Volumetric Display Optical Diffuser Layer Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display technologies for presenting three-dimensional images face challenges such as improper scalability, computationally intensive data processing, and limitations in representing realistic three-dimensional imagery, leading to user discomfort and reduced comprehensibility.

Innovation Solution

A table-top volumetric display apparatus comprising a multi-layer volumetric display with optical diffusers, a volumetric display driver, a processing unit, and projectors, which generates and projects image slices to create a realistic three-dimensional image within a projection volume, while a separation arrangement absorbs unwanted reflections and limits light penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional volumetric display technologies are used to present three-dimensional images, then realistic three-dimensional representation is achieved, but device complexity and computational requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverealistic three-dimensional representationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The three-dimensional image is segmented into multiple two-dimensional image slices that are projected onto different layers of the volumetric display. Each layer displays a portion of the complete 3D image, and the human visual system integrates these slices to perceive a realistic three-dimensional representation. This segmentation reduces the computational complexity of generating and processing volumetric data while maintaining visual fidelity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If light is projected through multiple layers to create volumetric images, then three-dimensional depth perception is improved, but unwanted reflections and light penetration between adjacent layers occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional depth perceptionVSAvoidunwanted reflections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A separation arrangement is extracted and positioned between adjacent layers of the volumetric display. This separation arrangement selectively blocks unwanted reflections and prevents light penetration between adjacent layers while allowing the intended projected light to pass through. By removing this harmful element, the system achieves better layer isolation and improved three-dimensional depth perception without crosstalk between layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If multi-layer volumetric displays are used to present three-dimensional images, then physical depth cues are provided, but light scattering between layers reduces image clarity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical depth cuesVSAvoidimage clarity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The separation arrangement acts as an intermediary element positioned between adjacent light-diffusing layers. It mediates the interaction between layers by blocking stray light and reflections while permitting the intended projected light to pass through. This intermediary structure prevents light scattering between layers, thereby maintaining image clarity and contrast while preserving the physical depth cues provided by the multi-layer architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a robust, user-friendly representation of three-dimensional graphical information with accurate physical and psychological depth cues, reducing cognitive load and enabling easier understanding of three-dimensional images without the need for additional viewing aids.

Implementation Method 1

a separation arrangement (504, 608) adjacent and substantially perpendicular to the multi-layer volumetric display (202, 502, 602, 700), wherein the separation arrangement is to be employed to absorb unwanted reflections of light within the table-top volumetric display apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

each of the plurality of display elements being implemented by way of at least one optical diffuser; at least one projector configured to project the plurality of image slices onto the plurality of display elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3841432B1Table-top volumetric display apparatus and method of displaying three-dimensional imagery
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 LIGHTSPACE TECH SIA
  • EP3841432B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3841432B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3841432B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed is a table-top volumetric display apparatus (102, 200, 506, 600) for presenting three-dimensional imagery. The volumetric display apparatus comprises multi-layer volumetric display (202, 502, 602, 700) comprising plurality of display elements (212, 400) being arranged substantially parallelly to form projection volume, each of the plurality of display elements being implemented by way of at least one optical diffuser (300, 402, 404, 406, 408, 704); volumetric display driver coupled to the aforesaid display, volumetric display driver (204) being configured to control operational states of the plurality of display elements; processing unit (206) configured to process three-dimensional image to generate plurality of image slices, wherein given image slice is to be projected onto corresponding display element; projector (208, 604, 606) configured to project the plurality of image slices onto the plurality of display elements; and control unit (210) coupled to the volumetric display driver, processing unit and the projector, wherein the control unit is configured to control the volumetric display driver and the projector to present the three-dimensional image within the projection volume.