Wearable Display Light Mixing Element for High Resolution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable display devices face challenges in achieving high resolution while maintaining lightness and thinness, as existing technologies struggle to effectively mix and project pixel lights of different wavelengths efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A display device comprising multiple light sources emitting mixed wavelengths of light, an optical scanner that changes the traveling paths of these lights, and optical axis adjustment elements to form high-resolution images without overlap, allowing for reduced pixel size and improved spatial resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If pixel size is reduced to achieve higher resolution, then spatial resolution is improved, but light mixing efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial resolutionVSAvoidlight mixing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the light mixing function into multiple sequential stages using a light mixing element with multiple layers. Each layer mixes a subset of wavelengths, and the mixing process is completed progressively through multiple reflections and transmissions, rather than attempting to mix all wavelengths simultaneously in a single stage. This segmentation enables effective light mixing even when pixel sizes are reduced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light mixing element extends the light mixing process into the depth dimension by using multiple internal layers and reflections. Instead of mixing all wavelengths in a single planar interface, the light undergoes sequential mixing through multiple layers at different depths, effectively utilizing the third dimension to achieve comprehensive wavelength mixing within a compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple light sources with different wavelengths are used, then color accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor accuracyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple light sources emitting different wavelengths into a single integrated light mixing element. The light mixing element integrates the functions of multiple discrete optical components (such as dichroic mirrors, prisms, or waveguides) into one compact structure, allowing all wavelength components to be mixed together in a unified device rather than requiring separate optical paths for each wavelength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The light mixing element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a wavelength separator, a mixer, and an optical guide all in one component. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the capability to handle multiple wavelengths effectively.

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

3Loss of energy

If light mixing element is added to mix wavelengths, then light mixing efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight mixing efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light mixing element acts as an intermediary component that facilitates efficient wavelength mixing through a structured internal design. It uses multiple reflective and transmissive layers as intermediary surfaces to guide and mix different wavelengths systematically, rather than relying on complex active control mechanisms or multiple discrete optical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces complex mechanical wavelength mixing systems (such as moving mirrors or rotating prisms) with a static, fixed light mixing element that achieves wavelength mixing through its internal layered structure. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving light mixing efficiency through the optimized optical path design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device to output high-resolution images with reduced pixel size, enhancing the spatial resolution and usability of wearable display devices by efficiently mixing and projecting pixel lights of different wavelengths.

Implementation Method 1

the light mixing element may mix the first light, the second light, and the third light by matching optical axes of the first light, the second light, and the third light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical axis matching:

Implementation Method 2

the light mixing element may include at least one of a waveguide, a multiplexer, or a dichroic filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWaveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 3

the light mixing element may include at least one of a waveguide, a multiplexer, or a dichroic filter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDichroic filter: Dichroic Filter

Implementation Method 4

an optical scanner configured to output an image including the plurality of first pixel lights and the plurality of second pixel lights to an external space by sequentially changing travelling paths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 5

the beam splitter may include at least one of a polarizing beam splitter or a half mirror

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarizing beam splitter: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS11605325B2Display device and method of operating the same
Publication Date: 2023.03.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US11605325B2 patent drawing
  • US11605325B2 patent drawing
  • US11605325B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device includes a first light source configured to emit first pixel light in each of which lights of a plurality of different wavelengths are mixed with one another, a second light source configured to emit a plurality of second pixel lights in each of which lights of a plurality of different wavelengths are mixed with one another, and an optical scanner configured to output an image including the plurality of first pixel lights and the plurality of second pixel lights to an external space by sequentially changing travelling paths of the plurality of first pixel lights and the plurality of second pixel lights.