Miniature Guided Light Array Sequential Scanning Display for Head Mounted Displays

Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a miniature Guided Light Array Sequencial Scanning (GLASS) display for a new low-cost, low-power ultracompact Head Mounted Display (HMD). The proposed display is based on a unique combination of three technologies; (1) low-power light emitting diode (LED) arrays; (2) a polymer waveguide array substrate; and, (3) novel liquid crystal micro-optics. POC's proposed display surpasses current miniature HMD displays in terms of size, power, resolution, and speed. This is achieved by direct modulation of high-speed LED arrays to generate line images, and by parallel projection of light through a flexible polymer waveguide array sequentially scanned using either a refractive or diffractive liquid crystal output coupler array. Using the MHz speed of LEDs and time-multiplexing, the display will have increased grayscale capability, dynamic range, and dimming range. Additionally, the device will be lightweight, rugged, and compact, and will require little power or maintenance. With its high frame refresh rate and high resolution, POC's display will also reduce time-based and spatial image artifacts. In Phase I, POC will demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach by design and analysis, demonstration of component fabrication, and integration into a functional demonstration unit. BENEFITS: Because of its low power requirements, low cost, and high performance, the proposed display has many applications, including military head mounted displays (HMDs), space exploration, law enforcement, fire-fighting, education, training, maintenance and inventory-control, entertainment, portable computing and communications, and interactive virtual environments.