Adaptive Lens Assemblies for AR Depth Plane Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented and virtual reality display systems face challenges in providing a comfortable and natural-feeling presentation of virtual image elements amidst real-world imagery, due to the complexity of human visual perception and the difficulty in simulating accurate depth perception.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an augmented reality system that includes at least one waveguide configured to receive and redirect light, with adaptive lens assemblies on either side of the waveguide. These adaptive lens assemblies are switchable between different states to maintain a substantially constant net optical power, allowing for the adjustment of virtual content depth planes and compensation for ambient light distortions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If adaptive lens assemblies are used to adjust virtual content depth planes, then depth perception accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adaptive lens assemblies that can dynamically change their optical power to adjust the depth plane of virtual content. The lens assembly transitions between different focal states to match the perceived depth of virtual objects, enabling accurate depth perception while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through dynamic adaptation rather than multiple fixed components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple waveguides are used to provide multiple depth planes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single waveguide structure that serves multiple functions by combining it with an adaptive lens assembly capable of transitioning between different focal states. This universal approach allows one waveguide-lens combination to provide multiple depth planes, eliminating the need for multiple separate waveguides while maintaining full depth plane adaptability.
3Device complexity
If fixed optical power lenses are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to adjust depth planes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed optical power lenses with adaptive lens assemblies that can dynamically adjust their focal length. This dynamic capability allows the system to provide multiple depth planes using a single lens assembly, maintaining low device complexity while gaining full depth plane adjustability through controlled transitions between different optical states.
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
This solution enables a more realistic and comfortable simulation of three-dimensional imagery by providing accurate cues to both vergence and accommodation, thereby reducing viewer discomfort and improving depth perception.
Implementation Method 1
at least one waveguide that is configured to receive and redirect light toward a user
Implementation Method 2
configured to allow ambient light from an environment of the user to pass therethrough toward the user
Implementation Method 3
the first adaptive lens assembly is configured to impart a first optical power to light passing therethrough
Implementation Method 4
each of the one or more switchable waveplates is configured to selectively alter a polarization state of light passing therethrough
Implementation Method 5
Each of the one or more waveplate lenses may be configured to provide a first optical power for light having a first polarization, and to provide a second optical power for light having a second polarization
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an augmented reality system includes at least one waveguide that is configured to receive and redirect light toward a user, and is further configured to allow ambient light from an environment of the user to pass therethrough toward the user. The augmented reality system also includes a first adaptive lens assembly positioned between the at least one waveguide and the environment, a second adaptive lens assembly positioned between the at least one waveguide and the user, and at least one processor operatively coupled to the first and second adaptive lens assemblies. Each lens assembly of the augmented reality system is selectively switchable between at least two different states in which the respective lens assembly is configured to impart at least two different optical powers to light passing therethrough, respectively. The at least one processor is configured to cause the first and second adaptive lens assemblies to synchronously switch between different states in a manner such that the first and second adaptive lens assemblies impart a substantially constant net optical power to ambient light from the environment passing therethrough.