Volumetric Imaging Device Using Oscillating Plate and Prism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current three-dimensional volumetric display technologies face limitations due to complex structures and algorithms, particularly in achieving dynamic three-dimensional imaging, with static imaging technologies restricted to generating static images and dynamic body scanning technologies lacking a mature practical structure.

Innovation Solution

A true three-dimensional volumetric imaging device with a simple structure and algorithm, comprising an imaging light source, a light source adjusting unit, and a movement driving unit, where the imaging plate oscillates parallel to the light beam's direction, adjusting the projection angle using a prism module and driven by electromagnets or step motors within a vacuum cavity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic body scanning technology is used to form three-dimensional volumetric images, then dynamic imaging capability is achieved, but device structure becomes complicated and imaging algorithms become very complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic imaging capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the imaging plate movable rather than stationary. The imaging plate oscillates back and forth in the optical path under the control of a driving mechanism, enabling dynamic scanning through a simple linear motion structure. This resolves the contradiction by achieving dynamic imaging capability without the complexity of traditional body scanning systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the imaging process into discrete two-dimensional image planes captured at different positions along the optical axis. By capturing multiple 2D images at different depths and synthesizing them computationally, the system achieves 3D volumetric imaging through a simple sequential scanning approach rather than complex simultaneous multi-dimensional scanning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If static imaging technology is used with laser beams intersecting in three-dimensional space, then true physical depth of field is achieved, but only static images can be generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephysical depth of field accuracyVSAvoidimage dynamics capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics by oscillating the imaging plate back and forth during image capture. This motion enables the system to capture images at multiple depth positions sequentially, transforming a static imaging system into one capable of dynamic volumetric imaging while preserving the accurate physical depth of field characteristics of laser-based static imaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The imaging plate performs periodic oscillation during the imaging process, moving back and forth along the optical axis. This periodic motion allows the system to sample multiple depth planes in a repeating cycle, enabling dynamic imaging capability while maintaining the precision of laser-based depth encoding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Productivity

If the imaging plate oscillates at high speed, then dynamic volumetric imaging is achieved within visual persistence period, but the oscillation mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging speedVSAvoidoscillation mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex high-speed mechanical oscillation mechanisms with a simple linear driving mechanism that moves the imaging plate back and forth. By using a straightforward linear motion system rather than complex rotary or multi-axis mechanisms, the system achieves adequate imaging speed without excessive mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simple oscillation mechanism that may not achieve extremely high speeds, but operates sufficiently fast to capture multiple depth planes within the visual persistence period. This partial action approach achieves adequate productivity without the complexity of ultra-high-speed mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 configuration allows for the creation of a more complete three-dimensional volumetric image through the accumulation of two-dimensional image planes, simplifying the algorithm and enabling dynamic volumetric object rendering.

Implementation Method 1

the prism module scans the light beam emitted from the imaging light source and adjusts a projection direction of the light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

the movement driving unit causes the imaging plate to oscillate in a direction parallel to an outgoing direction of the light beam emitted from the imaging light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeriodic motion: Harmonic Oscillator

Implementation Method 3

the imaging plate is arranged in a vacuum cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS9964773B2True three-dimensional volumetric imaging device and display device
Publication Date: 2018.05.08 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • US9964773B2 patent drawing
  • US9964773B2 patent drawing
  • US9964773B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A true three-dimensional volumetric imaging device includes an imaging light source, a light source adjusting unit, an imaging plate, and a movement driving unit. The light source adjusting unit is arranged between the imaging light source and the imaging plate, and the imaging plate is connected to the movement driving unit. A light beam emitted from the imaging light source is incident onto the imaging plate after being adjusted by the light source adjusting unit, and the movement driving unit causes the imaging plate to oscillate in a direction parallel to an outgoing direction of the light beam emitted from the imaging light source. In the true three-dimensional volumetric imaging device, the true three-dimensional volumetric display of an image is achieved. An algorithm herein is simpler, and a more complete volumetric object can be shown.