Foveated Display Apparatus Using Segmented Optical Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current near-eye display technologies for virtual and augmented reality face challenges in efficiently processing high-resolution images across the entire field of view, leading to increased computational load and limited eyebox size, which affects user experience and compatibility with varying eye gaps.

Innovation Solution

A foveated display apparatus that combines a 2D image display panel with a hologram image display panel, using a light guide plate and holographic optical element to provide high resolution only in the fovea area and low resolution in the peripheral area, allowing for a narrow angle of view for the hologram and a wide angle of view for the 2D image, thereby reducing computational load and increasing eyebox size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high resolution images are displayed across the entire field of view, then image quality is improved, but computational load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidcomputational load
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by displaying high-resolution images only in the foveal region (central vision area) where human eyes have highest acuity, while displaying low-resolution images in the peripheral regions. This selective resolution approach maintains perceived image quality while dramatically reducing the computational load required for image processing and rendering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Measurement precision

If high resolution images are displayed across the entire field of view, then image quality is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by displaying high-resolution images only in the foveal region (central vision area) where human eyes have highest acuity, while displaying low-resolution images in the peripheral regions. This selective resolution approach maintains perceived image quality while dramatically reducing the computational load required for image processing and rendering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If a single optical system is used for the entire field of view, then device complexity is reduced, but eyebox size is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical system configurationVSAvoideyebox size
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the field of view into multiple regions (foveal region and peripheral regions) and assigns different optical systems to each region. The foveal region uses a first optical system optimized for high resolution, while peripheral regions use a second optical system optimized for wide field of view. This segmentation enables a larger overall eyebox size by allowing each optical system to be optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This approach enhances the user experience by providing high-resolution, stereoscopic images with reduced computational load and increased eyebox size, allowing for better compatibility with different eye gaps and adjustable depth perception without causing dizziness.

Implementation Method 1

a light guide plate configured to transmit the 2D image at a first angle of view to an eye of a user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a holographic optical element configured to transmit the hologram image at a second angle of view to the eye of the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHolography:

Implementation Method 3

holographic optical element configured to transmit the hologram image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical diffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP4016170B1Foveated display apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.01.08 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4016170B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4016170B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4016170B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A foveated display apparatus includes a first display panel configured to form a two-dimensional (2D) image; a second display panel configured to form a hologram image comprising a three-dimensional (3D) image; a light guide plate configured to transmit the 2D image at a first angle of view to an eye of a user; and a holographic optical element configured to transmit the hologram image at a second angle of view to the eye of the user, the second angle of view being smaller than the first angle of view.