Glasses-type Augmented Reality Apparatus and System with Minimal Volume

Abstract

A glasses-type augmented reality device and system with minimized volume are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present embodiment, an augmented reality device that provides a digital holographic image incident from the outside to a wearer as a holographic image is provided, characterized by including a plurality of holographic optical elements (HOE) arranged in a concentric circle shape having different radii within an optical configuration worn by the wearer, which diffract the incident digital holographic image and provide it to the wearer.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an eyeglass-type augmented reality device and system that reduces the burden on the wearer by minimizing volume. Background Technology

[0002] The content described in this section merely provides background information regarding the present embodiment and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] Augmented Reality refers to the combination of real-world information and virtual images by inserting three-dimensional images into a real environment.

[0004] Information in the real world may contain details that users do not need, and sometimes, the information users require may be insufficient. However, augmented reality systems combine the real and virtual worlds to enable real-time interaction between the real world and the necessary information for the user.

[0005] A conventional augmented reality device is illustrated in Fig. 5.

[0006] As illustrated in FIG. 5a, a conventional augmented reality device (510) had to include a light source for outputting an augmented reality image, an optical system for directing the augmented reality image, which is output along with light from the real world, into the wearer's eyeball, and a battery for operating the light source. Accordingly, it has been implemented in a considerably large size, such as a Head Mounted Display (HMD). However, if implemented in such a large size, the wearer is bound to experience considerable discomfort when wearing it, and in the case of a wearer who wears glasses, the wearer experiences discomfort even in the act of wearing it.

[0007] In order to resolve this problem, as illustrated in FIG. 5b, a glasses-type augmented reality device (520) is being introduced. The augmented reality device (520) is implemented in a size and shape similar to ordinary glasses and is worn by the wearer. An optical system (525) is positioned on one side to output an image to the wearer's eye. However, since the conventional glasses-type augmented reality device (520) also requires an optical system (525) implemented with multiple optical components, the weight is inevitably increased somewhat, and the optical system has caused the problem of obstructing the viewer's field of vision. The problem to be solved

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention has the objective of providing a glasses-type augmented reality device and system that minimizes volume to minimize obstruction of the wearer's vision and weight burden. means of solving the problem

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, an augmented reality device that provides a digital holographic image incident from the outside to a wearer as a holographic image is provided, characterized by including a plurality of holographic optical elements (HOE) arranged in a concentric circle shape having different radii within an optical configuration worn by the wearer, which diffract the incident digital holographic image and provide it to the wearer.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the holographic optical elements are characterized by being spaced apart by a predetermined first interval between each concentric circle.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first interval set is characterized by being within an error range set based on 1 / 60°.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the holographic optical elements are characterized by being spaced apart by a predetermined second interval between holographic optical elements arranged within the same concentric circle.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the previously set second interval is characterized by being within a previously set error range based on 1 / 60°.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, the holographic optical element is characterized by having a preset radius.

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, an augmented reality device that provides a digital holographic image incident from the outside to a wearer as a holographic image is provided, the device comprising an optical configuration worn by the wearer and a plurality of holographic optical elements (HOE) arranged in a concentric circle shape having different radii within the optical configuration to diffract the incident digital holographic image and provide it to the wearer.

[0016] According to one aspect of the present invention, the holographic optical elements are characterized by being spaced apart by a predetermined first interval between each concentric circle.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first interval set is characterized by being within an error range set based on 1 / 60°.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, the holographic optical elements are characterized by being spaced apart by a predetermined second interval between holographic optical elements arranged within the same concentric circle.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, the previously set second interval is characterized by being within a previously set error range based on 1 / 60°.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present invention, the holographic optical element is characterized by having a preset radius.

