An augmented reality device and a control method thereof, a wearable augmented reality device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an augmented reality device, a wearable augmented reality device and a method for controlling the augmented reality device, and relates to the technical field of augmented reality. In the present disclosure, an ambient light detector, a controller and a first optical assembly are arranged in the augmented reality device, so that the controller can generate a first control signal according to an obtained adjustment operation for adjusting the light intensity of the first ambient light or / and the light intensity of the external ambient light sent by the ambient light detector, and then adjust the state of the first optical assembly based on the first control signal. The light intensity of the second ambient light emitted to the target area through the first optical assembly and the second optical assembly will change, such as being enhanced or weakened, so as to improve the display effect of the augmented reality device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number CN202011287560.1 and invention title "An Augmented Reality Device, Wearable Augmented Reality Equipment and Method for Controlling Augmented Reality Device". Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of augmented reality technology, and more particularly to an augmented reality device, a wearable augmented reality device, and a method for controlling the augmented reality device. Background Technology

[0003] Augmented Reality (AR), also known as Mixed Reality, applies virtual information to the real world, allowing real environments and virtual objects to be overlaid in the same scene or space in real time. Currently, people can interact with the real world through wearable devices such as AR glasses or AR helmets.

[0004] However, existing wearable augmented reality devices cannot effectively adjust the intensity of ambient light incident on the real environment during use, resulting in poor display effects. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides an augmented reality device and a wearable augmented reality device, which, through clever design of the AR display device, adjusts the intensity of the second ambient light obtained by the external ambient light emitted from the augmented reality device onto the target area, such as increasing or decreasing it, thereby improving the display effect of the augmented reality device. The technical solution of this disclosure is as follows:

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an augmented reality device is provided, comprising: an image source for emitting image light; a first optical component for receiving ambient light; a second optical component for guiding a first ambient light emitted via the first optical component and the image light emitted from the image source to a target area; an ambient light detector for detecting the light intensity of the ambient light; and a controller configured to be connected to the ambient light detector and to generate a first control signal based on obtained information related to the ambient light intensity, wherein the information related to the ambient light intensity includes at least one of an adjustment operation representing adjusting the light intensity of a second ambient light emitted to the target area via the first optical component and the second optical component, and light intensity information of the ambient light transmitted by the ambient light detector; the first optical component is further configured to be connected to the controller and capable of changing the light intensity or polarization direction of the emitted first ambient light according to the obtained first control signal, such that the light intensity of the second ambient light is attenuated to a corresponding degree compared to the light intensity of the ambient light.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a wearable augmented reality device is provided, including an eyeglass frame and temples, wherein the augmented reality device is disposed within the eyeglass frame.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method for controlling an augmented reality device is provided, characterized in that the augmented reality device includes an image source, an ambient light detector, and an optical element capable of changing the intensity or polarization direction of light passing through it; the method includes: generating a first control signal based on information related to the intensity of ambient light, the information related to the intensity of ambient light including at least one of adjustment information indicating adjustment of the intensity of ambient light emitted through the augmented reality device and light intensity information of the external ambient light where the augmented reality device is located, transmitted by the ambient light detector; applying the first control signal to the optical element to change the intensity or polarization direction of the ambient light passing through the optical element, so that the intensity of the emitted ambient light is attenuated to a corresponding degree compared to the intensity of the external ambient light.

[0009] The above-described at least one technical solution adopted in the embodiments of this disclosure can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0010] By incorporating an ambient light detector, a controller, an image source, a first optical component, and a second optical component into an augmented reality device, the controller can generate a first control signal based on at least one of an adjustment operation indicating the adjustment of the ambient light intensity and the ambient light intensity emitted by the ambient light detector. The first optical component receives the first control signal and its state changes. The ambient light passes through the first and second optical components and is emitted to the target area to obtain a second ambient light. Due to the change in the state of the first optical component, the intensity of the second ambient light is enhanced or weakened, thereby improving the display effect of the augmented reality device and meeting the user's viewing needs. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this disclosure and form part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and are used to explain this disclosure, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an augmented reality device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an augmented reality device according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an augmented reality device according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an augmented reality device according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an augmented reality device according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an augmented reality device according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an augmented reality device according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an augmented reality device according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an augmented reality device according to yet another exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an augmented reality device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this disclosure, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments and corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0024] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this disclosure described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of this disclosure as detailed in the appended claims.

[0025] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] It should be understood that in the following embodiments, ambient light refers to the ambient light before it enters the first optical element (i.e., the augmented reality device), the first ambient light refers to the ambient light emitted through the first optical element, and the second ambient light refers to the ambient light guided by the first ambient light to the target area through the second optical element. The target area refers to the emission surface area of ​​the second optical component corresponding to the largest image display area that can be formed by the target image light emitted from the image source through the second optical component.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] like Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the structure of an augmented reality device 10 provided in an exemplary embodiment. The augmented reality device 10 may include at least an ambient light detector 11, a controller 12, a first optical component 13, an image source 14, and a second optical component 15. The controller 12 is connected to the ambient light detector 11 and the first optical component 13.

[0029] The ambient light detector 11 is used to detect the intensity of the ambient light. The intensity of the ambient light detected by the ambient light detector 11 is used to characterize the intensity of the ambient light received by the first optical component 13. The ambient light detector 11 can be positioned close to the first optical component 13, so that the intensity of the ambient light detected by the ambient light detector 11 is closer to the intensity of the ambient light actually received by the first optical component 13. Optionally, the ambient light detector can be, but is not limited to, a photoresistor, a photovoltaic cell, a photodiode, etc. In addition, in actual implementation, the actual position of the ambient light detector 11 can be set according to requirements. For example, if the augmented reality device 10 has a high-transmittance cover plate for protecting the first optical component without affecting the transmission of ambient light, the ambient light detector 11 can be positioned between the first optical component 13 and the high-transmittance cover plate.

[0030] The controller 12 is configured to generate a first control signal based on information related to the ambient light intensity. This information includes at least one of an adjustment operation representing the intensity of second ambient light emitted to the target area via the first and second optical components, and information on the intensity of external ambient light transmitted by the ambient light detector 11. For example, the controller 12 sends the first control signal to adjust the state of the first optical component 13, thereby attenuating the intensity of the second ambient light after passing through the first and second optical components 13 and 15. This could involve increasing or decreasing the difference between the intensity of the second ambient light and the intensity of the external ambient light, i.e., the degree of attenuation of the second ambient light intensity relative to the external ambient light intensity.

[0031] In actual implementation, the controller 12 can compare the ambient light detection result (i.e., the signal representing the intensity of ambient light) sent by the ambient light detector 11 with a preset reference signal, and then generate a first control signal (such as a current or voltage signal of different magnitude) based on the comparison result and send it to the first optical component 13. It is understood that the aforementioned reference signal can be preset in the augmented reality device 10, or it can be manually set by the user in real time according to needs. This embodiment does not limit this.

[0032] In one implementation, the aforementioned preset reference signal can be a fixed value or a fixed range. The purpose is to adjust the light intensity of the second ambient light to a designed range. For example, the greater the difference between the external ambient light detection result and the preset reference signal, the greater the difference between the light intensity of the second ambient light and the light intensity of the external ambient light, that is, the greater the attenuation of the light intensity of the second ambient light compared to the light intensity of the external ambient light.

