3D Augmented Reality HUD Optics for Adjustable Depth Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional see-through displays, particularly in vehicle heads-up displays, are limited to two-dimensional projections, restricting the integration of augmented reality images with real-world environments, especially in moving scenarios, and face challenges with space and power consumption, as well as providing world-locked and viewer-locked virtual images.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional mirrorless augmented reality display system using optical elements like lenticular lenses and parallax barriers, combined with eye-tracking technology, to create stereoscopic images that can be positioned anywhere in the user's field of view, with adjustable optics for dynamic depth perception and reduced power consumption, utilizing transmissive displays and selectively dimmable backlighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional two-dimensional projected displays are used in heads-up displays, then the display structure is simple and space consumption is low, but the integration of augmented reality images with real-world environments is limited and depth perception is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional projected displays to three-dimensional volumetric displays by introducing multiple transparent planes at different depths. The display system creates images in near-field, mid-field, and far-field planes, enabling true 3D spatial representation and depth perception for augmented reality content.
Solution Approach 2:
The display space is segmented into multiple transparent planes (near-field plane, mid-field plane, far-field plane) at different depths. Each plane can independently display images, allowing the system to create layered three-dimensional augmented reality content with distinct depth positions for different information elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transparent planes are used to create three-dimensional images, then depth perception and spatial positioning are improved, but space consumption and device packaging size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin transparent films or glass planes as display surfaces. These thin-film structures provide the necessary transparency and structural integrity while occupying minimal space, allowing multiple display planes to be stacked in close proximity without significantly increasing the overall device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple transparent display planes are nested or stacked in close proximity to each other, with each plane positioned at a different depth. This nested arrangement allows the system to create three-dimensional spatial positioning capability while minimizing the overall volume occupied by the display assembly.
3Illumination intensity
If transmissive displays with backlighting are used, then image visibility is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backlighting system is divided into multiple independently controllable light source arrays, with each array corresponding to a specific transparent plane. The display controller can selectively activate only the light sources needed for the current display content, dimming or turning off unnecessary backlighting to reduce power consumption while maintaining image visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The display system uses sequential or periodic activation of backlighting for different transparent planes. Instead of continuously illuminating all planes simultaneously, the system activates backlighting for specific planes at appropriate times, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining image visibility through temporal multiplexing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables a more immersive and flexible augmented reality experience with reduced packaging size and power consumption, allowing images to be positioned at any depth and dynamically adjusted for user comfort and environmental conditions, enhancing integration with vehicle environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical element comprising a lenticular lens or parallax barrier positioned between the display and the at least one micro lens array
Implementation Method 2
at least one micro lens array...image light that passes through the at least one optical element and the at least one micro lens array and impinges on a transparent plane to form a first three-dimensional image in a first plane and a second three-dimensional image in a second plane
Implementation Method 3
a transparent plane onto which image light from the display that passes through the at least one optical element and the at least one micro lens array impinges
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed for display configurations for providing an augmented reality heads up display. In one example, a heads up display device includes at least one display, at least one micro lens array, at least one optical element comprising a lenticular lens or parallax barrier positioned between the display and the at least one micro lens array, and a display controller comprising a processor and memory storing instructions executable by the processor to control the at least one display to output image light that passes through the at least one optical element and the at least one micro lens array and impinges on a transparent plane to form a first three-dimensional image in a first plane and a second three-dimensional image in a second plane.