Polarization Beam-Splitter Layout for Multi-Viewer Virtual Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual imaging technologies, such as virtual reality headsets and multi-projected environments, typically allow only a single viewer to experience a unique virtual environment, limiting simultaneous multi-user interactions and social engagement.
Innovation Solution
An optical arrangement featuring pairs of displays with polarizers and polarizing beam splitters, allowing multiple virtual images to be projected into distinct fields of view for multiple observers, enabling simultaneous viewing of individual virtual images while maintaining the ability to see and communicate with each other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If virtual reality headsets or multi-projected environments are used to generate realistic imaging, then the quality of virtual images is improved, but the ability for multiple viewers to simultaneously experience unique virtual environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the virtual imaging experience into separate segments for each user by using polarization-based beam splitters to direct different polarized light components to different observers. Each user receives a dedicated virtual image through their specific field of view, enabling multiple users to simultaneously experience unique virtual environments without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarization state as an additional dimension to separate multiple virtual images in space. By encoding different virtual images with different polarization states (s-polarized and p-polarized components) and using polarizing beam splitters to route these components to different observers, the system creates distinct viewing paths without requiring physical separation of displays.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple displays are used to project virtual images for multiple observers, then the multi-user capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polarizing beam splitter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates s-polarized and p-polarized light components, directs them to different observers, and enables multiple displays to share common optical paths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate optical components for each user, thereby managing system complexity while supporting multiple users.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarizing beam splitter acts as an intermediary optical element that mediates between multiple displays and multiple observers. It receives light from multiple displays with different polarization states and routes them appropriately to different observers, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to direct one-to-one display-observer connections.
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 multiple observers to simultaneously view distinct virtual images without obstructing each other's view, facilitating social interaction and communication while immersed in virtual environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first polarizer configured to polarize the light incident from the first display and a second polarizer configured to polarize the light incident from the second display
Implementation Method 2
Each of the first and second polarizing beam splitters is also configured to reflect one of an s-polarized component and a p-polarized component of the received polarized light into at least one field of view (FOV) and transmit the other of the s-polarized component and the p-polarized component of the received polarized light into the FOV(s)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical arrangement includes at least one pair of displays, each pair having a first display and a second display configured to generate light in a visible spectral range. For each pair of displays, the optical arrangement includes a first polarizer configured to polarize the light incident from the first display, a second polarizer configured to polarize the light incident from the second display. The optical arrangement also includes first and second polarizing beam splitters for each pair of displays. Each polarizing beam splitter is configured to receive the polarized light from the first and second polarizers. Each polarizing beam splitter is also configured to reflect one of an s-polarized component and a p-polarized component of the received polarized light into at least one field of view (FOV) and transmit the other of the s-polarized component and the p-polarized component of the received polarized light into the subject FOV(s).