Multi-User Stereoscopic Display with Viewpoint Separation Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stereoscopic display technologies struggle to provide high-resolution images for multiple users using binocular stereoscopic vision without reducing resolution.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus with a user separation layer and a left and right image separation layer that separates and displays images for multiple users based on their positional information, allowing simultaneous high-resolution binocular stereoscopic vision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If stereoscopic display is implemented for multiple users, then the number of viewers is increased, but the image resolution is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of viewersVSAvoidimage resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The display image is segmented into multiple viewpoint images corresponding to different user positions. The user separation layer divides the display area into distinct viewing zones, allowing each user to see only their designated viewpoint without interference from other users' images, thereby maintaining high resolution for each individual viewer while supporting multiple simultaneous viewers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a depth dimension by placing the user separation layer at a specific distance from the display surface. This creates multiple virtual viewing planes at different depths, enabling simultaneous high-resolution stereoscopic images for multiple users at different positions without compromising the resolution of individual views.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple viewpoint images are displayed simultaneously, then multiple users can view, but image quality and clarity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of viewpointsVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display image is divided into separate viewpoint images, each optimized for a specific user position. The user separation layer ensures that each user sees only their designated viewpoint image, preventing crosstalk and image degradation that would occur if multiple viewpoints were superimposed without separation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The user separation layer acts as an intermediary optical element that selectively directs light from different parts of the display to different user positions. This intermediary structure ensures that each user receives a clear, high-quality image tailored to their specific viewing angle and position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If high-resolution images are provided for multiple users, then image quality is maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The user separation layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates different user viewpoints, maintains image resolution, enables stereoscopic vision, and prevents crosstalk. This multi-functional component allows the system to provide high-resolution images for multiple users without requiring separate complex systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses optical copying principles where the user separation layer creates virtual copies of the display image at different angles and positions. Each user receives an optically copied version of the content tailored to their viewpoint, maintaining full resolution without requiring multiple physical displays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

Enables multiple users to experience high-resolution stereoscopic vision by assigning and displaying images efficiently without waste, ensuring each user receives tailored parallax images based on their position.

Implementation Method 1

The user separation layer is configured to separate the display image into a viewpoint of the first user and a viewpoint of the second user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight separation: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

The left and right image separation layer is configured to separate the display image into an image for a right eye and an image for a left eye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight separation: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP4694113A1Display device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP4694113A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4694113A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4694113A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A display apparatus includes a display, a processor, a user separation layer, and a left and right image separation layer. The processor obtains, from an output of a sensor that obtains position information in a real space, user position information including position information of a first user, generates an image for a right eye of the first user and an image for a left eye of the first user on the basis of the position information of the first user, generates an image for a second user, which is targeting the second user different from the first user, and controls the display to display a display image including the image for the right eye of the first user, the image for the left eye of the first user, and an image for the second user. The user separation layer is relatively fixed with respect to a surface of the display and separates the display image into a viewpoint of the first user and a viewpoint of the second user. The left and right image separation layer is relatively fixed with respect to the surface of the display and separates the display image into an image for a right eye and an image for a left eye.