Development of next-generation near-eye and naked-eye optical display systems

"This dissertation introduces the development of the next-generation near-eye and naked-eye optical display systems for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications using multiple novel designs and techniques, including optical mapping near-eye (OMNI) display, holographic near-eye display, see-through display and naked-eye laser scanning display. The pros and cons for each display system have been clearly presented, evaluated, and compared with other current techniques. The major contribution of this dissertation is the system design strategy, in which the user experience is prioritized by applying the ``human-centric design"" principle. Under the specifications of the current techniques, our strategy expands the limitations while still holding potential for further upgrade. For VR displays, we propose an optical mapping near-eye (OMNI) 3D display method for wearable devices, showing prominent advantages in adaptability, image dynamic range, and refresh rate. We also implement an all-passive, transformable optical mapping (ATOM) near-eye display based on the human-centric design principle, providing a task-tailored viewing experience for a variety of VR/AR applications. We present two directions to enhance the system performances of the holographic near-eye displays, including holographic Maxwellian and holographic foveated multiplane near-eye displays. In addition, we develop an ultra-compact optical combiner for see-through near-eye display using geometric phase lenses (GPL) and an ultrashort throw laser MEMS projector. These systems show improved compactness, outstanding adaptation and high image quality, making them proper candidates of the next-generation near-eye and naked-eye optical displays."

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2021

Author dc:creator

• Cui, Wei

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gao, Liang
• Popescu, Gabriel
• Gruev, Viktor
• Song, Pengfei

• Near-eye displays
• naked-eye displays
• human-centric design
• wearable displays
• virtual reality
• augmented reality
• vergence-accommodation conflict
• optical mapping display
• holographic display
• optical combiner
• laser scanning display

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2020 Wei Cui

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/109468

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/109468