Variable-Resolution Screen for XR Headsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality and augmented reality headsets face challenges in providing high-resolution displays across a wide field of view due to increased manufacturing costs, computational demands, and the need for high pixel density, which results in noticeable pixelation and screen-door effects, especially when trying to cover the average human field of view of 270 degrees horizontally and 135 degrees vertically.
Innovation Solution
An optical apparatus and method that creates a variable-resolution image stream by combining high-resolution, small image components with low-resolution, large image components using a projector, image steering elements, and optical elements to focus these components onto a screen, allowing for more pixels or scanlines where needed, such as at the center of the viewer's field of view, while reducing them in the periphery, using techniques like time multiplexing and optical masking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If uniform high-resolution pixels are displayed across the entire screen to cover the wide field of view, then the image quality and resolution are improved, but the manufacturing costs and computational requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the pixel density across different regions of the display. High-resolution pixels are concentrated in the foveal region (center of visual field) where human vision is most acute, while lower-resolution pixels are used in the peripheral regions where visual acuity is naturally lower. This non-uniform distribution optimizes perceived image quality while reducing the total number of pixels required, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and computational requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If uniform high-resolution pixels are displayed across the entire screen, then the image quality is improved, but the computational bandwidth and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by allocating computational resources and pixel density non-uniformly across the display. The foveal region receives high-resolution processing with dense pixel distribution, while peripheral regions use lower-resolution processing with sparser pixel distribution. This approach significantly reduces the total computational bandwidth and storage requirements while maintaining perceptually adequate image quality throughout the wide field of view.
3Manufacturing precision
If high pixel density is used across the entire display to cover the wide field of view, then the image quality is improved, but the screen-door effect and pixelation become more noticeable in the periphery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by matching pixel density to the spatial distribution of human visual acuity. High pixel density is concentrated in the foveal region where the screen-door effect would be most noticeable and where human eyes can resolve fine details. In the peripheral regions, lower pixel density is sufficient because human vision naturally has reduced acuity at the periphery, making the screen-door effect less perceptible. This optimized distribution eliminates the need for uniformly high pixel density across the entire display.
4Stability of the object's composition
If uniform pixel distribution is used across the screen, then consistent image quality is achieved, but the computational and bandwidth requirements increase for wide field of view displays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by implementing local quality through non-uniform pixel distribution that mirrors human visual acuity patterns. The foveal region maintains high-resolution consistency for detailed viewing, while peripheral regions use lower resolution that is consistent with reduced peripheral visual acuity. This approach achieves perceptually consistent image quality across the entire wide field of view while significantly reducing computational and bandwidth requirements compared to uniform high-resolution distribution.
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 reduces the computational and manufacturing costs by allowing a single microdisplay or projector to achieve higher resolution in the foveal area and lower resolution in the periphery, minimizing pixelation and improving image quality across the wide field of view without the need for mechanically moving parts, thus enhancing the user experience in XR headsets.
Implementation Method 1
transmits a light image stream in the form of a high resolution, small image component and a low resolution, large image component
Implementation Method 2
image steering element that directs the high resolution, small image component and the low resolution, large image component
Implementation Method 3
small image optical element and the large image optical element focus the low resolution, large image stream and the high resolution, small image stream on the screen
Data Source
AI summary
A variable-resolution screen apparatus and methodology for transforming an image from a microdisplay, display or projector into a variable-resolution image is described herein. The apparatus and methodology could take a high resolution part and a low resolution part, which could be created as a continuous stream of images that are masked to split into two, or as two interleaved images separated by time (or both). The two image streams are reassembled, the high resolution portion into the low resolution background, using various optical embodiments. The various embodiments use beam splitters, beam combiners, shutters, optical masks, lenses, mirrors, optical slabs, lens arrays and other optics in various combinations to create the variable-resolution image. The image from the microdisplay, display or projector is split (in some embodiments), transformed, and recombined to display on a screen or viewer's retina. This apparatus could be implemented in a virtual reality headset.