Light Field Projection Engine With Synchronized Mirrors for 3D Focus Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 3D display technologies face challenges such as low resolution, large physical size, high manufacturing costs, and lack of suitable Spatial Light Modulator components, leading to suboptimal 3D perception and limited shared experiences, especially in mobile and professional applications.
Innovation Solution
A display device incorporating a light engine, spatial light modulator, directable mirrors, and projection lens, synchronized to generate different modulated light patterns for various user perspectives, using digital micromirror devices and rotatable mirrors to project 3D images with correct retinal focus cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If volumetric display techniques are used to provide correct focus cues, then natural 3D perception is improved, but device size and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a light field copy of the original scene by capturing light rays from multiple angles and reconstructing them in a projected display. Instead of using physical volumetric objects, the system projects a synthesized light field that replicates the optical properties of the original scene, providing correct focus cues without the need for large physical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical volumetric display structures with a computational light field projection system. By using algorithms to generate and project light field images, the system achieves natural focus cues through optical manipulation rather than physical 3D structures, significantly reducing device complexity
2Reliability
If holographic display is used to reconstruct light wavefronts, then correct retinal focus cues are provided, but suitable Spatial Light Modulator components are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard digital micromirror devices (DMDs) that are commercially available and mass-produced, rather than requiring specialized holographic SLM components. These standard components can be manufactured using established processes, making the system more accessible and easier to manufacture while still achieving light field projection with correct focus cues
3Reliability
If super multi-view techniques with 512 views are implemented, then motion parallax effects are improved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light field into multiple discrete views that can be projected sequentially or simultaneously. By dividing the complex 512-view light field into manageable angular segments, the system achieves smooth motion parallax effects while reducing the computational and hardware complexity required to generate and display all views
4Adaptability or versatility
If light field projection is used to create 3D images, then shared viewing experiences are enabled, but resolution and image quality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the angular dimension to the traditional 2D image space, creating a 4D light field (x, y, angle, time). By projecting light rays from multiple angles simultaneously, the system provides both shared viewing experiences for multiple observers and high resolution within each angular slice, resolving the trade-off between shared viewing and image quality
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
Enables high-quality, compact, and cost-effective 3D image projection with correct focus cues, allowing for shared experiences and improved motion parallax effects, reducing vergence-accommodation conflict and enhancing visual realism.
Implementation Method 1
Light from the light engine is modulated by the spatial light modulator
Implementation Method 2
reflected by the directable mirror(s) toward the projection lens
Implementation Method 3
projected by the projection lens (e.g. onto a screen)
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for providing a three-dimensional display. In an example, a display device includes a light engine, a spatial light modulator, one or more directable minors, and a projection lens. Light from the light engine is modulated by the spatial light modulator, reflected by the directable mirror(s) toward the projection lens, and projected by the projection lens (e.g. onto a screen). The directable mirror(s) may include a rotatable mirror or a digital micromirror device. The spatial light modulator may be a digital micromirror device. The spatial light modulator and the directable mirror(s) are synchronized so as to generate different modulated light patterns for different positions of the directable mirror(s). The projection of different modulated light patterns in different directions may generate different views that are visible from different user perspectives.