In-Eye Icon Projection via Diffraction Grating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic displays, such as LED and liquid crystal displays, consume excessive power in situations where energy is limited, making them impractical for certain applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of transmissive and reflective display elements that employ a diffraction grating and a light source, such as a light emitting diode or laser diode, to project fixed icons directly into the user's eye with minimal divergence, reducing the need for external power consumption and allowing for low-power operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional electronic displays (LED, liquid crystal) are used, then display functionality is achieved, but power consumption is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple diffraction gratings arranged in a grid pattern, with each grating corresponding to a specific symbol. Only the gratings associated with currently needed symbols are illuminated, allowing selective activation of display elements to reduce overall power consumption while maintaining display effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local illumination where specific regions of the display (corresponding to needed symbols) are illuminated while other regions remain dark. This localized activation reduces total power consumption while ensuring that the displayed information remains clear and effective for the user.
2Measurement precision
If modern solid state displays are miniaturized, then screen resolution is improved, but power consumption remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The display system updates symbols periodically or on-demand rather than continuously refreshing all display elements. The controller activates diffraction gratings only when symbol changes are needed, reducing power consumption while maintaining high resolution display capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of illuminating or updating the entire display array, the system applies partial action by activating only the specific diffraction gratings needed for current display requirements. This selective activation maintains resolution where needed while minimizing overall power consumption.
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 enables efficient, low-power display of symbols and images directly in the user's eye, minimizing power usage and maintaining clear visibility of the outside world, even in low-energy situations.
Implementation Method 1
A diffraction grating, when illuminated with light, produces image light of a fixed icon
Implementation Method 2
a light source, such as a light emitting diode or laser diode
Implementation Method 3
a light source, such as a light emitting diode or laser diode
Data Source
AI summary
A method of in-eye icon projection using an electronic device includes emitting light with a light source in response to detecting an image condition. The light is then projected onto a diffraction grating, and the diffraction grating, when illuminated with the light, produces image light of a fixed icon. An image of the fixed icon is formed in an eye of a user, and the image of the fixed icon occupies only part of the user's field of view. The image light has a limited divergence such that the image of the fixed icon is only viewable in a single user's field of view.