Optical Deflectors for 3D Image Formation in Light Guide Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stereoscopic display devices require precise alignment of optical components like masks or lens arrays with light guide plates to produce clear three-dimensional images, and they face challenges in effectively utilizing light guide plates for three-dimensional image presentation.
Innovation Solution
An optical device featuring a light guide plate with a plurality of two-dimensionally arranged optical deflectors that spread light to form images in space, using reflective, refractive, or diffractive surfaces oriented in various directions to output light that creates three-dimensional images without the need for precise alignment of optical components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical components such as masks or lens arrays are used to present three-dimensional images, then three-dimensional image display is achieved, but precise alignment with light guide plates is required which increases device complexity and manufacturing difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light guide plate and the optical deflectors into a single integrated structure where the deflectors are formed directly on or within the light guide plate. This merging eliminates the need for separate alignment of multiple optical components while maintaining the three-dimensional image display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate serves multiple functions: it guides light from the light source and simultaneously houses the optical deflectors that create the three-dimensional effect. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical components are used for three-dimensional display, then stereoscopic images can be produced, but the light guide plate utilization is limited and flexibility in placement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional display surfaces to three-dimensional image presentation by utilizing optical deflectors that redirect light in multiple directions. This dimensional change allows the light guide plate to create volumetric images without requiring precise alignment of separate optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical deflectors are integrated into the light guide plate itself, allowing the light guide plate to perform both light guiding and image formation functions autonomously without requiring external alignment of separate optical components.
3Measurement precision
If masks or lens arrays are positioned close to light guide plates for clear three-dimensional images, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the optical deflectors directly into the light guide plate structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate mask or lens array components that would require precise positioning. The combined structure maintains image clarity while reducing overall device complexity.
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 the production of clear three-dimensional images by distributing light from multiple optical deflectors, allowing for flexible placement and increased versatility in presenting three-dimensional images without the alignment constraints of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
each optical deflector in the plurality of optical deflectors is provided with a single group or a plurality of groups of reflective, refractive, or diffractive deflection surface
Implementation Method 2
each optical deflector in the plurality of optical deflectors is provided with a single group or a plurality of groups of reflective, refractive, or diffractive deflection surface
Implementation Method 3
each optical deflector in the plurality of optical deflectors is provided with a single group or a plurality of groups of reflective, refractive, or diffractive deflection surface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device has a light guide plate configured to guide light within a plane parallel to an emission surface thereof, and a plurality of optical deflectors arranged two-dimensionally within a plane parallel to the emission surface. Each of the optical deflectors deflects light propagating through the light guide plate, and causes the emission surface to output light forming an image in a space. Each of the optical deflectors is configured to spread the light incident thereon that has an intensity distribution corresponding to an image in a direction orthogonal to the light guide direction of the light guide plate in a plane parallel to the emission surface, and cause the emission surface to output the light which groups the light from the plurality of optical deflectors arranged along a direction orthogonal to the light guide direction, such that light radiating from the image is formed.