US20250389963
2025-12-25
Physics
G02B27/0172
The technology focuses on utilizing transparent organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) as light-emitting pixels in near-eye displays, specifically for augmented reality applications. The innovative aspect involves the use of tunable micro-lenses, which are arranged in an array and paired with the OLED pixels. These micro-lenses can dynamically switch between focusing and non-focusing states, effectively enhancing the resolution of the display by rapidly altering the light's focal point and angle. This rapid switching, at a rate surpassing the flicker fusion threshold, allows the virtual images to be seamlessly superimposed onto the real-world view.
Traditional near-eye displays typically employ a combination of image generators, optical combiners, and imaging optics to project images into the user's line of sight. These systems often require a beam splitter to integrate virtual images with ambient light. The imaging optics are crucial for focusing the image generated by the display, with parameters such as eye clearance, eye relief, and field of view being critical for user comfort and image clarity. The introduction of see-through displays, such as transparent OLED arrays, eliminates the need for optical combiners by directly placing the display in the user's line of sight.
The inventive technology integrates see-through displays with dynamic, switchable optics to focus virtual images effectively. This setup can be implemented in near-eye displays akin to glasses, serving as augmented reality devices. The optics, which are electronically actuated without moving parts, can be tailored to individual optical prescriptions, enabling users to view the real world without virtual interference. Rapid switching capabilities allow the virtual image to be combined with real-world visuals, enhancing the perceived resolution by translating the focal points swiftly.
The near-eye display comprises an array of light-emitting transparent pixels aligned with switchable micro-lenses. These pixels transmit ambient light and project light towards the user's eye, while the micro-lenses focus this light to create a virtual image. Typically embedded in spectacle lenses, the system may include at least 100x100 pixels, with each pixel potentially paired with a switchable micro-lens. The micro-lenses can alternate between focusing states at rates of at least 60 Hz, utilizing electro-active lenses and dynamic half-wave plates to adjust the light's polarization and focus.
Additional features include an array of tilt mechanisms that steer light emitted by the pixels between resolvable angles, further enhancing image resolution. These mechanisms employ polarization adjusters and polarization-selective beam directors to guide light in varying directions based on its polarization state. The system may also incorporate fixed micro-lenses to assist in focusing. The combination of these components allows for the formation of a high-resolution virtual image, perceived as having more pixels than the actual array, by rapidly altering light direction and focus.