Pattern Converting Element for Spatially-Variable Resolution Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display apparatuses are limited in dynamically rendering complex projection patterns, resulting in suboptimal image quality that does not emulate human visual system characteristics, and are often bulky due to the use of numerous moving components.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus comprising at least one light source, a scanning mirror, and a pattern converting element per eye, controlled by a processor to emit a light beam and draw subframes over the pattern converting element, converting a first pattern of light spots into a second pattern with spatially-variable resolution on a target surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of moving components (lenses, mirrors, projectors) are employed to provide foveation-based rendering, then complex projection patterns can be dynamically rendered, but the display apparatus becomes bulky and requires considerable space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pattern generation function from complex mechanical moving components and implements it through a static pattern generating element with predefined patterns. This allows dynamic projection patterns to be achieved without requiring multiple moving lenses, mirrors, or projectors, thereby reducing the overall apparatus size while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple moving components with an optical system using a static pattern generating element combined with a single movable mirror. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical assemblies while achieving the same foveation-based rendering capability, significantly reducing the volume of moving objects in the display apparatus.
2Device complexity
If grid-like patterns of pixels arranged at fixed positions are employed, then the display apparatus structure is simple, but the capability to dynamically render complex projection patterns is limited and image quality does not emulate human visual system characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable mirror that can dynamically change the projection pattern by reflecting light from the pattern generating element to different regions of the display medium. This dynamic component enables the system to transition from static grid patterns to complex dynamic patterns that emulate human visual system characteristics, while keeping the overall structural complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The pattern generating element acts as an intermediary between the simple light source and the display medium. It contains multiple patterns including foveation-based patterns that match human visual characteristics, allowing the system to achieve high image quality without requiring complex mechanical components. The movable mirror then serves as a second intermediary to dynamically select and project these patterns.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-position pixel arrangements are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the resolution is uniform across the entire display area rather than matching human visual system characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The pattern generating element incorporates multiple patterns including foveation-based patterns that provide higher resolution in the central region (fovea) corresponding to human visual acuity, and lower resolution in peripheral regions. This local quality variation matches human visual system characteristics, where the center of vision requires higher detail than the periphery, thereby achieving manufacturing precision that emulates natural vision while maintaining ease of manufacture through static pattern elements.
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 enables the production of high-resolution, foveation-based output images with minimal moving parts, providing an improved viewing experience by mimicking human visual system characteristics and reducing bulkiness.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the at least one scanning mirror to draw at least one subframe of a first image frame over the pattern converting element
Implementation Method 2
converting the first pattern of light spots into a second pattern, thereby producing on the target surface an output image having a spatially-variable resolution
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus comprising: first light source(s) per eye, scanning mirror(s) per eye, pattern converting element per eye, and processor(s) configured to control first light source(s) to emit a light beam, whilst controlling scanning mirror(s) to draw subframe(s) of first image frame over pattern converting element, wherein subframe(s), when drawn, comprises plurality of light spots arranged in first pattern, wherein pattern converting element is employed to direct light beam incident thereon towards target surface, whilst converting first pattern of plurality of light spots into second pattern, thereby producing on target surface output image having spatially-variable resolution.