Temporally Multiplexed Image Generation for Enhanced Depth Perception
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional emissive arrays struggle to reproduce colors with wavelengths outside the range of red or blue subpixels without increasing pixel size and reducing resolution, limiting their ability to create images with depth perception.
Innovation Solution
A temporally multiplexed image generation system using a subpixel array with a light deviator that laterally shifts light from one subpixel to another, allowing for the creation of subframes with varying degrees of focus and depth perception by controlling illumination time, position, and intensity, and using a controller to sequence these parameters for display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional subpixels are added to reproduce colors outside the red-blue wavelength range, then color reproduction capability is improved, but pixel size increases and resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies temporal multiplexing to dynamically control which subpixels are illuminated at different time intervals. By rapidly switching between different subpixel combinations, the system can reproduce a broader color range without physically adding more subpixels to each pixel, thus maintaining resolution while improving color versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the time dimension to the traditional spatial arrangement of subpixels. Instead of only varying spatial configurations, the system uses temporal sequencing of subpixel illumination to achieve extended color reproduction, effectively adding a fourth dimension (time) to the three-dimensional subpixel structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pixel size is increased to accommodate additional subpixels for extended color range, then color reproduction is improved, but array resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic temporal multiplexing to achieve extended color range without increasing physical pixel dimensions. By rapidly illuminating different subpixel combinations over time, the system synthesizes colors outside the native subpixel wavelength range while maintaining the original pixel size and resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of subpixel illumination rather than spatial parameters. By varying the timing, duration, and intensity of subpixel activation, the system can produce a wider color gamut from the same physical subpixel arrangement, avoiding the need to increase pixel size.
3Manufacturing precision
If subpixel sizes are reduced to maintain resolution with additional subpixels, then resolution is maintained, but subpixel size must shrink beyond current manufacturing capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic temporal control to achieve extended color functionality without reducing subpixel dimensions. By rapidly switching between different subpixel groups in time, the system effectively creates additional color channels without needing smaller physical subpixels, thus avoiding manufacturing challenges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic temporal multiplexing cycles to sequentially activate different subpixel combinations. This periodic switching allows the same physical subpixels to serve multiple color functions over time, eliminating the need to manufacture smaller subpixels while maintaining resolution and extending color range.
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 creation of images with enhanced depth perception by generating a perception of depth through a combination of in-focus and out-of-focus objects, improving image realism and resolution without increasing pixel size or array area.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system that receives light from at least one illuminated subpixel of the array system and laterally shifts that light using a light deviator, e.g., a lateral-light-shifting optic (LLSO)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for generating a temporally multiplexed image to a viewer may include (1) receiving input data by a controller, (2) converting the input data by the controller into a sequence of instructions controlling at least functions of a subpixel array system and of an optical system, (3) generating subframes from the sequence of instructions which includes for each subframe: the subpixels to be illuminated at a given time and at a given position of a light deviator of the optical system that possesses at least one lateral-light-shifting degree of freedom, and (4) temporally multiplexing the subframes using the optical system, the one or more subframes designed to display an image to a viewer at the viewing region. Various other apparatus, systems, and methods are also disclosed.