Varifocal Lens and Active Optical Device for Multi-View 3D Display
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-view 3D image displays face limitations in providing a natural sense of depth due to crosstalk between viewing zones and degradation of resolution with increased views, and are often bulky due to the need for multiple projection optical systems, which also restricts viewing to both eyes.
Innovation Solution
A 3D image display apparatus comprising an image generating unit, an active optical device that changes light propagation paths, and a varifocal lens that adjusts focal positions, allowing images with different viewpoints to be provided to multiple viewing zones, with an eye-tracking sensor to optimize focal adjustments based on viewer position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of views is increased to provide natural motion parallax, then the sense of depth is improved, but the resolution of each view degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a varifocal lens that can dynamically change its focal length to adapt to different viewing distances. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain high resolution for each view even when multiple views are provided, as the lens can optimize focus for each individual viewpoint rather than being fixed at a single focal point
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the focal length parameter of the varifocal lens based on the desired number of views and viewing distance. By adjusting this key parameter, the system can optimize the trade-off between the number of views and resolution, allowing high resolution to be maintained while providing multiple viewpoints for natural motion parallax
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple projection optical systems are used to increase the number of views, then the multi-view capability is improved, but the system becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple projection optical systems into a single projection system combined with a varifocal lens. Instead of using separate projection systems for each view, the invention combines one projection system with a lens that can dynamically adjust focus to create multiple views, significantly reducing the overall system volume while maintaining multi-view capability
Solution Approach 2:
The varifocal lens serves multiple functions: it acts as a focusing element for the projection system, enables multi-view generation through focal length adjustment, and provides adaptation to different viewing distances. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple dedicated projection optical systems, reducing system bulk
3Reliability
If crosstalk is reduced between viewing zones, then the stereoscopic quality is improved, but the complexity of optical control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an eye-tracking sensor that provides feedback on the viewer's position and focal point. This feedback allows the varifocal lens to dynamically adjust its focal length to match the viewer's actual viewing distance and position, optimizing stereoscopic quality and minimizing crosstalk by precisely controlling where the light focuses, rather than using complex optical barriers
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 a wider range of viewing zones for 3D images, allowing perception of 3D images with one eye and reducing crosstalk, while maintaining resolution by dynamically adjusting light paths and focal positions to match viewer movement.
Implementation Method 1
an active optical device configured to change a propagation path of light containing the generated image
Implementation Method 2
a varifocal lens configured to vary a focal position of the generated image
Implementation Method 3
the varifocal lens includes a liquid lens configured to control a shape of a lens surface according to electrical control
Implementation Method 4
the active optical device includes an electrowetting prism having a refracting surface whose slope changes according to application of a voltage
Implementation Method 5
the active optical device includes an optical plate configured to control a direction in which light is refracted according to a rotation angle of the optical plate
Data Source
AI summary
A three-dimensional (3D) image display apparatus and method are provided. The 3D image display apparatus includes an image generating unit configured to generate an image, an active optical device configured to change a propagation path of light containing the generated image, and provide the generated image to multiple viewpoints that are located along a first direction parallel to the image generating unit, and a varifocal lens configured to vary a focal position of the generated image along a second direction away from the image generating unit.