Multi-aperture Projection Display Static Imaging Depth of Field

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current multi-aperture projection systems struggle to effectively display different images at various projection distances or geometries without mechanical or image generator-side conversions, often resulting in reduced brightness and limited depth of field.

Innovation Solution

The system generates images at different projection distances by combining preliminary individual images for each projection channel using logical operations, such as AND or OR, to create final images where non-zero sections are darkened more at overlapping areas than at non-overlapping areas, allowing for static imaging without mechanical adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the pupil size is reduced to increase depth of field, then the depth of field is improved, but the brightness is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth of fieldVSAvoidbrightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single projection aperture into multiple sub-apertures (first, second, third sub-apertures) arranged in specific patterns. Each sub-aperture contributes to a portion of the projected image, and their combined effect creates an extended depth of field while maintaining overall brightness through the aggregation of multiple light paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the light transmission from multiple sub-apertures to form a single projected image. The projection optical system integrates the light from all sub-apertures, merging their individual contributions to achieve both extended depth of field and maintained brightness through constructive superposition of light waves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical components or image sensor conversions are used to display different images at various projection distances, then the imaging flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel that can dynamically change its light modulation properties to generate different image patterns. By controlling the liquid crystal states, the system can adapt to project different images at various distances without mechanical movement, achieving dynamic adaptability through optical property changes rather than mechanical conversions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the optical parameters of the light modulation layer (liquid crystal orientation, phase delay, etc.) to achieve different imaging configurations. By adjusting the liquid crystal display parameters, the system can optimize image quality for different projection distances without adding mechanical components or sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Volume of moving object

If a regular two-dimensional arrangement of microprojectors is used, then the system compactness is improved, but the depth of field is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem compactnessVSAvoiddepth of field
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a regular two-dimensional array of microprojectors to a three-dimensional arrangement of sub-apertures within a single projection optical path. The sub-apertures are positioned at different depths and lateral positions, creating a volumetric light distribution pattern that extends the depth of field while maintaining a compact physical footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention nests multiple sub-apertures within a single projection optical system, effectively placing multiple functional elements inside one another. The first, second, and third sub-apertures are arranged in a nested or overlapping configuration within the projection optical path, allowing compact integration while achieving extended depth of field through their collective optical contribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3007439B1Multi-aperture projection display and single image generator for same
Publication Date: 2020.07.22 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV
  • EP3007439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3007439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3007439B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

It is made possible to generate images to be projected at different projection distances with a multi-aperture projection display, statically or without any adjustment - neither mechanical nor image sensor-related - by appropriately designing the individual images of the multi-aperture projection display, namely by combining preliminary individual images for the projection channels of the multi-aperture projection display, which are provided for each of the at least two images to be projected, into the actual or final individual images, projection channel by projection channel.