Adaptive Lens Polarization for Time-Multiplexed Virtual Depth Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality systems lack efficient methods for displaying virtual content at various depths without distorting real-world visuals.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with adaptive lens assemblies and shutter elements that selectively apply optical power and polarization to virtual and real-world light, using switchable waveplates and polarizers to achieve time-multiplexed display of virtual content at different depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adaptive lens assemblies are used to display virtual content at various depths, then the display capability at multiple depths is improved, but the complexity of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into distinct functional modules: world-side shutter elements (polarizers and waveplates) and user-side shutter elements, with each module handling specific tasks. The adaptive lens assembly is segmented into multiple lens elements that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the complex function of depth-selective virtual content display to be achieved through coordinated operation of simpler, dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically controllable components including electrically adjustable waveplates and variable optical power lens elements. These components can change their optical properties in real-time based on control signals, enabling the system to switch between displaying virtual content at different depths and displaying real-world scenes without requiring multiple fixed optical paths.
2Reliability
If shutter elements are used to separate virtual and real-world light, then the display quality is improved, but the number of optical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter elements are designed to perform multiple functions: separating virtual and real-world light paths, controlling the amount of light transmitted, and enabling depth-selective display. By making these components multi-functional, the system achieves high display quality without proportionally increasing the number of components, as each shutter element contributes to multiple objectives simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into integrated assemblies. For example, the adaptive lens assembly merges focusing and depth-control functions, while the shutter elements combine light separation and light control functions. This merging reduces the overall number of discrete components needed while maintaining or improving display quality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If time-multiplexed display is implemented, then the display of virtual content at various depths is enabled, but the switching speed requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements time-multiplexed display by periodically switching between different optical states at a frequency that is imperceptible to the human eye. The shutter elements and adaptive lens assemblies cycle through their states in a synchronized manner, creating the illusion of simultaneous display of virtual content at various depths and real-world scenes. This periodic operation allows the system to achieve high adaptability while managing switching speed requirements through optimized timing.
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 compact, high-bandwidth, and low-leakage display of virtual content at varying depths while maintaining undistorted real-world views, with potential for reduced size, weight, and power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
linearly polarizing, by a world-side polarizer of the optical system, the light associated with the world object along a first axis
Implementation Method 2
rotating, by a world-side switchable waveplate of the optical system, a polarization of the light associated with the world object by 90 degrees
Implementation Method 3
linearly polarizing, by the user-side polarizer, the light associated with the world object and the light associated with the virtual image along the second axis
Implementation Method 4
rotating, by a user-side switchable waveplate, a polarization of the light associated with the virtual image by 90 degrees
Implementation Method 5
applying non-zero net optical power, by the lens assembly, to the light associated with the virtual image
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for operating an optical system are disclosed. World light may be linearly polarized along a first axis. When the optical system is operating in accordance with a first state, a polarization of the world light may be rotated by 90 degrees, the world light may be linearly polarized along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and zero net optical power may be applied to the world light. When the optical system is operating in accordance with a second state, virtual image light may be projected onto an eyepiece of the optical system, the world light and the virtual image light may be linearly polarized along the second axis, a polarization of the virtual image light may be rotated by 90 degrees, and non-zero net optical power may be applied to the virtual image light.