[0033] In another implementation, the preset reference signal can also be conditional information related to time, location, and preset conditions. When at least one of the time, location, and preset conditions is met, the light intensity of the second ambient light is adjusted according to the preset reference signal corresponding to the conditional information. For example, different preset reference signals can be set according to different geographical locations. When the location of the augmented reality device 10 is located in different set geographical locations, the light intensity of the second ambient light is adjusted according to the corresponding preset reference signal. This is beneficial for controlling the light intensity of the second ambient light according to the lighting conditions of different locations, resulting in better immersion.

[0034] Further reading Figure 1 When the controller 12 generates a first control signal based on the received adjustment operation indicating adjustment of the light intensity of the second ambient light, the augmented reality device 10 itself or the main control element (such as a remote control) connected to the augmented reality device 10 may be provided with buttons for user operation, so that the user can initiate the light intensity adjustment operation. It is understood that... Figure 1 The "adjustment operation" shown can be obtained by the user directly operating the controller 12, or indirectly by operating the controller through a remote control or the like. In one implementation, the user can adjust the light intensity according to their own preferences. For example, if the user prefers to use the augmented reality device 10 to experience augmented reality effects under different ambient light intensities, then the user can increase / decrease the light intensity according to their preference. Optionally, to facilitate the user's adjustment of the ambient light intensity, multiple light intensity ranges [A1,A2], [A3,A4], [A5,A6], etc., can be preset, allowing the user to directly select the corresponding light intensity range to initiate a light intensity adjustment operation.

[0035] Furthermore, in practical applications, after the user selects the corresponding light intensity range (e.g., [A3, A4]), the controller can also use the light intensity range [A3, A4] as a reference and generate a first control signal based on the ambient light detection results sent by the ambient light detector 11 to further adjust the light intensity of the second ambient light within the light intensity range [A3, A4]. It should be noted that when the controller adjusts the light intensity of the second ambient light based on the first control signal generated by the ambient light detector 11, the adjusted light intensity of the second ambient light must be within the aforementioned light intensity range [A3, A4].

[0036] The first optical component 13 receives ambient light and, according to a control signal sent by the controller 12, changes the intensity or polarization direction of the emitted first ambient light, thereby causing the intensity of the second ambient light to be attenuated to a corresponding degree compared to the intensity of the ambient light. For example, the intensity of the second ambient light emitted to the target area via the first optical component 13 and the second optical component 15 may be increased or decreased. In practical applications, only the intensity of the second ambient light in the target area may be adjusted, without adjusting the ambient light outside the target area of ​​the augmented reality device 10. The external environment outside the target area can be clearly shown (the first control signal does not adjust the area outside the target area), and the intensity of the second ambient light in the target area can be adapted to the target image light (for example, the target image light can still be clearly shown after being superimposed on the second ambient light). It should be noted that the intensity of the second ambient light is always less than the intensity of the ambient light. The increase or decrease in the intensity of the second ambient light is only an increase or decrease in the difference between the intensity of the second ambient light and the intensity of the ambient light, that is, the difference in the degree of attenuation of the intensity of the second ambient light relative to the intensity of the ambient light.

[0037] Based on this, the first optical component 13 can be selected, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal component or an electrochromic material layer. As one possible implementation, when the first optical component 13 is an electrochromic material layer, its working principle is to control the transmittance of the electrochromic material layer by adjusting the magnitude of the current or voltage (i.e., the first control signal), thereby adjusting (e.g., increasing or decreasing) the intensity of the first ambient light transmitted through the electrochromic material layer. This, in turn, allows for a controllable and continuous change in the intensity of the second ambient light, i.e., the brightness of the external environment, within the augmented reality device 10.

[0038] As another possible implementation, considering that the alignment of liquid crystal molecules causes a change in the polarization direction of light passing through the liquid crystal element, generally the polarization direction of light passing through the liquid crystal element is adjusted by the liquid crystal element to be consistent with the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules. When the first optical component 13 is a liquid crystal component, the liquid crystal element in the liquid crystal component includes multiple liquid crystal cells. The deflection direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal cells is related to the control signal applied by the controller. That is, the deflection direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal component can be controlled by the controller 12, and the polarization direction of light passing through the liquid crystal element can be continuously changed. In other words, this embodiment introduces a feedback and adjustment mechanism so that the controller 12 controls the deflection direction of each liquid crystal molecule in the liquid crystal element 1302 to adjust the polarization direction of the first ambient light transmitted through the liquid crystal component, thereby enabling the controllable and continuous change of the light intensity of the second ambient light, i.e., the brightness of the external environment, in the augmented reality device 10. In actual implementation, the actual configuration of the liquid crystal component can be flexibly designed according to requirements, and this embodiment does not impose any limitations.

[0039] Image source 14 is used to emit image light, which represents an image that needs to be incident on the target area. In actual implementation, image source 14 can be selected, but is not limited to, curved image sources such as concave, convex, or spherical types, or planar light sources such as integrated light sources or single light sources. This embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0040] The first ambient light emitted from the first optical component 13 can enter the target area after passing through the second optical component 15 to obtain the second ambient light. The first optical component 13 changes its state according to the obtained first control signal, thereby increasing or decreasing the intensity of the second ambient light entering the target area through the first optical component 13 and the second optical component 15. The image light emitted from the image source 14 enters the target area through the second optical component 15 to obtain the target image light, thus forming an augmented reality image. In this embodiment, the second optical component 15 utilizes the principle of optical imaging, which can both transmit the first ambient light transmitted by the first optical component 13 and transmit the image light emitted from the image source 14 to the target area, so as to achieve the superposition of virtual image and real environment image, i.e., augmented reality. In the augmented reality device, the target area (which corresponds to the pixels of the image source) can be aligned with the area of ​​the first optical component that receives external ambient light, so that the area of ​​the first optical component corresponding to the target area can be adjusted.

[0041] In practical implementation, in addition to the aforementioned ability to change the state of the first optical component 13 according to the first control signal, another possible implementation method is described below. Figure 1The controller 12 is also configured to connect to the image source 14 to generate a second control signal based on the light intensity of the image light emitted by the image source 14 and the light intensity of the ambient light received by the first optical component 13. This ensures that the light intensity of the second ambient light emitted to the target area via the first optical component 13 and the second optical component 15 matches the light intensity of the target image light emitted from the image source 14 via the second optical component 15, thereby adjusting the light intensity of the second ambient light. The light intensity of the target image light has a fixed relationship with the light intensity of the image light emitted by the image source 14. Similarly, the light intensity of the second ambient light, the light intensity of the ambient light, and the second control signal applied to the first optical component 13 also have a fixed relationship. To match the light intensity of the second ambient light with the light intensity of the target image light, a matching relationship can be preset, and the second control signal applied to the first optical component 13 can be calculated based on the light intensity of the image light and the ambient light. Additionally, the second control signal can also be applied to the image source 14 to control the light intensity of the image light emitted by the image source 14.

