Single MEMS Mirror Binocular Light Engine for Wearable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image projection systems for extended reality technologies face challenges in synchronizing stereoscopic images for binocular vision, leading to increased complexity, higher costs, and limited power efficiency, which restricts the size and duration of wearable applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a single microelectromechanical system (MEMS) mirror as a shared scanning structure for both eyes, synchronized by a system controller, reduces the number of components and power consumption, while maintaining image brightness and enabling longer operation times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate scanning structures are used for each eye, then image projection reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scanning structures for both eyes into a single shared MEMS mirror assembly. This single scanning structure steers light beams for both the first and second eyes simultaneously, reducing the number of separate scanning components while maintaining reliable image projection to both eyes through coordinated control of the shared structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The single MEMS mirror assembly serves multiple functions by acting as a shared scanning structure for both eyes. It can steer light beams to different locations for each eye independently through coordinated rotation about first and second scanning axes, enabling one component to perform the work of what would traditionally require two separate scanning structures.
2Ease of operation
If separate scanning structures are used for each eye, then synchronization control is simplified, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the scanning functions into a single MEMS mirror assembly, the system reduces the total power consumption associated with driving multiple separate scanning structures. The single assembly requires only one set of drive circuits and actuators, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining synchronized operation for both eyes through unified control.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal scanning structure serves both eyes with a single integrated system, eliminating the need for duplicate power delivery infrastructure. This multi-functional approach reduces the cumulative power consumption that would result from operating two independent scanning systems while achieving synchronized image projection through coordinated control of the single structure.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple separate light transmitters are used for each eye, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light transmission paths into separate first and second transmission paths with dedicated light transmitters for each eye. This segmentation allows independent optimization of light delivery to each eye, maintaining high image quality and brightness while managing device complexity through modular, organized architecture rather than complete duplication of all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single MEMS mirror assembly acts as an intermediary that receives light from separate transmitters and directs them to the appropriate eyes. This intermediary structure enables separate light transmission paths to share common optical infrastructure, reducing overall device complexity while preserving the benefits of dedicated light sources for each eye.
4Device complexity
If a single shared scanning structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but synchronization precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor the position and orientation of the single MEMS mirror assembly in real-time. This feedback enables precise synchronization by adjusting the scanning angles and timing of light beam delivery to match the required stereoscopic display requirements, compensating for any deviations in the shared structure's operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the MEMS mirror assembly, allowing it to rotate at different speeds and orientations about the first and second scanning axes in coordination with the light transmitter operation. This dynamic adjustment enables precise synchronization of image projection to both eyes while using a single shared structure, adapting the mirror's position in real-time to maintain synchronization precision.
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 simplifies the image projection system, reduces costs, enhances synchronization, and extends the usage time of wearable headgear for outdoor applications by minimizing power consumption and maintaining image quality.
Implementation Method 1
a single scanning structure shared by the first transmission path and the second transmission path, wherein the single scanning structure is configured to: rotate about a first scanning axis for steering the first plurality of light beams and the second plurality of light beams
Implementation Method 2
the first eyeglass lens is configured to receive the first plurality of light beams from the single scanning structure and project the first stereoscopic image into a first field of view
Data Source
AI summary
An image projection system includes: eyeglasses including a frame, a first eyeglass lens, and a second eyeglass lens; and a binocular light engine coupled to the frame. The binocular light engine includes a first light transmitter configured to transmit a first plurality of light beams corresponding to a first stereoscopic image on a first transmission path; a second light transmitter configured to transmit a second plurality of light beams corresponding to a second stereoscopic image on a second transmission path; and a single scanning structure shared by the first transmission path and the second transmission path. The single scanning structure is configured to: rotate about two scanning axes, direct the first plurality of light beams at the first eyeglass lens according to a scanning pattern, and direct the second plurality of light beams at the second eyeglass lens according to the scanning pattern.