SLED Array Scanning Mirror Near-Eye Display Frame Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional near-eye displays, particularly those using MEMS micromirror-based 2D scanning, are limited by resonant frequency, resulting in insufficient frame rates for modern augmented and virtual reality applications.
Innovation Solution
A source assembly comprising a single-chip superluminous light emitting diode (SLED) array and a scanning mirror assembly that scans light into an output waveguide, increasing effective frame rate by treating the SLED array as a line source and bypassing the limitations of MEMS mirror resonant frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MEMS micromirror-based 2D scanning is used for near-eye displays, then the display structure can be implemented, but the frame rate is limited by resonant frequency to 35 fps or lower
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the light source into multiple SLEDs arranged in an array, where each SLED can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows simultaneous illumination of multiple scan lines, effectively multiplying the frame rate capability beyond the mechanical resonance limit of the scanning mirror.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses periodic scanning motion of the mirror combined with periodic activation of SLEDs in synchronization with the scan cycles. By coordinating the periodic light emission with the periodic mirror motion, the system achieves high effective frame rates while the mirror operates at its resonant frequency.
2Productivity
If a single-chip SLED array is used as a line source, then the frame rate can exceed conventional limits, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple SLEDs onto a single chip to form a compact array structure. This integration reduces the overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate mounting structures, alignment mechanisms, and individual packaging for each light source element.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-chip SLED array serves multiple functions: it acts as both the light source and the spatial modulation element. The array can be configured to illuminate different scan lines or regions, providing both illumination and scanning control in a single component.
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
The solution enables frame rates exceeding conventional systems, achieving up to 70 frames per second or more, enhancing the performance of near-eye displays for augmented and virtual reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
The source element array includes a super luminous diode (SLED) array of SLEDs that are configured to emit light
Implementation Method 2
The scanning mirror assembly is configured to scan light emitted from the SLED array (and/or multiple SLED arrays) to an entrance location of an output waveguide
Implementation Method 3
The output waveguide is configured to expand the received light in at least one dimension to form expanded image light
Data Source
AI summary
A source assembly for providing light. The source assembly comprises a source element array, and a scanning mirror assembly. The source element array includes a super luminous diode (SLED) array of SLEDs that are configured to emit light. The SLED array is on a single chip. Each SLED in the SLED array may emit light in the same color channel (e.g., green). There may be multiple SLED arrays that each are on respective chips and each are associated with a different color channel (e.g., one is red, one is blue, and one is green). The scanning mirror assembly is configured to scan light emitted from the SLED array (and/or multiple SLED arrays) to an entrance location of an output waveguide (e.g., of a waveguide display) as scanned image light.