Adaptive Lens Depth Control for AR Headsets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional augmented reality (AR) devices with static ophthalmic power push-pull lenses are limited in their ability to dynamically adjust the virtual depth of displayed content, leading to a fixed and potentially inconvenient user experience.

Innovation Solution

A head-mounted display device that includes an eye-side lens and a world-side lens, both of which are adaptive lens elements that can change their shape in response to a stimulus, allowing the device to selectively activate or deactivate these lenses to adjust the virtual depth of virtual content displayed on the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If static ophthalmic power push-pull lenses are used, then the device structure is simple, but the virtual depth cannot be dynamically adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual depth adjustment capabilityVSAvoidlens system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by using adaptive lenses that can dynamically change their optical power in response to user input or environmental conditions. The lens system transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the focal length and virtual depth can be adjusted in real-time, allowing the AR device to adapt to different viewing scenarios and user preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the optical parameters of the lens system. By changing the ophthalmic power of the adaptive lenses, the system can adjust the virtual depth and focal characteristics without changing the physical structure of the device. This allows for versatile depth adjustment while maintaining a relatively compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If adaptive lenses are used to adjust virtual depth, then user experience is enhanced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual depth adjustment capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing event-driven or on-demand activation of the adaptive lenses. Instead of continuously adjusting the lens parameters, the system activates the adaptive lenses only when depth adjustment is required, such as when the user interacts with the device or when environmental conditions change. This reduces unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining the capability for dynamic depth adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If both eye-side lens and world-side lens are activated, then virtual content is displayed at closer depth, but the real world focus may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevirtual content focus precisionVSAvoidreal world visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamics by implementing real-time coordination between the eye-side lens and world-side lens. The system dynamically adjusts the optical parameters of both lenses to maintain proper focus for both virtual content and the real world environment. This coordinated dynamic adjustment ensures that activating one lens does not compromise the functionality of the other, allowing users to seamlessly transition between viewing virtual and real-world content.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 dynamic adjustment of virtual content depth, allowing users to switch between a closer and a farther virtual depth, enhancing user experience by accommodating different environments and user preferences without compromising the focus on the real world.

Implementation Method 1

A head-mounted display device that includes an eye-side lens and a world-side lens, both of which are adaptive lens elements that can change their shape in response to a stimulus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdaptive lens shape change:

Data Source

PatentUS20250130426A1Active control of virtual image depth positioning

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A head-mounted display device includes a controller configured to activate a display of a head-mounted display device. The head-mounted display device includes an eye-side lens and a world-side lens. The controller may activate the eye-side lens and the world-side lens to display virtual content at a first virtual depth. The controller may deactivate the eye-side lens and the world-side lens to display the virtual content at a second virtual depth, where the second virtual depth is greater than the first virtual depth.