Portable 3D Laser Projector Using Mixed Polarization Technique

Abstract

This paper introduces a new twist on stereoscopic displays-one that has similarities to existing methods in that it utilizes both polarization and color to present different stereo 3D perspectives to each eye, but by combining the use of polarization and color, it avoids weaknesses associated with previous methods. This new method is named Mixed Polarization 3D. Color imbalance artifacts associated with anaglyph methods of 3D are avoided by alternating the colors presented to each eye. Flicker, associated with polarization-sequential 3D, or the need to increase the frame rate to at least 120 Hz to avoid this perceived flicker, is avoided in mixed polarization 3D by presenting both eyes with 3D information in every single frame. It is particularly aimed at use in scanned laser projectors where all three primary colors (R, G, B) are already polarized and simultaneously displayed. Like other polarization-based approaches, it requires the use of a polarization-preserving screen and inexpensive passive polarization glasses. The 3D display needs just a single handheld mobile projector coupled with an active polarization rotator, thus the image registration problems with two projectors is avoided.

Wearable and augmented reality displays using MEMS and SLMs

“…Other noteworthy features of the miniature projector are its focus free operation due to the emission of highly directive laser light, and very rich color gamut. 3D PicoP is also possible using an active polarization rotator and passive glasses using the mixed polarization 3D technique we developed [2].…”

“…The increased light efficiency also enables sufficiently bright images visible under sunlight. Since retroreflector screens also maintain polarization, the HMPD can be extended to have 3D capability with minimum additional cost [2]. In particular, if a dynamic polarization rotator is deployed at the exit of the projector, left and right views can be polarization encoded, and then may simply be selected by a simple polarized glass, as in Fig.1c.…”

Head-mounted mixed reality projection display for games production and entertainment

“…In the past, retroreflective surfaces were used as a part of head-worn displays as in the case of [3,15,31] as well. Combining a recently licensed stereoscopy method [2,8] based on polarized glasses is as well an easily realizable method for providing 3D imagery.…”

“…The active methods such as shutter glasses [11] cause noticeable flicker with our prototype, due to the low vertical refresh rate of the pico projector. Previously, a new method [2] which solves the flicker problem and combines the benefits of a shutter glasses system with a polarized passive glasses type system has been invented. Although Fig.…”

Head-worn mixed reality projection display application

“…In the past, retro-reflective surfaces were used as a part of head-worn displays as in the case of [2,14,29] as well. Combining a recently licensed stereoscopy method [7,1] based on polarized glasses is as well an easily realizable method for providing 3D imagery.…”