are perceived as overlapping, leading to a composite image that appears distorted.

Innovation Solution

The projector forms image reconstructions on different planes along a common projection axis by interposing image spots of one reconstruction between those of another, using complementary checkerboard patterns and varying sampling schemes to increase spacing and reduce pixel crosstalk, ensuring clear perception of a composite image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If image spots are closely spaced to maintain high resolution, then image detail is improved, but pixel crosstalk and overlapping occur leading to distorted composite image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidpixel crosstalk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a third dimension (depth/planes) to separate image spots that would otherwise overlap in the 2D plane. By distributing image spots across multiple planes at different depths along the projection axis, the system maintains high resolution while preventing pixel crosstalk through spatial separation in the depth dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the image reconstruction into multiple separate image reconstructions on different planes. Each plane contains a subset of image spots, and by dividing the complete image across multiple planes with complementary patterns, the system reduces pixel crosstalk while maintaining overall image resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-generated harmful factors

If multiple image reconstructions are formed on different planes, then pixel crosstalk is reduced, but image spots from different planes appear to overlap in the composite image

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel crosstalkVSAvoidimage geometry
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of image spots on different planes, using complementary checkerboard patterns that are offset from each other. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that image spots on different planes do not align in the composite image view, preventing overlap while maintaining the benefits of multi-plane reconstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different sampling schemes and patterns to different planes, creating locally optimized image reconstructions on each plane. By varying the pattern and spacing of image spots across different planes, the system prevents overlap in the composite image while maintaining high resolution on each individual plane.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Object-generated harmful factors

If complementary checkerboard patterns are used on different planes, then image spots are spatially separated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage spot overlapVSAvoidhologram generation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single spatial light modulator to display multiple holograms corresponding to different planes simultaneously. By encoding multiple complementary checkerboard patterns on one SLM, the system achieves multi-plane image separation without requiring multiple separate display devices, thus managing complexity while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple holographic reconstructions into a single composite hologram that can be displayed on one spatial light modulator. By combining complementary checkerboard patterns for different planes into a unified holographic structure, the system reduces device complexity while achieving the benefits of multi-plane separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach enhances image clarity by preventing overlapping of image spots on different planes, maintaining resolution, and allowing viewers to perceive a composite image as if formed on a single plane without visual cues of depth differences.

Implementation Method 1

A spatial light modulator typically comprises 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 hologram may be reconstructed by illumination with suitable light to form a two-dimensional or three-dimensional holographic reconstruction, or replay image, representative of the original object.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

Light scattered from an object contains both amplitude and phase information. This amplitude and phase information can be captured on, for example, a photosensitive plate by well-known interference techniques to form a holographic recording, or 'hologram', comprising interference fringes.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInterference: Interference

Implementation Method 4

A computer-generated hologram may be calculated by a technique based on a mathematical transformation such as a Fresnel or Fourier transform.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFresnel diffraction: Fresnel Diffraction

Implementation Method 5

The hologram may be reconstructed by illumination with suitable light to form a two-dimensional or three-dimensional holographic reconstruction, or replay image, representative of the original object.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHolographic reconstruction:

Implementation Method 6

A moving diffuser may be used to improve image quality in devices which use coherent light such as holographic projectors.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical focusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentEP3839639B1A projector for forming images on multiple planes
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 DUALITAS LTD
  • EP3839639B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3839639B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3839639B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A projector arranged to form a plurality of image reconstructions on different planes disposed on a common projection axis and a corresponding method is disclosed. A hologram engine is arranged to determine a hologram corresponding to each image for image reconstruction, and to form a diffractive pattern including the corresponding hologram for each image. A display engine is arranged to display each diffractive pattern and receive light such that an image reconstruction corresponding to each hologram is formed on a plane of the plurality of different planes. Each image reconstruction comprises image spots arranged in a pattern. Image spots of a first image reconstruction formed on a first plane are interposed between image spots of a second image reconstruction formed on a second plane.