Multi-view 3D Display Using Active Optical Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D image display apparatuses that provide only binocular parallax struggle to offer natural motion parallax and are limited by crosstalk between viewing zones, leading to non-3D or reverse 3D view areas and decreased resolution due to the need for multiple projection optical systems.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus using an active optical element, such as an electro-wetting prism, to refract light and provide multiple views to a viewer's pupil in a time division method, combined with a relay optical system that includes lenses and pin holes to focus and transmit the refracted light, allowing for simultaneous presentation of multiple images at different angles within the pupil.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projection optical systems are used to increase the number of views, then the number of views is improved, but the volume of the entire system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple projection optical systems into a single integrated system that uses one projector with multiple lenses arranged in an array. This merging approach maintains the ability to provide multiple views while significantly reducing the overall system volume compared to using separate projection systems for each view.
Solution Approach 2:
A single projector is designed to serve multiple functions by projecting images that are then distributed to multiple viewing zones through the lens array and reflective surface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate projectors for each viewing zone, thereby reducing system volume while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of projection optical systems is increased to provide multiple views, then the number of views is improved, but the resolution of a unit view decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projection function by using a single projector to project images that are then distributed to multiple viewing zones through a lens array. Each lens in the array focuses light to a specific viewing zone, maintaining resolution by preventing light mixing between zones through precise optical segmentation rather than using separate low-resolution projectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens array acts as an intermediary between the single projector and multiple viewing zones. It mediates the light paths to ensure that images from different views are directed to appropriate zones without interfering with each other, thereby maintaining high resolution while providing multiple views.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multi-view 3D image display apparatuses are used, then multiple views are provided, but crosstalk is generated between different viewing zones causing non-3D or reverse 3D view areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harmful crosstalk effect into a beneficial feature by using a reflective surface that actively redirects light from viewing zones where it is not needed to other zones. This prevents light leakage and eliminates crosstalk, transforming what would be a harmful interference pattern into a controlled light distribution mechanism.
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 solution reduces the number of required image projectors, minimizes system size and volume, maintains high resolution, and eliminates crosstalk, enabling natural 3D viewing with both eyes by providing images in different views to the pupil.
Implementation Method 1
an active optical element for adjusting a path of at least one light projected from the at least one image projector by refracting each of the at least one light
Implementation Method 2
a relay optical system for transmitting the at least one refracted light to a pupil of a viewer
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for displaying a 3-dimensional (3D) image, which is capable of providing a super multi-view, is provided. The apparatus includes: at least one image projector for projecting light including an image; an active optical element for adjusting a path of at least one light within a range of a predetermined angle; and a relay optical system for transmitting the at least one light to a pupil of a viewer. The apparatus provides a plurality of images in different views to the pupil using a time division method, by using the active optical element for adjusting the path of the at least one light.