Wearable Optical Display Magnification for Eye-Resolvable Pixel Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable optical display assemblies are limited by the spatial resolution of the human eye, which cannot resolve individual light-emitting elements spaced closer than its resolution limit, making it impractical to increase the number of elements for finer detail without enlarging the display device.
Innovation Solution
A wearable optical display assembly with a magnification system that positions an array of light-emitting elements at a predetermined viewing distance from the eye, forming a magnified image with element spacing larger than the eye's spatial resolution, allowing the eye to perceive a larger, more detailed image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the array uses smaller element spacing to reduce display device size, then the array physical dimensions are reduced, but the display resolution becomes insufficient to match the eye's spatial resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional display plane to a three-dimensional optical path by introducing a magnification system with lenses. The display device is positioned close to the eye (reducing volume), while optical elements create a virtual magnified image that resolves individual elements on the retina, effectively adding a dimensional transformation that decouples physical size from resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnification system acts as an intermediary between the compact array and the eye. Optical elements (lenses) are positioned between the display device and the eye to magnify the image of the array, allowing small-spaced elements to be resolved without requiring large physical separation between elements in the array.
2Manufacturing precision
If the array uses larger element spacing to achieve sufficient display resolution, then the display resolution matches the eye's spatial resolution, but the array physical dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing element spacing in the physical plane, the patent uses optical magnification to create a virtual image at a different spatial scale. The array maintains small element spacing physically, but the optical system projects a magnified version that achieves the required resolution on the retina.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnification system serves as an intermediary that allows small-spaced elements to be perceived as large-spaced in the virtual image. The optical elements transform the spatial relationships, enabling high resolution without large physical dimensions.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact array with small element spacing is used, then the display device size is reduced, but the image cannot be fully resolved by the eye
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical magnification to transform the spatial scale between the compact array and the retinal image. By positioning the array close to the eye and using lenses to create a magnified virtual image, the system ensures that even small-spaced elements subtend sufficient angles on the retina for full resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnification system acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between compact physical dimensions and sufficient angular separation for resolution. The optical elements ensure that light from each element reaches the eye at angles that allow the retina to distinguish individual elements, maintaining image quality despite small physical spacing.
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
Enables the user to perceive finer details by increasing the effective element spacing beyond the eye's resolution limit, enhancing display clarity and detail without enlarging the physical size of the device.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical elements arranged as a magnification system. The magnification system is positioned and arranged so as to form a magnified image of the array that can be seen by the user
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable optical display assembly includes an array of light-emitting elements arranged as a display device, and one or more optical elements arranged as a magnification system. The array is positioned at a predetermined viewing distance from an eye of a user wearing the optical display assembly. The array has an unmagnified element spacing; the magnification system forms a magnified image of the array that can be seen by the user with a magnified element spacing larger than the unmagnified element spacing. The magnified element spacing is no smaller than spatial resolution of at least a portion of the eye of the user at the predetermined viewing distance. In some instances, the magnified element spacing can subtend an angle no smaller than 1 arcminute at the predetermined viewing distance.