Augmented Reality Near-to-Eye Display with Segmented Micro Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality near-to-eye displays face challenges in achieving retinal resolution and full-color, 90-degree field of view due to limitations in pixel count, pixel density, and angular bandwidth of the image guide.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of single-chip, FOV-selective, and variable resolution image projection, combined with multiplexed full-color image transfer via a single image guide, utilizing techniques such as Time Division Multiple Access, Frequency Division Multiple Access, and Wavelength Division Multiplexing, along with polarization and space multiplexing, to overcome the limitations of pixel count and angular bandwidth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the entire FOV of 90 degrees supports retinal resolution, then the image quality and resolution are improved, but the required pixel counts and pixel densities exceed state-of-the-art micro displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the 90-degree field of view into multiple sub-fields of view (sub-FOVs), with each sub-FOV being rendered by a separate micro display device. This segmentation allows the total pixel requirement to be distributed across multiple devices, each handling a portion of the total FOV, thereby making the system feasible with current micro display technology while still achieving retinal resolution across the entire 90-degree FOV.
2Measurement precision
If a 10M-pixel micro display was developed with state-of-the-art 3 um pixel pitch, then the resolution is improved, but the display size becomes 16×5.4 mm which is too large for mobile AR-NED
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large 10M-pixel display into multiple smaller micro display devices, each with fewer pixels (e.g., several hundred thousand pixels per device). This segmentation reduces the physical size of each individual display component, making them suitable for mobile AR-NED applications, while the combination of multiple devices collectively provides the required retinal resolution across the full FOV.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple image guides are used to transfer different sub-FOVs, then the FOV coverage is improved, but the size, weight, and cost become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple micro display devices and their corresponding image guides into an integrated optical system where the components are closely coupled and share common optical paths and structural support. This merging approach reduces the overall size and weight compared to separate systems, while still enabling multi-FOV coverage through the coordinated operation of multiple devices.
4Area of stationary object
If the angular bandwidth of the image guide is increased to transfer 90 deg FOV, then the FOV capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 90-degree FOV transfer task into multiple smaller angular bandwidth requirements, with each image guide handling a specific sub-FOV range. This segmentation allows each image guide to be manufactured with standard angular bandwidth specifications, avoiding the need for complex high-bandwidth image guides while achieving the overall 90-degree FOV capability through the combination of multiple devices.
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 effectively increases the channel capacity, enabling full-color, 90-degree field of view, and retinal image resolution while reducing the size, weight, and power consumption of the display optics, thus addressing the challenges faced by current AR near-to-eye displays.
Implementation Method 1
a digital micromirror device (DMD) with an illumination source optically couple thereto; wherein a plurality of wavelengths from the illumination source each have a total field of view (FOV) and the DMD divides the total FOV into sub-FOVs
Implementation Method 2
an image guide having an input grating and output grating, the input grating optically coupled to the DMD such that the image guide receives the plurality of wavelengths with sub-FOVs from the DMD at the input grating
Implementation Method 3
a holographic waveguide optically coupled to the output grating of the image guide such that the holographic waveguide receives the plurality of wavelengths with sub-FOVs and multiplexes the plurality of wavelengths to the total FOV
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile augmented reality near to eye display having one of a single chip programmed, configured, or adapted to permit user selective field of view and a variable resolution image projection, or a single image guide adapted to multiplexed full color image transfer to achieve full color, 90 degrees FOV, and retinal image resolution.