Device for near-eye light-field augmented-reality display

Abstract

An augmented reality (AR) display device for near-eye light field includes a light field generator for generating a light field as output; and a bird's-bowl eyepiece connected to the light field generator to receive the light field from the generator and project it onto the eye. The bird's-bowl eyepiece is an eyepiece assembly with curved reflective and penetrating surfaces, consisting of a beam splitter and a combiner. The beam splitter splits the light from the light field into two beams, one of which is then reflected by the combiner. Thus, the three bird's-bowl eyepieces for near-eye light field augmented reality proposed in this invention can all transmit a light field to the eye and provide a low aperture number (or focal ratio) and a high eye movement frame, effectively expanding the field of view and increasing the range of light fields that the eye can receive.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for near-eye light field augmented reality (AR) The present invention relates to an augmented reality (AR) display device, particularly an eyepiece for wearable augmented reality glasses, and more particularly to three birdbath-type eyepieces for near-eye light-field augmented reality. Prior Art

[0002] With the development of technology, more and more virtual reality (VR) and Research and products related to augmented reality have emerged, allowing these two technologies to combine the real world with virtual objects. While currently available AR / VR head-mounted near-eye displays (HMDs) offer impressive 3D effects, they can easily cause dizziness, nausea, and vomiting after prolonged use due to Vergence Accommodation Conflict (VAC). This occurs because the lens in the eye adjusts its focus based on the distance of an object. The two eyes determine distance based on the angle between the optical axes of the eyeballs. However, the imaging plane of these displays is locked in a fixed position, inconsistent with the position of the 3D objects being displayed. This leads to VAC issues, causing eye and body discomfort and even dizziness, especially when viewing virtual objects at close range. Therefore, these displays typically fail to meet the needs of real-world users. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main purpose of the present invention is to overcome the above problems encountered in the prior art and Provided is a near-eye light field augmented reality display device, wherein three birdbath eyepieces for near-eye light field augmented reality are provided, each of which can transmit light fields to the eye and provide low aperture number (or focal ratio) and high dynamic range. Eye frames can effectively expand the field of view and increase the range of light fields that the eyes can receive.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is a near-eye light field augmented reality display device. The device includes: a light field generator for generating a light field as an output; and a birdbath eyepiece connected to the light field generator, receiving the light field from the light field generator and projecting it into the eye. The birdbath eyepiece is an eyepiece assembly with curved surface reflection and transmission, consisting of a beam splitter and a combiner. The beam splitter splits the light of the light field into two beams, one of which is then reflected by the combiner.

[0005] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the light field to be generated by the light field generator is One or more sub-views are represented, each corresponding to a sub-light field, and each sub-view represents a set of light rays with the same angular coordinates. Implementations include, but are not limited to, a combination of a display panel and a mirror array, a microlens array, a laser beam scanner, and a combination of a point light source or a point light source array and a spatial light modulator.

[0006] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the birdbath eyepiece can maintain the received light field The light field structure is maintained so that the projected light field can be received and perceived by the eye. The definition of maintaining the light field structure is that light rays from the light field with the same spatial coordinates but different angular coordinates maintain their angular relationship when passing through the birdbath eyepiece and the pupil of the eye and reaching the retina.

[0007] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the beam splitter and the combiner in the birdbath eyepiece The combination of the combination position and the light field generator has three different types, namely a first birdbath eyepiece type, a second birdbath eyepiece type, and a third birdbath eyepiece type.

[0008] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the light field of the first birdbath eyepiece type generates The device is placed above the birdbath eyepiece, and the synthesizer is placed in front of the eye. The light field projected by the light field generator is received from above by the birdbath eyepiece, and the light field projected from above is first split by the beam splitter before entering the eye, and then reflected by the synthesizer and projected to the eye.

[0009] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the light field of the second birdbath eyepiece type generates The device is placed above the birdbath eyepiece, and the synthesizer is placed below the eye. The light field projected by the light field generator is received from above by the birdbath eyepiece, and the light field projected from above is first split by the beam splitter before entering the eye, and then reflected by the synthesizer and projected to the eye.

