Scanning Laser 3D Display for Ambient Light Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D projection systems require expensive projectors and are limited to specific environments, failing to provide 3D imagery in areas outside conventional theater settings or during prolonged periods without continuous projector coverage, especially in higher ambient light settings.
Innovation Solution
A 3D display system utilizing a pair of scanning lasers tuned to provide left and right eye streams of light, matching the wavelengths filtered by 3D stereo glasses, to create 3D imagery without the need for conventional projectors, allowing for volumetric displays and enhanced light-based effects in various settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional projectors are used to provide 3D imagery, then 3D content can be displayed in theater settings, but the systems are expensive and limited to specific environments with continuous projector coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of 3D image display from the complex conventional projector system. By using only two simple light sources (lasers or LEDs) tuned to specific wavelengths that correspond to the notch filters in WMV glasses, the system eliminates the need for expensive projectors, color wheels, and complex optical components while maintaining 3D display capability in diverse environments
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, complex projector equipment with inexpensive, simple light sources (lasers or LEDs). These simple components can be deployed temporarily or permanently in various locations without requiring the infrastructure of traditional theater settings, enabling 3D displays in queues, waiting areas, and other transient spaces
2Ease of manufacture
If polarized technology is used for 3D displays, then low-cost glasses can be provided, but light efficiency is poor causing loss of brightness and requiring silvered screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light sources to match the pass-band wavelengths of the WMV glasses filters. By tuning the light sources to emit only at wavelengths that pass through the glasses (avoiding the notch filter wavelengths), the system achieves high light efficiency without requiring silvered screens, while still providing affordable glasses to viewers
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temporal multiplexing where left-eye and right-eye images are displayed alternately at different wavelengths. The light sources switch between wavelengths in sync with the frame rate, allowing each eye to see only its intended image while maximizing light efficiency since no polarization filtering is needed
3Productivity
If wavelength multiplex visualization with alternate color wheels is used, then left and right eye images can be projected simultaneously, but the systems are expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the stereoscopic display function into two independent, simple light sources instead of using a single complex projector with color wheels. Each light source is dedicated to one eye and operates independently at its specific wavelength, eliminating the need for mechanical color wheel switching and complex optical path management while maintaining simultaneous left and right eye image projection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical color wheel system with electronic wavelength selection using lasers or LEDs. Instead of physically rotating color wheels to change wavelengths, the system uses electrically controllable light sources that can switch between wavelengths electronically, eliminating moving parts and mechanical complexity
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 3D imagery and effects in diverse environments, including areas without continuous projector coverage, with increased brightness and adaptability to higher ambient light conditions, using scanning lasers to provide coherent light streams that enhance the 3D experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first wavelength multiplex visualization (WMV) light source outputting a first light stream onto the display surface, with the first light stream having a wavelength in the first range of wavelengths... A second WMV light source outputting a second light stream onto the display surface concurrently
Implementation Method 2
using scanning lasers to provide coherent light streams that enhance the 3D experience
Data Source
AI summary
A display system for creating three dimensional (3D) imagery for a viewer wearing 3D glasses such as wavelength multiplex visualization (WMV) technology glasses with a first lens passing colored light in a first range of wavelengths and with a second lens passing colored light in a second range of wavelengths. The system includes a first WMV light source outputting a first light stream onto a display surface, with the first light stream having a wavelength in the first wavelength range. The system includes a second WMV light source outputting a second light stream onto the display surface concurrently with the second light stream, with the second light stream having a wavelength in the second wavelength range. The WMV light sources are scanning lasers that each may be a scanning laser providing red, green, or blue coherent light or a full red, green, and blue (RGB) scanning laser.