Folded Display Optics Ghosting Compensation by Pixel Convolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Folded optical systems in devices like VR/AR headsets suffer from ghosting artifacts due to light leakage through reflective components, leading to compromised image quality and complexity in design and manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that computes compensatory color values for pixel regions susceptible to ghosting, using a convolution process to adjust input images before display, thereby compensating for light leakage effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If folded optical systems with reflective components are used to create compact layout, then device size and weight are reduced, but ghosting artifacts appear due to light leakage through the reflective components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidghosting artifacts
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the input image to predict and compensate for ghosting artifacts before the image is displayed. The system calculates compensatory color values for pixels that are likely to be affected by light leakage, and applies these corrections in advance. This allows the compact folded optical system to maintain image quality without requiring larger, more complex anti-ghosting measures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the color parameters of affected pixels by calculating compensatory color values that counteract the expected ghosting effects. The system adjusts the color values of pixels in the input image based on predicted light leakage patterns, transforming the image data to compensate for the optical system's imperfections. This parameter transformation allows the compact design to overcome its inherent light leakage problems through software-based correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If high-quality materials and coatings are used to prevent light leakage, then ghosting artifacts are reduced, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight leakageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a digital model or representation of the ghosting problem through prediction algorithms that simulate light leakage patterns. Instead of physically modifying the optical components with expensive coatings, the system creates a computational model of the expected artifacts and uses this to guide pre-processing corrections. This virtual modeling approach replaces the need for costly physical modifications while achieving similar ghosting reduction效果.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical approach of preventing light leakage through physical barriers and coatings with a computational approach. Instead of using complex multi-layer coatings or additional optical elements to block light leakage, the system uses image processing algorithms to predict and compensate for the effects. This substitution of mechanical/optical solutions with computational methods significantly reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If precise alignment of reflective components is ensured to maintain performance, then image quality is preserved, but design and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoiddesign complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to self-correct for misalignment and light leakage effects through automated prediction and compensation algorithms. The pre-processing stage automatically calculates compensatory values based on the specific optical system characteristics and input image content, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments or complex mechanical precision requirements. The system serves itself by detecting and correcting its own deficiencies through computational methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 adjusted images displayed on the apparatus appear free from ghosting artifacts, maintaining image quality and fidelity by pre-processing the input images to account for light leakage.

Implementation Method 1

the lens unit focusses light from the display panel to a user's eye

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight focusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 2

reflective components (such as prisms, polarizing filters, mirrors, and so on) that can fold light by reflecting of the light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260003190A1Method and system for compensating for ghosting artifacts in display apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.01.01 VARJO TECH OY
  • US20260003190A1 patent drawing
  • US20260003190A1 patent drawing
  • US20260003190A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a method and a system for compensating for ghosting artifacts in a display apparatus. The method includes receiving an input image intended for display on a display panel within the display apparatus. The method further includes analyzing the input image to identify pixel regions susceptible to ghosting based on proximity to an optical axis of a lens unit in the display apparatus. The method further includes calculating a compensatory color value for each pixel in the identified pixel regions using a convolution process. The compensatory color value incorporates effects of light leakage from surrounding pixels on the corresponding pixel. The method further includes applying the compensatory color values to the corresponding pixels in the identified pixel regions for generating an adjusted image. The method further includes displaying the adjusted image on the display panel of the display apparatus.