Near-Eye Display Coded Aperture Time-Multiplex Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional near-eye display technologies, such as spatial-multiplex methods, reduce image resolution and fail to effectively provide depth information, limiting the viewing experience by not fully utilizing the light field reconstruction concept.
Innovation Solution
A near-eye display device employing a time-multiplex method with a coded reflective pattern, utilizing a light-guiding component with beam splitters and a coded-aperture module to encode and direct left-eye and right-eye images to different directions, maintaining image brightness and enhancing depth perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If spatial-multiplex method is used to achieve light field effect, then depth information is provided, but image resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies time-multiplex method where the display device alternates between displaying left-eye image and right-eye image at different time periods. The left-eye image is displayed during one time period and the right-eye image during another time period, utilizing the persistence of vision to create the perception of simultaneous display. This periodic action resolves the contradiction by providing full-resolution images to each eye without spatial multiplexing that would reduce resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamic optical elements including liquid crystal lenses that can change focal length dynamically, and adjustable beam splitters that redirect light paths based on the current display frame. These dynamic components enable the system to switch between left-eye and right-eye image paths rapidly, maintaining high resolution for each eye while providing stereoscopic depth information through temporal alternation.
2Loss of information
If time-multiplex method is used for left and right eyes, then depth information is provided, but brightness is lowered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical shutter systems with electro-optical modulation using liquid crystal elements and beam splitters. This substitution allows for faster switching between left and right eye images without mechanical inertia, and enables more efficient light routing that minimizes light loss. The electro-optical system maintains higher brightness by reducing the time each image is blocked and optimizing the optical path efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam splitters as intermediary optical elements that efficiently divide and redirect light paths to different eyes at different time periods. The beam splitters are designed to minimize light absorption and scattering, ensuring that maximum light reaches each eye during its designated time period. This intermediary component resolves the brightness reduction issue by optimizing the light routing efficiency in the time-multiplex system.
3Device complexity
If conventional display technology is used, then device complexity is low, but depth information and viewing experience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display system into distinct functional modules: image generation unit, time-multiplex control unit with beam splitters, liquid crystal lens array for focal depth control, and eye-specific optical paths. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to provide full 3D light field information. The modular approach manages device complexity by organizing complex functions into separable, manageable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal optical components that perform multiple functions: the beam splitters simultaneously handle light routing for both eyes and focal depth adjustment; the liquid crystal lenses provide both focusing control and image modulation; the display panel generates images while also serving as the modulation medium. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, managing device complexity while achieving sophisticated 3D light field display capabilities.
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 solution achieves a stereoscopic display effect with improved depth of field and brightness, leveraging the persistence of vision to create a more natural and real viewing experience by encoding and directing left-eye and right-eye images effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The coded-aperture module is configured to encode light of the at least one image emitted from the image output module, so as to generate at least one left-eye image and at least one right-eye image
Implementation Method 2
The light-guiding component is configured to send the left-eye image and the right-eye image to different directions respectively
Implementation Method 3
The light-guiding component comprises at least one beam splitter
Implementation Method 4
the near-eye display device further includes at least one lens group and at least one polarizing beam splitter
Data Source
AI summary
A near-eye display device includes an image output module, a coded-aperture module, and a light-guiding component. The image output module is configured to provide at least one image. The coded-aperture module is configured to encode the lights of the at least one image emitted from the image output module, so as to generate at least one left-eye image and at least one right-eye image. The light-guiding component is configured to send the left-eye image and the right-eye image to different directions respectively.