Light Modulator Device for 3D Tracking Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light modulator devices for holographic and autostereoscopic displays face limitations in tracking range due to the limited diffraction angle of deflection elements, which restricts the ability to provide a comfortable viewing experience for a 30 scene at various angles and distances.
Innovation Solution
A light modulator device with a system controller that uses a combination of first and second light-affecting means, including electrically controllable diffraction gratings, to track the visibility region of observers, allowing for both coarse and fine adjustments of the optical path to accommodate varying observer positions, enabling a larger tracking range and improved 3D representation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single deflection element with limited diffraction angle is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tracking range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple independent deflection elements (first deflection element and second deflection element), each contributing to the overall light deflection. This segmentation allows each element to have a manageable diffraction angle while the combination achieves a larger total tracking range, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and tracking versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple deflection elements are combined in sequence within the optical path, where the first deflection element deflects light by a first angle and the second deflection element deflects it by a second angle. This merging of multiple small-angle deflections creates an effective large-angle deflection capability, enabling extended tracking range without requiring a single complex high-angle deflection element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diffraction angle of deflection elements is increased to expand tracking range, then the tracking range is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The total deflection angle requirement is segmented across multiple deflection elements, each handling a smaller portion of the total angle. This reduces the manufacturing precision requirements for each individual grating element, as smaller diffraction angles are easier to manufacture with high precision than a single large-angle grating would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters of multiple deflection elements dynamically to achieve different total deflection angles. By adjusting the diffraction angles of individual elements through electrical control rather than fixed mechanical structures, the system achieves large tracking ranges without requiring manufacturing of high-precision large-angle static gratings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light-affecting means are used to increase tracking range, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple light-affecting means are merged into a unified optical path where they work cooperatively. The first and second deflection elements are integrated in sequence, with their combined effect achieving the desired tracking range while maintaining a relatively simple overall optical architecture, thus balancing adaptability with manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple deflection elements serve multiple functions: they collectively provide large-angle tracking, individually allow for precise angular control, and enable flexible positioning of visibility regions. This multi-functionality justifies the inclusion of multiple elements while maximizing their utility and reducing redundant complexity.
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 a wider tracking range and improved 3D representation by accurately adapting the image content to observer positions, allowing for smooth movement and comfortable viewing angles, even at varying distances, while maintaining high refresh rates for flicker-free images.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrically controllable diffraction grating for fine tracking of the visibility region to the eyes of the observer
Implementation Method 2
at least one light modulator to which is written encoded image information of the image to be represented
Data Source
AI summary
For comfortable viewing of a 3-D scene at various viewing angles, a display having a large tracking range for a variable viewer distance is required. A controllable light-influencing element deflects light in coarse steps in a viewer range. Within said steps, the light is deflected by a further controllable light-influencing element continuously or with fine gradation. The light modulation device is suitable in holographic or autostereoscopic displays for guiding the visibility ranges of the image information to be displayed so as to follow the eyes of the viewers.