See-through Display Spatio-angular Light Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing see-through display technologies face limitations in performing high-resolution image processing due to optics issues, such as out-of-focus processing pixels near the eye and inadequate light attenuation based on direction, leading to degraded visual performance, especially in conditions like veiling glare or reduced contrast.
Innovation Solution
A see-through display system that selectively modulates light transmission based on the position and direction of incident light, using a combination of spatial and directional modulation to enhance visual performance by determining the location of viewed objects and vantage points, enabling high-resolution optical image processing even in bulky designs or distant displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If processing pixels on a see-through display device near an eye of a user, then image processing operations may be achieved with reduced latency, but the processed pixels may be out of focus so that high-resolution image processing is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from spatial-only modulation to spatio-angular modulation, adding the angular dimension to the control parameters. This allows the system to modulate light based on both position and direction, enabling high-resolution processing without requiring the display to be positioned at the eye's focal point, thus resolving the focus degradation issue while maintaining low latency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different modulation characteristics to different regions and angles of incident light. By modulating transmission based on both position and direction, each light ray can be processed according to its specific characteristics, enabling high-resolution image processing across the entire field of view without the blur that would affect uniform processing near the eye
2Measurement precision
If optical elements are used to focus the incoming light field to achieve high-resolution effects, then high-resolution image processing may be achieved, but the design becomes bulky and impractical for near-eye see-through displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional optical focusing elements (lenses, mirrors) with a computational approach using spatio-angular modulation. Instead of physically focusing light rays through optical components, the system achieves high-resolution processing by selectively modulating light transmission based on position and direction, eliminating the need for bulky optical elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameters from purely spatial coordinates to include angular information. This parameter expansion allows the system to achieve fine spatial resolution through angular discrimination alone, without requiring the physical focusing power of large optical elements
3Adaptability or versatility
If a see-through display device modulates light based on position only, then light attenuation may be achieved, but the system cannot attenuate light based on the direction of incident light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a unified modulation system that handles both spatial and angular characteristics of incident light through a single spatio-angular modulation mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows the display to adapt to various viewing conditions and light sources by adjusting transmission based on both position and direction, enhancing versatility and reliability simultaneously
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 approach allows for enhanced visual performance by selectively attenuating or enhancing light based on position and direction, improving contrast, depth perception, and color separation, thereby addressing limitations in existing technologies and providing effective image processing across various scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
A see-through display system that selectively modulates light transmission based on the position and direction of incident light
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing optical image processing via a transparent display are disclosed. In one example approach, a method comprises determining a position of incident light on a see-through display device, determining a direction of the incident light relative to the see-through display device, and modulating, with the see-through display device, a transmission of the incident light through the see-through display device based on the determined position and determined direction of the incident light.