MEMS Virtual Image Display System with Non-Constant Scan Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted display devices for virtual reality and augmented reality struggle to expand the field of view and view angle while maintaining image quality, due to technical limitations of light emitters.
Innovation Solution
A Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based virtual image display system that uses multiple light emitters and MEMS mirrors to vary the light direction of light signals over time, forming image frames with expanded resolution and field of view without sacrificing pixel density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the field of view and view angle are expanded in head-mounted display devices, then the sense of immersion and image information perception are improved, but the image resolution and clarity deteriorate due to technical limitations of light emitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image frame into multiple regions (central region and peripheral regions) and applies different light signal densities to different regions. The central region receives a higher density of light signals while peripheral regions receive fewer light signals, allowing the field of view to be expanded without uniformly reducing resolution across the entire display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements non-uniform light signal distribution where the central region of the image frame is allocated more light signals compared to peripheral regions. This local quality differentiation maintains high resolution in the central viewing area while expanding the overall field of view, resolving the contradiction between immersive experience and image clarity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of light signals is increased to improve resolution, then the image clarity is improved, but the field of view and view angle remain limited by the light emitter capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic light direction modification using MEMS mirrors that can rapidly change the direction of light signals. This dynamic capability allows the system to scan and illuminate different regions of the field of view over time, effectively expanding the visible area while maintaining high light signal density in the central region where resolution is most critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic scanning of light signals across the field of view through the light direction modifier. By systematically directing light signals to different regions in a periodic manner, the system expands the effective field of view while concentrating light signals to maintain high resolution in key areas during each scan cycle.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple light emitters are used to expand field of view, then the field of view and resolution are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the light direction modifier serve multiple functions: it directs light signals to expand the field of view, maintains high resolution through precise angular control, and enables both central and peripheral region illumination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite achieving expanded field of view and high resolution.
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 system achieves superior image quality with expanded field of view and resolution, maintaining high pixel density even in expanded field of view scenarios, enhancing user immersion in virtual reality and augmented reality experiences.
Implementation Method 1
A Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based virtual image display system
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual image display system for displaying virtual images having expanded resolution and field of view is disclosed. The virtual image display system comprises a first light emitter emitting a plurality of first light signals to be projected into a viewer's eye; a first light direction modifier varying a light direction of the plurality of first light signals emitted from the first light emitter. The light direction of first light signals is varied at a first scan rate with respect to time within a first spatial range for displaying a first image frame with a predetermined number of light signals and the first scan rate is non-constant.