Non-Planar Computational Displays for Wide Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted displays (HMDs) for immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) have a bulky form factor and limited field of view due to the use of flat displays and single lenses, which impede the user's sense of presence and immersion in the 3D scene.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a non-planar computational display system that pairs display panels with a lenslet array to create a stereoscopic focus volume, allowing both eyes to perceive objects as in focus without reducing the field of view, achieved through a wrap-around form factor with display panels and lenslets that focus elemental images onto the user's eyes from different angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If flat displays and single lenses are used in HMDs, then the device structure is simple, but the field of view is limited and the moment of inertia increases making the device bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display system into multiple display panels arranged in a wrap-around configuration, with each panel serving a specific viewing zone. This segmentation allows the field of view to be expanded across multiple surfaces while keeping each individual panel manageable in size and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single planar display surface to a three-dimensional wrap-around configuration that conforms to the user's head shape. This dimensional change allows the display to extend around the user's field of view, significantly increasing the effective viewing area without proportionally increasing device bulk.
2Ease of manufacture
If flat displays and single lenses are used in HMDs, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the moment of inertia increases making the device bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs wrap-around display panels that curve to conform to the user's head shape, replacing flat surfaces with curved geometries. This curvature allows the display to wrap around the user's field of view, increasing the field of view while positioning display elements closer to the user's eyes, thereby reducing the moment of inertia.
3Volume of moving object
If conventional HMD configuration is used, then the device is compact, but the sense of presence and immersion in 3D scene is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the visual field into multiple zones covered by separate display panels, with each panel optimized for its specific viewing angle and distance. This segmentation enables the system to provide high-quality imagery across a wide field of view, enhancing the sense of presence and immersion while maintaining a relatively compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different display characteristics to different regions of the wrap-around configuration, optimizing each segment for its specific function. This local optimization ensures that each part of the display contributes maximally to the overall immersive experience, providing adaptability and versatility across the entire field of view.
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 configuration reduces the HMD's moment of inertia, maintains a wider field of view, and provides a more aesthetically pleasing appearance by allowing objects within a stereoscopic focus volume to appear in focus to both eyes, while minimizing the bulkiness and complexity of the device.
Implementation Method 1
a lenslet array to create a stereoscopic focus volume, allowing both eyes to perceive objects as in focus
Data Source
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AI summary
A near-eye display system [100] includes one or more non-planar display panels [110, 112] and a lenslet array [124] to display a near-eye lightfield frame [120]. The near-eye display system further includes a rendering component [104] to render, based on a stereoscopic focus volume [316] associated with a set of display geometry data of the one-or more non-planar display panels, the array of elemental images in the near-eye lightfield frame such that objects within the stereoscopic focus volume are perceived to be in focus by the user's eye.