[0042] Furthermore, the intensity of the second ambient light matches the intensity of the target image light, meaning the difference between their intensities is within a certain range. For example, if the target image light intensity is low and the second ambient light intensity is high, the user may not be able to clearly see the image. By reducing the intensity of the second ambient light and / or increasing the intensity of the target image light, the intensity of the second ambient light matches the intensity of the target image light. Conversely, if the target image light intensity is high and the second ambient light intensity is low, the user may also not be able to clearly see the image of the second ambient light. By increasing the intensity of the second ambient light and / or decreasing the intensity of the target image light, the intensity of the second ambient light matches the intensity of the target image light, resulting in a better augmented reality effect and a better user experience.

[0043] It is understood that the light intensity of the target image light mentioned above may originate from the controller 12, that is, the controller 12 itself knows the light intensity of the image light; or, the light intensity of the target image light may originate from other sources, such as the controller being connected to the image source 14 and knowing the light intensity of the image source 13, thereby adjusting the light intensity of the target image light.

[0044] For example, the target area may include at least one sub-region, which is determined based on the image light intensity being greater than a set threshold. The image light intensity within the sub-region is higher, while the image light intensity outside the sub-region is lower. The boundary of the sub-region can be defined by setting a threshold. Specifically, the image light boundary can be determined by the image light intensity being greater than the set threshold, and the sub-region can be formed by the image light boundary. Alternatively, the image light boundary can be determined by the image light intensity being greater than the set threshold, and a fixed geometric shape or a user-defined shape can be set to encompass the image light boundary, forming a sub-region composed of the boundary of the fixed geometric shape or the user-defined shape.

[0045] For example, assuming the image light content is a tree, by judging the light intensity, the edge of the tree can be defined as the image light boundary, i.e., the sub-region is the tree. As another example, in the aforementioned tree example, after determining the tree's edge, a rectangle is set to encompass the tree's edge, i.e., the sub-region is the set rectangle. If the image light content includes children playing under a tree, the children and the tree can be defined as two separate sub-regions, or they can be defined as a single sub-region. All sub-regions are located within the target area, and none of the sub-regions necessarily fill the entire target area; for example, spaces can be provided between multiple sub-regions. Each sub-region can be aligned separately with the area of ​​the first optical component that receives ambient light, thereby adjusting the target image light and / or the second ambient light for each sub-region.

[0046] The controller 12 can also be configured to generate a third control signal based on the light intensity of the image light emitted by the image source 14 and the light intensity of the ambient light received by the first optical component 13, so that the light intensity of the second ambient light emitted to the sub-region via the first optical component 13 and the second optical component 15 matches the light intensity of the target image light emitted from the image source 14 via the second optical component 15 to the corresponding sub-region. For example, assuming the target region includes three sub-regions with different image light intensities, the controller 12 can adjust the light intensity of the second ambient light in each sub-region by adjusting the state of the corresponding sub-region of the first optical component 13, so that the light intensity of the second ambient light in each of the three sub-regions matches the light intensity of the target image light. Additionally, the light intensity of the image light from the image source 14 corresponding to the sub-region can be adjusted to match the light intensity of the second ambient light in the sub-region with the light intensity of the target image light.

[0047] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to generate a fourth control signal based on at least one of an adjustment operation representing the adjustment of the light intensity of the second ambient light emitted to the sub-region and the light intensity of the external ambient light transmitted by the ambient light detector 11, such that the light intensity of the second ambient light emitted to the sub-region via the first optical component 13 and the second optical component 15 is increased or decreased. For example, if the target area includes three sub-regions, the controller 12 may adjust the light intensity of the second ambient light in the corresponding sub-region by adjusting the state of the corresponding sub-region of the first optical component 13, so that the light intensities of the second ambient light in the three sub-regions are different.

[0048] In some embodiments, the transparency of the sub-region is less than the transparency of the area outside the sub-region. Transparency refers to the ratio of the intensity of ambient light passing through the augmented reality device to the intensity of ambient light outside the device. Higher transparency means less light intensity is lost when ambient light passes through the augmented reality device. Adjusting the state of the first optical component corresponding to the sub-region reduces the intensity of the second ambient light in that sub-region, without adjusting the state of the first optical component outside the sub-region, ensures that the intensity of the second ambient light in the sub-region is less than the intensity of the second ambient light outside the sub-region. When the ambient light intensity is very high, by reducing only the intensity of the second ambient light in the sub-region, the target image light in the sub-region can be clearly displayed, and the second ambient light outside the sub-region can also be clearly displayed without reduction. This allows the user to clearly see the image content displayed in the sub-region and the environmental content outside the sub-region.

[0049] In other embodiments, the transparency of the sub-region's boundary is greater than the transparency of the sub-region's interior. The boundary of the sub-region is determined by a first predetermined distance from the sub-region's boundary toward the interior and / or a second predetermined distance from the sub-region's boundary toward the exterior. In the example where the sub-region is a tree, the boundary can be formed starting from the tree's boundary in the direction toward the tree's interior and ending at the first predetermined distance; and / or, it can be formed starting from the tree's boundary in the direction toward the tree's exterior and ending at the second predetermined distance. The first and second predetermined distances can be adjusted by the user as needed.

[0050] In the foregoing embodiments, the transparency of the boundary area of ​​the sub-region can be made greater than the transparency of the interior of the sub-region by adjusting the boundary range of the sub-region and the light intensity of the second ambient light inside the sub-region. For example, the light intensity of the second ambient light at the boundary range of the sub-region can be adjusted to be greater than the light intensity of the second ambient light inside the sub-region.

[0051] Furthermore, to make the image content appear more realistic and reduce any sense of abruptness when viewed by users, the transparency within the boundary of the sub-region gradually increases from the inside of the sub-region to the outside of the sub-region.

[0052] In some embodiments, the transparency of the portion of the sub-region corresponding to an environmental object is less than the transparency of the portion of the sub-region corresponding to a non-environmental object. In some outdoor game scenes, the sub-region can be formed by a game character. When the game character stands in front of an environmental object such as a rock, it will obscure the corresponding environmental object. Making the transparency of the portion of the sub-region corresponding to the environmental object less than the transparency of the portion of the sub-region not corresponding to the environmental object is more realistic and improves the user's immersion. This can be achieved by adjusting the light intensity of the second ambient light of the portion of the sub-region corresponding to the environmental object to be less than the light intensity of the second ambient light of the portion of the sub-region not corresponding to the environmental object.

[0053] In some embodiments, an eye-tracking device may be provided on the augmented reality device 10. The target area or sub-area is related to the gaze point of the augmented reality device 10. Changes in the gaze point can be obtained by the eye-tracking device. The position of the target area or sub-area can be obtained based on the gaze point information obtained by the eye-tracking device, and then the light intensity of the corresponding second ambient light can be adjusted according to the position of the target area or sub-area.

[0054] As can be seen from the foregoing description, by setting up a controller 12, an ambient light detector 11, an image source 14, a first optical component 13 and a second optical component 15 in the augmented reality device 10, the light intensity of the second ambient light can be continuously adjusted, which effectively improves the display effect of the augmented reality device 10 and enhances the user experience.

