Projection Apparatus Using Optical Switching for Glasses-Free 3D
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stereoscopic display apparatuses face limitations in providing multiple viewing angles due to mechanical noise, limited resolution, and the need for mechanical components, which hinder the achievement of high-resolution, glasses-free 3D imaging.
Innovation Solution
A projection apparatus comprising a light source module, a light splitting element, a light valve unit, and light modulators that split and transform light beams into different polarized images, projecting them onto a screen in alternating sequences to create multiple viewing angles without mechanical components, enhancing light utilization, cost-effectiveness, and resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary polygonal mirror is used to provide multiple viewing angles, then the number of viewing angles can be increased, but mechanical noise increases and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotary polygonal mirror with an optical switching system using liquid crystal light valve units. These light valve units use electrical signals to control light transmission and routing, eliminating mechanical moving parts entirely. The system achieves multiple viewing angles by electrically switching between different light paths through the light valve units, substituting mechanical rotation with optical-electrical control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light valve units as intermediary components between the light source and the projection lens. These light valve units act as controllable optical switches that direct light from different light sources to different viewing zones. By using this intermediary optical switching mechanism, the system achieves multiple viewing angles without requiring mechanical motion, thereby eliminating mechanical noise while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the rotation speed of the rotary polygonal mirror is increased to provide more viewing angles, then the number of viewing angles increases, but mechanical noise and friction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical rotary polygonal mirror entirely and replaces it with an optical switching system using liquid crystal light valve units. This substitution removes all mechanical friction associated with rotating components. The light valve units control light transmission through electrical fields, allowing the system to provide multiple viewing angles without any mechanical friction or wear.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary polygonal mirror is used to provide multiple viewing angles, then the number of viewing angles can be increased, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light valve units serve multiple functions: they act as both light modulators and optical switches. The same light valve units that control light transmission for image formation also route light from different light sources to different viewing zones. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanical switching components, simplifying the overall optical arrangement while maintaining the capability to provide multiple viewing angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of light modulation and optical switching into a single integrated system using light valve units. Instead of having separate components for controlling light intensity and routing light to different viewing angles, the system merges these functions into the same optical path control mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity and the number of required components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a rotary polygonal mirror is used to provide multiple viewing angles, then the number of viewing angles can be increased, but the light utilization factor decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous light utilization by having multiple light sources operate simultaneously or in rapid succession, with the light valve units switching between them without interruption. This ensures that light is continuously directed to the appropriate viewing zones without the losses associated with mechanical acceleration and deceleration of a rotating mirror. The electrical switching of light valve units allows for seamless transition between different light paths, maintaining continuous useful light action.
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, glasses-free stereoscopic images with improved light utilization and a simplified optical arrangement, eliminating mechanical noise and the need for mechanical rotary members.
Implementation Method 1
the light beam is divided by the first light splitting element into a first polarized light beam and a second polarized light beam
Implementation Method 2
the first and the second polarized light beams passing through the first light valve unit are formed into different image lights
Data Source
AI summary
A projection apparatus is disclosed. The projection apparatus includes a light source module, a first light splitting element, a first light valve unit, a first light modulator, a second light modulator and a light consolidating element. A light beam is provided by the light source module, and is split into a first and a second polarized light beam by the first light splitting element. In different time sequences, the first and the second polarized light beams are formed into a first, a second, a third and a fourth image light by the first light valve unit. Then, these image lights are transformed into viewing angle images by the first and the second light modulators. Then, via the light consolidating element, the first, the second, the third and the fourth view angle images are projected to a viewer and a stereoscopic image is formed.