Tri-linear Microdisplay Architecture for Compact AR Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-resolution and high-brightness micro-displays for Augmented Reality (AR) applications are large in size and expensive to manufacture due to the difficulty of integrating defect-free, monolithic color RGB microLED displays, which is a limitation in achieving compact and cost-effective solutions.
Innovation Solution
A tri-linear microdisplay architecture is used within a 1D-scanning display system, where each stripe consists of multiple rows of pixels, with a display driver configured to present time-shifted sub-bands and achieve grayscale pixel illumination through distributed pulse width modulation, reducing the size and manufacturing cost by integrating RGB microLEDs on a monolithic semiconductor substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a 2D arrangement of RGB microLED pixels is used to achieve high-resolution displays, then the display resolution is improved, but the size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple linear scan regions (LSRs) arranged in a 1D configuration along the horizontal axis. Each LSR contains multiple rows of microLED pixels that are scanned sequentially over time. This segmentation allows high-resolution displays to be achieved through temporal multiplexing rather than requiring a large 2D pixel array, thereby reducing the physical display area while maintaining high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a 2D spatial arrangement of pixels to a 1D spatial arrangement combined with temporal scanning. By adding the time dimension through sequential scanning of multiple LSRs, the system achieves high effective resolution without requiring a large 2D pixel matrix, thus reducing the display area while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If a 2D arrangement of RGB microLED pixels is used to achieve high-resolution displays, then the display resolution is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple linear scan regions (LSRs) arranged in a 1D configuration along the horizontal axis. Each LSR contains multiple rows of microLED pixels that are scanned sequentially over time. This segmentation allows high-resolution displays to be achieved through temporal multiplexing rather than requiring a large 2D pixel array, thereby reducing the physical display area while maintaining high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a 2D spatial arrangement of pixels to a 1D spatial arrangement combined with temporal scanning. By adding the time dimension through sequential scanning of multiple LSRs, the system achieves high effective resolution without requiring a large 2D pixel matrix, thus reducing the display area while maintaining measurement precision.
3Illumination intensity
If microLED pixels are illuminated to achieve high brightness, then the brightness is improved, but the uniformity of microLED efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic scanning of multiple linear scan regions (LSRs) in a sequential manner. Each LSR is illuminated in alternating time periods, allowing microLED pixels with varying efficiency characteristics to be compensated through temporal multiplexing. By distributing the illumination duty cycle across multiple LSRs and using persistence of vision, the system achieves high perceived brightness while averaging out efficiency variations among individual microLED pixels, thereby improving uniformity.
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 compact, high-resolution AR displays with reduced manufacturing costs and improved microLED efficiency uniformity, allowing for the realization of high-brightness AR images while minimizing the physical size and production expenses of AR headsets.
Implementation Method 1
pixel intensity modulation can be achieved by a distributed pulse width modulation (PWM) method wherein each row is driven with fixed gain level and a global row clock, and wherein pixel data is updated by decrementing and propagating to the adjacent row
Implementation Method 2
integrating large, defect-free, monolithic color RGB microLED (light emitting diodes) displays
Data Source
AI summary
A 1D scanning micro-display architecture for high-resolution image visualization in compact AR and Head Mounted Displays (“HMDs”). A display driver is configured to drive a plurality of display pixels of a tri-linear microdisplay, wherein the tri-linear microdisplay defines one or more stripes. Each of the stripes are constructed of one or more rows of pixels, and is used in the 1D-scanning display system to create high-resolution images in an augmented reality (“AR”) or Head Mounted Display.