Sparse Microlens Array for See-Through Augmented Reality Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light field display systems face limitations in image quality due to the size of pixels, the inability to see outside scenes through microlens arrays, and constraints on battery life, computation power, and storage in wearable devices, which restrict their application and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A portable light field near-eye see-through display and camera system using a transparent substrate with a microlens array, wavelength conversion elements, and a system-on-lens design that allows for a sparse microlens array to enable viewing of external scenes while maintaining image quality and integrating necessary components for augmented reality applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a microlens array is used to create light field display, then image quality and 3D effect are improved, but the wearer cannot see outside scenes through the display
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array is segmented into multiple regions: a first region with a first pitch and a second region with a second pitch. This segmentation allows different portions of the array to serve different functions - some areas optimize for light field image quality while other areas maintain transparency for viewing outside scenes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the microlens array have different local properties (different pitches). The first region has a first pitch optimized for light field display quality, while the second region has a second pitch that allows better transmission of outside scenes. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between image quality and scene visibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple focal planes are created to improve 3D realism, then light field image quality is improved, but the device becomes increasingly bulky
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding multiple physical focal planes, the invention changes the pitch parameter of the microlens array. By varying the pitch across different regions, the system achieves enhanced light field image quality without the need for multiple focal planes, thus avoiding increased device bulk.
3Manufacturing precision
If a dense microlens array is used to improve light field display quality, then image resolution is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array is divided into multiple regions with different pitches. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by allowing each region to be optimized independently, reducing the complexity of manufacturing a uniformly dense array while still achieving high light field display quality in critical regions.
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 system provides improved image quality and user experience by allowing viewers to see external scenes while generating realistic 3D images, reducing the risk of myopia and sickness, and enhancing the functionality of wearable devices with efficient power and storage usage.
Implementation Method 1
a microlens array to redirect transmitted light from the microdisplay to create a light field image in front of the wearer's eyes
Implementation Method 2
a transparent substrate with a microlens array, wavelength conversion elements
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a transparent light field display device including a transparent substrate, an array of light-emitting picture elements formed on the transparent substrate, and a sparse microlens array formed over the array of light-emitting picture elements. The sparse microlens array includes a plurality of lens elements with spaces between adjacent lens elements. When the transparent light field display device is disposed with the sparse microlens array proximate a viewer's eye, the spaces between adjacent lens elements allow the viewer to see objects beyond the transparent light field display device.