Wearable Display Peripheral Scanning for Stereoscopic Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable stereoscopic display devices are hindered by bulkiness, discomfort, poor image quality, and limited ergonomics, making them unsuitable for long-term use, especially in medical and dental applications where high image quality and minimal obstruction are crucial.
Innovation Solution
A wearable display apparatus using modulated laser light scanned in a raster pattern, positioned below the viewer's horizontal line of sight within the peripheral field of view, combined with optical fibers and a retaining band that grips against the head, allowing for a lightweight, unobtrusive, and high-quality stereoscopic display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional wearable display devices are used to provide stereoscopic imaging, then image content can be displayed to the viewer, but the devices become bulky and uncomfortable, making them unsuitable for long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display components from the conventional front-facing position and relocates them to the periphery of the viewer's field of view. This allows the imaging system to be separated from the central visual path, reducing the bulkiness in the main viewing area while maintaining stereoscopic imaging capability through peripheral display elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional two-dimensional display plane to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement where display elements are positioned at different depths and angles in the peripheral field of view. This dimensional change allows the system to provide stereoscopic imaging without requiring bulky front-facing display structures.
2Reliability
If wearable display devices are positioned to provide immersive viewing, then stereoscopic image quality is improved, but the viewer's ability to see the outside world is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spatial qualities to different regions of the visual field. High-quality stereoscopic imaging is concentrated in the peripheral regions where it does not interfere with central vision, while the central field of view remains clear for observing the real world. This local differentiation of visual quality resolves the contradiction between immersive imaging and real-world visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the visual field into distinct regions: a central area for real-world viewing and peripheral areas for stereoscopic display. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without interference, with the wearable device providing imaging content only in the peripheral segments of the viewer's field of view.
3Ease of operation
If wearable display components are positioned in the normal field of view, then image content is easily visible, but eye fatigue increases and ergonomics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing display elements in the normal central field of view as conventionally done, the patent inverts the approach by positioning all display components in the peripheral field of view. This inversion allows image content to remain visible while eliminating the eye fatigue associated with conventional positioning, as the peripheral location does not require the eyes to strain or adjust focus in the same way.
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 configuration provides an unobstructed view of the real world while offering high-quality stereoscopic imaging, reducing eye fatigue and improving usability, making it suitable for prolonged use in medical and dental applications.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber disposed to direct the modulated laser light from the source to the scanning apparatus
Implementation Method 2
a scanning apparatus that is energizable to scan the modulated laser light from the source in a raster pattern and into the eye of the viewer for forming an image
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable display apparatus for displaying an image has a source of modulated laser light and a scanning apparatus energizable to scan the modulated laser light from the source in a raster pattern and into the eye for forming an image. The scanning apparatus directs light into the eye of the viewer from a distance to the eye that is within the object focal length of the eye, positioned below the horizontal line of sight of the viewer, and disposed within a lower portion of the vertical peripheral field of view and substantially outside of the normal vertical field of view of the viewer. An optical fiber is disposed to direct the modulated laser light from the source to the scanning apparatus. A retaining band grips against the sides of the viewer's head and that seats the scanning apparatus against the viewer's face along or below the cheekbone.