Retinal Display Parallel Light Deflection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing image display technologies face limitations in creating clear, virtual images viewable at infinity, particularly for farsighted viewers, and struggle to extend the range of viewable images effectively.

Innovation Solution

An image display apparatus comprising a light source that emits parallel light, a light deflector capable of deflecting this light, and a control unit that produces scan and light intensity control signals to form two-dimensional images on the viewer's retina, utilizing semiconductor lasers, LEDs, and optical elements like lenses and MEMS mirrors to achieve high resolution and color imaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a liquid crystal display device is used to project virtual images at infinity, then the viewer can view images, but the device complexity increases and the range of viewable images is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of viewable imagesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light emission into multiple discrete points (first light emission point and second light emission point) that are spatially separated. Each point can be independently controlled to emit light at different angles, enabling the system to cover a wider range of viewable images without requiring a single complex display device. This segmentation of the light source allows for extended viewing angles while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If parallel light is emitted and deflected to form images on the retina, then virtual images can be viewed at infinity, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different control characteristics to different light emission points. The first light emission point has different angular emission characteristics compared to the second light emission point. By assigning specialized functions to each emission point (e.g., one optimized for certain angle ranges while the other covers different ranges), the system achieves precise image formation without requiring uniform ultra-high precision across the entire device, thereby easing overall manufacturing requirements while maintaining local optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light emission points are used to extend viewing range, then the range of viewable images is extended, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of viewable imagesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the light emission points to serve multiple functions. Each light emission point can emit light at multiple different angles, and both emission points work together to cover the complete viewing range. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve extended viewing ranges without proportionally increasing device complexity, as each component contributes to multiple operational requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 clear, high-resolution virtual images to be viewed at infinity, with extended range and the ability to display color images, suitable for both farsighted and nearsighted viewers, through precise light deflection and intensity control, while maintaining a low-profile and simplified optical design.

Implementation Method 1

a light source for emitting out parallel light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light

Implementation Method 2

a light deflector capable of deflecting the parallel light emitted out from said light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight deflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9236028B2Image display apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.01.12 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)
  • US9236028B2 patent drawing
  • US9236028B2 patent drawing
  • US9236028B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The image display apparatus according to the invention is characterized by comprising a light source for emitting out parallel light, a light deflector capable of deflecting the parallel light emitted out from the light source, and a control unit operable to produce a scan signal for deflecting the light deflector periodically and produce a light intensity control signal in sync with the scan signal based on entered image information thereby controlling the light source.