Compensator for Chromatic Dispersion in Beam Steering Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted displays are bulky and heavy due to complex optics, leading to user discomfort and inefficiencies in virtual and augmented reality experiences, particularly due to chromatic dispersion issues that reduce display efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of a display device with a pixel array and microlens tiles that include compensators to manage light direction and reduce chromatic dispersion, enabling compact, efficient, and effective beam steering for improved user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electro-optic elements are used for beam steering, then display efficiency and user experience are improved, but chromatic dispersion occurs causing optical artifacts and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compensator as an intermediary optical element positioned between the pixel array and the electro-optic beam steering element. This compensator specifically addresses chromatic dispersion by pre-compensating the light before it enters the electro-optic element, thereby eliminating optical artifacts and improving display efficiency without sacrificing the beam steering functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The compensator performs preliminary anti-action by pre-correcting the chromatic dispersion of light before it enters the electro-optic beam steering element. This proactive compensation prevents the harmful chromatic dispersion effects from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to correct them afterward
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex optics are used in head-mounted displays, then beam steering functionality is achieved, but device weight and size increase causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct functional modules: a pixel array, a compensator, and an electro-optic beam steering element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables the use of compact integrated circuits for the beam steering functionality, reducing overall device weight while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical beam steering mechanisms with electro-optic elements that use electric fields to control light direction. This substitution eliminates moving parts, reduces mechanical complexity, and significantly decreases device weight while maintaining or improving beam steering performance
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
The solution results in compact, lightweight head-mounted displays with enhanced efficiency and user satisfaction by minimizing optical artifacts and maximizing display efficiency through effective light management.
Implementation Method 1
electro-optic elements often suffer from chromatic dispersion. Light of different wavelengths is dispersed into different directions
Implementation Method 2
one or more compensators located between the plurality of pixels and the beam steering device and configured to change a direction of the light
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes two or more subpixels. The plurality of pixels includes a first subpixel configured to transmit light of a first color and a second subpixel configured to transmit light of a second color that is distinct from the first color. The display device also includes a beam steering device, and one or more compensators located between the plurality of pixels and the beam steering device and configured to change a direction of the light from the first subpixel and transmit the light toward the beam steering device and change a direction of the light from the second subpixel and transmit the light toward the beam steering device.