Retinal Projection Optical Element with Multi-Axis Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional visual displays, such as CRTs and matrix addressable displays, are bulky, power-intensive, and unsuitable for portable or head-mounted applications, and scanned beam displays face challenges in improving resolution without increasing complexity.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable optical element and assembly that projects optical beams onto a wearer's retina, comprising an adjustable connector, transmission component, and transmission surface, allowing directional movement along X, Y, and Z axes to ensure proper projection, and can be integrated into wearable support structures like eyeglasses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If CRT displays are used, then image quality is achieved, but device bulk and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical CRT display system with a scanned beam optical system that projects images directly onto the retina. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky physical display screens while maintaining image quality through direct retinal projection using optical components and scanned light beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential function of visual display from the physical screen and transfers it directly to the retina. By removing the intermediate display screen and projecting images directly onto the retinal surface, the system eliminates bulk while preserving image quality through direct optical stimulation of the retina.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If matrix addressable displays are used, then power consumption is reduced, but resolution and brightness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the matrix addressable display system with a scanned beam projection system. This substitution enables high resolution through precise control of the scanned light beam position on the retina, while maintaining low power consumption by using efficient light sources and optical components rather than power-intensive pixel matrices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental operating parameters from matrix pixel addressing to scanned beam positioning. By controlling the position, intensity, and timing of the scanned light beam, the system achieves high resolution retinal projection with much lower power consumption than matrix displays would require for equivalent resolution.
3Measurement precision
If scanned beam displays increase resolution, then image quality improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the display function into separate optical components: light source, scanning mechanism, beam combiner, and projection optics. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for resolution while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design and clear functional separation.
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 a portable and efficient visual display capability with adjustable optical alignment, providing high-resolution images directly on the retina while maintaining a compact and power-efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission component can be configured to receive optical data from at least one source module and transmit the optical data along a data path toward the distal end of the adjustable connector
Implementation Method 2
The transmission surface can be configured to receive the optical data from the transmission component and project at least one optical beam onto the retina of the wearer at an angle of incidence relative to the optical centerline
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable visual optical element is provided, which may be supported, for example, by an eyeglass. The optical element is preferably adjustable in each of the X, Y, and Z axes to allow the wearer to optimize projection of the optical element. A view axis of the display is preferably also angularly adjustable with respect to a wearer's straight ahead normal line of sight. Source electronics may be carried onboard the eyeglasses, or may be connectable to the eyeglasses via either a hardwire, optical guide, or radiofrequency link.