Segmented Spatial Light Modulator for Wearable Display Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable augmented and virtual reality systems face challenges in minimizing size, weight, and cost due to the large number of components required for image display, which affects efficiency and increases the complexity of these systems.
Innovation Solution
A segmented electromagnetic radiation modulator, such as a phase-only light modulator, is used to reduce the number of components by dividing the modulator into regions that can independently control phase, amplitude, and polarization of light, allowing for spatial and temporal multiplexing of images, thereby reducing the overall system complexity and component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional display systems with multiple components are used, then image display functionality is achieved, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple display components into a single integrated display device that can generate multiple images simultaneously. The display device integrates light sources, modulators, and optical elements into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate components for each image channel, thereby reducing overall system weight while maintaining full image display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device is designed with multi-functionality to generate and display multiple images (including color images and 3D images) using a single device. By making the display device universal capable of handling various image types and configurations, the system eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, thus reducing weight without compromising display capabilities.
2Reliability
If traditional display systems with multiple components are used, then image display functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple display components into a single integrated display device, reducing the number of separate elements in the system. By combining light sources, modulators, and optical processing elements into one unified device, the system complexity is reduced while maintaining the ability to generate multiple images including color and 3D images.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that can generate various types of images (color images, 3D images, 2D images) through different operating modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices or complex component arrangements, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Reliability
If traditional display systems with multiple components are used, then image display functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple display components into a single display device, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-tested. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs by reducing material waste, assembly labor, and quality control requirements while maintaining full image display functionality including color and 3D image capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
By designing a universal display device that can perform multiple functions (generating color images, 3D images, and 2D images), the system eliminates the need to manufacture and stock multiple different display devices. This multi-functionality approach reduces overall manufacturing costs through economies of scale and simplified production processes.
4Measurement precision
If more components are used in display systems, then image quality can be maintained, but efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components into an integrated display device that maintains image quality through precise internal optical design and control mechanisms. By merging components into a unified structure with optimized light paths and integrated control, the system achieves high image quality while improving efficiency through reduced optical losses and faster response times compared to multi-component systems.
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 the generation of high-quality images with reduced component count and size, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of wearable display systems by integrating multiple image elements into fewer, more efficient modules.
Implementation Method 1
modulating a phase of the light received by the first region, and generating first phase modulated light
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system can include a segmented modulator, for example, a spatial light modulator, that is segmented into two or more equally or differently sized regions, and utilized to create a 3D, pseudo 3D, hologram, pseudo hologram, holographic, or pseudo holographic image. A voltage control unit is coupled to the spatial light modulator and controls voltages across each of the regions, wherein the voltage across one of the regions differs from the voltage across another one of the regions.