[0010] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the light field of the third birdbath eyepiece type generates The device is placed on the side of the birdbath eyepiece, and a relay lens is provided in the optical path between the light field generator and the birdbath eyepiece. The synthesizer is placed in front of the eye. The light field projected by the light field generator passes through the relay lens to extend the optical path and increase the field of view (FOV). The light field is then received from the side of the birdbath eyepiece, split by the beam splitter, and reflected by the synthesizer before being projected to the eye.

[0011] In the above embodiment of the present invention, there is a gap between the beam splitter and the relay lens to avoid An extended distance of blocking vision, and the extended distance is between 25 mm and 40 mm.

[0012] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the relay lens can be further integrated into the birdbath. In the eyepiece.

[0013] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the reflective surface of the synthesizer in the birdbath eyepiece The focal length is greater than or equal to the distance (calculated as the optical path) between the light-exiting surface of the light field after the relay lens is extended and the reflective surface of the combiner in the birdbath eyepiece. The light-exiting surface of the light field is defined as the imaging surface of the real image of the light field projected by the light field generator.

[0014] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the pupil diameter of the birdbath eyepiece is greater than or equal to The light-emitting surface of the light field after the relay lens is extended is used to completely receive the light field after the relay lens is extended.

[0015] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the birdbath eyepiece is formed by the reflective surface of the synthesizer. The parameters optimize the angular relationship between light rays with the same spatial coordinates but different angular coordinates in the light field after the relay lens is extended, so that the light rays with the same spatial coordinates but different angular coordinates in the light field after the relay lens is extended can maintain the angular relationship between them when they pass through the birdbath eyepiece and the pupil of the eye and reach the retina.

[0016] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the reflective surface of the synthesizer of the birdbath eyepiece The focal length is greater than or equal to the distance (calculated by optical path) between the light-emitting surface of the light field projected by the light field generator and the reflective surface of the synthesizer in the birdbath eyepiece.

[0017] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the pupil diameter of the birdbath eyepiece is greater than or equal to The light emitting surface of the light field projected by the light field generator is used to completely receive the light field generated by the light field generator.

[0018] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the birdbath eyepiece is formed by the reflective surface of the synthesizer. Parameters are used to optimize the angular relationship between light rays with the same spatial coordinates but different angular coordinates in the light field generated by the light field generator, so that the light rays with the same spatial coordinates but different angular coordinates in the light field generated by the light field generator can maintain their angular relationship when passing through the birdbath eyepiece and the pupil of the eye and reaching the retina.

[0019] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the synthesizer in the birdbath eyepiece reflects the light A beam of light emitted from any spatial coordinate in the field will form a beam of light smaller than the size of the pupil of the eye.

[0020] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the birdbath eyepiece has at least 2 diopters. (diopter) depth of field (Depth of Field, DOF).

[0021] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the beam splitter is a plane mirror.

[0022] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the synthesizer is a curved mirror. Simple diagram description

[0023] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of the near-eye light field augmented reality display device of the present invention. FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the first birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention. FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the second birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention. FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the third birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention. Figure 5 is a schematic side sectional view of the first birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention. Figure 6 is a schematic stereoscopic view of the first birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention. FIG7 is a schematic diagram showing an implementation of the first birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention used in wearable augmented reality glasses. Figure 8 is a schematic side sectional view of the second birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention. Figure 9 is a schematic stereoscopic view of the second birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention. FIG10 is a schematic diagram showing an implementation of the second birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention used in wearable augmented reality glasses. FIG11 is a schematic diagram showing an implementation of the third birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention used in wearable augmented reality glasses. FIG12 is a schematic diagram showing the present invention changing the aperture number of the light field generator to improve the eye movement frame of the entire device. Implementation Method

[0024] Please refer to Figures 1 to 12, which are respectively used for near-eye Schematic diagram of the structure of a light-field augmented reality (AR) display device, schematic diagram of the combined structure of the first birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention, schematic diagram of the combined structure of the second birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention, schematic diagram of the combined structure of the third birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention, schematic side-sectional view of the first birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention, schematic stereoscopic view of the first birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention, schematic diagram of an implementation of the first birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention used in wearable AR glasses, schematic side-sectional view of the second birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention, schematic stereoscopic view of the second birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention, schematic diagram of an implementation of the second birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention used in wearable AR glasses, schematic diagram of an implementation of the third birdbath eyepiece type of the present invention used in wearable AR glasses, and schematic diagram of the eye movement box of the present invention by changing the aperture number of the light field generator to improve the overall device. As shown in the figure: The present invention is a near-eye light-field AR display device comprising a light field generator 1 and a birdbath eyepiece 2.

