See-through Display Spatial Light Modulator Depth Layering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display technologies struggle to effectively implement augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) by failing to seamlessly integrate virtual objects or information with real-world environments, limiting their applicability beyond virtual experiences.
Innovation Solution
A see-through type display apparatus that uses a spatial light modulator to output two-dimensional images with different depth information onto distinct regions, a depth generation member to create a multi-layered depth image, and an image convergence member to merge this image with the real environment, allowing for the simultaneous display of images at varying depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current display technologies are used to implement AR and MR, then virtual objects or information can be displayed, but seamless integration with real-world environments cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The display apparatus segments the display area into multiple depth layers, with each layer displaying 2D images at different depths. The spatial light modulator divides incoming light into multiple depth images corresponding to different virtual distances, enabling seamless integration of virtual objects at various depths with the real-world environment viewed through the transparent display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D flat display to multi-depth 3D display by adding the depth dimension. Multiple 2D images are displayed at different virtual distances along the optical axis, creating a multi-layered depth structure that enables realistic AR/MR experiences with objects appearing at various distances from the user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple 2D images are displayed at different depths, then AR and MR experience is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single spatial light modulator performs multiple functions by simultaneously generating multiple depth images from a single input image. The modulator divides light into different depth layers, eliminating the need for separate display devices for each depth level and reducing overall system complexity despite the enhanced depth display capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies of the input image at different virtual depths by modulating light paths. Instead of requiring separate physical displays for each depth level, the spatial light modulator generates multiple depth-layered optical copies of the same image content, reducing hardware complexity while achieving multi-depth display.
3Device complexity
If traditional display methods are used, then device structure is simple, but the ability to display images at varying depths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The spatial light modulator acts as an intermediary device between the image source and the user's eye. It mediates the light path by dividing and redirecting light to create multiple depth layers, enabling depth variation capability without requiring complex multi-display systems or direct volumetric display structures.
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 a more realistic AR and MR experience by allowing multiple 2D images to be displayed at different depths, reducing signal processing load and enhancing the integration of virtual and real-world elements, thus expanding the applicability of these technologies beyond gaming and virtual experiences.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator configured to simultaneously output a first two-dimensional (2D) image onto a first region and at least a second 2D image onto a second region
Implementation Method 2
a depth generation member configured to produce a multi-layered depth image by sequentially arranging the first 2D image and the at least second 2D image based on the first depth information and the second depth information
Implementation Method 3
The second depth generation member may be further configured to transmit the first 2D image reflected by the first depth generation to the image convergence member
Implementation Method 4
an image convergence member configured to cause the multi-layered depth image and a reality environment to converge on a single region by changing at least one from among a light path of the multi-layered depth image and a light path of the reality environment
Data Source
AI summary
A see-through type display apparatus and a method of operating the see-through type display apparatus are provided. The see-through type display apparatus simultaneously outputs a plurality of two-dimensional (2D) images having different depth information onto different regions, produces a multi-layered depth image by sequentially arranging the plurality of 2D images according to the depth information, and causes the multi-layered depth image and a reality environment to converge onto one region.