Near-Eye Display Modulation Stack for Multi-Focal 3D Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-eye display systems are hindered by expensive, slow, and fragile mechanical components, as well as large and costly beam splitters, making them unsuitable for size and cost-constrained applications.
Innovation Solution
A near-eye display system utilizing a modulation stack with digital light path length modulators, which adjust light path lengths based on polarization to create multiple focal planes without mechanical movement, enabling efficient and compact 3D image rendering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical movement mechanisms (gears or liquid lenses) are used to render multiple focal planes, then the display can provide three-dimensional imaging, but the system becomes expensive, slow, and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical movement mechanisms (gears, liquid lenses) with a modulation stack consisting of digital light path length modulators. These modulators use optical modulation rather than mechanical movement to achieve multi-focal plane rendering, eliminating the fragility, cost, and speed limitations of mechanical systems while maintaining the ability to provide three-dimensional imaging with multiple focal lengths
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirrors and lenses are used to display multiple focal lengths, then the display can achieve multi-focal functionality, but the system becomes large and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from using multiple physical mirrors and lenses arranged in space to a stacked modular configuration where multiple digital light path length modulators are arranged in layers. This vertical stacking approach reduces the horizontal footprint and overall system size while maintaining multi-focal length capability through digital control of each modulator layer
3Speed
If liquid lenses are used to adjust focal length, then the display can dynamically change focus, but the system becomes expensive and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces liquid lens mechanisms with digital light path length modulators that use optical modulation and digital control signals to achieve rapid focal length changes. This substitution eliminates the slow response and high cost associated with liquid lenses while enabling fast, programmable focal adjustment through electronic control of the modulation stack
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 provides a high-quality 3D display that meets human visual requirements, preventing user discomfort and offering improved performance over existing technologies by eliminating the need for expensive and fragile mechanical components.
Implementation Method 1
A digital light path length modulator can be used to create two focal planes. In one embodiment, using a modulation stack with a plurality of digital light path length modulators, the number of focal planes can be increased
Data Source
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AI summary
A near-eye display system comprising a image source, a modulation stack, and an imaging assembly. The modulation stack, in one embodiment, comprises one or more digital light path length modulators.