1D-1D Optical Surfaces for Compact Autostereoscopic Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autostereoscopic 3D displays require VR headgear, causing eye strain and binocular gaps due to separate viewing zones for each eye, and existing lightfield displays face challenges like large form factor, distortion, and high manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing tunable, compressed field evolving cavities (FECs) with 1D-1D optical surfaces and diffractive optical elements to control optical path lengths, providing fractional lightfield signaling and depth modulation, reducing system size and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If VR headgear is used to create autostereoscopic 3D displays, then immersive 3D viewing is achieved, but eye strain and fatigue occur due to separate viewing zones for each eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display into multiple viewing zones with different optical path lengths, where each zone corresponds to a different depth layer. This segmentation allows the left and right eyes to receive images from the same viewing zone without the binocular gaps problem, eliminating eye strain while maintaining immersive 3D viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of optical path length variation to create depth perception. By varying the optical path length across different viewing zones rather than using separate optics for each eye, the system achieves autostereoscopic 3D without the harmful effects of traditional VR headgear.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional lightfield displays are used to reduce form factor, then device size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into multiple discrete layers with different optical path lengths. Each layer can be manufactured independently using standard display technologies, then assembled together. This segmentation reduces the complexity of manufacturing each individual layer while achieving the compact form factor through layered integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs switchable optical elements that can dynamically change the optical path length for different viewing zones. This dynamic capability allows a single device to provide multiple depth layers without requiring complex static optical structures, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining compact size.
3Measurement precision
If multiple viewing zones with different optical path lengths are implemented, then depth perception is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display into multiple viewing zones, each with a specific optical path length corresponding to a different depth layer. This segmentation provides precise depth perception for each zone while keeping the optical structure of each zone relatively simple, as each zone uses standard display components arranged in a layered configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universal optical components and standard display technologies that can be applied across multiple viewing zones. Each zone employs the same basic optical principles and component types, which reduces overall system complexity through component standardization and reusability while still achieving precise depth perception.
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 comfortable, immersive 3D viewing without headgear, with tunable depth perception and reduced eye fatigue, while achieving a compact form factor and lower production costs.
Implementation Method 1
diffractive optical elements to control optical path lengths
Implementation Method 2
1D-1D optical surfaces for stereoscopic and monocular depth programming
Implementation Method 3
tunable, compressed field evolving cavities (FECs) with 1D-1D optical surfaces to control optical path lengths, providing fractional lightfield signaling and depth modulation
Data Source
AI summary
An optical subsystem for use in a display system or an imaging system comprises a plurality of reflective surfaces collectively arranged to provide variable control of device-internal path lengths of light coming to an imaging sensor or traveling a path to an eye of a viewer. The optical subsystem can be used to provide multiple images concurrently at different apparent depths as perceived by the user.