Adjustable Lens Focus Sensor for VR Eye Relief

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Virtual reality (VR) devices pose challenges for individuals with myopia or hyperopia, as traditional glasses do not fit inside VR headsets, and existing solutions fail to provide effective focus adjustment within the VR environment.

Innovation Solution

A VR device equipped with a display screen, an adjustable lens, and a focus sensor that measures the distance between the eye and the display, emitting electromagnetic radiation to determine the diopter and adjust the optical power of the lens using piezoelectric actuators, allowing for real-time focus adjustment without external glasses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed-distance display screen is used in VR devices, then the device structure is simple, but users with myopia or hyperopia cannot achieve clear focus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus clarityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing an adjustable lens system that can dynamically change its optical power based on the user's eye characteristics. The lens transitions from a fixed-focus component to a dynamically adjustable one, allowing the VR device to adapt to individual user needs (myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia) while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The adjustment mechanism is integrated into the existing display assembly without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If external corrective lenses are used, then focus correction is achieved, but the glasses do not fit inside the VR helmet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus correctionVSAvoidcompatibility with VR device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the corrective lens function directly into the VR display system. Instead of using separate external glasses, the correction lens is integrated as part of the display assembly, combining the VR display function with the optical correction function in a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for users to wear separate corrective lenses while maintaining effective focus correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable lens system serves multiple functions: it acts as both the VR display interface and the optical correction element for various vision conditions. The single lens structure can adapt to different user requirements (myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia) through electronic adjustment, providing universal compatibility across different vision types without requiring separate corrective devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable lens system is added to correct focus, then focus adjustment is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefocus adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an electronically controlled system. Instead of using manual focus adjustment wheels or multiple interchangeable lenses, the system uses electronic signals to control the optical power of the lens, likely through piezoelectric actuators or liquid crystal technology. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling precise focus adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system adjusts focus by changing the optical parameters of the lens (focal length, optical power) rather than physically moving or replacing components. This parameter-based adjustment allows for continuous, fine-grained focus control without requiring complex mechanical structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 clear image focus for users within the VR environment by dynamically adjusting the lens power based on individual eye requirements, eliminating the need for external corrective lenses.

Implementation Method 1

adjusting the optical power of the lens using piezoelectric actuators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a focus sensor that measures the distance between the eye and the display, emitting electromagnetic radiation to determine the diopter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11330979B2Focus adjustment method and apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Methods, apparatus, and system for a virtual reality device including a display monitor, an adjustable lens, and a focus sensor. The focus sensor may be used to measure a distance between an eye and the display monitor or whether the eye is able to focus images from the display monitor. The user may provide a diopter correction. The VR device may then adjust an optical power of the adjustable lens, based on at least one of the distance or whether the eye is able to focus images from the display monitor. The focus sensor may emit coded electromagnetic radiation and determine a time-of-flight of the coded electromagnetic radiation to determine the distance or whether the eye is able to focus images from the display monitor. The adjustable lens may comprise a flexible lens; the flexible lens may be adjusted with actuators, such as piezoelectric actuators.