Light Modulator Device for Holographic Scene Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
The resolution of three-dimensional scenes in holographic displays using spatial light modulators is limited by the number of modulator cells, resulting in reduced scene resolution when light from adjacent cells is combined, particularly in the direction perpendicular to the modulation elements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a light modulator device with a controllable polarization means that switches between two operational situations to combine light wave portions from adjacent modulator cells in a polarisation-sensitive mode, allowing for the reconstruction of two three-dimensional scenes offset by one column or line, thereby doubling the scene resolution compared to existing technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light wave portions from adjacent modulator cells are combined to form a light wave multiplex, then the light can be spatially superimposed and combined to form a complex hologram value, but the scene resolution is limited by the number of modulator cells in the direction perpendicular to the modulation elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the polarisation state of light dynamically switchable between two operational situations. The controllable polarisation means allows the system to transition between different polarisation states, enabling dynamic reconfiguration of how adjacent modulator cells are combined. This dynamic switching capability resolves the resolution limitation by allowing the system to adapt its combining strategy based on the operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the polarisation parameter of the light wave portions from adjacent modulator cells to resolve the resolution limitation. By switching between different polarisation states (e.g., linear to circular or between different linear orientations), the system can selectively combine different sets of adjacent cells, effectively doubling the scene resolution capability while maintaining the holographic reconstruction function.
2Measurement precision
If the number of modulator cells is increased to improve scene resolution, then the resolution in the direction perpendicular to modulation elements improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the number of modulator cells to improve resolution, the patent changes the polarisation parameter of the light. By using a controllable polarisation means to switch between different polarisation states, the system can effectively increase the number of resolvable elements without adding physical modulator cells. This approach improves scene resolution while keeping the device complexity and number of modulator cells constant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by utilizing the polarisation state of light as an additional degree of freedom. Rather than only varying the spatial arrangement of modulator cells, the system now controls the polarisation dimension to achieve higher resolution. This dimensional approach allows the system to achieve better resolution without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If light from adjacent modulator cells is combined in a fixed polarisation mode, then the light wave multiplex can be formed, but the scene resolution is halved compared to the number of columns of modulation elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the polarisation mode dynamic rather than fixed. The controllable polarisation means allows the system to switch between different polarisation states depending on which adjacent modulator cells need to be combined. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain high scene resolution while efficiently forming light wave multiplexes, preventing the resolution from being halved.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching between different polarisation modes to combine different sets of adjacent modulator cells. By alternately switching between operational situations with different polarisation states, the system can systematically combine cells in a periodic manner, effectively doubling the scene resolution while maintaining productive light wave multiplex formation.
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 prevents the halving of scene resolution by alternating the polarization of light wave portions from adjacent modulator cells, enabling higher resolution in both directions by reconstructing scenes offset by one column or line, thus enhancing the overall scene resolution in holographic displays.
Implementation Method 1
The light which is modulated by adjacently arranged modulator cells is given different polarisation states by the structured polariser means. For this, a modulator cell or each modulator cell can preferably be assigned with a region on the structured polariser means.
Implementation Method 2
The light wave multiplexing means is disposed and designed such that the different light wave portions—after having been modulated by the modulator cells and having different polarisation states—are combined on its exit side to form a modulated light wave multiplex such that the modulated light wave multiplex leaves the light wave multiplexing means substantially though a common point
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light modulator device with a spatial light modulator, a structured polarizer means, a controllable polarization means and a light wave multiplexing means. The spatial light modulator comprises discretely addressable modulator cells. Two modulator cells each are combined to form a modulation element. The modulator cells modulate light waves which are capable of generating interference of a propagating light wave field with holographic information in a spatially structured way such that a specifiable spatial distribution of object light points of a three-dimensional scene is holographically reconstructed. The modulator cells of each modulation element are adjacently arranged regarding the direction of propagation of the light wave field. The light which is modulated by adjacently arranged modulator cells is given different polarization states by the structured polarizer means.