One-Dimensional Pixel Array with Scanning Mirror for Compact AR Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented and virtual reality display systems face challenges in providing a comfortable and natural presentation of virtual image elements amidst real-world imagery due to limitations in pixel density and resolution, leading to discomfort from mismatches in accommodative and vergence states.
Innovation Solution
A display system utilizing a pixel array with a scanning mirror and relay optics, where pixels are offset and synchronized to project light onto a relay optics, achieving higher perceived pixel density and resolution, and incorporating waveguides to provide accurate wavefront divergence cues for depth perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional display systems use standard pixel arrays without scanning mechanisms, then the device structure is simpler, but the pixel density and resolution are insufficient leading to user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple columns that are scanned sequentially by the scanning mirror. Instead of displaying all pixels simultaneously, the system segments the pixel columns and activates them in sequence during the scanning process, effectively doubling the perceived pixel density while using a compact physical array
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning mirror dynamically changes its orientation to direct light from different pixel columns to the relay optics at different times. This dynamic scanning mechanism allows a compact pixel array to achieve the resolution equivalent of a much larger static array, resolving the contradiction between high pixel density and simple device structure
2Measurement precision
If the pixel array size is increased to improve resolution, then the image quality improves, but the form factor increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a compact pixel array with multiple columns that are scanned sequentially. By dividing the pixel array into columns and activating them in sequence during scanning, the system achieves high image resolution without requiring a physically large pixel array, thus maintaining a compact form factor
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning mirror performs periodic scanning motion to sequentially activate different pixel columns. This periodic action allows a small pixel array to produce high-resolution images over time, avoiding the need for a large static array that would increase form factor
3Reliability
If conventional display systems lack accurate wavefront divergence cues, then the device is simpler, but the depth perception and natural feeling are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The relay optics act as an intermediary between the pixel array and the user's eye, providing accurate wavefront divergence cues that enable proper depth perception. This intermediary optical system ensures that light from different depth planes reaches the user's eye with the correct divergence characteristics, resolving the contradiction between depth perception accuracy and optical system complexity
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 enables high-resolution image projection with compact form factors, reducing power consumption and user discomfort by aligning accommodative and vergence cues, providing realistic three-dimensional imagery.
Implementation Method 1
The scanning mirror is disposed to receive the light from the first and second columns of pixels and to reflect the received light toward the relay optics
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide comprising an in-coupling optical element configured to receive light reflected from the scanning mirror and to redirect the received light for propagation within the waveguide by total internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
Display systems are described including augmented 1-dimensional pixel arrays and scanning mirrors. In one example, a pixel array includes first and second columns of pixels, relay optics configured to receive incident light and to output the incident light to a viewer, and a scanning mirror disposed to receive the light from the first and second columns of pixels and to reflect the received light toward the relay optics. The scanning mirror may move between a plurality of positions while the first and second columns emit light in temporally spaced pulses so as to form a perceived image at the relay optics having a higher resolution relative to the pixel pitch of the individual columns. Foveated rendering may provide for more efficient use of power and processing resources.