VR Display Optical Path Using Peripheral Angle Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display devices for virtual reality applications face challenges in providing a high-resolution image with a wide angle of view while maintaining image quality and reducing eye strain.

Innovation Solution

A display device configuration that includes a light source, a first optical system, a MEMS mirror, and an angle changing element, which converts divergent light beams into collimated beams and changes the light beam's direction more significantly in the peripheral section than the central section, allowing for a high-resolution image with a wide angle of view.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If light is scanned by MEMS and directly projected on the retina, then high resolution can be achieved, but the angle of view remains narrow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidangle of view
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by using different optical path configurations for different regions of the display. The first optical path (for the first region) and second optical path (for the second region) are designed with different characteristics, allowing the central region to maintain high resolution while the peripheral region expands the angle of view. This regional differentiation resolves the contradiction between resolution and viewing angle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The display is segmented into multiple regions with different optical characteristics. By dividing the display area into a first region and second region, each with dedicated optical paths, the system can optimize resolution for the central region while expanding the angle of view for the peripheral region, thus resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If the optical system is designed for high resolution, then image quality improves, but the configuration becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage resolutionVSAvoidoptical system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single light source that serves multiple functions by generating light beams for both the first optical path and second optical path. This multi-functional approach reduces the number of separate light sources needed, simplifying the overall optical system configuration while maintaining high resolution capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple optical paths into a unified system where a single light source feeds both the first and second optical paths. By combining these paths and using shared components where possible, the system achieves high resolution without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple light sources are used for different regions, then image quality improves, but the device becomes more expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single light source is designed to perform multiple functions by generating light beams for different optical paths and regions. This eliminates the need for separate light sources for the first and second regions, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining high image quality through differentiated optical path design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The solution enables the display of high-quality images with a wide angle of view, maintaining high resolution in both central and peripheral regions, reducing eye strain, and allowing for a compact and cost-effective design.

Implementation Method 1

a first optical system which converts the light beam emitted from the light source into a collimated light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCollimation: Lens

Implementation Method 2

a first mirror which reflects the light beam coming through the first optical system while rotating around a first axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The changing element has a central section and a peripheral section outside the central section. The peripheral section possesses higher positive refracting power than positive refracting power of an inner section

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 4

a second optical system which deflects the light beam coming through the changing element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeflection: Lens

Data Source

PatentEP3508907B1Display device
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3508907B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3508907B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3508907B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Display device (100) includes light source (111), first optical system (121), first mirror (131), changing element (132), and second optical system (133). Light source (111) emits a light beam. First optical system (121) converts the light beam emitted from the light source (111) into a collimated light beam. First mirror (131) reflects the light beam coming through the first optical system (121) while rotating around a first axis. Changing element (132) changes a traveling direction of the light beam reflected by the first mirror (131). Changing element (132) has a central section and a peripheral section outside the central section. Second optical system (133) deflects the light beam coming through the changing element (132). Changing element (132) changes the traveling direction of the light beam such that an angle of the light beam in the traveling direction which has been reflected by first mirror (131) is changed more greatly in the peripheral section than in the central section.