AR Display Segmented Spatial Light Modulator Power Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented reality (AR) display apparatuses face challenges in achieving low power consumption, compactness, and high energy efficiency while providing a large field of view with good resolution, especially in head-mounted displays that require reduced power consumption to operate without a cable connection.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus comprises an illumination device, a spatial light modulation device, and an optical system with a deflection device, where the spatial light modulation device generates images as segments only in specific regions of the field of view, reducing power consumption by minimizing data transfer and using a small number of pixels, and the optical system directs these segments to defined positions for superimposition on the physical surroundings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a spatial light modulator with a large number of pixels is used to generate a large field of view with good resolution, then the field of view and resolution are improved, but the power consumption increases due to longer data lines and more pixels requiring data transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the field of view into multiple discrete regions or zones. Instead of activating all pixels across the entire spatial light modulator, only the pixels corresponding to the currently viewed region are activated. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a large potential field of view while reducing the active pixel count at any given time, thereby reducing data transmission requirements and power consumption.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a spatial light modulator with a small number of pixels is used to reduce power consumption, then the power consumption is reduced, but the field of view and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic pixel activation system where the spatial light modulator adjusts which pixels are active based on the user's current viewing position and the required field of view. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use more pixels when a large field of view is needed and fewer pixels when power conservation is prioritized, optimizing the balance between field of view and power consumption in real-time.
3Quantity of substance
If the data lines from the edge of the spatial light modulator to the individual pixels are made longer to accommodate more pixels, then the pixel count increases, but the power consumption increases due to the longer data lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spatial light modulator into multiple zones or groups of pixels that can be independently controlled. By activating only the necessary segments rather than the entire modulator, the system reduces the number of active data lines and the length of data transmission paths, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining the capability to access a large total number of pixels when needed.
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 approach allows for energy-efficient representation of virtual information in AR displays, maintaining a large field of view with good resolution while minimizing power consumption, enabling users to observe both virtual and physical surroundings effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination device (10), in particular a laser, for emitting light
Implementation Method 2
spatial light modulation device (11), in particular a spatial light modulator (SLM), for modulating light emitted by the illumination device (10) in accordance with information to be represented
Implementation Method 3
an optical system (14) for generating at least one image of the spatial light modulation device (11)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a display apparatus which comprises an illumination device for emitting light, a spatial light modulation device for modulating incident light, an optical system and a control device. The optical system is provided for generating at least one image of the spatial light modulation device as a segment, where the optical system further comprises a deflection device for directing the image of the spatial light modulation device to a defined position in the field of view of a user. The control device is coupled to the illumination device and the deflection device and embodied to switch the illumination device on the basis of a control of the deflection device.