3D Optical Switch Display for True Volumetric Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current volumetric displays are costly, complex, and impractical for widespread commercial implementation due to requirements of high-power lasers, bulky light source arrays, and moving parts, and they fail to accurately represent occlusion and opacity, leading to 3D-scene distortion.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost three-dimensional optical switch display device using small organic molecules called optical switches that change states in response to specific light wavelengths, generating voxels where two lasers intersect, allowing for true volumetric imaging without glasses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional volumetric display methods using high-power lasers and bulky light source arrays are used, then three-dimensional imaging capability is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the display system by using optical switch molecules that can be toggled between fluorescent and non-fluorescent states through wavelength-specific light irradiation. This allows voxel generation without requiring high-power continuous lasers, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining volumetric imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs small organic optical switch molecules that can be easily synthesized and replaced compared to complex laser systems. These molecules serve as temporary, disposable elements that enable volumetric display through simple optical excitation, significantly lowering system cost and complexity
2Reliability
If traditional volumetric display systems are implemented, then 3D image generation is possible, but accuracy in representing occlusion and opacity is poor causing scene distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic irradiation with different wavelengths to dynamically control the fluorescent state of optical switch molecules. By alternating between activation and deactivation wavelengths, the system can precisely control which voxels are visible, accurately representing occlusion and opacity relationships in the 3D scene without distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the optical properties of the molecular switches as feedback mechanisms. The fluorescent state of each voxel provides information about its spatial relationship to other voxels, enabling accurate representation of occlusion and opacity by controlling which molecules are in the fluorescent state based on desired visual effects
3Reliability
If high-power lasers and bulky light source arrays are used for volumetric display, then three-dimensional imaging is achieved, but cost increases making it impractical for commercial implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces expensive, complex laser systems with inexpensive organic optical switch molecules that can be synthesized through standard chemical processes. These molecules enable volumetric display through simple optical excitation, making the technology commercially viable while maintaining display performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes complex mechanical laser systems with a chemical-optical system based on molecular fluorescence. This replacement eliminates the need for bulky mechanical components while achieving the same volumetric imaging function, thereby reducing cost and improving ease of manufacture
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 creation of high-resolution, low-cost, and practical volumetric images that can be viewed from any angle without distortion, overcoming the limitations of traditional volumetric displays.
Implementation Method 1
a photo-catalyzable or photo-curable monomer in the medium; and at least a first light source and a second light source into the medium, wherein light emitted by the at least first and second light sources are directed to contact the optical molecular switch molecule; wherein the optical molecular switch molecule is converted into a fluorescent 'on state' by irradiation from the first light source, and when the second light source irradiates the optical molecular switch molecule in the 'on state' the optical molecular switch molecule emits light, wherein the photo-catalyzable or photo-curable monomer polymerizes into a polymer at a point of contact between the first and second light sources
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a system, apparatus and method for generating a three-dimensional image and/or printing a three dimensional structures, the system comprising: a medium comprising a photocurable monomer and an optical molecular switch molecule that has a non-fluorescent state and a fluorescent state, wherein the monomer forms a polymer upon exposure to the emitted light. Also taught are novel fluorescent photoswitch molecules.