[0025] The aforementioned light field generator 1 is used to generate a light field as output.

[0026] The birdbath eyepiece 2 is connected to the light field generator 1 and receives the light from the light field generator. 1 and projects it toward the eye 3. The birdbath eyepiece 2 is a curved reflective and transmissive eyepiece assembly, consisting of a flat mirror beam splitter 21 and a curved mirror combiner 22. The beam splitter 21 splits the light field into two beams, one of which is then reflected by the combiner 22. Thus, the disclosed structure forms a novel near-eye light field augmented reality display device.

[0027] The light field generator 1 displays several sub-light fields by scanning the light. The light fields are generated by converging the light rays at the same position in the sub-light fields at a common intersection point, and all the common intersection points are gathered into a fusion plane 10.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light field generator 1 comprises: a display A display light source is provided, the display light source being used to display multiple sub-light fields, each sub-light field displaying light field information at each field angle; an array-type projection lens assembly is provided, which converges the light from the multiple sub-light fields emitted by the display light source through the array-type projection lens assembly behind a common light barrier; and a fusion lens assembly is provided, which displays the light passing through the array-type projection lens assembly on a fusion surface 10, forming a three-dimensional light field real image. The display light source can also be a laser beam scanner, the scanning range of which is divided into multiple sub-light fields, each of which displays light field information at each field angle.

[0029] The position of the combination of the beam splitter 21 and the synthesizer 22 in the birdbath eyepiece 2 is the same as that of the The combination of the light field generator 1 has three different types, namely a first birdbath eyepiece type A, as shown in FIG. 2 , a second birdbath eyepiece type B, as shown in FIG. 3 , and a third birdbath eyepiece type C, as shown in FIG. 4 .

[0030] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first birdbath eyepiece type A The light field generator 1 is placed above the birdbath eyepiece 2, and the combiner 22 is placed in front of the eye 3. The light field projected by the light field generator 1 is received from above by the birdbath eyepiece 2. Before entering the eye 3, the light field projected from above is first split by the beam splitter 21 and then reflected by the combiner 22 before being projected onto the eye 3, as shown in Figures 5 to 7. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the present invention applied to wearable augmented reality glasses 4.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second birdbath eyepiece type B The light field generator 1 is placed above the birdbath eyepiece 2, and the combiner 22 is placed below the eye 3. The light field projected by the light field generator 1 is received from above by the birdbath eyepiece 2. Before entering the eye 3, the light field projected from above is first split by the beam splitter 21 and then reflected by the combiner 22 and projected onto the eye 3, as shown in Figures 8 to 10. Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the present invention applied to wearable augmented reality glasses 4.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the third birdbath eyepiece type C The light field generator 1 is placed on the side of the birdbath eyepiece 2, and a relay lens 23 is provided in the optical path between the light field generator 1 and the birdbath eyepiece 2. The combiner 22 is placed in front of the eye 3. The light field projected by the light field generator 1 passes through the relay lens 23 to extend the optical path and increase the field of view (FOV). The light field is then received from the side of the birdbath eyepiece 2, split by the beam splitter 21, and reflected by the combiner 22 before being projected onto the eye 3. As shown in FIG11 , the light field generator 1 is placed on each side of the glasses 4 along the glasses frame, and the relay lens 23 can be further integrated into the birdbath eyepiece 2. This design structure requires a longer optical path to project the light field from the light field generator 1 to the eye 3, and the distance between the beam splitter 21 and the relay lens 23 must be extended to avoid blocking the line of sight. Therefore, the distance between the beam splitter 21 and the relay lens 23 is extended to a range of 25 mm to 40 mm.