[0021] According to one aspect of the present invention, an augmented reality system that enables a wearer to view a holographic image is provided, comprising a projector that outputs a digital holographic image (CGH: Computer Generated Holography) into any space and a plurality of holographic optical elements (HOE: Holographic Optical Elements) arranged in a concentric circle shape having different radii within an optical configuration worn by the wearer, which diffract the incident digital holographic image and provide it to the wearer.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, an augmented reality system that enables a wearer to view a holographic image comprises a projector that outputs a digital holographic image (CGH: Computer Generated Holography) into any space, an optical configuration worn by the wearer, and a plurality of holographic optical elements (HOE: Holographic Optical Elements) arranged in a concentric circle shape having different radii within the optical configuration to diffract the incident digital holographic image and provide it to the wearer. Effects of the invention

[0023] As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is an advantage of minimizing the volume to minimize obstruction of the wearer's vision and weight burden. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an augmented reality system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a glasses-type augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a glasses-type augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a section where an augmented reality image is clearly perceived by the wearer. Figure 5 is a drawing illustrating a conventional augmented reality device. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0026] Terms such as first, second, A, B, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of related described items or any of a plurality of related described items.

[0027] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0028] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0030] Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0031] In addition, each component, process, procedure, or method included in each embodiment of the present invention may be shared within a scope that is not technically contradictory to one another.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an augmented reality system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, an augmented reality system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a projector (110) and a glasses-type augmented reality device (120).

[0034] The projector (110) outputs a digital holographic image (CGH: Computer Generated Holography) in an arbitrary space. The projector (110) outputs a digital holographic image, rather than simple light having a specific wavelength band. A digital holographic image refers to an image obtained by numerically calculating the complex light wave, rather than through optical experimentation, in optically acquiring and reproducing the complex light wave containing the amplitude and phase distribution of the object light using the interference phenomenon with the reference light. The projector (110) outputs a digital holographic image that can be viewed only by people wearing a glasses-type augmented reality device (120) among people located in an arbitrary space, rather than simple light.

[0035] The projector (110) outputs a pre-set digital holographic image. The digital holographic image passes through a diffraction element and is perceived by the wearer as a holographic image (augmented reality image). At this time, even if the digital holographic image has the same content, it is implemented differently depending on the diffraction characteristics of the diffraction element. Since the digital holographic image is perceived by the wearer only after it is diffracted by the diffraction element and enters the wearer's eyeball, there exists a digital holographic image that corresponds to the characteristics of the diffraction element. The projector (110) outputs a digital holographic image that corresponds only to the glasses-type augmented reality device (120), more specifically, the glasses-type augmented reality device (120). Accordingly, even if multiple people are present in the same place, only the person wearing the glasses-type augmented reality device (120) can view the digital holographic image.

[0036] The glasses-type augmented reality device (120) receives a digital holographic image output from a projector (110) and provides the holographic image to the wearer. The glasses-type augmented reality device (120) includes only multiple holographic optical elements (HOE) within an optical configuration (lens) such as glasses for the wearer to wear. The glasses-type augmented reality device (120) includes only holographic optical elements within the optical configuration without an optical system implemented with multiple optical configurations. Since only holographic optical elements are included, there is no significant increase in the weight of the augmented reality device, and because they are placed within the optical configuration, they do not cause obstruction to the wearer's field of vision. Since the holographic optical elements are placed within the optical configuration worn by the wearer, the digital holographic image incident on the glasses-type augmented reality device (120) is diffracted by the holographic optical elements and perceived by the wearer as an augmented reality image. The specific structure of the glasses-type augmented reality device (120) will be described later with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0037] In FIG. 1, the projector (110) is depicted as being implemented within a specific space, but it is not necessarily limited thereto. It can be implemented in various forms depending on the content of the image to be provided by the glasses-type augmented reality device (120). If the material is for education, security, or safety that must be provided to a limited number of people, the projector (110) can be implemented as a projector device placed within a specific space. However, if the material is for advertising that must be provided to a random number of people located within a specific space, the projector (110) can be implemented in various forms, such as a general light source like an LED or LCD, or an electronic display board.

[0038] Even if the projector (110) is implemented as a general light source or an electronic display board, the wearer of the glasses-type augmented reality device (120) may not be excessively disturbed by the randomly provided augmented reality images. The process of perceiving images within the wearer's eyeball is illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0039] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating a section where an augmented reality image is clearly perceived by the wearer.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, even if light corresponding to various external stimuli such as images is incident into the wearer's eyeball, only the light incident on the area where the fovea (410) is located can be clearly perceived by the wearer, and light incident outside that area is perceived inaccurately by the wearer in a blurred form. The angle (θ) at which light can be incident on the area where the fovea (410) is located is only about 10 to 15°, so light incident on the wearer's pupil outside that angle cannot be accurately perceived by the wearer.

