Spatial Light Modulator for 360-Degree Holographic Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image output devices that provide stereoscopic images face challenges in enlarging the holographic screen due to the need for high-speed mechanical rotation, limiting the size of the stereoscopic image.
Innovation Solution
An image output device comprising a spatial light modulator with a diffraction grating pattern on its back surface, where the phase modulation amount of each pixel changes based on the intensity of address light, allowing for dynamic deflection of the two-dimensional optical image without mechanical rotation of the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a holographic screen is mechanically rotated at high speed to achieve stereoscopic image output, then the stereoscopic image can be displayed across 360 degrees, but the size of the holographic screen cannot be enlarged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an optical field modulation system. Instead of physically rotating the holographic screen, the invention uses a spatial light modulator to dynamically control the phase distribution of light, achieving the same 360-degree stereoscopic image output without mechanical movement. This substitution allows for larger screen sizes while maintaining the full-viewing-angle capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic phase control through a spatial light modulator that can rapidly change the phase distribution of light in real-time. This dynamic optical control replaces static mechanical rotation, enabling the system to achieve 360-degree coverage with a fixed, larger-sized holographic screen by modulating the light field rather than moving the screen itself.
2Productivity
If a holographic screen is mechanically rotated at high speed, then stereoscopic image output is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical rotation system by substituting it with an electronic spatial light modulator that controls light phase dynamically. This replacement reduces mechanical complexity, moving parts, and maintenance requirements while maintaining the stereoscopic image output capability across 360 degrees through optical field manipulation.
3Area of stationary object
If the holographic screen size is increased, then the stereoscopic image size can be enlarged, but mechanical rotation at high speed becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical rotation with dynamic optical phase modulation using a spatial light modulator. This allows the holographic screen to be made larger without requiring high-speed rotation, as the stereoscopic effect is achieved through real-time phase control of light rather than physical rotation. The system can maintain full 360-degree coverage with a stationary, larger-sized screen.
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 enlargement of stereoscopic images while keeping the spatial light modulator stationary, allowing for a larger and more practical stereoscopic image presentation across a 360-degree circumference.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of pixels of the spatial light modulator is configured to change a phase modulation amount according to the intensity of the address light emitted from a side of the back surface
Implementation Method 2
The address light irradiation unit emits address light including a diffraction grating pattern toward the back surface
Implementation Method 3
The spatial light modulator reflects light emitted to the main surface and modulates the phase of the light in each of the plurality of pixels
Data Source
AI summary
An image output device of the disclosure facilitates enlargement of a stereoscopic image and includes a spatial light modulator, an image irradiation unit, and an address light irradiation unit. The spatial light modulator includes a main surface, a back surface, and pixels, reflects light emitted to the main surface, and modulates a phase of the light for each pixel. The image irradiation unit irradiates the main surface with light including an optical image. The address light irradiation unit irradiates the back surface with address light including a diffraction grating pattern. Each pixel of the spatial light modulator changes a phase modulation amount according to the intensity of the address light from a back surface. The address light irradiation unit dynamically change a diffraction grating pattern's direction on the back surface. The image irradiation unit irradiates the main surface with the optical image corresponding to the diffraction grating pattern's direction.