Multiview 3D Wristwatch Directional Backplane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wristwatches lack the ability to display time in a three-dimensional format, limiting user engagement and visual experience.
Innovation Solution
A multiview 3D wristwatch employing a directional backplane with patterned gratings and a shutter layer to generate directional lightbeams, allowing for 3D time views that can be modulated to display time in various colors and shapes, creating a floating-in-space effect.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional display technologies are used in wristwatches, then the device structure remains simple and manufacturing is easy, but the display capability is limited to two-dimensional formats without three-dimensional visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from conventional two-dimensional flat displays to three-dimensional volumetric displays. This is achieved through the use of a spatial light modulator and optical processing elements that manipulate light fields to create floating three-dimensional images, enabling users to view time and other information in 3D space rather than on a flat surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical intermediaries including spatial light modulators, directional backplanes with patterned gratings, and lens arrays that act as mediators between the light source and the viewer's eyes. These intermediary optical elements transform conventional light into directional light beams that converge to form three-dimensional images in space, bridging the gap between traditional 2D displays and 3D visualization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If three-dimensional display capabilities are implemented in wristwatches, then user engagement and visual experience are enhanced, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical system into distinct functional modules: a light source, a spatial light modulator with directional backplane, lens arrays, and optical processing elements. Each segment performs a specific function in the light field manipulation process, allowing for modular design and assembly while achieving complex three-dimensional display capabilities without requiring a complete redesign of the entire device.
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 users to view time in a natural, three-dimensional manner, enhancing user interaction and visual perception with customizable 3D time views.
Implementation Method 1
The directional pixels receive the input planar lightbeams and scatter a fraction of them into directional lightbeams
Implementation Method 2
The directional backplane employs a unique directional backplane that is used to provide a light field in the form of directional lightbeams. The directional pixels are arranged in a directional backplane that is illuminated by a plurality of input planar lightbeams
Implementation Method 3
A shutter layer is placed above the directional pixels to modulate the directional lightbeams as desired. The shutter layer may include a plurality of modulators with active matrix addressing
Data Source
AI summary
A multiview 3D wrist watch includes clock circuitry to determine a time, and a plurality of light sources to generate a plurality of input planar lightbeams. A directional backplane having a plurality of directional pixels scatters the plurality of input planar lightbeams into a plurality of directional lightbeams. Each directional lightbeam has a direction and an angular spread controlled by characteristics of a directional pixel in the plurality of directional pixels. A shutter layer receives the time from the clock circuitry and modulates the plurality of directional lightbeams to generate a 3D time view.