Rotatable Micromirror Array for Glasses-Free 3D Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autostereoscopic displays are limited by requiring specific viewer positions, reduced resolution, and inability to produce vertical parallax for multiple viewers, leading to distorted images for all but the single viewer with eye tracking.
Innovation Solution
An array of rotatable elements, controlled by microcontrollers and eye trackers, mimics a concave surface to deliver light to each viewer's eye, allowing separate images to be projected to each eye, with the use of mirrors, lasers, or light emitting diodes, and electrostatic actuators for precise image alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lenticular lens based autostereoscopic displays are used, then glasses-free 3D viewing is achieved, but resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into an array of independently controllable microlenses or mirrors, each element capable of directing light to specific viewing zones. This segmentation allows precise control over light paths to multiple viewers simultaneously while maintaining high resolution, as each element can be individually addressed and optimized for its specific function in the array.
2Adaptability or versatility
If parallax based autostereoscopic display technologies are used, then multiple viewers can view the display, but viewers must be seated at particular locations which limits the number and orientation of viewers
Solution Approach 1:
The display employs dynamically controllable microlens or micromirror arrays where each element can change its optical direction in real-time based on detected viewer positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to viewers at various locations and orientations, eliminating fixed seating requirements while maintaining multiple viewer support through continuous reconfiguration of light paths.
3Measurement precision
If eye tracking is used to produce vertical parallax for a single viewer, then vertical parallax is achieved, but the image is distorted for all other viewers
Solution Approach 1:
The display applies local quality control by independently adjusting the optical properties of each microlens or micromirror element based on the specific viewer's eye position and orientation. This allows vertical parallax to be precisely delivered to the tracked viewer's eyes while simultaneously maintaining correct image geometry for other viewers in different positions, as each element is optimized for its specific viewing zone rather than applying a global transformation.
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
This solution reduces noise, hazard, and visual motion blur, increases bandwidth, and provides greater flexibility in image projection, enabling multiple viewers to experience 3D without the need for glasses and allowing reverse image capture.
Implementation Method 1
the elements be rotated by electrostatic actuators
Implementation Method 2
the elements are mirrors and the display further includes a projector for projecting an image onto the array for reflection to an eye
Implementation Method 3
The means for generating light may include a laser or light emitting diode
Implementation Method 4
The means for generating light may include a laser or light emitting diode
Implementation Method 5
The eye tracker include two eye-locating cameras
Data Source
AI summary
Autostereoscopic display. The display includes an array of elements from which light emanates, the elements being rotatable about two orthogonal axes by microcontrollers. An eye tracker is provided for determining the location in three dimensions of at least one eye viewing the array. The microcontrollers, using information from the eye tracker, rotate the elements to mimic a concave surface to deliver light to the eye. It is preferred that the elements are mirrors and the display further includes a projector for projecting an image on the array for reflection to the eye. The elements themselves may include structure for generating light rather than reflecting light.