Augmented Reality Vector Light Field Display with Large Viewing Distance Based on Pixelated Multilevel Blazed Gratings

Abstract

Glasses-free augmented reality (AR) 3D display has attracted great interest in its ability to merge virtual 3D objects with real scenes naturally, without the aid of any wearable devices. Here we propose an AR vector light field display based on a view combiner and an off-the-shelf purchased projector. The view combiner is sparsely covered with pixelated multilevel blazed gratings (MBG) for the projection of perspective virtual images. Multi-order diffraction of the MBG is designed to increase the viewing distance and vertical viewing angle. In a 20-inch prototype, multiple sets of 16 horizontal views form a smooth parallax. The viewing distance of the 3D scene is larger than 5 m. The vertical viewing angle is 15.6°. The light efficiencies of all views are larger than 53%. We demonstrate that the displayed virtual 3D scene retains natural motion parallax and high brightness while having a consistent occlusion effect with natural objects. This research can be extended to applications in areas such as human–computer interaction, entertainment, education, and medical care.

Automotive Augmented Reality Head-Up Displays

“…In general, the aforementioned 3D-HUD schemes integrate existing 3D display technology (such as 3D displays based on parallax barriers, column lens arrays, spatial-temporal multiplexing, vector light fields, etc. [88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95]) with an eye-tracking algorithm to generate separate eyeboxes for both eyes in order to minimize crosstalk. However, due to the vergence-accommodation conflict, it is still under investigation whether discomfort will occur for high-speed vehicle drivers.…”

Light Field Visualization for Training and Education: A Review

“…Beyond well-known sensors such as an accelerometer, the abstract of the work claims the usage of so-called "LF sensors"; however, the work clearly reports that those are, in fact, regular light sensors-hence, another false positive of this analysis. Shi et al [72] introduced an LFD system composed of a projector and a view combiner. The work highlights the properties of the system, including the size of the display (20 inch), the vertical viewing angle (15.6 degrees), and the potential viewing distance (over 5 m).…”