Multi-Viewer Stereoscopic Projection via Color Wheel Synchronization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current stereoscopic projection systems can only present a single stereo image pair, limiting true collaboration among multiple viewers in virtual environments since they require extensive optical, mechanical, and electrical modifications of projectors, which are not feasible for all projector types.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that allow simultaneous projection of individual images to multiple viewers using projectors with color wheels, where color components are projected sequentially but perceived as simultaneous by synchronizing color wheels and filters, enabling stereoscopic and non-stereoscopic image presentation without the need for extensive projector modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple stereo image pairs are projected simultaneously using modified projectors, then the number of supported viewers increases, but the device complexity and modification requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of supported viewersVSAvoidprojector modification requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the color information by projecting different color components (red, green, blue) sequentially through separate projectors. Each projector handles specific color channels at different time intervals, allowing multiple viewers to receive their respective stereo image pairs without requiring complex modifications to each projector. The segmentation is achieved through temporal separation of color channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic color wheel rotation to sequentially project different color components. Each projector operates in periodic cycles, displaying red, green, and blue images in sequence. This periodic action enables temporally sequential projection of multiple stereo image pairs, supporting multiple viewers while using standard projector hardware without extensive modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If color wheels are removed from projectors to enable sequential image projection, then the projection flexibility increases, but the ease of manufacture and installation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprojection flexibilityVSAvoidprojector assembly requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of removing color wheels to achieve sequential projection, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the color wheels intact and using them to their full potential. The color wheels are retained and synchronized to sequentially project different color components, achieving the desired flexibility while maintaining ease of manufacture and installation of standard projectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the color wheel serve multiple functions: it not only produces color sequences for a single viewer but also, when synchronized across multiple projectors, enables temporally sequential projection of multiple stereo image pairs for multiple viewers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to remove color wheels while achieving projection flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If the refresh rate is increased to support more viewers, then the image quality and temporal resolution improve, but the use of energy and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage temporal resolutionVSAvoidprojector power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the projection functions of multiple projectors into a coordinated system where they operate in synchronization. By combining the temporal sequences of multiple projectors and using shutter glasses to separate the images for different viewers, the system achieves high temporal resolution for multiple viewers without requiring each projector to independently operate at excessively high refresh rates, thus managing energy consumption more efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simultaneous and scalable stereoscopic image presentation for multiple viewers without requiring extensive projector modifications, allowing for real collaborative working in virtual environments and other applications.

Implementation Method 1

a respective one red, green, or blue image is produced from this by introduction of a color filter (red, green, or blue) at any desired point in the light path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

polarization filters are additionally used for separation that double the number of separable individual images to 12

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS11451764B2Method and device for the simultaneous projection of individual images for a plurality of viewers

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

AI summary

Disclosed are a method and a device by which individual images can be displayed simultaneously to a plurality of observers. In this process, projectors can be used that project the colors from which the images are assembled following one another periodically in time.