Active Microlens Array Synchronization for See-Through AR Brightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) systems face issues such as large form factor, poor wearability, uneven weight distribution, high power demand, thermal limitations, insufficient brightness for daylight operation, and high manufacturing costs, hindering widespread adoption and integration with eyewear and ophthalmic lenses.
Innovation Solution
A transparent optical module (TOM) system utilizing a patch unit with an array of micro lenses (aMLA) that synchronizes with a display to provide variable focal length, allowing seamless integration of virtual and real-world images, adjustable brightness, and reduced power consumption through pulsed light emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing AR/MR systems use traditional optical architectures, then they can provide augmented reality functionality, but they suffer from large form factor, poor wearability, and heavy hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple lens arrays (first lens array and second lens array) with distinct functions. The first lens array focuses on light collection and initial imaging, while the second lens array handles eye box expansion and focal depth adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall system weight while maintaining AR/MR functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested optical architecture where the second lens array is positioned within the optical path of the first lens array. The microlens array is integrated into the display structure, with lenses positioned at specific distances from the display surface. This nesting allows multiple optical functions to be combined in a compact configuration, reducing the overall form factor and weight of the AR/MR device.
2Illumination intensity
If existing AR/MR systems increase display brightness for daylight operation, then visibility improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temporal synchronization between the display and the active microlens array, operating in pulsed modes rather than continuous operation. The microlens array is activated only during specific time windows when light collection is needed, allowing the display to operate at lower average brightness while maintaining sufficient visibility during active periods. This periodic operation significantly reduces power consumption compared to continuous high-brightness operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically controllable microlens arrays that can adjust their focal length and optical properties in real-time based on viewing conditions. The lens curvature and focal distance are可变 (variable), allowing the system to optimize light collection efficiency under different ambient lighting conditions. This dynamic adaptation enables the display to maintain adequate brightness for daylight operation while consuming less power by adjusting optical parameters rather than simply increasing display luminance.
3Device complexity
If existing AR/MR systems use fixed focal length lenses, then optical simplicity is maintained, but the ability to provide multiple image planes and depth perception is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs active microlens arrays with variable focal length capability. The microlenses can dynamically adjust their curvature and focal distance in response to control signals, allowing the system to switch between different focal planes and create multiple virtual image planes. This dynamic focal adjustment enables depth perception and vergence-accommodation conflict resolution while maintaining relatively simple optical hardware compared to systems using multiple fixed lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters (focal length, curvature radius) of the microlens array to achieve different imaging functions. By varying these parameters electronically rather than using multiple physical lenses, the system can provide multiple image planes and depth information while keeping the optical structure relatively simple. The parameter changes are achieved through electro-optic effects in the active microlens material.
4Manufacturing precision
If existing AR/MR systems increase display resolution, then image quality improves, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system divides the imaging task across multiple lens arrays with different resolutions and functions. The first lens array can use lower resolution optics optimized for light collection, while the second lens array handles the higher resolution requirements for the final image. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high overall resolution without requiring every optical component to be manufactured at high precision, reducing manufacturing costs.
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
The TOM system enhances AR and MR experiences by providing scalable, lightweight, and energy-efficient near-eye displays with improved brightness and reduced stray light, enabling seamless integration with eyewear and ophthalmic lenses.
Implementation Method 1
The lenslet is capable of collecting some or most of the light from the display pixels and transmitting that display-emitted light to an eye of the wearer of the TOM which then focuses the light to form a retinal image
Implementation Method 2
a single TOM with a variable MLA focal length (e.g., having focal plane diversity), can be used to generate for the user a perception of multiple image planes by varying the effective focal length of the MLA in time
Data Source
AI summary
A multiplexed, synchronized Active (micro) Lens(let) Array and display providing a user or manufacturer with the ability to choose different modes of functionality of a transparent optical module, such as three-dimensional virtual image generation, two-dimensional image generation, static MLA functionality, augmented, mixed, or enhanced reality, variations in brightness, and other modes.