Integrated Imaging Display System with Polarization-Based Depth-of-Field Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current integrated imaging display systems face limitations in providing a large depth-of-field range for 3D display images, leading to reduced imaging performance and visual fatigue due to restricted depth-of-field capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The system employs optical path folding units with polarization light splitting elements and reflecting layers, along with a micro-lens array, to alternately transmit first and second linearly polarized light, creating two distinct depth-of-field ranges by varying the light paths and polarization states, thereby enhancing the depth-of-field range and imaging performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional display systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the depth-of-field range is limited and imaging performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth-of-field rangeVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical path is divided into multiple segments using optical path folding units. Each unit contains polarization light splitting elements and reflecting elements that independently manipulate light paths for different depth-of-field ranges, enabling the system to achieve extended depth-of-field through segmented optical processing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces polarization state as an additional dimension for controlling light paths. By using polarization light splitting elements that separate light based on polarization states and combining this with optical path folding, the system creates multiple depth-of-field ranges without simply extending the physical optical path length

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

2Reliability

If the depth-of-field range is limited, then the system structure is simple, but visual fatigue occurs and imaging performance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging performanceVSAvoidoptical path folding units
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical path folding units serve multiple functions: they fold the optical path to extend effective imaging distance, split light based on polarization states to create multiple depth-of-field ranges, and work with the micro-lens array to focus light. This multi-functionality allows a single structural element to address multiple performance requirements simultaneously

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

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 effectively enlarges the depth-of-field range, allowing for clear 3D image display across a larger imaging space, reducing visual fatigue and improving imaging performance by creating two separate depth-of-field ranges within the integrated imaging display system.

Implementation Method 1

the polarization light splitting element is configured to transmit light in the first polarization state and reflect light in the second polarization state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

the reflecting element is configured to change a polarization state of incident light and reflect the light the polarization state of which is changed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization conversion: Polarisation

Implementation Method 3

a micro-lens array disposed on a light emitting side of the display device; the micro-lens array is configured to form a first 3D display image in a first depth-of-field range based on the first linearly polarized light, and form a second 3D display image in a second depth-of-field range based on the second linearly polarized light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3958037B1Integrated imaging display system
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3958037B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3958037B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3958037B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an integrated imaging display system, which belongs to the field of display technology. The system includes: a display device, and a polarization converting element, an optical path folding element, and a micro-lens array provided on a light emitting side of the display device. The polarization converting element is configured to convert light emitted from the display device into first linearly polarized light in a first polarization state and second linearly polarized light in a second polarization state; the optical path folding element is configured to transmit the first linearly polarized light to the micro-lens array according to a first transmission path and transmit the second linearly polarized light to the micro-lens array according to a second transmission path; and the micro-lens array is configured to form a first three-dimensional display image in a first depth-of-field range based on the first linearly polarized light and form a second three-dimensional display image in a second depth-of-field range based on the second linearly polarized light. The integrated imaging display system in the present disclosure includes two depth-of-field ranges in the imaging space, which enlarges the depth-of-field range of the imaging space.