[0055] Based on the aforementioned augmented reality device 10, considering that the configurations of the first optical component 13 and the second optical component 15 may differ, the aforementioned augmented reality device can have various possible implementations. The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrates several possible implementations of the augmented reality device in this embodiment. It should be noted that in the implementations shown in the following drawings, when the second optical component 15 has a semi-reflective element and the image source 14 is equipped with an optical lens, the distance between the image source 14 and the semi-reflective element must meet the optical path design requirements for optical imaging to ensure the imaging effect of the augmented reality device 10. Furthermore, the image source 14 and the polarizer in the second optical component 15 can be directly bonded together, or they can be fixed by mechanisms, etc.; this embodiment does not impose any limitations on this.

[0056] Furthermore, the polarizer described below has the characteristic of controlling the polarization state of light, capable of transmitting light of a first polarization state and absorbing light of a second polarization state, or transmitting light of a second polarization state and absorbing light of a first polarization state; the polarization beam splitter has the characteristic of reflecting light of a first polarization state and transmitting light of a second polarization state, or transmitting light of a first polarization state and transmitting light of a first polarization state; the semi-reflective and semi-transparent element has the characteristic of reflecting and transmitting incident light, and does not distinguish the polarization characteristics of the light. The first polarization state and the second polarization state indicate that the vibration directions of the light are different. The first direction of the first polarization state and the second direction of the second polarization state are perpendicular to each other. For example, light with a first polarization state can be polarized light with a polarization state in the P direction, and light with a second polarization state can be polarized light with a polarization state in the S direction. Considering that P-polarized light and S-polarized light can rotate around the direction of light propagation while satisfying mutual perpendicularity, the first polarization state can also be polarized light with a polarization state at a certain angle to the P direction, and the second polarization state can also be polarized light with a polarization state at a certain angle to the S direction; this embodiment does not impose limitations.

[0057] Example 1

[0058] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 When the first optical component is a liquid crystal component, the liquid crystal component may include at least a first polarizer 1300, a second polarizer 1301 and a liquid crystal element 1302. The liquid crystal element 1302 includes a plurality of liquid crystal cells. The liquid crystal element 1302 is connected to the controller 12 and is located between the first polarizer 1300 and the second polarizer 1301.

[0059] In actual implementation, according to Figure 2 The different polarization states (polarization directions) of the first polarizer 1300 and the second polarizer 1301 shown lead to different working principles when adjusting light intensity via the liquid crystal assembly. The polarization directions of the first polarizer 1300 and the second polarizer 1301 are not limited to the specific embodiments described below; the polarization directions of the first polarizer 1300 and the second polarizer 1301 can be at other angles.

[0060] For example, assuming that the polarization state of the polarized light transmitted by the first polarizer 1300 is the same as that of the polarized light transmitted by the second polarizer 1301, for example, both are in the second polarization state, then the transmission of the first ambient light transmitted through the liquid crystal component 130 is as follows.

[0061] like Figure 2As shown in (a), when ambient light is incident on the second polarizer 1301 and transmitted through it, the polarization state changes to a second polarization state. This second polarized ambient light then propagates to the liquid crystal element 1302. The liquid crystal element 1302 is regulated by a first control signal sent by the controller 12, causing a change in the alignment of liquid crystal molecules within the liquid crystal cell, thus changing the polarization direction of the light after passing through the liquid crystal element. If the ambient light is strong, or if the user of the augmented reality device 10 is dissatisfied with the current brightness of the ambient light, the controller 12 can send a first control signal to the liquid crystal element 1302 to adjust the transmittance of the liquid crystal element 1302 based on the obtained adjustment operation and / or the ambient light detection result sent by the ambient light detector 11. Therefore:

[0062] (1) When the deflection angle of the polarization state of the transmitted ambient light by the liquid crystal element 1302 is 0°, the polarization characteristics do not change after being transmitted by the liquid crystal element 1302. At this time, the ambient light of the second polarization state can pass through the first polarizer 1300 without loss and enter the second optical component 15.

[0063] (2) When the deflection angle of the polarization state of the transmitted ambient light by the liquid crystal element 1302 is 90°, the ambient light will be converted from the second polarization state to the first polarization state (not shown) after being transmitted through the liquid crystal element 1302. The ambient light in the first polarization state cannot pass through the first polarizer 1300, that is, no first ambient light is incident on the second optical component 15, or the user of the augmented reality device 10 cannot see the external environment.

[0064] (3) When the deflection angle of the polarization state of the transmitted ambient light by the liquid crystal element 1302 changes continuously from 0° to 90°, the ambient light transmitted through the first polarizer 1300 will also become weaker or stronger continuously (that is, the first ambient light incident on the second optical component 15 will also gradually become stronger or weaker, that is, the brightness of the external environment seen by the user of the augmented reality device 10 will also gradually become stronger or weaker), so as to achieve the purpose of continuous adjustment.

[0065] For example, assuming that the polarization state of the polarized light transmitted by the first polarizer 1300 is the second polarization state and the polarization state of the polarized light transmitted by the second polarizer 1301 is the first polarization state, then the transmission of the first ambient light transmitted through the liquid crystal module is as follows.

[0066] like Figure 2As shown in (b), when ambient light is incident on the second polarizer 1301 and transmitted through it, the polarization state of the ambient light changes to a first polarization state. This first polarization state of the ambient light further propagates to the liquid crystal element 1302. Since the liquid crystal element 1302 is regulated by a first control signal sent by the controller 12, if the ambient light is strong, or if the user of the augmented reality device 10 is dissatisfied with the current ambient brightness, the controller 12 will send a modulation signal to the liquid crystal element 1302 based on the acquired light intensity modulation operation and / or the ambient light detection result sent by the ambient light detector 11, to adjust the transmittance of the liquid crystal element 1302. Therefore:

[0067] (1) When the deflection angle of the polarization state of the transmitted ambient light by the liquid crystal element 1302 is 0°, the polarization characteristics of the ambient light do not change after being transmitted through the liquid crystal element 1302. However, since the polarization characteristics of the first polarizer 1300 are different from those of the second polarizer 1301, that is, the first polarizer 1301 allows light of the first polarization state to pass through, and the second polarizer 1300 allows light of the second polarization state to pass through, the ambient light of the first polarization state cannot pass through the first polarizer 1300, that is, the user of the augmented reality device 10 cannot see the external environment.

[0068] (2) When the deflection angle of the polarization state of the transmitted ambient light by the liquid crystal element 1302 is 90°, the ambient light will be converted from the first polarization state to the second polarization state (not shown) after being transmitted through the liquid crystal element 1302. The ambient light in the second polarization state is not lost when it passes through the first polarizer 1300.

[0069] (3) When the deflection angle of the polarization state of the transmitted ambient light by the liquid crystal element 1302 changes continuously from 0° to 90°, the first ambient light transmitted by the first polarizer 1300 will also become weaker or stronger continuously (that is, the brightness of the external environment seen by the user of the augmented reality device 10 will gradually become stronger or weaker) in order to achieve the purpose of continuous adjustment.

[0070] It should be noted that Figure 2 The diagrams (a) and (b) show the transmission optical paths of ambient light under two different conditions. The subsequent... Figures 3 to 6 The (a) and (b) shown are related to Figure 2 (a) and (b) shown are the same.