[0033] The functions of the birdbath eyepiece 2 of the present invention and the method for achieving the functions are as follows: 1. The reflective surface parameters of the synthesizer 22 in the birdbath eyepiece 2 are obtained from the first and second birdbath eyepieces. The light field projected by the light field generator 1 in mirror type A and B or the third birdbath eyepiece type C The light field after the relay lens 23 is extended contains light with the same spatial coordinates but different angle coordinates. The angle relationship is optimized so that the birdbath eyepiece 2 can maintain the same spatial coordinates in the light field but The angular relationship between the light rays of different angular coordinates, that is, the ... In the light field generated by 23, the light rays with the same spatial coordinates but different angular coordinates pass through The birdbath eyepiece 2 and the pupil of the eye 3 can maintain an angular relationship with each other when reaching the retina. 2. The combiner 22 in the birdbath eyepiece 2 reflects a light beam emitted from any spatial coordinate in the light field to form a light beam smaller than the pupil size of the eye 3, so that the birdbath eyepiece 2 has a depth of field (DOF) of at least 2 diopters. 3. The pupil diameter of the birdbath eyepiece 2 is greater than or equal to the light exit surface of the light field projected by the light field generator 1 in the first and second birdbath eyepiece types A and B, or the light field extended by the relay lens 23 in the third birdbath eyepiece type C, so that the birdbath eyepiece 2 can fully receive the light field generated by the light field generator 1 or the relay lens 23. 4. The focal length of the reflective surface of the combiner 22 of the birdbath eyepiece 2 is greater than or equal to the distance (measured in optical path) between the light field projected by the light field generator 1 in the first and second birdbath eyepiece types A and B, or the light field after the extension of the relay lens 23 in the third birdbath eyepiece type C, and the reflective surface of the combiner 22 in the birdbath eyepiece 2. This allows the birdbath eyepiece to maintain the light field structure of the received light field and ensure that the projected light field can be received and perceived by the eye 3. The light field's light field exit surface is defined as the imaging surface of the real image of the light field projected by the light field generator 1.

[0034] Figure 12 (a) shows a light field generator 1 with a large aperture number (or focal ratio). The eyebox is 5.7 mm. Figure 12(b) shows a light field generator 1 with a smaller aperture number, and its eyebox is 10.6 mm. The results show that by changing the aperture number of the light field generator 1, the eyebox can be improved. The entire near-eye light field augmented reality display device has an eye frame. Therefore, the three methods for near-eye light field augmented reality display device proposed in this invention are as follows: The birdbath eyepiece 2 for field augmented reality can deliver a light field to the eye and provide a low f-number and high eye movement frame.

[0035] In summary, the present invention is a near-eye light field augmented reality display device that can The three birdbath eyepieces for near-eye light-field augmented reality effectively improve various shortcomings of conventional use. They can all transmit light fields to the eyes and provide a low f-number (or focal ratio) and a high eye movement frame, which can effectively expand the field of view and increase the range of the eye's ability to receive light fields. This makes the invention more advanced, more practical, and more in line with the needs of users. It has indeed met the requirements for invention patent applications, and a patent application has been filed in accordance with the law.

[0036] However, the above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be used to limit the Therefore, any simple equivalent changes and modifications made according to the scope of the patent application and the contents of the invention description should still fall within the scope of the patent of this invention.

[0037] 1: Light field generator 10: Fusion surface 2: Birdbath eyepiece 21: Spectroscope 22: Curved Mirror Synthesizer 23: Relay lens 3: Eyes 4: Glasses A: First birdbath eyepiece type B: Second birdbath eyepiece type C: Third birdbath eyepiece type

Claims

1. A near-eye light field augmented reality display device, comprising: A light field generator is used to generate a light field as output; The device includes a bird's-eyepiece connected to the light field generator, which receives the light field from the light field generator and projects it onto the eye. The bird's-eyepiece is an eyepiece assembly with curved reflection and transmission, consisting of a beam splitter and a combiner. The beam splitter splits the light field into two beams, one of which is then reflected by the combiner. The light field generator is placed above the bird's-eyepiece, and the combiner is placed in front of or below the eye. The light field projected by the light field generator is received from above by the bird's-eyepiece, and the light field projected from above is split by the beam splitter before entering the eye, and then reflected by the combiner before being projected onto the eye. Furthermore, the bird-shaped eyepiece optimizes the angular relationship of light rays with the same spatial coordinates but different angular coordinates in the light field generated by the light field generator using the reflective surface parameters of the synthesizer. This ensures that when these light rays with the same spatial coordinates but different angular coordinates in the light field generated by the light field generator pass through the bird-shaped eyepiece and the pupil of the eye and reach the retina, they can maintain their angular relationship with each other.

2. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 1, wherein, The bird's-eyelet system can maintain the light field structure of the received light field and enable the projected light field to be received and perceived by the eye. The definition of maintaining the light field structure is that when light rays from the light field with the same spatial coordinates but different angular coordinates pass through the bird's-eyelet and the pupil of the eye and reach the retina, they can maintain the angular relationship between each other.

3. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 1, wherein, The focal length of the reflective surface of the synthesizer in the bird's-bowl eyepiece is greater than or equal to the distance (in optical path length) between the light-emitting surface of the light field projected by the light field generator and the reflective surface of the synthesizer in the bird's-bowl eyepiece.

4. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 1, wherein, The pupil diameter of the bird-shaped eyepiece is greater than or equal to the light-emitting surface of the light field projected by the light field generator, so as to fully receive the light field generated by the light field generator.

5. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 1, wherein, The synthesizer in the bird's-eyepiece reflects the light beam emitted from any spatial coordinate in the light field, forming a beam smaller than the pupil of an eye.

6. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 1 or 5, wherein, This birdpot eyepiece system has a depth of field (DOF) of at least 2 diopters.

7. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 1, wherein, The beam splitter is a plane mirror.

8. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 1, wherein, The synthesizer is a curved mirror.

9. A near-eye light field augmented reality display device, comprising: A light field generator is used to generate a light field as output; The device includes a bird's-eyepiece connected to the light field generator. The bird's-eyepiece receives the light field from the generator and projects it onto the eye. It is an eyepiece assembly with curved reflection and transmission capabilities, consisting of a beam splitter and a combiner. The beam splitter splits the light field into two beams, one of which is then reflected by the combiner. The light field generator is placed to the side of the bird's-eyepiece, and a relay lens is provided in the optical path between the generator and the eye. The combiner is placed in front of the eye. The light field projected by the generator passes through the relay lens to extend the optical path and increase the field of view (FOV). The bird's-eyepiece receives the light field from the side, splits it by the beam splitter, and then reflects it through the combiner before projecting it onto the eye. Furthermore, the bird-shaped eyepiece optimizes the angular relationship of light rays with the same spatial coordinates but different angular coordinates in the light field after the extension of the relay lens using the reflective surface parameters of the synthesizer. This ensures that when these light rays with the same spatial coordinates but different angular coordinates in the light field after the extension of the relay lens pass through the bird-shaped eyepiece and the pupil of the eye and reach the retina, they can maintain their angular relationship with each other.

10. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 9, wherein, The bird's-eyelet system can maintain the light field structure of the received light field and enable the projected light field to be received and perceived by the eye. The definition of maintaining the light field structure is that when light rays from the light field with the same spatial coordinates but different angular coordinates pass through the bird's-eyelet and the pupil of the eye and reach the retina, they can maintain the angular relationship between each other.

11. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 9, wherein, The beam splitter and the relay lens have an extended distance to avoid obstructing the line of sight, and this extended distance is in the range of 25 mm to 40 mm.

12. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 9, wherein, The relay lens system can be further integrated into the bird's-eyepiece.

13. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 9, wherein, In the bird's-eyepiece, the focal length of the reflective surface of the synthesizer is greater than or equal to the distance (in optical path length) between the light-emitting surface of the light field after the relay lens is extended and the reflective surface of the synthesizer in the bird's-eyepiece; wherein, the light-emitting surface of the light field is defined as the imaging surface of the real image of the light field projected by the light field generator.

14. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 9, wherein, The pupil diameter of the bird-shaped eyepiece is greater than or equal to the light-emitting surface of the light field after the relay lens is extended, so as to fully receive the light field from the light field after the relay lens is extended.

15. The near-eye light field augmentation reality display device as described in claim 9, wherein, The synthesizer in the bird's-eyepiece reflects the light beam emitted from any spatial coordinate in the light field, forming a beam smaller than the pupil of an eye.

16. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 9 or 15, wherein, This birdpot eyepiece system has a depth of field (DOF) of at least 2 diopters.

17. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 9, wherein, The beam splitter is a plane mirror.

18. The near-eye light field augmented reality display device as described in claim 9, wherein, The synthesizer is a curved mirror.

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