Polarized Light Direction System for Compact 3D Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for capturing multiple focal planes are bulky, expensive, and slow, making them unsuitable for size or cost-constrained systems, particularly in portable or worn devices.
Innovation Solution
A digital light path length modulator using an optical path length extender (OPLE) with polarization sensitive reflective elements and quarter wave plates, which differentiates light paths based on polarization state, allowing for increased focal planes and enabling more efficient 3D display and image capture systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical movement mechanisms (gears or liquid lenses) are used to capture multiple focal planes, then multiple focal lengths can be captured, but the system becomes expensive, slow, and fragile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical movement mechanisms (gears, liquid lenses) with a fixed optical system using beam splitters and mirrors to achieve multiple focal plane capture. This substitution eliminates moving parts while maintaining the capability to capture multiple focal lengths simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is divided into multiple discrete optical paths, each corresponding to a different focal plane. Beam splitters separate light into multiple paths with different path lengths, allowing simultaneous capture of multiple focal planes without mechanical movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mirrors and lenses are used to capture multiple focal lengths, then multiple focal planes can be captured, but the system becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single camera system using beam splitters. Instead of having separate cameras for each focal plane, the system combines multiple light paths that travel different distances through the same sensor, reducing overall system bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical path length as an additional dimension for creating focal plane separation, rather than using physical separation of multiple cameras. By varying the path length of light through mirrors and beam splitters, multiple focal planes are achieved within a compact form factor.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a large beam splitter is used to create two light path lengths, then multiple focal planes can be captured, but the system becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces mirrors as intermediary elements that work in conjunction with the beam splitter to create different light path lengths. The mirrors reflect light back through the beam splitter, effectively doubling the path length difference without requiring a larger beam splitter, thus maintaining compact system size.
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 compact, cost-effective 3D displays and image capture systems that meet human vision requirements, reducing the likelihood of headaches associated with 3D displays and providing a more efficient mechanism for various applications like cameras and medical imaging.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization sensitive reflective element that reflects light with a first polarization state and that allows light with a second polarization state to pass through
Implementation Method 2
a first quarter wave plate and a second quarter wave plate positioned on opposite sides of the polarization sensitive reflective element
Data Source
AI summary
A system including an optical path length extender (OPLE) having two light paths having different path lengths, such that light entering the OPLE with a first polarization is directed through a first light path, and light entering the OPLE with a second polarization is directed through a second light path through the OPLE. The OPLE includes a first polarization sensitive reflective element at a first angle to the light entering the OPLE and a second angled polarization sensitive reflective element at a second angle to the light entering the OPLE, the second angled polarization sensitive reflective element intersecting the first polarization sensitive reflective element.