HMD Wide FOV and High Resolution via Dual Display Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Virtual Reality headsets face a trade-off between field of view (FOV) and display resolution, where expanding FOV often requires sacrificing resolution due to smaller pixel pitch, which is inadequate for tasks like reading text and documents.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted display system combining a non-transparent display for wide FOV and a transparent display with higher resolution inset light, where the transparent display directs higher resolution light to the eyebox area, allowing for both wide FOV and high resolution, especially in the middle of the field of view, and can be switched on/off based on use cases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the field of view (FOV) is expanded in conventional head mounted displays, then the FOV increases, but the display resolution is sacrificed due to smaller pixel pitch
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is divided into two distinct display devices: a first display device for providing wide field of view content and a second display device for providing high resolution inset content. This segmentation allows each display to be optimized for its specific function without compromise - the first display achieves wide FOV while the second display maintains high resolution for task-based content.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the visual field are provided with different display qualities. The peripheral and wide field areas use the first display device with lower resolution optimized for broad coverage, while the central foveal region uses the second display device with high resolution optimized for detailed viewing. This matches the human visual system's varying acuity across the field of view.
2Area of moving object
If a smaller pixel pitch is used to maintain resolution while expanding FOV, then the FOV increases, but the pixel pitch decreases leading to lower effective resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The display system separates the visual field into two zones served by different display devices with different pixel pitches. The first display device uses larger pixel pitch optimized for wide FOV coverage, while the second display device uses smaller pixel pitch optimized for high resolution in the inset region, eliminating the need to compromise overall pixel pitch.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a dimensional layer by introducing a second display device that overlays or integrates with the first display. This creates a multi-layered display architecture where resolution and FOV are optimized in different spatial dimensions rather than competing in the same dimensional space.
3Manufacturing precision
If a transparent display is added to provide high resolution inset light, then the display resolution in the central field of view improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second display device serves multiple functions: it provides high resolution content for task-based viewing, it can be selectively activated based on usage context, and it integrates with the existing first display device. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single additional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between using only the first display device and using both display devices together, depending on the content being displayed and the user's needs. This dynamic operation allows the system to manage complexity by activating the second display device only when high resolution inset content is required, rather than always operating at full complexity.
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 combination provides retinal resolution of approximately 1 arcminute in the central field of view, suitable for productivity tasks, while maintaining a wide FOV, and reduces the complexity and cost of manufacturing by minimizing exposure to bright light sources.
Implementation Method 1
The transparent display may include a lightguide that directs the inset display light to an eyebox area
Implementation Method 2
an optical assembly to direct the wide field of view display light to a wearer of the HMD
Data Source
AI summary
Display having a wide field of view is provided. A transparent display provides inset display light having a field of view narrower than the wide field of view. At least a portion of the display light propagates through the transparent display before becoming incident on an eye of the user of an HMD.