Near-Eye Display Layered Metalens Array for Wide FOV Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Near-eye display devices struggle to provide high image quality, high pixel density, and wide field of view while seamlessly blending virtual images with the real environment, limiting the user experience in augmented reality applications.

Innovation Solution

A near-eye display device with a double-sided non-coaxial design featuring arrays of island-shaped displays and optical elements, such as microlenses or metalenses, configured in different layers to maximize light transmission and image splicing, allowing for a complete and continuous virtual image presentation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If arrays of display units and optical elements are configured in different layers with one-to-one correspondence, then image quality and field of view are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a planar single-layer display configuration to a three-dimensional multi-layer stacked configuration. Display units are arranged in an array on a first substrate, with corresponding optical elements positioned on a second substrate at different spatial coordinates (x, y, z). This dimensional transition enables one-to-one correspondence between display units and optical elements, improving image quality and field of view while managing complexity through structured spatial organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The display device is segmented into multiple functional layers: a first light transmission substrate containing display unit arrays, a second light transmission substrate containing optical element arrays, and supporting structures. This segmentation allows independent optimization of display and optical functions, with each layer performing its specific function while contributing to the overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If display units are arranged in arrays with intervals, then light transmission area is maximized, but pixel density decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmission areaVSAvoidpixel density
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the conflict between light transmission area and pixel density by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple display units can be positioned at different z-heights while maintaining high areal density on each substrate layer. The interval between adjacent display units on the same layer maximizes light transmission, while the third dimension provides additional space for optical elements and light propagation paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functional components into an integrated stacked structure where display units, optical elements, and light transmission substrates are merged into a compact assembly. This merging allows the system to achieve both high light transmission area (through optimized spacing on each layer) and high effective pixel density (through vertical stacking of multiple high-density layers).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If optical elements are configured to correspond one-to-one with display units, then image magnification and clarity are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage clarityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses three-dimensional spatial arrangement to simplify the manufacturing process. By positioning optical elements on a separate second substrate at different z-heights from display units, the system achieves precise one-to-one correspondence without requiring complex lateral alignment. The vertical stacking approach allows for independent fabrication and testing of each layer before assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining high image clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light transmission substrates as intermediary components between display units and optical elements. These substrates serve as precise positioning platforms that facilitate accurate alignment during manufacturing. The substrates act as mediators that enable the complex one-to-one correspondence requirement while simplifying the actual assembly process through pre-positioned mounting structures and alignment features.

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 device enhances image quality and field of view, enabling seamless integration of virtual and real environments by maximizing the effective light transmission area and image magnification up to 11.3 times, resulting in a clear and continuous spliced image.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of arrays of optical elements. The arrays of optical elements are configured on the second light transmission substrate. An interval between two adjacent optical elements is a light transmission region. Each display unit has a one-to-one correspondence with the optical element in the stacking direction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight refraction and focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS20260016696A1Near-eye display device
Publication Date: 2026.01.15 IND TECH RES INST
  • US20260016696A1 patent drawing
  • US20260016696A1 patent drawing
  • US20260016696A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A near-eye display device includes a first light transmission substrate, a plurality of display units, a second light transmission substrate, and a plurality of metalenses. The display units are configured on the first light transmission substrate. An interval between two adjacent display units is a light transmission region. The second light transmission substrate is configured in a different layer from the first light transmission substrate in a stacking direction. The metalenses are configured on the second light transmission substrate. An interval between two adjacent metalenses is a light transmission region. Each display unit has a one-to-one correspondence with the metalens in the stacking direction.