18254150. Display Systems Having Imaging Capabilities simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

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Display Systems Having Imaging Capabilities

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Vikrant Bhakta of Santa Clara CA (US)

Hyungryul Choi of San Jose CA (US)

Display Systems Having Imaging Capabilities - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18254150 titled 'Display Systems Having Imaging Capabilities

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a display system that includes a reflective display panel, an infrared image sensor, and a waveguide. The panel can operate in two modes, reflecting image light towards the waveguide in one mode and reflecting infrared light towards the infrared image sensor in another mode. Additionally, the panel can reflect infrared light from an infrared emitter towards the waveguide. The infrared image sensor may be positioned adjacent to a reflective surface of a reflective input coupling prism on the waveguide to receive the infrared light. A world-facing camera can also receive world light through the waveguide, with the display module and camera operating using a time multiplexing scheme to prevent interference between image light and captured images.

  • Reflective display panel with dual operating modes
  • Infrared image sensor for capturing infrared light
  • Waveguide for transmitting light
  • Reflective input coupling prism for directing light to the image sensor
  • Time multiplexing scheme for coordinating operation of display and camera

Potential Applications

The technology described in the patent application could be applied in various fields such as augmented reality, virtual reality, automotive heads-up displays, and medical imaging devices.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of interference between image light and captured images by using a time multiplexing scheme to coordinate the operation of the display and camera.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved image quality, reduced interference, and enhanced functionality for devices utilizing reflective displays and infrared image sensors.

Potential Commercial Applications

Potential commercial applications of this technology include smart glasses, head-up displays in vehicles, medical imaging devices, and other augmented reality or virtual reality systems.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of reflective displays and infrared sensors in military applications for night vision or thermal imaging purposes.

Unanswered Questions

How does the time multiplexing scheme work in coordinating the operation of the display and camera?

The time multiplexing scheme likely involves alternating the operation of the display and camera at specific time intervals to ensure that image light does not interfere with images captured by the camera.

What are the specific technical specifications of the reflective input coupling prism and how does it enhance the functionality of the system?

The reflective input coupling prism likely has specific reflective properties that allow it to efficiently direct light towards the infrared image sensor, enhancing the system's ability to capture and process infrared light effectively.


Original Abstract Submitted

A display may include a reflective display panel, an infrared image sensor and a waveguide. The panel may be operated in a first operating mode in which the panel reflects image light towards the waveguide and a second operating mode in which the panel reflects infrared light from the waveguide towards the infrared image sensor. The panel may also reflect infrared light from an infrared emitter towards the waveguide. If desired, the infrared image sensor may be mounted adjacent a reflective surface of a reflective input coupling prism on the waveguide. The infrared image sensor may receive the infrared light through the reflective surface. If desired, a world-facing camera may receive world light through the waveguide. The display module and the world-facing camera may be operated using a time multiplexing scheme to prevent the image light from interfering with images captured by the world-facing camera.