Retinal Projection System with Multi-Resolution Optical Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted image projection systems face limitations in achieving high image resolution and temporal resolution due to constraints in computational power, data transmission bandwidth, and system size, weight, and cost, making it difficult to provide pixel density and color depth equivalent to human vision while maintaining a seamless and smooth image rendering experience.
Innovation Solution
The system employs two or more image projection modules with varying angular spreads to project high-resolution images on the foveal region of the retina and lower-resolution images on the periphery, leveraging the anatomical properties of the human eye to reduce data and processing requirements while maintaining a large field of view, using an optical module with a combining unit and relay to direct image portions onto specific regions of the retina.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-resolution images are projected across the entire retina, then image resolution is improved, but data transmission bandwidth and computational power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by projecting high-resolution images only to the foveal region of the retina where visual acuity is highest, while projecting lower-resolution images to the peripheral retinal regions. This matches the spatial distribution of photoreceptor density in the human eye, concentrating computational and data resources where they provide the most visual benefit while reducing overall data transmission requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the retinal display into multiple resolution zones: a high-resolution foveal region and lower-resolution peripheral regions. This segmentation allows the system to allocate different data quality levels to different spatial regions, reducing the total computational load and data bandwidth required compared to uniform high-resolution projection across the entire retina.
2Measurement precision
If high pixel density and color depth are provided across the entire field of view, then image quality is improved, but system size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing high pixel density and color depth only in the foveal region where the human eye has highest sensitivity, while using lower pixel density in peripheral regions. This reduces the total number of pixels and data processing requirements, thereby reducing system weight and complexity while maintaining perceived image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by providing high-resolution imaging only where it is most needed (the foveal region) rather than uniformly across the entire field of view. This partial high-resolution approach reduces the overall computational and hardware requirements, leading to lighter system weight while maintaining adequate visual quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate high-resolution projections are provided for both eyes to create stereoptic environment, then virtual reality experience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the projection systems for both eyes into a unified optical architecture that shares common components such as light sources, scanning mechanisms, and processing units. By combining the stereoptic projection paths while maintaining separate foveal and peripheral projection capabilities for each eye, the system achieves stereoscopic functionality with reduced component redundancy and overall device complexity.
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 reduces data transfer and processing needs while ensuring high-resolution images are projected where necessary, enhancing user experience with reduced system complexity and size, and providing a seamless virtual or augmented reality experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical module configured to combine the image portions and direct them into a user's eye
Implementation Method 2
a first optical module configured to combine the image portions and direct them into a user's eye
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system (100) for use in retinal image projection comprising at least first (130) and second (140) image projecting units and an eye projection optical module (120). The projecting units (130, 140) are configured to project at least first and second image portions respectively. The eye projection optical module (120) is optically coupled to the image projecting units (130, 140) and is configured to combine optical paths of projection of the at least first (130) and second (140) image projecting units along a general optical path to project a combined image of the first and second image portions on a retina (12, 14) of a user's eye (10).