Leaky Mode Display Circular Buffer for Pixel Persistence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Driving large leaky mode arrays in holographic video systems is complex and resource-intensive due to the need for frequent updating of small aperture devices, which consumes significant computing, electronics, and power resources, as pixels do not persist unless constantly rewritten.

Innovation Solution

A circular buffer system that recycles surface acoustic wave signals across a leaky mode device's substrate, providing a perception of persistence by amplifying and reintroducing the signal, thereby reducing the need for continuous rewriting and resource consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If pixels are constantly rewritten to maintain persistence in leaky mode displays, then persistence is achieved, but resource consumption and system complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel persistenceVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous signal circulation through a feedback loop where the output of the leaky mode device is fed back to the input via a delay line and buffer. This creates a persistent state without requiring continuous external rewriting, as the signal continuously recirculates through the system maintaining the display state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the output signal from the leaky mode device is captured, stored in a circular buffer, and then fed back to the input. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain persistent states by continuously reinforcing the signal without requiring new input data, thereby reducing the complexity of external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Duration of action of stationary object

If pixels are constantly rewritten to maintain persistence in leaky mode displays, then persistence is achieved, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepixel persistenceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous recirculation of signals through the feedback loop eliminates the need for repeated writing operations from external sources. Once signals are in the circular buffer, they continue to circulate and drive the display with minimal additional power, maintaining persistence efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system becomes self-sustaining through the feedback mechanism. The leaky mode device's own output is fed back to maintain its display state, allowing the system to persist without continuous external intervention or power-intensive rewriting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If small aperture leaky mode devices are updated frequently to maintain image quality, then display quality is maintained, but computing resources are consumed significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidcomputing resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The circular buffer stores pre-captured signal frames that can be reused. Instead of computing new display data continuously, the system retrieves and recirculates previously computed and captured signals, maintaining display quality while eliminating redundant computing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates copies of the signal in the circular buffer and recirculates these copies rather than continuously generating new signals. This copying approach maintains display quality by repeating the same high-quality signal while consuming minimal computing resources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Duration of action of stationary object

If large leaky mode arrays are driven with frequent updates, then persistence is maintained, but the complexity of driving the array increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovepersistenceVSAvoidease of driving array
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The circular buffer system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores signals, provides feedback for persistence, reduces update frequency requirements, and simplifies the control interface. This multi-functional approach makes driving large arrays easier while maintaining persistence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The circular buffer acts as an intermediary between the external control system and the leaky mode device array. It absorbs the complexity of timing and synchronization, allowing the external system to operate at lower frequencies while the buffer handles the continuous signal recirculation needed for persistence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 circular buffer system creates persistence in holographic elements without constant rewriting, significantly reducing resource consumption and complexity in driving large leaky mode arrays, allowing for efficient operation of holographic displays.

Implementation Method 1

a first SAW (surface acoustic wave) transducer, which converts the RF input signal to a SAW and launches the SAW to propagate across the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface acoustic wave: Surface Acoustic Wave

Implementation Method 2

a first SAW (surface acoustic wave) transducer, which converts the RF input signal to a SAW

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

a second SAW transducer, which receives the SAW, converts back into an RF signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface acoustic wave: Surface Acoustic Wave

Implementation Method 4

a second SAW transducer, which receives the SAW, converts back into an RF signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 5

an amplifier, which amplifies the RF signal and forwards the amplified signal to the signal arbiter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification: Magnetic Amplifier

Data Source

PatentUS10474101B2Circular buffers for leaky mode displays
Publication Date: 2019.11.12 BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIV
  • US10474101B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and system for recycling signals in a leaky mode device for a holographic display or other application. A leaky mode device comprises at least a first transducer, a substrate, and a second transducer. The first transducer may be configured to receive an input signal from a signal arbiter, which forwards to the first transducer as an input signal either a new input signal or a recycled input signal (or some combination of the two). The first transducer converts the received input signal to a SAW (surface acoustic wave) and transmits the SAW through the substrate to the second transducer, which converts the received SAW to an output signal, and forwards the output signal to an amplifier, which amplifies the output signal (now a “recycled” signal) and forwards to the signal arbiter. This system facilitates persistence for points in a holographic display without the need for continually rewriting to leaky mode devices.