DMD Multiplexed Image Transfer for Compact Wide-FOV AR Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality (AR) display devices face challenges in reducing the form factor while achieving a wide Field of View (FOV), high resolution, large horizontal and vertical eye-box size, and high photon throughput, which are essential for Near to Eye Displays (NEDs) like prescription glasses.
Innovation Solution
Employing an Angular Spatial Light Modulator (ASLM) with a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) for space, time, and angular division multiplexed image transfer, dynamically redistributing image signals into multiple domains such as space, time, angle, wavelength, and polarization, using a programmable blazed grating with electrically controlled grating vectors to achieve a wide FOV and high resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional display devices are used, then basic display function is achieved, but form factor is large and Field of View is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image transfer process into multiple domains (space, time, angle, wavelength, polarization) allowing the display system to distribute image information across different channels. This segmentation enables a compact form factor while maintaining wide FOV by dividing the optical path into multiple multiplexed channels rather than requiring a single large optical system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces additional dimensions for image transfer beyond traditional spatial display. By utilizing time multiplexing, angular multiplexing, wavelength multiplexing, and polarization multiplexing, the system adds temporal, angular, spectral, and polarization dimensions to the image transfer process, enabling compact AR displays with wide FOV
2Measurement precision
If display resolution is increased, then image quality is improved, but photon throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple image channels (spatial, temporal, angular, wavelength, polarization) into a unified display system. By combining these multiplexed channels, the system achieves high resolution through angular and spectral differentiation while maintaining high photon throughput by utilizing the full optical bandwidth across multiple domains simultaneously
3Area of stationary object
If eye-box size is enlarged, then user comfort is improved, but optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal optical architecture where a single ASLM device performs multiple functions: spatial light modulation, angular beam steering, wavelength multiplexing, and polarization control. This multi-functionality enables a large eye-box size while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate optical systems, as one device handles all these functions through domain multiplexing
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 ASLM enables a 90°×30° FOV with 1 arcmin/pixel resolution and a 20 mm×14 mm eye-box, effectively addressing the challenges of bandwidth management and optical architecture in AR displays by dynamically distributing images across multiple domains, reducing optics volume, and expanding the eye-box without pupil expanding gratings.
Implementation Method 1
employing a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD)... enables angle-dependent image projection by employing a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD)
Implementation Method 2
space, time, and angular division multiplexed image transfer by DMD... enables image transfer via an angular band-limited data channel such as an optical image guide by dynamically redistributing a signal into multiple domains such as space, time, angle, wavelength, and polarization
Implementation Method 3
using a programmable blazed grating with electrically controlled grating vectors to achieve a wide FOV and high resolution
Data Source
AI summary
A design and implementation of a new optical architecture: space, time, and angular division multiplexed image transfer by Digital Micromirror Device. The method, like various multiplexing methods employed in communication engineering, enables image transfer via an angular band-limited data channel such as an optical image guide by dynamically redistributing a signal into multiple domains such as space, time, angle, wavelength, and polarization.