AR Eyepiece Architecture With Dynamic Dimmers for Artifact Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality systems face challenges in effectively reducing artifact image light while efficiently projecting desired image light, particularly in complex optical stacks with high refraction and curved or tilted surfaces, where anti-reflective coatings are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of dynamic dimmers within the optical stack to selectively dim artifact image light by synchronizing with the projector, using multiple dimmers positioned between eyepieces to manage light intensity and direction, and adjusting based on ambient light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If anti-reflective coatings are applied to reduce artifact image light, then reflection reduction is achieved, but the effectiveness is insufficient in complex optical stacks with high refraction and curved or tilted surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
A dimmer element is introduced as an intermediary component between the optical stack and the user's eye. This dimmer selectively attenuates artifact image light (ghost reflections) while allowing desired image light to pass through, providing reliable artifact reduction that anti-reflective coatings alone cannot achieve in complex optical stacks with high refraction and curved or tilted surfaces.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If dynamic dimmers are added to the optical system, then artifact image light is effectively reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dimmer is positioned as an intermediary element within the existing optical stack architecture, integrating artifact reduction functionality without requiring complete system redesign. The dimmer can be implemented as an additional layer or component that works synergistically with the existing optical elements, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimmer is designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing its attenuation properties to be adjusted based on operating conditions. This dynamic capability enables the system to optimize artifact reduction performance while maintaining flexibility in the optical path, rather than requiring fixed, overly complex mechanical structures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple dimmers are positioned between eyepieces to manage light intensity, then artifact image light is reduced, but light transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The dimmer is designed with spatially varying optical properties, where different regions of the dimmer have different attenuation characteristics. This allows the dimmer to selectively reduce artifact image light in specific directions or regions while maintaining high transmission efficiency for desired image light paths, minimizing overall energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The dimmer's optical parameters (such as absorption coefficient or transmission rate) are optimized to achieve the right balance between artifact reduction and light transmission efficiency. By carefully controlling these parameters, the system can attenuate harmful artifact light while preserving sufficient brightness of the desired image.
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
Significantly reduces artifact image light reaching the user while maintaining desired image light, improving user experience and reducing unwanted reflections, even in bright outdoor conditions.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting a first dimmer of the optical system positioned between the world side and the first eyepiece to reduce an intensity of the light associated with the first artifact image impinging on the first dimmer
Implementation Method 2
projecting light associated with a first virtual image onto a first eyepiece of the optical system, causing a portion of the light associated with the first virtual image to propagate toward the user side
Implementation Method 3
light associated with a first artifact image to propagate toward the world side
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for artifact mitigation in an optical system are disclosed. Light associated with a world object is received at the optical system, which is characterized by a world side and a user side. Light associated with a virtual image is projected onto an eyepiece of the optical system, causing a portion of the light associated with the virtual image to propagate toward the user side and light associated with an artifact image to propagate toward the world side. A dimmer of the optical system positioned between the world side and the eyepiece is adjusted to reduce an intensity of the light associated with the artifact image impinging on the dimmer and an intensity of the light associated with the world object impinging on the dimmer.