Retinal Projection Device Using MEMS Mirrors for Unobstructed Vision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional retinal projection devices for sports activities are distracting and obstructive, requiring high power consumption and dedicated glasses that are not suitable for various sports and medical needs, while also limiting the user's field of view.
Innovation Solution
A retinal projection device with a micro-projection component that projects images outside the normal field of view, using a movable light source and MEMS-based mirrors, allowing for adjustable mounting on existing glasses and reduced power consumption, enabling users to view data only when intentionally looking in specific directions, thus minimizing distraction and obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large portion of user's field of view is replaced by a projected image, then the image visibility is improved, but the user cannot see the scene behind the projected area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects the display image in a direction outside the user's normal field of view (e.g., upward or sideways), rather than replacing the central field of view. This dimensional change allows the image to be visible to the user without blocking the view of the real scene ahead, effectively separating the display space from the viewing space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large transparent image is overlaid over the real scene, then the user can see both the scene and image simultaneously, but the user is distracted from the real scene
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of overlaying the image in the same visual plane as the real scene, the patent positions the projected image in a different spatial dimension (outside the normal field of view). This allows the user to access the image by shifting gaze to a peripheral or elevated position, maintaining focus on the real scene for most of the time while enabling image viewing when needed.
3Speed
If fast moving mirrors and fast transmission rates are used to display a large image, then the image display capability is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects a smaller, more focused image outside the normal field of view rather than attempting to display a large full-field image. This partial action approach reduces the scanning requirements and power consumption while still providing sufficient information display capability for the application needs.
4Reliability
If dedicated glasses are designed for retinal display systems, then the display performance is improved, but the glasses are not suitable for various sports and medical needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a retinal projection device with a movable light source that can be mounted on various types of existing glasses (sport glasses, medical glasses, sunglasses) rather than requiring dedicated specialized glasses. This universal mounting approach allows the display system to work with diverse glass types while maintaining performance, and the ability to position the image outside the normal field of view provides an additional degree of freedom for adaptation.
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 provides a less distracting and power-efficient retinal projection system that can be adapted to various glasses and sports, maintaining an unobstructed field of view by projecting data only when the user intentionally looks at it, suitable for diverse sports and medical glasses.
Implementation Method 1
a mems-based mirror arranged for orienting the laser beam directly onto a selected portion of the retina of the user wearing the device
Implementation Method 2
one second lens for collimating the light beam deflected by said mirror or mirrors onto the retina of said user
Data Source
AI summary
A retinal display projection device comprising a micro-projection component (2) arranged for projecting an image directly onto the retina of a user wearing the device, characterized in that said micro-projection component is arranged for projecting an image outside of the normal field of view of said user.