Light Field Projector Modular Array Angular Resolution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current light field projector devices require multiple projectors and optical systems to achieve high-definition displays, resulting in large, costly, and power-intensive systems that struggle to provide full parallax light field displays with smooth transitions between viewing zones.
Innovation Solution
A light field projector device comprising light emitting diodes, a projector body, and a series of optical systems that include an illumination optical system, a pixel forming device, a magnifying optical system, and a collimating optical system to create a high angular resolution, wide field of view, multiple view light field display, with a display optical system that can share components between devices to optimize pixel density and reduce brightness requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple projectors and optical systems are used to achieve high-definition light field display, then the display quality and angular resolution are improved, but the device size, cost, and power consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light field display system into multiple modular projector units, each handling a specific angular view. Instead of using one complex high-definition projector, the system segments the angular spectrum into multiple lower-resolution projectors that collectively achieve high angular resolution through their coordinated arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from improving resolution within a single projector to achieving high angular resolution by adding the spatial dimension of multiple projectors arranged in an array. The angular resolution is achieved not by increasing pixel density in one device, but by distributing projection across multiple devices positioned at different angular locations.
2Measurement precision
If multiple projectors are used to achieve high pixel density for light field display, then the image quality is improved, but the power consumption and brightness requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The total pixel density requirement is segmented across multiple projector units. Each projector operates at a lower individual brightness and power level, but collectively they achieve the required high pixel density for the light field display through their spatial arrangement and coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the output of multiple lower-power projectors to achieve the equivalent effect of a single high-power projector. By combining the light fields from multiple projectors, the system achieves high pixel density and image quality while each individual projector consumes less power.
3Measurement precision
If a large number of pixels are used to achieve high-definition light field display, then the display quality is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The high-definition pixel array is segmented across multiple compact projector units rather than concentrated in one large device. Each projector contains a subset of the total pixels, allowing the system to achieve high overall pixel density while keeping each individual unit small and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves high pixel density by transitioning from a single large pixel array to a distributed array across multiple projectors in three-dimensional space. The effective pixel density is enhanced not by increasing the area of one device, but by distributing pixels across multiple devices arranged in space.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical systems are used to create light field display, then the viewing experience is improved, but the system requires specialized glasses and additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the display system to provide its own viewing guidance without requiring external specialized equipment. The multiple projectors are arranged and controlled to automatically direct light rays to appropriate viewer positions, making the system self-sufficient in providing the light field effect without needing separate glasses or auxiliary optical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for specialized viewing glasses by integrating all necessary optical functionality directly into the projector array system. The light field generation, ray direction, and viewing zone control are all accomplished within the projector units themselves, removing the dependency on external optical accessories.
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 achieves a high pixel density of 10,000 pixels per mm², reducing the need for high brightness and power consumption, allowing for smaller, more efficient projector devices that can create a seamless, crisp light field image with minimal tiling issues and improved spatial and directional resolution.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination optical system comprising at least one lens to receive light from the light source and direct the light into a single ray path
Implementation Method 2
a mirror mechanism to direct the light beam towards a displaying surface
Implementation Method 3
a pixel forming device to receive light from the illumination optical system and convert the light into a pixel array
Implementation Method 4
a magnifying optical system
Implementation Method 5
a collimating optical system comprising a collimating optical component to collimate light from the pixel array received from the magnifying optical system and create a collimated projected image
Implementation Method 6
a display optical system positioned to receive the collimated projected image from the collimating optical system and display the image
Data Source
AI summary
A light field projector device is described which outputs a light field. The projector has a projector base with a projection optical system configured to output light rays to form a projected image, a collimating optical system configured for collimation of the projected image light rays to form a second projected image, which is directed to a display optical system to produce a light field image. Light field projector devices may be used individually or in combination with one or more other projectors which can be arranged to form a direct projection light field display. The arrangement of light field projector devices may have an individual or shared display optical system. The projector device is designed to provide high pixel density, providing an image that looks crisp and unpixellated.