Spatial Light Modulator for Dynamic Focus Depth in Light Field Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital images, particularly light field images, are typically captured and displayed at a fixed focal length, limiting the ability to dynamically adjust focus depth and provide a three-dimensional representation of scenes with multiple objects at different depths.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that select a focus depth for digital light field image data, using spatial light modulators to display layers of the image data at corresponding focal lengths, allowing for dynamic focus adjustment based on user gaze or object motion, and presenting multiple layers cyclically to simulate human vision by varying the distinction of objects in a scene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If digital images are displayed at a fixed focal length, then the display system is simple and easy to operate, but the ability to dynamically adjust focus depth and provide three-dimensional representation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic focus adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddisplay system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling the display system to dynamically adjust between multiple focal lengths corresponding to different focus depths. The system transitions from a static fixed focal length display to a dynamic multi-focal display that can adapt to different viewing requirements, allowing users to select and switch between different depth planes of the light field image data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements another dimension by adding the focal length dimension to the traditional two-dimensional display. By presenting light field image data at multiple focal lengths (different focus depths), the system creates a three-dimensional representation of scenes with objects at different depths, transforming the display from 2D to 3D spatial representation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If multiple layers of light field image data are presented at different focal lengths, then three-dimensional representation and depth perception are enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth perception accuracyVSAvoidspatial light modulator system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light field image data into multiple layers, each corresponding to a different focus depth. Each layer is processed and displayed at its respective focal length, allowing the system to manage complex three-dimensional information through structured segmentation of depth planes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spatial light modulator is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple focal lengths and depth planes. A single modulator system performs multiple functions by dynamically configuring light paths for different focal lengths, eliminating the need for separate display systems for each depth plane.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the system processes and displays multiple layers of light field image data cyclically, then the representation of objects at different depths is improved, but the processing time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-depth scene representationVSAvoidcyclic processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by cyclically presenting different layers of light field image data at different focal lengths. The system alternates between displaying various depth planes in a repeating sequence, allowing the human visual system to integrate the temporal sequence into a perceived three-dimensional image through persistence of vision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 dynamic focus adjustment and three-dimensional representation of scenes, enhancing depth perception by allowing users to perceive objects at selected focus depths and simulating human vision by varying the resolution and dynamic range of surrounding objects.

Implementation Method 1

displaying the layer of the digital light field image data by an apparatus utilizing at least one spatial light modulator in the apparatus to present the layer of the digital light field image data at a focal length corresponding to the selected focus depth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight field modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS8994728B2Display of light field image data using a spatial light modulator at a focal length corresponding to a selected focus depth

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 MAGUIRE JR FRANCIS J

AI summary

A method and apparatus are shown that select a focus depth for digital light field image data that represents a scene having a plurality of objects at different focus depths, the selected focus depth corresponding to a layer of the digital light field image data at the selected focus depth, and display the layer of the digital light field image data by utilizing at least one spatial light modulator to present the layer of the digital light field image data at a focal length corresponding to the selected focus depth. A server is shown that communicates with at least one apparatus to facilitate performance of the method.