Gradient Backlight Illumination for HMD Edge Softening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional head-mounted displays (HMDs) require software filters to soften image edges, which consume processing resources and cause rendering delays, especially in real-time applications like gaming, due to the need for stark contrast reduction at the viewing boundary.

Innovation Solution

An illumination gradient backlight is implemented along the viewing boundary of the display, providing a gradual fade to black, reducing the need for software filtering and minimizing power consumption by directing illumination only to the viewing region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If software filters are applied to soften image edges at the viewing boundary, then image quality is improved, but processing resources are consumed and rendering delays occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidrendering delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The illumination gradient is pre-configured in the backlight structure itself, creating the softening effect before the image is rendered. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for real-time software filtering during rendering, thus improving image quality without adding processing delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the software-based filtering mechanism with a physical/optical solution implemented in the backlight illumination system. By using optical gradients in the illumination rather than digital image processing, the system achieves edge softening without consuming processing resources or causing rendering delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If software filters are applied to soften image edges, then image quality is improved, but processing resources are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidprocessing burden

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the software processing mechanism with a physical illumination system that inherently provides the desired image quality. The gradient backlight structure creates soft edges through optical means rather than digital filtering, eliminating the processing burden while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The illumination system itself provides the edge softening function through its gradient design, without requiring external software processing. The backlight structure is self-sufficient in creating the desired visual effect, eliminating the need for additional processing resources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Illumination intensity

If the entire display is illuminated, then the viewing region is bright, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviewing region brightnessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The backlight system implements spatially varying illumination intensity, providing bright illumination only in the viewing region where it is needed, while reducing or eliminating illumination in non-viewing areas. This local differentiation maintains viewing region brightness while minimizing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent varies the illumination parameter (intensity) across different regions of the display based on their functional requirements. The viewing region receives high illumination intensity for visibility, while border or non-viewing regions receive reduced or zero illumination, optimizing power consumption through parameter differentiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution reduces processing burdens and eliminates rendering delays while minimizing power consumption by ensuring that only the viewing region is illuminated, enhancing user experience and performance in applications like gaming.

Implementation Method 1

An illumination gradient backlight is provided along a boundary of a viewing region of a display of the head mounted display. The illumination gradient backlight may include a gradient dot pattern that 'fades to black'.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIllumination gradient:

Implementation Method 2

The gradient dot pattern may provide a gradient illumination pattern in a display backlight along a boundary of a viewing region of the display that increases 'presence' for a user of the HMD by softening the edges of the image around a boundary of a viewing region of the display.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGradient illumination:

Data Source

PatentUS10831061B1Gradient backlight illumination

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 META PLATFORMS TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A display includes a display pixel array, a backlight emitter, and a lightguide. The backlight emitter provides illumination light. The lightguide receives the illumination light from the backlight emitter and distributes the illumination light to illuminate the display pixel array. The lightguide is configured to illuminate a viewing boundary of the display pixel array with an illumination gradient that fades from fully illuminated along a viewing portion to unilluminated along a non-viewing portion.