[0071] Example 2

[0072] The first optical component 13 includes the first polarizer 1300, the second polarizer 1301, and the liquid crystal element 1302 shown in Example 1; or, the first optical component only includes the second polarizer 1301 and the liquid crystal element 1302 shown in Example 1; or, when the first optical component 13 is an electrochromic material layer, the second optical component 15 may include... Figure 3 The fourth polarizer 1501, the first semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1502, and the first polarizing beam splitter 1503 are shown. The image source 14 is arranged parallel to the fourth polarizer 1501. The first semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1502 is located between the fourth polarizer 1501 and the first polarizing beam splitter 1503, and the first semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1502 is inclined to the fourth polarizer 1501 and the first polarizing beam splitter 1503 respectively. The first polarizing beam splitter 1503 is arranged parallel to the first optical component 13.

[0073] The image light emitted from the image source 14 is transmitted through the fourth polarizer 1501 to obtain the first image polarized light with the first polarization state. The first image polarized light is reflected by the first semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1502 to the first polarization beam splitter 1503, and after being reflected by the first polarization beam splitter 1503, it is transmitted again through the first semi-reflective and semi-transparent element to the target area to obtain the target image light.

[0074] At the same time, the first ambient light emitted from the first optical component 13 will also be transmitted through the first polarization beam splitter 1503 to obtain the first ambient polarized light (with the second polarization state), and the first ambient polarized light will be transmitted through the first semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1502 to the target area to obtain the second ambient light.

[0075] It should be noted that, for the sake of clarity in explaining the second optical component 15, Figure 3 The structure of the first optical component 13 shown is only Figure 2 The diagram shows a liquid crystal assembly. In actual implementation, by changing the polarization state of ambient light through the liquid crystal element 1302, the intensity of the first ambient polarized light with a second polarization state that passes through the first polarization beam splitter 1503 can be changed, and ultimately the intensity of the second ambient light at the target area changes. Figure 3 The liquid crystal assembly can omit the first polarizer 1300, retaining only the second polarizer 1301 and the liquid crystal element 1302. The liquid crystal element 1302 changes the intensity of the second ambient light in the target area by altering the polarization direction of the ambient light. Furthermore, Figure 3The liquid crystal component can also be replaced by an electrochromic material layer. The electrochromic material layer does not change the polarization state of the ambient light. Instead, it changes the transmittance of the ambient light through the electrochromic material layer, thereby changing the intensity of the first ambient light incident on the first polarization beam splitter 1503. This, in turn, changes the intensity of the first ambient polarized light with a second polarization state that passes through the first polarization beam splitter 1503, and ultimately changes the intensity of the second ambient light at the target area.

[0076] Example 3

[0077] When the first optical component 13 includes the first polarizer 1300, the second polarizer 1301, and the liquid crystal element 1302 as shown in Example 1, or when the first optical component 13 is an electrochromic material layer, the second optical component 15 may further include... Figure 4 The second polarizing beam splitter 1601, the first quarter wave plate 1602, and the second semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1603 shown are arranged at an angle to the image source 14 and the first quarter wave plate 1602, respectively. The second semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1603 is arranged parallel to the first quarter wave plate 1602 and is located between the first quarter wave plate 1601 and the first optical component 13.

[0078] Specifically, the image light emitted from image source 14, in the first polarization state, is reflected by the second polarization beam splitter 1601 to the first quarter-wave plate 1602 to obtain second image-polarized light (first polarization state). This second image-polarized light, after passing through the first quarter-wave plate 1602 (third polarization state), is reflected by the second semi-reflective element 1603 (fourth polarization state) and then transmitted through the first quarter-wave plate 1602 again to obtain third image-polarized light (second polarization state). This third image-polarized light is then transmitted through the second polarization beam splitter 1601 to the target area to obtain target image light. It should be noted that the third polarization state is right-handed circularly polarized light or right-handed elliptically polarized light, and the fourth polarization state is left-handed circularly polarized light or left-handed elliptically polarized light.

[0079] Meanwhile, the first ambient light (second polarization state) emitted by the first optical component 13 can be transmitted sequentially through the second semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1603, the first quarter-wave plate 1602, and the second polarization beam splitter 1601 to the target area to obtain the second ambient light.

[0080] It should be noted that, for the sake of clarity in explaining the second optical component 15, Figure 4 The structure of the first optical component 13 shown is only Figure 2The diagram shows a schematic of a liquid crystal assembly. In actual implementation, the liquid crystal element 1302 changes the polarization state of the ambient light incident on the first optical assembly 13, which can change the intensity of the ambient light with a second polarization state that passes through the second semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1603, and ultimately change the intensity of the second ambient light at the target area. Figure 4 The liquid crystal component can also be replaced by an electroluminescent material layer. The electroluminescent material layer does not change the polarization state of the ambient light. Instead, it changes the transmittance of the ambient light, thereby changing the intensity of the first ambient light incident on the second semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1603. This, in turn, changes the intensity of the second ambient light transmitted through the first quarter-wave plate 1602 and the second polarization beam splitter 1601, ultimately resulting in a change in the intensity of the second ambient light at the target area.

[0081] Furthermore, in some implementations, in order to further filter out image light rays in the second polarization state and improve the optical path transmission effect of the second optical component 15, in Figure 4 Based on the given second optical component 15, the second optical component 15 may further include, for example: Figure 5 The polarizer 1604 shown is located between the image source 14 and the second polarizing beam splitter 1601, and is arranged parallel to the image source 14.

[0082] In actual implementation, the image light emitted from the image source 14 passes through the polarizer 1604 to obtain image polarized light with a first polarization state. This image polarized light then passes through the second polarization beam splitter 1601 and is reflected to the second quarter-wave plate 1602 to obtain second image polarized light (first polarization state). This second image polarized light passes through the first quarter-wave plate 1602 (third polarization state), is reflected by the second semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1603 (fourth polarization state), and then passes through the first quarter-wave plate 1602 to obtain third image polarized light (second polarization state). The third image polarized light is transmitted through the second polarization beam splitter 1601 to the target area to obtain target image light.

[0083] about Figure 5 The transmission optical path of ambient light in the image will not be described in detail here; please refer to the section on... Figure 4 A detailed description of the optical path shown.

[0084] Example 4

[0085] When the first optical component 13 includes the first polarizer 1300, the second polarizer 1301, and the liquid crystal element 1302 as shown in Example 1, or when the first optical component 13 is an electrochromic material layer, the second optical component 15 may further include... Figure 6The first circular polarizer 1701, the third quarter-wave plate 1702, the fourth polarizing beam splitter 1703, and the fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1704 are shown. The first circular polarizer 1701 is arranged parallel to the image source 14. The third quarter-wave plate 1702 is stacked on the fourth polarizing beam splitter 1703, and the third quarter-wave plate 1702 and the fourth polarizing beam splitter 1703 are located between the first circular polarizer 1701 and the fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1704. The third quarter-wave plate 1702 is inclined to the first circular polarizer 1701 and the fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1704, respectively. The fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1704 is arranged parallel to the first optical component 13.

