Nanophotonics Phased-Array Multifocal Display for Vergence-Accommodation Match
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtual and augmented reality displays suffer from vergence-accommodation mismatch, leading to psychophysical problems, and there is a need for advanced 3D graphics rendering and nanophotonics phased-arrays to address these issues and provide natural-to-senses VR and AR displays.
Innovation Solution
The use of nanophotonics phased-array chips to generate images with proximity effect correction, controlling optical signals, and projecting adjusted images to address the vergence-accommodation mismatch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multi-layered displays with LCD-generated parallax barriers are used to provide wide field of view and motion parallax cues, then field of view and image quality are improved, but vergence-accommodation mismatch is not addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into multiple focal planes arranged at different depths, with each plane containing a subset of image elements. This segmentation allows different regions of the display to operate at different focal distances, enabling simultaneous presentation of content at multiple depths while maintaining proper vergence-accommodation coupling for each plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single 2D display plane to a 3D stacked architecture with multiple focal planes separated by vertical distances. This dimensional extension into the depth axis enables the creation of a light field display that provides both wide field of view and correct vergence-accommodation relationships by presenting image elements at different axial positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If liquid lenses or deformable mirrors are used to achieve variable focal depth, then focal depth adjustment is improved, but device size and field of view are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single variable focal length element, the invention segments the display into multiple fixed focal planes, each optimized for a specific depth. This approach eliminates the need for bulky liquid lenses or deformable mirrors while achieving variable focal depth through the spatial arrangement of multiple planar layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical focusing systems (liquid lenses, deformable mirrors) with a static multi-plane architectural solution. By using fixed focal planes with carefully designed optical paths and light guiding structures, the system achieves focal depth variability without moving parts or complex mechanical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a stack of spatial light modulators is used to create images at varying focal depths, then multifocal capability is improved, but diffraction-related artifacts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the problematic diffraction-causing elements (closely spaced patterns in tightly packed display layers) while retaining the beneficial multifocal capability. By using spatial light modulators with carefully designed pixel structures and optical paths that avoid dense periodic patterning, the system reduces diffraction artifacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key physical parameters including the spacing between focal planes, the pixel pitch of spatial light modulators, and the optical wavelengths used. These parameter optimizations are specifically chosen to minimize diffraction effects while maintaining the ability to present images at multiple focal depths.
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 solution provides high-resolution, natural-to-senses VR and AR displays with improved image quality and reduced power consumption, enabling dynamic multifocal scenes and interactive 3D rendering.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a phase of an optical signal emanating from the nanophotonics phased-array chip
Implementation Method 2
applying a proximity effect on the image... performing proximity effect correction on the image with the proximity effect
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for displaying an image. A method may include generating an image from a tuned light pattern directly through a nanophotonics phased-array chip. The method may also include applying a proximity effect on the image. The method may further include adjusting an image quality of the image by performing proximity effect correction on the image with the proximity effect. In addition, the method may include controlling a phase of an optical signal emanating from the nanophotonics phased-array chip. Further, the method may include projecting the adjusted image based on the controlled phase of the optical signal.