Direct Projection Light Field Display Lenslet Array Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing three-dimensional displays that offer a wide field-of-view and high angular resolution while reducing the complexity and power requirements of projector arrays, as existing technologies often require high-brightness projectors and precise alignment of densely-oriented projectors.
Innovation Solution
A light field display system comprising a projector array and multiple lens systems, including a first lens system with collimating lenslets and a second lens system with microarray lenslets, which applies a point spread function to the light beam, allowing for direct projection of a light field with reduced brightness requirements and improved packing density of projectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If densely-oriented projector arrays are used to achieve wide field-of-view and high angular resolution, then display quality improves, but system complexity and alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the projector array into multiple lenslet groups, where each group corresponds to a specific angular range. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each group's field-of-view and angular resolution, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining high angular resolution through distributed lenslet arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by arranging lenslets in a two-dimensional array rather than a simple linear configuration. This dimensional transformation enables simultaneous achievement of wide field-of-view and high angular resolution by mapping different angular ranges to different spatial positions in the lenslet array.
2Illumination intensity
If high-brightness projectors are used to maintain image quality, then display brightness improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lower-brightness projectors into an array configuration, where each projector contributes to a specific portion of the overall light field. This merging approach achieves the required display brightness through cumulative light contribution from multiple sources rather than relying on a single high-brightness projector, thereby reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Each individual projector in the array operates at partial brightness levels, projecting light only to the specific angular range it is designed for. This partial action approach ensures that no single projector needs to operate at excessive brightness, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining adequate display brightness through the combined output of all projectors.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment of projector arrays is implemented to achieve high angular resolution, then image quality improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates self-alignment features into the lenslet mounting structure, where each lenslet group is designed to automatically position itself relative to adjacent groups during assembly. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex external alignment tools and procedures, maintaining high alignment precision while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary alignment structures, such as standardized mounting substrates and positioning fixtures, that mediate between individual lenslet components during assembly. These intermediaries provide reference surfaces and mechanical guides that simplify the alignment process, reducing manufacturing complexity while ensuring the required alignment precision for high angular resolution.
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 an autostereoscopic display with wide field-of-view and high angular resolution, low power consumption, and a natural, high-resolution image replication, with reduced pixel size and complexity in projector array design.
Implementation Method 1
by a first lens system including an array of lenslets, collimating the light rays generated by the projector array to form a collimated beam
Implementation Method 2
the diffused, collimated beam received by the second lens system is diffused according to a point spread function
Implementation Method 3
by a second lens system including microarray lenslets, rendering the diffused, collimated beam into a light field
Data Source
AI summary
A direct projection light field display comprising an array of projectors for direct projection of a light field. The overall design and incorporation of additional optics achieve the optimal light distribution and small pixel size to produce a high definition, 3D display. The architecture of the direct projection light field display has low a brightness requirement for each projector, resulting in an increased projector density, decreased system, and a decreased power requirement, while producing a high-definition light field.