[0086] The image light emitted from the image source 14 is transmitted sequentially through the first circular polarizer 1701 and the third quarter-wave plate 1702, and then reflected by the fourth polarization beam splitter 1703 to obtain the sixth image polarized light. The sixth image polarized light is incident on the fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1704, and after being reflected by the fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1704, it is transmitted sequentially through the third quarter-wave plate 1702 and the fourth polarization beam splitter 1703 to the target area to obtain the target image light.

[0087] It should be noted that in actual implementations, such as Figure 6 As shown, the image light emitted from the image source 14 is in a third polarization state (right-hand circularly polarized light or right-hand elliptically polarized light) after passing through the first circular polarizer 1701. The image light in the third polarization state is transmitted through the third quarter-wave plate 1702 to obtain the image light in the first polarization state. It is reflected by the fourth polarization beam splitter 1703 and transmitted through the third quarter-wave plate 1702 to obtain the image light in the third polarization state. It is incident on the fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1704. After being reflected by the fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1704, it is in the fourth polarization state (left-hand circularly polarized light or left-hand elliptically polarized light). Then it is transmitted through the third quarter-wave plate 1702 to obtain the image light in the second polarization state. The image light in the second polarization state can be transmitted through the fourth polarization beam splitter 1703 to the target area to obtain the target image light.

[0088] Additionally, the first ambient light emitted from the first optical component 13 is sequentially transmitted through the third circular polarizer 16, the fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1704, the third quarter-wave plate 1702, and the fourth polarizing beam splitter 1703 to the target area to obtain the second ambient light. Among these, as shown... Figure 6As shown, the first ambient light emitted from the first optical component 13 is transmitted through the third circular polarizer 16 to obtain ambient light with a fourth polarization state (left-handed circularly polarized light or left-handed elliptically polarized light). This ambient light is then transmitted through the fourth semi-reflective element 1704 and the third quarter-wave plate 1702 to obtain ambient light with a second polarization state. This second-polarized ambient light is then transmitted through the fourth polarization beam splitter 1703 to the target area to obtain the second ambient light. By adjusting the first ambient light emitted from the first optical component 13, the intensity of the second ambient light in the target area can be adjusted.

[0089] It should be noted that, for the sake of clarity in explaining the second optical component 15, Figure 6 The structure of the first optical component 13 shown is only Figure 2 The diagram shows a liquid crystal assembly. When the first optical assembly 13 includes a first polarizer 1300, a second polarizer 1301, and a liquid crystal element 1302, the third circular polarizer 16 can be replaced with a quarter-wave plate, with the principle being similar to that described above.

[0090] When the first optical component 13 is an electrochromic material layer, the third circular polarizer 16 can be omitted. The first ambient light is sequentially transmitted through the fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1704, the third quarter-wave plate 1702, and the fourth polarization beam splitter 1703 to obtain the second ambient light with a second polarization state, which is then directed to the target area. By adjusting the transmittance of the electrochromic material layer, the light intensity of the second ambient light in the target area can be adjusted.

[0091] Example 5

[0092] In some implementations, the second optical component may include a polarizing device (such as a polarizer or polarizing beam splitter), and the first ambient light emitted from the first optical component 13 is guided to the target area by the polarizing device in the second optical component 15. In addition to the liquid crystal assembly structures given in Examples 1 to 4 above, the liquid crystal assembly may include... Figure 7 The liquid crystal element 1801 and the third polarizer 1802 shown are illustrated. The liquid crystal element 1801 may include multiple liquid crystal cells, and is located between the third polarizer 1802 and the second optical component 15. The liquid crystal element 1801 is configured to arrange the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal cells according to a control signal applied by the controller 12, thereby changing the polarization direction of the light emitted by the liquid crystal element. The liquid crystal component only needs to include a polarizer located outside the liquid crystal element. The liquid crystal component works in conjunction with the polarizer or polarizing beam splitter in the second optical component 15 to jointly achieve the purpose of adjusting the intensity of the second ambient light.

[0093] The polarization properties of the third polarizer 1802 can be set according to the actual situation of the polarizer and polarizing beam splitter included in the second optical component 15. For example, the third polarizer 1802 can pass through the first polarization state and absorb the second polarization state, or it can pass through the second polarization state and absorb the first polarization state. There is no limitation here.

[0094] In addition, the optical path and principle of ambient light transmitted to the target area through the third polarizer 1802 and the liquid crystal element 1801 can be referred to the description of the second polarizer 1301 and the liquid crystal element 1302 in Example 1, and will not be repeated here in this embodiment.

[0095] Example 6

[0096] Based on the first optical assembly 13 including the triple polarizer 1802 and the liquid crystal element 1801 given in Example 5, please refer to the following: Figure 8 The second optical component 15 may include a third polarizing beam splitter 1901, a second quarter-wave plate 1902, a third semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1903, and a first quarter-wave plate 1904.

[0097] Specifically, the image light emitted from the image source 14 is reflected by the third polarization beam splitter 1901 to the second quarter-wave plate 1902 to obtain the fourth image polarized light (first polarization state). The fourth image polarized light is transmitted through the second quarter-wave plate 1902 and then reflected by the third semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1903 and transmitted through the second quarter-wave plate 1902 to obtain the fifth image polarized light (second polarization state). The fifth image polarized light is transmitted through the third polarization beam splitter 1901 to the target area to obtain the target image light.

[0098] The transmission path of image rays in the second optical component can be referenced in Example 3. Figure 4 The relevant descriptions of the content shown will not be repeated here in this embodiment. Additionally, in Example 3... Figure 5 Similarly, in this Example 6, the second optical component 15 may also include a polarizer located between the image source 14 and the third polarizing beam splitter 1901. The polarizer is arranged parallel to the image source 14 to filter out image light of the second polarization state. For details, please refer to the detailed description in Example 3, which will not be repeated here.

[0099] Furthermore, the first ambient light emitted from the first optical component 13 is sequentially transmitted through the first 3 / 4 wave plate 1904, the third semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 1903, the second 1 / 4 wave plate 1902, and the third polarizing beam splitter 1901 to the target area to obtain the second ambient light. In this example, the matching between the first 3 / 4 wave plate 1904 and the second 1 / 4 wave plate 1902 allows the first ambient light, after its polarization state is twisted by the liquid crystal element 1801, to cooperate with the third polarizing beam splitter 1901 in the second optical component 15 to adjust the intensity of the second ambient light incident on the target area.

[0100] Example 7

[0101] Based on the first optical assembly 13 including the triple polarizer 1802 and the liquid crystal element 1801 given in Example 5, please refer to the following: Figure 9 The second optical component may include Figure 9 The second circular polarizer 2001, the fourth quarter-wave plate 2002, the fifth polarizing beam splitter 2003, the fifth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 2004, and the second quarter-wave plate 2005 are shown.

[0102] The image light emitted from the image source 14 is transmitted sequentially through the second circular polarizer 2001 and the fourth quarter-wave plate 2002, and then reflected by the fifth polarization beam splitter 2003 to obtain the seventh image polarized light. The seventh image polarized light is incident on the fifth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 2004, and after being reflected by the fifth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 2004, it is transmitted sequentially through the fourth quarter-wave plate 2002 and the fifth polarization beam splitter 2003 to the target area to obtain the target image light.

