Light Field Projection via Scanned Convex Reflective Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D displays require cumbersome headsets or limit multiple viewers at different angles and distances, and existing glasses-less systems do not allow for simultaneous stereoscopic viewing from various perspectives.
Innovation Solution
A light field projection system with a screen of convex reflective elements and a projection unit comprising a light source, modulator, and movable mirrored elements, which scans the reflective elements to generate a light field viewable from multiple perspectives without the need for special equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional 3D display systems use headsets or special glasses, then stereoscopic viewing is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stereoscopic viewing capability from the headset/glasses equipment and transfers it to the projection system itself. By projecting light fields that naturally converge at different depths, the system eliminates the need for external optical devices while maintaining reliable stereoscopic viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a light field projection system as an intermediary between the content source and the viewer. This intermediary creates multiple virtual light sources at different depths in space, allowing viewers to perceive 3D depth without direct contact with special equipment.
2Ease of operation
If glasses-less 3D display systems are used, then ease of operation improves, but adaptability deteriorates because multiple viewers at different angles and distances cannot be supported simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic light field projection that can adapt to multiple viewing positions. By controlling the temporal and spatial characteristics of projected light, the system creates stable virtual images that remain viewable from various angles and distances, enabling multiple viewers to experience 3D content simultaneously without glasses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the display from a traditional 2D plane to a 3D light field volume. By projecting light rays that converge at multiple depth positions, the system creates a volumetric display space where multiple viewers at different locations can observe the same content from their respective perspectives.
3Manufacturing precision
If light field projection scans convex reflective elements sequentially, then manufacturing precision improves, but productivity deteriorates due to sequential scanning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic scanning of the convex reflective elements at high frequency. By rapidly oscillating the projection beam across the array of reflective elements in a periodic manner, the system creates the perception of simultaneous illumination while maintaining precise control over each element's activation sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous scanning motion of the projection beam across the reflective element array. Rather than activating elements one at a time with gaps, the beam continuously sweeps through the array, ensuring that useful action (light projection) is maintained throughout the scanning process, thereby improving perceived productivity.
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 a scalable, glasses-free 3D display that allows multiple observers to view a stereoscopic 3D scene from various locations and angles, creating a realistic 3D experience by modulating light to match the observer's perspective.
Implementation Method 1
one or more movable mirrored elements configured to reflect light from the light source toward the screen in such a manner as to sequentially scan the plurality of convex reflective elements
Implementation Method 2
a screen comprising a plurality of convex reflective elements arranged in a two-dimensional array... the light from the light source that is reflected by the one or more movable mirrored elements toward the screen to scan the plurality of convex reflective elements forms the light field
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for projecting a light field. One light field projection system includes a screen and a projection unit. On the screen, there is a plurality of convex reflective elements arranged in a two-dimensional array. The projection unit has a light source. The projection unit also has a modulator to modulate light from the light source. The projection unit further has one or more movable mirrored elements to reflect light from the light source toward the screen to sequentially scan the plurality of convex reflective elements. The projection unit also has a control system that determines a light modulation scheme used by the modulator. The light modulation scheme provides that the light reflected from the light source toward the screen to sequentially scan the plurality of convex reflective elements forms a light field that is concurrently viewable from a plurality of perspectives.