Compact Light Source for Head-Mounted Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted display devices are bulky and uncomfortable due to large and unbalanced light sources, which hinder their use in virtual and augmented reality applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact light source configuration using multiple sets of source elements on substrates with bond wires, electrically coupled to circuit pads, providing a spectral range suitable for true color blending, integrated with an optical assembly for collimation and scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional light sources are used in head-mounted display devices, then the spectral range suitable for true color blending is provided, but the device size becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is divided into multiple discrete source elements (first set and second set) mounted on separate substrates. Each source element can be independently configured to emit specific wavelengths, allowing the system to achieve full spectral range through combination rather than requiring a single large light source. This segmentation enables compact packaging while maintaining true color blending capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration where substrates are positioned at different heights (first substrate at first height, second substrate at second height). This vertical dimensionality change allows multiple light-emitting components to be packed in a compact volume while maintaining their individual spectral characteristics and enabling true color blending.
2Power
If conventional light source configurations are used, then adequate light output is achieved, but the head-mounted display device becomes heavy and unbalanced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the light source into multiple discrete elements on separate substrates, each component can be optimized for minimal weight while collectively providing adequate light output. The segmented structure allows for more efficient material usage and reduces overall mass compared to a single large light source assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical stacking arrangement (first substrate at first height, second substrate at second height) concentrates the light-generating components in a compact vertical space, reducing the horizontal footprint and overall device weight. This three-dimensional configuration allows adequate light output from a smaller total mass compared to conventional planar arrangements.
3Volume of moving object
If compact light source design is implemented, then device portability is improved, but the spectral range for true color blending may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The compact design achieves full spectral range by using multiple segmented source elements, each responsible for specific wavelength ranges. The first set of source elements and second set of source elements work together to provide complete color spectrum, proving that segmentation enables both compactness and spectral completeness simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent successfully maintains full spectral range in a compact form factor by utilizing vertical stacking (different heights for substrates). This three-dimensional arrangement packs multiple spectrally-distinct light sources into a small volume, achieving both compact device size and complete spectral output for true color blending.
4Volume of moving object
If multiple source elements on separate substrates are used, then compact integration is achieved, but electrical coupling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into multiple source elements and substrates does increase the number of electrical connections required, it enables compact integration that would be impossible with a single substrate design. The modular segmented structure allows for systematic electrical coupling strategies and facilitates future scalability without proportionally increasing overall device size.
Data Source
AI summary
A light source includes a first set of source elements and a second set of source elements. A respective set of source elements is disposed on a respective substrate and electrically coupled to a respective set of circuit pads formed on a respective top surface of the respective substrate by respective bond wires. At least a portion of the respective top surfaces face each other and are spaced apart from each other to accommodate at least some of the first set of source elements, at least some of the second set of source elements, and at least some of the bond wires. The display device that includes a light source configured to output image light, an optical assembly configured to collimate the image light, a scanning assembly configured to steer the image light, and an output device configured to output the image light for displaying images is also disclosed.