Multi-Panel Foveated Display Optics for Wide Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
VR-compatible devices face challenges in achieving a wide viewing angle without the screen-door effect, high display quality, low cost, and low power consumption, particularly due to the complexity of optical systems and increased costs associated with high pixel density displays.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device comprising a first display panel with low pixel density for the peripheral field of view and two high pixel density display panels for the central field of view, utilizing half mirrors and lenses to synthesize images, allowing simultaneous image display at the same timing to reduce the screen-door effect and lower power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a relatively large display panel is used to increase viewing angle, then viewing angle is improved, but pixel density decreases causing screen-door effect
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple display panels with different resolutions, each assigned to specific visual fields (central or peripheral). This allows the overall system to achieve both high pixel density in central regions and wide viewing angle through the combination of panels, resolving the contradiction between viewing angle and pixel density.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the visual field are assigned different display qualities. High-resolution display panels are positioned for the central field of view where the fovea centralis provides high visual acuity, while lower-resolution panels are used for peripheral fields. This local differentiation allows the system to optimize pixel density where it matters most while maintaining wide viewing angles.
2Manufacturing precision
If a microdisplay with high pixel density is used to reduce screen-door effect, then pixel density is improved, but optical system complexity increases and cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The high pixel density requirement is segmented and applied only to the central field of view panels, while peripheral panels can use lower pixel density. This reduces the overall optical complexity compared to using a single high-resolution microdisplay for the entire field of view, while still eliminating the screen-door effect in the critical central viewing region.
Solution Approach 2:
High pixel density is applied locally only where the human eye's fovea centralis provides high visual acuity (central field of view), rather than uniformly across the entire display. This local application of high quality reduces the overall system complexity and cost while maintaining the appearance of high resolution where it is most needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If a microdisplay with high pixel density is used to reduce screen-door effect, then pixel density is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system segments the high pixel density requirement to only the central field of view panels, allowing peripheral panels to operate at lower power consumption levels. This segmented approach reduces total power consumption compared to driving an entire high-resolution microdisplay, while still achieving the screen-door effect reduction in the critical central viewing area.
Solution Approach 2:
High power consumption associated with high pixel density is localized only to the central field of view region where the fovea provides high visual acuity. Peripheral regions use lower power consumption displays, reducing overall system power consumption while maintaining the high-quality display appearance where the user's attention is focused.
4Manufacturing precision
If two display panels with different resolutions are used for foveated rendering, then viewing quality is improved, but number of display panels increases causing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple panels with different resolutions, with each panel assigned to specific visual fields based on human visual characteristics. This segmentation allows the use of cost-effective lower-resolution panels for peripheral views while maintaining high resolution in the central field, achieving quality improvement without requiring an excessive number of high-cost panels.
Solution Approach 2:
Different display qualities are assigned to different regions of the visual field according to the fovea centralis characteristics. High-resolution panels are positioned for central viewing where the fovea provides high visual acuity, while lower-resolution panels are used for peripheral fields. This local differentiation achieves high display quality where needed while controlling overall system cost through strategic panel placement and selection.
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 enables a wide viewing angle with reduced screen-door effect, lower manufacturing costs, and lower power consumption while maintaining high display quality, providing a sense of immersion and realism.
Implementation Method 1
an image of the third display portion that is reflected by the first half mirror
Implementation Method 2
An image of the first display portion that passes through the first half mirror
Implementation Method 3
An image of the first display portion that passes through the first half mirror and an image of the third display portion that is reflected by the first half mirror are seen through the first lens
Implementation Method 4
an image of the fourth display portion that is reflected by the second half mirror
Implementation Method 5
An image of the second display portion that passes through the second half mirror
Implementation Method 6
An image of the second display portion that passes through the second half mirror and an image of the fourth display portion that is reflected by the second half mirror are seen through the second lens
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device that can easily increase the viewing angle and has a reduced screen-door effect is provided. In the electronic device, images displayed on a display panel with a low pixel density and a display panel with a high pixel density are synthesized to be seen. The electronic device includes a first display panel that has a relatively large screen size and a low pixel density, and a second display panel and a third display panel each of which has a relatively small screen size and a high pixel density. The electronic device is configured such that visual information enters the central field of view from the second display panel or the third display panel and visual information enters the peripheral field of view from the first display panel. Such a configuration can easily increase the viewing angle and reduce the screen-door effect.