Asymmetric Sub-pixel Offsets for HMD Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stereoscopic VR HMDs using matrix displays with sub-optimal pixel structures and large pixel pitches result in perceived image resolution and quality issues due to shared sub-pixel elements and irregular arrangements, such as PenTile, which affect the virtual image quality.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves offsetting and rotating sub-pixel elements in one display portion relative to the other in a stereoscopic head-mounted display system, allowing for improved alignment and increased perceived resolution by adjusting the sub-pixel arrangement and image data to create a stereoscopic image with higher resolution, particularly for objects at infinity focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If PenTile matrix arrangement with shared sub-pixel elements is used, then manufacturing complexity and cost are reduced, but perceived virtual image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using different sub-pixel arrangements for the left and right display portions. Specifically, one display uses a PenTile arrangement while the other uses a different arrangement (such as RGB stripe or different PenTile configuration), creating intentional asymmetry between the stereoscopic channels. This asymmetric design allows each eye to receive optimized sub-pixel information, improving overall perceived resolution while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the resolution limitation by transitioning from a two-dimensional sub-pixel sharing model to a three-dimensional stereoscopic model. By utilizing the depth dimension of binocular vision, the system effectively increases the perceived resolution through the combination of two slightly different images from left and right displays, where sub-pixels from both displays contribute to the final virtual image formation.
2Ease of manufacture
If large pixel pitch displays are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but perceived image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the contributions of sub-pixels from both left and right display portions to form the final virtual image. By combining the optical paths and sub-pixel information from two displays with large pixel pitches, the system achieves an effective resolution that is higher than what would be possible with a single display, thereby compensating for the large pixel pitch while maintaining manufacturing cost benefits.
3Device complexity
If identical images are displayed on both left and right display portions, then device complexity is reduced, but perceived resolution is limited to single display resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces asymmetry in the image content displayed to left and right eyes, creating true stereoscopic images rather than identical copies. This asymmetric image presentation, combined with different sub-pixel arrangements on each display, enables the system to achieve higher perceived resolution by utilizing the full capability of both displays in the stereoscopic rendering process.
Data Source
AI summary
A stereoscopic VR HMD has left and right display portions in which one of the display portions is arranged with a transformation to improve the perceived virtual image resolution and therefore the perceived virtual image quality. The transformation can include offsetting sub-pixels of one of the display portions in the horizontal and if desired vertical dimensions relative to the other display portion. By applying very small (sub-millimeter) offsets along with appropriately adjusted image data, two slightly different virtual images form a stereoscopic image with a perceived increased of resolution in the binocular overlap zone established by the display portions.