Switchable Grating Resolution Multiplication for Near-Eye Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pixelated displays face challenges in achieving high resolution within a small form factor, particularly in near-eye displays for augmented and virtual reality, due to limitations in pixel size and mechanical complexity, which hinders the ability to provide a wide field of view with sufficient image detail.
Innovation Solution
The use of switchable gratings within waveguides that can be switched between diffracting and non-diffracting states, combined with an image processor and projector, to sequentially display native and shifted images, effectively multiplying the display resolution by mapping light from each pixel into unique angular directions, thereby increasing the field of view without increasing the display's physical size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pixel size is reduced to increase display resolution, then image detail is improved, but mechanical complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by sequentially displaying multiple sub-images at different time intervals. Instead of attempting to display all high-resolution pixels simultaneously (spatial approach), the system displays multiple lower-resolution sub-images in rapid succession (temporal approach), leveraging human visual persistence to perceive a high-resolution composite image. This transforms a spatial resolution problem into a temporal sequencing problem, reducing the mechanical complexity of pixel structures while achieving high effective resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides a single high-resolution image into multiple lower-resolution sub-images that are displayed sequentially. Each sub-image contains a portion of the final image data, and when combined in the human visual system, they reconstruct the complete high-resolution image. This segmentation approach allows the use of simpler, lower-resolution display hardware while achieving the effective resolution of a much higher pixel-count display through temporal multiplexing.
2Manufacturing precision
If pixel size is reduced to increase display resolution, then image detail is improved, but the field of view decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the display system, allowing multiple sub-images to be presented in rapid succession. This temporal expansion enables the system to effectively increase the information content and resolution without physically enlarging the display area or pixel count. By distributing image data across multiple time slots, the system achieves high resolution while maintaining a compact form factor and adequate field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of display operation by introducing variable display intervals between sub-images. By controlling the timing and sequence of sub-image display, the system optimizes the balance between resolution, refresh rate, and field of view. The ability to adjust display timing parameters allows flexible optimization for different viewing conditions and resolutions without requiring physical changes to the display hardware.
3Manufacturing precision
If more pixels are packed into the display to increase resolution, then image detail is improved, but the display size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to achieve high resolution without increasing physical display area. By displaying multiple sub-images sequentially in time, the system effectively multiplies the information capacity of a fixed-size display. This allows a compact display device to deliver high-resolution imagery equivalent to much larger displays, as the human visual system integrates the temporal sequence into a single high-detail perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple temporal copies of image data distributed across different sub-images. Instead of requiring all pixels to be physically present simultaneously in the display, the system presents multiple copies of partial image data in rapid succession. The human visual system combines these temporal copies to perceive the complete high-resolution image, effectively using temporal replication to substitute for spatial multiplication of pixels.
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 allows for the doubling or quadrupling of display resolution, enabling a wider field of view while maintaining a compact form factor, suitable for applications like augmented reality and virtual reality, by efficiently directing and propagating light through the waveguide system.
Implementation Method 1
an image projector for directing light from pixels of a pixelated image source into unique angular directions
Implementation Method 2
at least one switchable grating switchable between diffracting and non-diffracting states
Implementation Method 3
planar waveguides can be designed to utilize diffraction gratings to diffract and couple incident light into the waveguide structure such that the in-coupled light can proceed to travel within the planar structure via total internal reflection
Implementation Method 4
During the recording process, the monomers polymerize and the mixture undergoes a photopolymerization-induced phase separation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems integrating display resolution-multiplication solutions can be implemented in a variety of different ways. In many embodiments, the system includes an image projector for projecting image light, an image processor for computing a native image and at least one image shifted in a predefined direction, and at least one switchable grating capable of being switched between diffracting and non-diffracting states. In some embodiments, the switchable grating is optically coupled to the image projector. In a number of embodiments, the switchable gratings have a first configuration for propagating the native image light and at least one other configuration for propagating shifted image light having an angular displacement corresponding to the image shift in a predefined direction. By displaying the native and shifted images sequentially within a human eye integration period, the display resolution can be multiplied.