Stereoscopic Image Presentation Device Depth Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current stereoscopic image presenting devices, particularly head-mounted displays (HMDs), face challenges in enhancing the stereoscopic effect and reducing visual strangeness when presenting augmented reality (AR) images superimposed on real spaces, as the AR images often appear disjointed from real objects, lacking a harmonized and immersive experience.

Innovation Solution

A stereoscopic image presenting device and method that includes an image obtaining portion and an image presenting portion, capable of adjusting the position of virtual images based on depth information, using a combination of transmissive display sections and an optical element to generate and present virtual images in a way that aligns with real-world objects, thereby improving the stereoscopic effect and immersion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If AR images are superimposed on real space using conventional display methods, then the AR image can be presented to the user, but the AR image appears disjointed from real objects causing visual strangeness and reduced immersion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestereoscopic effectVSAvoidimage presentation system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional 2D display to volumetric 3D display by positioning multiple display sections at different depths along the optical axis. This creates a multi-layered display structure where images can be presented at different virtual distances, enabling true stereoscopic depth perception and harmonizing virtual objects with real space depth cues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The display system is divided into multiple independent display sections (first, second, third display sections) positioned at different locations along the optical path. Each section can independently present images at different virtual distances, allowing selective positioning of AR content to match real object depths and improve stereoscopic realism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple display sections are positioned at different depths to improve stereoscopic effect, then the AR image harmonizes with real objects, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestereoscopic effectVSAvoidoptical path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single optical element (lens or mirror) that serves multiple functions: it receives light from multiple display sections positioned at different depths and forms virtual images of all sections at appropriate viewing distances. This multi-functional optical component consolidates what could otherwise require multiple complex optical systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple display sections that could require separate optical paths are merged into a single integrated optical system. The display sections are positioned along a shared optical path, and a single optical element processes light from all sections simultaneously, combining multiple functions into one cohesive structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution effectively enhances the stereoscopic effect by aligning virtual images with real objects, reducing visual strangeness and improving the overall immersive experience by dynamically adjusting the presentation position of virtual images based on depth information, leading to a more harmonized and realistic AR presentation.

Implementation Method 1

an optical element configured to generate the virtual image of the image displayed by each of the plurality of transmissive display sections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical element (lens or mirror) image generation: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP3171592B1Stereoscopic image presentation device and stereoscopic image presentation method
Publication Date: 2020.11.18 SONY INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LLC
  • EP3171592B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3171592B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3171592B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a stereoscopic image presenting device 100, an image obtaining portion 102 obtains an image to be presented. An image presenting portion 104 presents a virtual image of the image obtained by the image obtaining portion 102 to a field of view of a user of the stereoscopic image presenting device 100. The image presenting portion 104 is configured to be able to change the position of the virtual image presented to the user, and changes the position at which the virtual image is presented on the basis of depth information of an object appearing in the image.