Accommodation corrected 3D displays using spatial volume demultiplexer chip

Abstract

In the field of 3D display technologies for a long-time accommodation-based depth cues have been dismissed. On one hand they are treated as weak depth cues, but on other hand their inclusion has been technologically challenging. Either way, accommodation depth cues are essential in ensuring natural image perception; they add realism to the 3D scene and help overcoming technologically inhibiting effects of vergence-accommodation conflict. In this work we examine implementation and associated considerations of optical diffuser technology via spatial volume demultiplexer chip (SVDC) within a stereoscopic Augmented Reality (AR) wearable display. The role of SVDC is to demultiplex series of two-dimensional image depth planes into a perceivably three-dimensional scene with said focus depth cues. The SVDC chip is designed to be entirely solid-state solution, requiring only voltage driving signal for the image demultiplexing action. In case of using an SVDC for multi-plane display architecture, the image source is a rear image projection unit ensuring high refresh-rate stream of required 2D image depth planes. The SVDC technology is scalable, it facilitates improved light efficiency due to controlled internal reflections which allows for diverse optical design in AR as well as VR settings. Provided is indicative evaluation and comparison of different optical image combiner solutions in respect to using a SVDC display architecture for near-eye stereoscopic AR display systems. Considered designs of optical image combiners include flat beam splitter with a refractive eyepiece, “bird-bath” optics, and single curved (free-form) reflective image combiner.