[0103] Regarding the transmission path of image rays in the second optical component 15, please refer to Example 4. Figure 6 The relevant descriptions of the contents shown are not repeated here in this embodiment.

[0104] Furthermore, the first ambient light emitted from the first optical component 13 is sequentially transmitted through the second 3 / 4 wave plate 2005, the fifth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element 2004, the fourth 1 / 4 wave plate 2002, and the fifth polarizing beam splitter 2003 to the target area to obtain the second ambient light. In this example, the matching between the first 3 / 4 wave plate 2005 and the second 1 / 4 wave plate 2004 allows the first ambient light, after its polarization state is twisted by the liquid crystal element 1801, to cooperate with the fifth polarizing beam splitter 2003 in the second optical component 15 to adjust the intensity of the second ambient light incident on the target area.

[0105] As can be seen from the aforementioned augmented reality device 10 given in this embodiment, this disclosure has at least the following technical effects:

[0106] The augmented reality device 10 effectively solves the problem of not being able to continuously adjust the ambient light intensity in related technologies, effectively improving the display effect of the augmented reality device 10 and enhancing the user experience.

[0107] Example 2

[0108] Based on the augmented reality device 10 given in Embodiment 1, this Embodiment 2 provides a wearable augmented reality device, which may include an eyeglass frame and temples, and the augmented reality device 10 given in Embodiment 1 may be disposed inside the eyeglass frame.

[0109] It should be understood that since the augmented reality device given in the wearable augmented reality device of this embodiment has the same or corresponding technical features as the augmented reality device 10 given in the first embodiment, the augmented reality device given in the wearable augmented reality device of this embodiment can refer to the detailed description of the augmented reality device 10 in the first embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0110] Example 3

[0111] like Figure 10 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling an augmented reality device according to this embodiment. This method can be implemented, but is not limited to, by a controller within the augmented reality device or other external control devices. The augmented reality device may at least include an image source, an ambient light detector, and optical elements capable of changing the intensity or polarization direction of light passing through it. The augmented reality device may also include other optical elements that extract both image light emitted from the image source and ambient light. The method includes at least the following steps.

[0112] S100, a first control signal is generated based on the obtained information related to the ambient light intensity. The information related to the ambient light intensity includes at least one of adjustment information indicating the adjustment of the intensity of ambient light emitted through the augmented reality device and information on the intensity of the external ambient light where the augmented reality device is located, sent by the ambient light detector.

[0113] S200, the first control signal for changing the light intensity or polarization direction of ambient light passing through the optical element is applied to the optical element so that the light intensity of the emitted ambient light is attenuated to a corresponding degree compared with the light intensity of the external ambient light.

[0114] As one possible implementation, the method further includes: generating a second control signal based on the light intensity of ambient light detected by the ambient light detector; applying the second control signal to the image source and / or the optical element to change the light intensity or polarization direction of ambient light passing through the optical element and to change the light intensity of image light emitted by the image source, so as to match the light intensity of the emitted image light of the augmented reality device with the light intensity of the emitted ambient light.

[0115] As another possible implementation, if the emitted image light defines the display area of ​​the augmented reality device, the method may further include: applying the first control signal to the optical element, or applying the second control signal to the optical element and / or the image source, so as to adjust the display area.

[0116] As another possible implementation, in cases where the emitted image light defines multiple display areas of the augmented reality device, the method further includes: applying the first control signal to the optical element, or applying the second control signal to the optical element and / or the image source, so that the multiple display areas are adjusted respectively.

[0117] As another possible implementation, the method further includes: applying the first control signal to the optical element, or applying the second control signal to the optical element and / or the image source, so that the transparency of the portion of the display area corresponding to an ambient object is less than the transparency of the portion of the display area corresponding to a non-ambient object.

[0118] As another possible implementation, when the optical element includes a liquid crystal assembly or an electrochromic material layer, the method further includes: applying the first control signal or the second control signal to the optical element to change the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal assembly or to change the optical properties of the electrochromic material layer to alter the transparency.

[0119] It should be noted that, since the different implementations of the methods for controlling the augmented reality device given in the foregoing method embodiments have the same or corresponding technical features as the aforementioned augmented reality device, the specific implementation process of each of the foregoing implementation methods can be referred to the detailed description of the aforementioned augmented reality device, and will not be repeated here to avoid repetition. Other embodiments of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This disclosure is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary technical means in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the following claims.

[0120] It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the appended claims.

[0121] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0122] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments.

Claims

1. An augmented reality device, characterized by, include: Image source, used to emit image light; The first optical component is used to receive ambient light. The second optical component is used to guide the first ambient light emitted through the first optical component and the image light emitted from the image source to the target area; The target area refers to the emission surface area of ​​the second optical component corresponding to the largest image display area that can be formed by the target image light emitted from the image source through the second optical component; the target area includes at least one sub-area, and the sub-area is located within the target area; An ambient light detector is used to detect the intensity of the ambient light. The controller is configured to connect to the ambient light detector and generate a first control signal based on information related to the ambient light intensity. The information related to the ambient light intensity includes at least one of adjustment information indicating the intensity of a second ambient light emitted to the target area via the first optical component and the second optical component, and information on the intensity of the external ambient light transmitted by the ambient light detector. The first optical component is configured to connect to the controller and be able to change the intensity or polarization direction of the emitted first ambient light according to the obtained first control signal. The controller is further configured to adjust the light intensity of the second ambient light corresponding to the sub-region by adjusting the state of the corresponding sub-region on the first optical component, so that the light intensity of the second ambient light in the sub-region matches the light intensity of the target image light.

2. The augmented reality device of claim 1, wherein, The controller is also configured to connect to the image source and generate a second control signal based on the ambient light intensity detected by the ambient light detector to control the intensity of the image light emitted by the image source and the intensity of the first ambient light emitted by the first optical component, such that the intensity of the second ambient light matches the intensity of the target image light emitted from the image source through the second optical component to the target area.

3. The augmented reality device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The location of the sub-region is determined based on one of the following conditions: The intensity of the light in the image is determined to be greater than a set threshold. Determined based on fixation point information.

4. The augmented reality device of claim 1, wherein, The first optical component includes a liquid crystal component or an electroluminescent material layer.

5. The augmented reality device of claim 4, wherein, The liquid crystal assembly includes a first polarizer, a second polarizer, and a liquid crystal element. The liquid crystal element includes multiple liquid crystal cells and is located between the first polarizer and the second polarizer. The liquid crystal element is configured to align liquid crystal molecules within the liquid crystal cells according to a control signal applied by the controller, thereby changing the polarization direction of light passing through the liquid crystal element; or... The second optical component includes a polarizing device, and the liquid crystal component includes a third polarizer and a liquid crystal element. The liquid crystal element includes a plurality of liquid crystal cells and is located between the third polarizer and the second optical component. The liquid crystal element is configured to arrange liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal cells according to a control signal applied by the controller to change the light polarization direction of the liquid crystal element.

