Virtual Image Display Device With Microlens Array And Pupil Tracker
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 3D display systems are uncomfortable for viewers, especially those with farsightedness or presbyopia, as they require fixing the parallax on the screen, making it difficult to represent distant objects and necessitating corrective lenses for near-screen devices like laptops and mobile phones.
Innovation Solution
A virtual image display device with a microlens array and pupil tracker that generates a virtual image behind the viewing surface, allowing adjustable parallax and focus, enabling comfortable viewing of 3D information without the need for corrective lenses by positioning the focal plane away from the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the parallax is fixed on the screen to enable 3D image representation, then the 3D effect is achieved, but the viewer's eyes cannot comfortably converge and focus on the screen at the same time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the display system by implementing variable refresh rates that synchronize with the viewer's eye movements. This allows the display to present different parallax information at different times, enabling both 3D representation and comfortable viewing by adapting the 3D parameters dynamically rather than fixing them statically on the screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts display parameters including refresh rate, parallax, and focal depth based on detected eye position and movement. This dynamic adaptation allows the display to maintain accurate 3D representation while simultaneously optimizing for viewing comfort by matching the temporal characteristics of human vision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the parallax is set for objects in the plane of the display, then the 3D representation is accurate for screen-plane objects, but it becomes difficult to represent distant objects like people behind the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable parallax parameters that can be adjusted based on the perceived depth of different objects in the scene. By changing the parallax magnitude and direction dynamically, the system can accurately represent both near objects in the screen plane and distant objects behind it, with each object receiving appropriate parallax treatment for its depth position.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display are assigned different parallax characteristics corresponding to their depth information. Objects at different depths receive locally optimized parallax settings, allowing the system to maintain high representation accuracy for both foreground and background elements simultaneously through spatially-varying optical parameters.
3Ease of operation
If near-screen devices are used for viewing, then portability and accessibility are improved, but users with farsightedness or presbyopia must wear corrective lenses to see the display
Solution Approach 1:
The display dynamically adjusts its focal depth and optical parameters in real-time based on the viewer's eye characteristics and position. This dynamic focusing capability eliminates the need for static corrective lenses by adapting the display's optical properties to match the viewer's visual needs, making near-screen devices accessible to users with various vision conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates eye-tracking and automatic calibration capabilities that allow it to self-adjust to each user's visual characteristics. By detecting eye position, movement, and focus patterns, the display automatically configures optimal viewing parameters, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust settings or wear corrective lenses.
4Device complexity
If the focal plane is fixed on the screen, then the display structure is simple, but it prevents comfortable viewing for individuals requiring eye correction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable focal plane that can move along the optical axis based on viewer needs. This dynamic focusing mechanism allows the display to present images at various virtual depths, accommodating users with farsightedness or presbyopia by adjusting the focal plane to their comfortable viewing distance while maintaining a relatively simple overall display structure.
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
Enables realistic 3D image rendering and accommodates individuals with presbyopia or farsightedness by allowing the parallax and focus to be placed away from the display surface, improving viewing comfort and eliminating the need for corrective lenses when using near-screen devices.
Implementation Method 1
A virtual image display device may include a display and a microlens array positioned between the display and a viewing surface of the virtual image display device
Implementation Method 2
The virtual image display device includes a pupil tracker that locates positions of pupils of a viewer
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes techniques and apparatuses for implementing a virtual image display device. A virtual image display device may include a display and a microlens array positioned between the display and a viewing surface of the virtual image display device. The virtual image display device is controlled to generate a virtual image behind the viewing surface of the virtual image display device. In some embodiments, the virtual image display device includes a pupil tracker that locates positions of pupils of a viewer. The virtual image display device is controlled to render the virtual image based on the positions of the pupils of the viewer.