Multi-image Display Apparatus Holographic Optical Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality (AR) systems lack the capability to seamlessly integrate holographic images with real-world environments, limiting their ability to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Innovation Solution
A multi-image display apparatus comprising a light source, a spatial light modulator, and an optical system that includes beam splitters, mirrors, quarter-wave plates, and lenses to create multiple optical paths, allowing for the simultaneous display of holographic images and external scenes, enabling a more immersive AR experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single optical path is used to display images, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to integrate holographic images with real-world environments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple independent optical paths (first optical path for holographic image, second optical path for external scene) that operate simultaneously. Each path has its own beam splitters, mirrors, and optical components arranged in parallel, allowing independent optimization of each path while achieving complex functionality through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third optical path dimension that is orthogonal to both the first and second optical paths. This three-dimensional optical architecture enables the system to display holographic images, external scenes, and their combinations simultaneously without interference, significantly enhancing adaptability while managing complexity through spatial separation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple optical paths are implemented to display holographic and external images simultaneously, then the viewing angle and immersion experience are improved, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical components are nested and folded within a compact housing structure. Beam splitters, mirrors, and optical paths are arranged in a space-efficient configuration where components serve multiple functions and share common mounting structures, reducing the overall volume and weight of the display system while maintaining multiple optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement with orthogonal optical paths, the system achieves wide viewing angles and immersive experience without requiring a linear extension of optical components. The folded optical architecture in multiple dimensions allows compact packaging that reduces weight while maintaining functionality.
3Ease of operation
If multiple optical paths are used to provide holographic and external images, then the viewing angle is increased, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional modules: first optical path for holographic image display, second optical path for external scene display, and third optical path for combined display. Each module has dedicated beam splitters, mirrors, and optical components that can be independently designed and assembled, simplifying the overall complexity through modularization while achieving wide viewing angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-dimensional optical architecture with orthogonal paths enables wide viewing angles by distributing optical components in multiple spatial dimensions rather than a single plane. This spatial distribution allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while the overall system achieves enhanced viewing capabilities without proportionally increasing structural 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 apparatus provides a realistic augmented reality experience by integrating holographic images with real-world environments, enhancing user interaction and reducing the size and weight of the display system while increasing the viewing angle.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator configured to provide a first image by modulating the light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a first beam splitter configured to reflect the light emitted from the light source to the spatial light modulator and transmit the light reflected from the spatial light modulator
Implementation Method 3
a second beam splitter configured to transmit the light from the first beam splitter
Implementation Method 4
a first mirror configured to reflect the light transmitted through the second beam splitter towards the second beam splitter
Implementation Method 5
The optical system may further include a first quarter-wave plate provided between the second beam splitter and the first mirror, and a second quarter-wave plate provided between the third beam splitter and the second mirror
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a multi-image display apparatus including a light source configured to emit light, a spatial light modulator configured to provide a first image by modulating the light emitted from the light source, and an optical system configured to transmit the first image provided by the spatial light modulator to a viewer, wherein the optical system is configured such that a travelling path of the first image provided by the spatial light modulator includes a first optical path in a first direction, a second optical path in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and a third optical path in a third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction, respectively, and wherein the optical system is configured such that the first image and a second image provided from an optical path different from the travelling path of the first image are provided to the viewer.