Variable pixel density display system with mechanically-actuated image projector

A head-mounted display system comprising:

• an array of light emitters associated with a base resolution, wherein the array of light emitters is configured to output light forming frames of virtual content to be directed to a user of the head-mounted display system;
• one or more actuators;
• and
• one or more processors, the one or more processors configured to:
• receive a rendered frame of virtual content, the rendered frame comprising a foveal region of a user's eye associated with a full-resolution, wherein the full-resolution is higher than the base resolution, and the rendered frame comprising a non-foveal region outside the foveal region of the user's eye at least a portion of which is associated with a partial-resolution, wherein the partial-resolution is higher than the base resolution but lower than the full-resolution;
• cause the array of light emitters to output light forming a first subframe of the rendered frame including the foveal region;
• after causing the array of light emitters to output light forming the first subframe of the rendered frame, adjust, via the one or more actuators, positions associated with light output from the array of light emitters;
• and
• after adjusting the positions associated with light output from the array of light emitters, cause the array of light emitters to output light forming a second subframe and a third subframe of the rendered frame within the foveal region, wherein each of the second subframe and the third subframe overlaps and is shifted relative to the first subframe, and wherein output light from only some light emitters of the array of light emitters are updated to enhance resolution within the foveal region relative to the non-foveal region and to enhance resolution within the non-foveal region relative to the base resolution.