Switchable Gratings for Waveguide Display Resolution Multiplication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pixelated displays face challenges in achieving high resolution and wide field-of-view, particularly in wearable form factors like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) devices, where the existing technologies are either too complex, costly, or lack the necessary optical efficiency to support a 50-degree field-of-view with 1080p resolution.
Innovation Solution
The use of switchable gratings within waveguide displays that can switch between diffracting and non-diffracting states, coupled with an image processor to compute and project native and shifted images, effectively increasing the display resolution and field-of-view by mapping light from pixels into unique angular directions, allowing for pixel shifting and pupil expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional pixelated displays are used in wearable devices, then the device structure remains simple, but the resolution and field-of-view cannot achieve 1080p resolution with 50-degree field-of-view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs switchable gratings that can dynamically change their diffraction state between diffracting and non-diffracting configurations. This dynamic switching capability allows the optical system to multiply the display resolution by projecting multiple shifted images sequentially, achieving 1080p resolution from a lower-resolution microdisplay without requiring a mechanically complex system with multiple fixed gratings
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the grating structures by switching between diffracting and non-diffracting states. By controlling the diffraction efficiency parameter of the switchable gratings, the system can modulate the projection of native and shifted images, thereby achieving resolution multiplication and wide field-of-view without increasing the physical complexity of the optical components
2Manufacturing precision
If mechanical systems are used to achieve resolution multiplication, then the display resolution can be increased, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical resolution multiplication systems (such as mechanical mirrors or moving parts) with an optical switching system using switchable gratings. The resolution multiplication is achieved through optical diffraction control rather than mechanical movement, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components, reducing manufacturing complexity, and lowering device cost while maintaining 1080p resolution capability
3Manufacturing precision
If switchable gratings are used to multiply resolution and field-of-view, then the display resolution and field-of-view are increased, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switchable gratings in the patent serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as both input couplers and output couplers, provide resolution multiplication through image shifting, and enable wide field-of-view through angular multiplexing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate optical components, thereby achieving 1080p resolution and 50-degree field-of-view without proportionally increasing optical system complexity
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 a compact, optically efficient, and cost-effective solution for multiplying display resolution and field-of-view, supporting a 50-degree field-of-view with 1080p resolution, while reducing the complexity and cost associated with mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
an image projector for directing light from pixels of a pixelated image source into unique angular directions
Implementation Method 2
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 (TIR)
Implementation Method 3
During the recording process, the monomers polymerize, and the mixture undergoes a photopolymerization-induced phase separation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for multiplying the resolution and field-of-view of pixelated displays in accordance with various embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes an apparatus having an image projector for directing light from a pixelated image source into unique angular directions, an image processor electrically connected to the image projector for computing native images of the image source corresponding to first and second field-of-view portions and for computing shifted images in a predefined direction corresponding to the first and second field-of-view portions for sequential display by the image projector, a first set of gratings having a native configuration for propagating the light of the native image and at least one shifted configuration for propagating the light of at least one shifted image, and a second set of gratings having a first configuration for projecting the first field-of-view portion and a second configuration for projecting the second field-of-view portion.