Mechanically Shifted Micro-Display Projection for Higher Pixel Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented and virtual reality display systems face challenges in providing high-resolution, comfortable, and natural-feeling virtual image presentations amidst real-world imagery due to limitations in miniaturization and power consumption, particularly in achieving small pixel pitches and efficient light emission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an emissive micro-display system with a light projection system that includes an array of light emitters, projection optics, and actuators, allowing for rapid physical adjustments to achieve high resolution by projecting partial-resolution subframes in succession, effectively reducing the functional pixel pitch and increasing resolution without increasing the size of the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a micro-display with fixed resolution is used, then the device size is reduced, but the image resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the micro-display position variable rather than fixed. The display device includes positioning means that can adjust the position of the micro-display relative to the optical system, enabling the same physical display to project different effective resolutions by changing its position. This resolves the contradiction by allowing high resolution when needed and maintaining small size when the high resolution is achieved through positional adjustment rather than physical display size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a positional dimension to the display system. Instead of only varying resolution through display pixel density (two-dimensional approach), the system adds a third dimension - the spatial position of the micro-display along the optical axis. By adjusting the display's position, the system effectively changes the projection magnification and thus the resolution without changing the physical display size, resolving the contradiction between size and resolution.
2Manufacturing precision
If more light emitters are added to increase resolution, then the image quality improves, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the effective pixel pitch through positional adjustment rather than changing the number of light emitters. The positioning means allows the same micro-display to achieve different effective resolutions by changing its position relative to the optical system. This resolves the contradiction by achieving variable pixel pitch (and thus variable resolution) without adding or removing light emitters, thereby maintaining constant power consumption across different resolution settings.
3Volume of moving object
If the display is miniaturized, then the device becomes more wearable, but the pixel density decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the display system dynamic by introducing adjustable positioning. The miniaturized micro-display maintains its small physical size while the positioning means enables it to achieve variable effective pixel density through positional adjustment. This resolves the contradiction by decoupling the physical display size from the effective pixel density - the display remains small and wearable, but can achieve high pixel density when needed through optimal positioning relative to the optical system and user's eye.
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 creation of high-resolution virtual content with reduced size, weight, and power consumption, providing a more comfortable and immersive AR/VR experience by effectively increasing the apparent pixel density and reducing motion artifacts.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-display comprising an array of light emitters associated with a first resolution, wherein the array of light emitters is configured to output light forming frames of virtual content
Implementation Method 2
shift, via the one or more actuators, one or move parts of the light projection system to adjust positions associated with light emitter light outputted from the light projection system
Data Source
AI summary
Head-mounted virtual and augmented reality display systems include a light projector with one or more emissive micro-displays having a first resolution and a pixel pitch. The projector outputs light forming frames of virtual content having at least a portion associated with a second resolution greater than the first resolution. The projector outputs light forming a first subframe of the rendered frame at the first resolution, and parts of the projector are shifted using actuators, such that physical positions of light output for individual pixels occupy gaps between the old locations of light output for individual pixels. The projector then outputs light forming a second subframe of the rendered frame. The first and second subframes are outputted within the flicker fusion threshold. Advantageously, an emissive micro-display (e.g., micro-LED display) having a low resolution can form a frame having a higher resolution by using the same light emitters to function as multiple pixels of that frame.