6. The augmented reality device of claim 4, wherein, The second optical component includes a fourth polarizer, a first semi-reflective and semi-transparent element, and a first polarizing beam splitter. The image light emitted from the image source is transmitted through the fourth polarizer to obtain the first image polarized light. The first image polarized light is reflected by the first semi-reflective and semi-transparent element to the first polarization beam splitter, and after being reflected by the first polarization beam splitter, it is transmitted through the first semi-reflective and semi-transparent element to the target area. The first ambient light emitted from the first optical component is transmitted through the first polarization beam splitter to obtain first ambient polarized light, which is then transmitted through the first semi-reflective and semi-transparent element to the target area.

7. The augmented reality device of claim 4 or 5, wherein, When the first optical component is a liquid crystal component and the liquid crystal component includes a first polarizer, a second polarizer and a liquid crystal element, or when the first optical component is an electroluminescent material layer, the second optical component includes a second polarizing beam splitter, a first quarter-wave plate and a second semi-reflective and semi-transparent element. The image light emitted from the image source is reflected by the second polarizing beam splitter to the first quarter-wave plate to obtain second image polarized light. The second image polarized light is transmitted through the first quarter-wave plate and then reflected by the second semi-reflective and semi-transparent element and transmitted through the first quarter-wave plate to obtain third image polarized light. The third image polarized light is transmitted to the target area by the second polarizing beam splitter. The first ambient light emitted from the first optical component is transmitted sequentially through the second semi-reflective and semi-transparent element, the first quarter-wave plate, and the second polarizing beam splitter to the target area.

8. The augmented reality device of claim 5, wherein, When the first optical component is a liquid crystal component and the liquid crystal component includes a third polarizer and a liquid crystal element, the second optical component includes a third polarizing beam splitter, a second 1 / 4 wave plate, a third semi-reflective and semi-transparent element, and a first 3 / 4 wave plate. The image light emitted from the image source is reflected by the third polarizing beam splitter to the second quarter-wave plate to obtain the fourth image polarized light. The fourth image polarized light is transmitted through the second quarter-wave plate and then reflected by the third semi-reflective and semi-transparent element and transmitted through the second quarter-wave plate to obtain the fifth image polarized light. The fifth image polarized light is transmitted through the third polarizing beam splitter to the target area. The first ambient light emitted from the first optical component is transmitted sequentially through the first 3 / 4 wave plate, the third semi-reflective and semi-transparent element, the second 1 / 4 wave plate, and the third polarizing beam splitter to the target area.

9. The augmented reality device of claim 4 or 5, wherein, When the first optical component is a liquid crystal component and the liquid crystal component includes a first polarizer, a second polarizer, and a liquid crystal element, or when the first optical component is an electrochromic material layer, The second optical component includes a first circular polarizer, a third quarter-wave plate, a fourth polarizing beam splitter, a fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element, and a third circular polarizer; The image light emitted from the image source is transmitted sequentially through the first circular polarizer and the third quarter-wave plate, and then reflected by the fourth polarization beam splitter to obtain the sixth image polarized light. The sixth image polarized light is incident on the fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element, and after being reflected by the fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element, it is transmitted sequentially through the third quarter-wave plate and the fourth polarization beam splitter to the target area. The first ambient light emitted from the first optical component is transmitted sequentially through the third circular polarizer, the fourth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element, the third quarter-wave plate, and the fourth polarizing beam splitter to the target area.

10. The augmented reality device of claim 5, wherein, When the first optical component is a liquid crystal component and the liquid crystal component includes a third polarizer and a liquid crystal element... The second optical component includes a second circular polarizer, a fourth quarter-wave plate, a fifth polarizing beam splitter, a fifth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element, and a second third-quarter-wave plate; The image light emitted from the image source is transmitted sequentially through the second circular polarizer and the fourth quarter-wave plate, and then reflected by the fifth polarization beam splitter to obtain the seventh image polarized light. The seventh image polarized light is incident on the fifth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element, and after being reflected by the fifth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element, it is transmitted sequentially through the fourth quarter-wave plate and the fifth polarization beam splitter to the target area. The first ambient light emitted from the first optical component is transmitted sequentially through the second 3 / 4 wave plate, the fifth semi-reflective and semi-transparent element, the fourth 1 / 4 wave plate, and the fifth polarizing beam splitter to the target area.

11. The augmented reality device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The controller is configured to adjust the transparency of the sub-region to be less than the transparency of the area outside the sub-region.

12. The augmented reality device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The controller is configured to adjust the transparency of the portion of the sub-region corresponding to the environmental object to be less than the transparency of the portion of the sub-region corresponding to the non-environmental object.

13. A wearable augmented reality device, comprising: It includes an eyeglass frame and temples, wherein the augmented reality device according to any one of claims 1-12 is disposed within the eyeglass frame.

14. A method of controlling an augmented reality device, the method comprising: The augmented reality device includes an image source, an ambient light detector, a first optical component, and a second optical component. The first optical component can change the intensity or polarization direction of light passing through it. The second optical component guides the ambient light and the image light emitted from the image source to the target area. The target area refers to the emission surface area of ​​the second optical component corresponding to the maximum image display area that can be formed by the target image light emitted from the image source through the second optical component. The target region includes at least one sub-region, and the sub-region is located within the target region; The method includes: A first control signal is generated based on the obtained information related to the ambient light intensity. The information related to the ambient light intensity includes at least one of adjustment information indicating the adjustment of the intensity of the ambient light emitted through the augmented reality device and the ambient light intensity information of the external ambient light where the augmented reality device is located, sent by the ambient light detector. A first control signal is applied to the first optical component to change the intensity or polarization direction of ambient light passing through the first optical component, so that the intensity of the emitted ambient light is attenuated to a corresponding degree compared with the intensity of the external ambient light. For the sub-region, the intensity of the second ambient light emitted to the sub-region is adjusted by adjusting the state of the corresponding sub-region on the first optical component, so that the intensity of the second ambient light in the sub-region matches the intensity of the target image light.

15. The method of controlling an augmented reality device according to claim 14, wherein, The method further includes: A second control signal is generated based on the intensity of ambient light detected by the ambient light detector. A second control signal is applied to the image source and / or the first optical component to change the light intensity or polarization direction of ambient light passing through the first optical component and to change the light intensity of image light emitted by the image source, so that the light intensity of the emitted image light of the augmented reality device matches the light intensity of the emitted ambient light.

16. The method of controlling an augmented reality device according to claim 15, wherein, The emitted image light defines the display area of ​​the augmented reality device; The method further includes: Apply the first control signal to the first optical component, or apply the second control signal to the first optical component and / or the image source, to adjust the display area.

17. The method of controlling an augmented reality device according to claim 15, wherein, The emitted image light defines multiple display areas of the augmented reality device; The method further includes: The first control signal is applied to the first optical component, or the second control signal is applied to the first optical component and / or the image source, so that the plurality of display areas are adjusted respectively.

18. The method of controlling an augmented reality device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The method further includes: The first control signal is applied to the first optical component, or the second control signal is applied to the first optical component and / or the image source, so that the transparency of the portion of the display area corresponding to an ambient object is less than the transparency of the portion of the display area corresponding to a non-ambient object.

19. The method of controlling an augmented reality device according to claim 18, wherein, The optical element includes a liquid crystal assembly or an electroluminescent material layer. The method further includes: The first control signal or the second control signal is applied to the first optical component to change the alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal component or to change the optical properties of the electrochromic material layer, thereby altering the transparency.

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