AR Display Depth Control via Multi-Plane Light Field
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality systems face challenges in providing realistic and immersive virtual content experiences due to limitations in depth perception and resolution within a three-dimensional light field, particularly in head-mounted displays.
Innovation Solution
The system employs one or more displays and optical elements positioned at specific distances to create a three-dimensional light field with individual focal planes, allowing for the control of pixel intensity and display positions to adjust the perceived range and depth of virtual content, utilizing reflective materials like ZEONEX and polycarbonate, and incorporating physical processors to execute machine-readable instructions for content presentation and display control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple displays are positioned at different distances from the optical element, then depth perception and perceived range of virtual content are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the display function into multiple independent displays positioned at different distances from the optical element. Each display corresponds to a specific focal plane, allowing the system to segment the depth field into distinct layers. This segmentation enables precise control over where virtual content appears in three-dimensional space, improving depth perception while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional displays to a three-dimensional light field configuration. By positioning displays at different distances from the optical element along the optical axis, the system creates multiple focal planes that extend in the depth dimension. This dimensional expansion allows users to perceive virtual content at varying depths, transforming the viewing experience from flat to volumetric.
2Length of stationary object
If displays are positioned closer to the optical element, then perceived range of virtual content is improved, but resolution of virtual content deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each display is optimized for its specific position and corresponding focal plane. The system applies local quality by tailoring the characteristics of each display to its designated depth zone, ensuring that resolution and perceived range are optimized for content at that specific distance. This localized optimization allows the system to maintain high resolution for near-content while extending perceived range for distant content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts parameters such as display position, separation distance, and optical element positioning to optimize the balance between perceived range and resolution. By changing these parameters, the system can shift focal planes and adjust the distribution of light across different depth zones, allowing optimization for different viewing scenarios and content types.
3Length of moving object
If separation distance between displays is increased, then perceived depth of three-dimensional light field is improved, but resolution of virtual content decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the separation distance between displays to be modified based on viewing conditions and content requirements. This dynamic capability enables the system to optimize the balance between perceived depth and resolution in real-time, adjusting the configuration to match user needs and environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
By varying the separation distance parameter between displays, the system can control the extent of the three-dimensional light field and the perceived depth of virtual content. This parameter adjustment allows optimization of the trade-off between depth perception and resolution, enabling the system to adapt to different use cases and content types.
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 configuration enhances the immersion and realism of virtual content by allowing users to perceive virtual objects at specific depths within their field-of-view, improving the depth perception and resolution of virtual content in augmented reality environments.
Implementation Method 1
The optical element may be configured to reflect light emitted from the first display in a first focal plane and/or other focal planes of a perceived three-dimensional light field. The optical element may be configured to reflect light emitted from the second display in a second focal plane and/or other focal planes of the perceived three-dimensional light field.
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured for providing views of virtual content in an augmented reality environment may comprise one or more of a first display, a second display, an optical element, one or more processors, and/or other components. The first display and second display may be separated by a separation distance. The first display and second display may be arranged such that rays of light emitted from pixels of the first display may travel through the second display, then reflect off the optical element and into a user's eyes. A three-dimensional light field perceived with a user's field-of-view may be generated. Distances of the first display and/or second display to the optical element may impact a perceived range of the three-dimensional light field. The separation distance may impact a perceived depth of the three-dimensional light field and/or a resolution of virtual content perceived with the three-dimensional light field.