1D Pixel Array Scanning Mirror for AR Depth-Correct Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented and virtual reality display systems face challenges in providing high-resolution images while maintaining a comfortable and realistic perception of depth due to limitations in pixel density and mismatch between accommodative and vergence states, leading to user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The use of pixel arrays with offset columns and a scanning reflective element, such as a MEMS scanning mirror, synchronized to project light onto relay optics, combined with waveguides configured to provide varying wavefront divergence and discrete cues to accommodation, allowing for high-resolution images with physiologically correct accommodation-vergence matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional pixel arrays are used in AR/VR display systems, then the device structure is simple, but the pixel density is insufficient and depth perception is unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel array is divided into multiple columns that are offset from each other. Each column is scanned independently by the scanning mirror, allowing higher effective pixel density along the scan direction while keeping individual column structures simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by scanning pixel columns sequentially over time. The scanning mirror moves light from different columns to different positions on the waveguide at different times, creating a 2D image from 1D pixel columns through time-multiplexed scanning.
2Manufacturing precision
If pixel arrays with offset columns and scanning mirror are used, then high-resolution images with improved depth perception are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs synchronized control where the scanning mirror's position and timing are precisely coordinated with the pixel column activation sequence. This feedback mechanism ensures that light from offset columns is directed to the correct waveguide positions at the correct times, maintaining image quality despite the complex offset column architecture.
3Ease of operation
If conventional display systems are used, then the device is compact, but accommodative and vergence states are mismatched causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the display system provide different optical functions. The waveguide introduces controlled wavefront divergence to provide accommodative cues, while the scanning mirror and offset columns provide vergence cues. This local differentiation of optical properties enables accommodation-vergence matching without requiring the entire system to be redesigned.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple pixel columns are scanned to form 2D images, then the field of view and resolution are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scanning mirror performs periodic back-and-forth motion to sequentially scan different pixel columns. By activating only one column at a time and reusing the same physical hardware for each column, the system achieves a 2D field of view equivalent to larger display areas while consuming less total energy than simultaneous multi-column illumination would require.
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 approach enables high-resolution images with improved depth perception, reducing user discomfort by aligning accommodative and vergence cues, and facilitating compact, energy-efficient head-mounted displays.
Implementation Method 1
a scanning reflective element, such as a MEMS scanning mirror, synchronized to project light onto relay optics
Implementation Method 2
waveguides configured to provide varying wavefront divergence and discrete cues to accommodation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
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.