Prism-Based Virtual Displays With Polarized Viewer Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle display systems struggle to provide individualized and shared viewing perspectives for multiple occupants, requiring multiple display components and increasing spatial requirements and costs.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexed virtual display system using a beam splitting device with reflective and transmissive surfaces, a secondary mirror, and a projector that alternates between S and P polarized light beams to project different or shared images to multiple observers, adjusted by motor actuators and eye trackers for optimal viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display components are used to provide individualized viewing perspectives for multiple occupants, then viewing quality is improved, but device complexity and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple display functions into a single projector by using polarized light multiplexing. The projector alternates between generating S-polarized and P-polarized light beams, with the beam splitting device directing different polarizations to different observers, allowing one projector to serve multiple viewing perspectives simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitting device with polarized light separation enables a single projector to function as multiple projectors would normally be required, directing different images to different observers through polarization-based beam splitting, thus achieving multi-functionality with a single device
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display components are used to provide individualized viewing perspectives, then viewing quality is improved, but spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the functions of multiple projectors and display components into a single integrated setup. By using polarized light multiplexing and a beam splitting device, the spatial footprint is reduced from what would be required for multiple separate display systems
Solution Approach 2:
The projector uses periodic alternation between S-polarized and P-polarized light generation at frame rates, allowing sequential projection of different images to different observers through the same optical path, thereby minimizing spatial requirements while maintaining individualized viewing capabilities
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple display components are used, then viewing functionality is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single projector is designed to perform the functions of multiple projectors by incorporating polarized light generation capability and working in conjunction with the beam splitting device, reducing the total number of projectors needed while maintaining the ability to provide both shared and individualized content viewing
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the polarization parameter of light (between S and P polarizations) to differentiate between different viewing channels. This parameter modulation allows one projector to create multiple distinct viewing experiences without requiring multiple physical projectors, thereby reducing system cost
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
The system allows each occupant to have an individualized viewing perspective while minimizing the number of projectors and display components, reducing costs and spatial requirements, and enabling shared content viewing.
Implementation Method 1
a first surface configured to reflect a S polarized light beam to display a first image to a first observer and transparent to a P polarized light beam
Implementation Method 2
a first surface configured to reflect a S polarized light beam
Implementation Method 3
the P polarized light beam passes through the first surface, is reflected off of the second surface, and is refracted by the first surface
Implementation Method 4
a projector configured to iteratively alternate between generating the S polarized light beam and the P polarized light beam
Implementation Method 5
a secondary mirror configured to reflect the P polarized light beam to display a second image to a second observer
Data Source
AI summary
A multiplexed virtual display system includes: a beam splitting device including i) a first surface configured to reflect a S polarized light beam to display a first image to a first observer and transparent to a P polarized light beam, and ii) a second surface configured to perform as a primary mirror and reflective to the P polarized light beam; a secondary mirror configured to reflect the P polarized light beam to display a second image to a second observer; and a projector configured to iteratively alternate between generating the S polarized light beam and the P polarized light beam.