Spatial Light Modulator 3D Imaging Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hologram generation and viewing methods face limitations in achieving high resolution and large viewable areas, particularly in commercial applications where advanced opto-electronic systems are required for generating and viewing three-dimensional information.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a spatial light modulator to produce a pattern based on image data, with a projection beam being masked and propagated to an exit pupil to form a virtual 3-D image, and employing anamorphic shaped pixels and Fourier transform features to compensate for resolution loss and provide adjustable viewing angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional hologram generation methods are used, then the system structure is simple, but the resolution and viewable area are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the projection beam into multiple portions using masks, where each portion corresponds to different spatial frequency components (central lobe and side lobes). By selectively masking and projecting different beam portions through multiple spatial light modulators, the system achieves higher resolution than a single aperture could provide, while managing complexity through modular processing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D hologram display to 3D virtual image formation by manipulating the projection beam in spatial frequency domain. By separating and recombining different spatial frequency components (central lobe for low frequency, side lobes for high frequency) through multiple SLMs, the system creates a volumetric 3D image with enhanced resolution and extended viewable area.
2Area of stationary object
If a larger aperture is used to increase resolution, then the viewable area increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spatial light modulators to function collectively as a larger aperture system. Each SLM processes a specific portion of the projection beam (different spatial frequency ranges), and their combined output creates a virtual image with the equivalent resolution and viewable area of a much larger single aperture, thereby achieving large-aperture performance without the corresponding increase in physical device size and 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
This approach enhances resolution and provides a larger viewable area, allowing for effective replication of the 3-D image as seen from the imaging pupil, accommodating various viewer positions and orientations with adjustable eye relief.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial light modulator produces a pattern based on data representative of an image of an object. The spatial light modulator is illuminated so as to yield a projection beam.
Implementation Method 2
At least one portion of the projection beam is masked such that a portion of the projection beam is selected.
Implementation Method 3
interfering an intensity beam reflected from the object and obtained through an imaging pupil and a reference beam thereby forming the image of the object
Implementation Method 4
The selected portion is propagated to an exit pupil so as to form a virtual 3-D image of the object when viewed by a viewer at the exit pupil.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for three-dimensional imaging and viewing are disclosed. A method for generating a three-dimensional image may include producing a pattern in a spatial light modulator based on data representative of an image of an object, illuminating the spatial light modulator so as to yield a projection beam, masking at least one portion of the projection beam such that a portion of the projection beam is selected, and propagating the selected portion to an exit pupil so as to form a virtual 3-D image of the object when viewed at the exit pupil. An apparatus may include a projector comprising a spatial light modulator array that modulates the phase of light to produce a phase modulated beam that is projected to a viewer thereby forming a 3-D image of the object when viewed by the viewer, and processing electronics configured to extract phase information from a signal.