[0041] Referring again to FIG. 1, even if a projector (110) randomly emits holographic images within a specific space for purposes such as advertising, if the wearer does not look precisely in the direction in which the projector (110) emits the images, they cannot be fully perceived.

[0042] Accordingly, the wearer can view a holographic image by looking at the projector (110) after wearing the glasses-type augmented reality device (120). Since the digital holographic image can be perceived as a holographic image by the wearer simply by being incident on the glasses-type augmented reality device (120), no separate delay may occur when outputting the augmented reality image.

[0043] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a glasses-type augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of a glasses-type augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a glasses-type augmented reality device (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of holographic optical elements (220).

[0045] Holographic optical elements (220) are arranged in the form of concentric circles having different radii with respect to the center inside the optical configuration (210) to be worn by the wearer.

[0046] At this time, each holographic optical element (220) has a preset size and is arranged to satisfy preset conditions.

[0047] Each holographic optical element (220) is implemented so as not to have a diameter greater than 1 / 180°. If the holographic optical element (220) becomes larger than the aforementioned size, it causes distortion of real-world light incident on the wearer from outside the glasses-type augmented reality device (120). Accordingly, it may cause a sense of strangeness to the wearer.

[0048] Holographic optical elements (220a to 220e) are arranged in a concentric circle shape, with the spacing between each concentric circle (220a to 220e) being approximately 1 / 60°. Based on a person with visual acuity of 1.0, the spacing of photoreceptor cells in the retina corresponds to 1 / 60°. Therefore, if the spacing between holographic optical elements (220) becomes farther than the aforementioned spacing, a problem may arise where the resolution of the holographic image decreases; and if the spacing becomes narrower than the aforementioned spacing, inefficiency occurs because the wearer cannot perceive the increase in the number of holographic optical elements (220), and instead, distortion of real-world light incident on the wearer's eye may occur due to the increase in the number of holographic optical elements (220). Accordingly, the spacing between each concentric circle of holographic optical elements (220a to 220e) is approximately 1 / 60°.

[0049] Likewise, each holographic optical element (e.g., 220ba, 220bb) within the same diameter (any one of 220a to 220e) is also spaced apart from each other by a distance of about 1 / 60° for the same reason.

[0050] Accordingly, the glasses-type augmented reality device (120) includes only multiple holographic optical elements (220), thereby enabling the rapid provision of holographic images to the wearer without interfering with the incidence of light from the real world. Additionally, the glasses-type augmented reality device (120) can provide holographic images without obstructing the wearer's field of vision, while adding almost no weight to the optical configuration typically worn by the wearer.

[0051] The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present embodiment, and a person skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs would be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Accordingly, the present embodiments are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present embodiment, and the scope of the technical concept of the present embodiment is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present embodiment shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present embodiment. Explanation of the symbols

[0052] 100: Augmented Reality System 110: Projector 120: Glasses-type augmented reality device 210: Optical configuration 220: Holographic optical element 510, 520: Augmented reality devices

Claims

Claim 1 An augmented reality system that enables a wearer to view a holographic image, comprising: an augmented reality device including only a plurality of holographic optical elements (HOE) arranged in a concentric circle shape having different radii within an optical configuration worn by the wearer, which diffract incident digital holographic images and provide them to the wearer; and a projector that outputs a digital holographic image (CGH: Computer Generated Holography) that can be viewed only by a person wearing the augmented reality device in any space, wherein the spacing between each concentric circle of the holographic optical elements is within a preset error range based on 1 / 60°, and the spacing between holographic optical elements arranged within the same concentric circle is also within a preset error range based on 1 / 60°. Claim 2 An augmented reality system according to claim 1, characterized in that the digital holographic images are implemented differently depending on the diffraction characteristics of the diffraction element, even if they are images having the same content. Claim 3 An augmented reality system according to paragraph 2, wherein the projector outputs a digital holographic image that is compatible only with the augmented reality device. Claim 4 An augmented reality system according to claim 1, wherein the optical configuration is a lens. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete Claim 12 delete Claim 13 delete Claim 14 delete

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