Stacked LCOS Imaging Device for Binocular Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing binocular imaging systems are bulky, heavy, and difficult to move due to the need for multiple liquid crystal devices and separate optical paths for amplitude modulation, which increases the number of components and reduces mobility.
Innovation Solution
A single imaging device that performs both amplitude and phase modulation using a stacked structure of liquid crystal structures, where the first structure modulates light based on intensity and the second structure decomposes it into polarization components for forming two independent images, sharing a common optical path and reducing the number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two independent LCOS amplitude modulators are used to achieve binocular imaging, then different pictures can be seen from left eye and right eye, but the device has a relatively large quantity of components, large size, and heavy weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate LCOS amplitude modulators into a single LCOS device that performs both amplitude modulation and phase modulation. The liquid crystal layer is configured to simultaneously modulate amplitude and phase of light, eliminating the need for two independent modulators and their separate optical paths, thus reducing component quantity while maintaining binocular imaging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single LCOS device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both an amplitude modulator and a phase modulator. The liquid crystal layer can independently control amplitude and phase parameters, enabling one device to replace what previously required two separate devices, thereby simplifying the overall system structure
2Reliability
If two independent LCOS amplitude modulators are used with complete optical paths, then binocular imaging is achieved, but the device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two complete optical paths into a shared optical path. By using a single LCOS device that handles both amplitude and phase modulation, the system eliminates redundant optical components and path duplications, significantly reducing the overall device size while preserving binocular imaging functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-device spatial arrangement to a single-device stacked structure. By stacking functional layers (amplitude modulation layer and phase modulation layer) within one LCOS device, the system achieves three-dimensional integration that reduces the horizontal footprint and overall device dimensions
3Reliability
If two independent LCOS amplitude modulators are used, then binocular imaging is achieved, but the device weight becomes heavy and mobility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two heavy LCOS amplitude modulators into one lighter LCOS device with integrated amplitude and phase modulation capabilities. This consolidation eliminates the weight of redundant components and structures, making the device more portable while maintaining binocular imaging performance
4Reliability
If two LCOS amplitude modulators with complete optical paths are used, then independent images for left and right eyes are produced, but the structure becomes complex and not easy to move
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two complex systems with complete optical paths into a single integrated LCOS device. By stacking amplitude and phase modulation layers within one device and using a shared optical path, the system dramatically simplifies the structure, improving ease of operation and mobility while still producing independent images for left and right eyes
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 reduces the size and weight of the device, enhances mobility, and allows for the simultaneous output of two independent images without the need for multiple liquid crystal devices, achieving efficient image formation and modulation.
Implementation Method 1
the first imaging structure is configured to: perform amplitude modulation on a light signal based on a first drive signal, and output amplitude-modulated light
Implementation Method 2
the second imaging structure is configured to perform phase modulation on the amplitude-modulated light based on a second drive signal, so that phase-modulated light can be decomposed into light having two polarization components
Implementation Method 3
phase-modulated light can be decomposed into light having two polarization components
Data Source
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AI summary
An imaging device (400), a display apparatus, and an imaging apparatus are provided, to resolve problems that an existing binocular imaging system has a relatively large quantity of device components, a relatively large size, and a relatively heavy weight, and is not easy to move. The imaging device (400) includes a first imaging structure (410) and a second imaging structure (420) that are sequentially stacked from bottom to top. The first imaging structure (410) performs amplitude modulation on a light signal based on a first drive signal, and outputs amplitude-modulated light, where the amplitude-modulated light carries pixel information of a first image and pixel information of a second image, and the first drive signal is determined based on light intensity of the first image and light intensity of the second image. The second imaging structure (420) performs phase modulation on the amplitude-modulated light based on a second drive signal, so that phase-modulated light can be decomposed into light having two polarization components, where the light having the two polarization components is respectively used to form the first image and the second image, and the second drive signal is determined based on the light intensity of the first image and the light intensity of the second image.