AR Eyewear Visor Reflective Surface Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality eyewear suffers from discomfort due to frequent focus shifts between virtual images and surroundings, and has aesthetically unpleasing designs, often with thick lenses or conspicuous frames.
Innovation Solution
The development of eyewear with a visor that includes a reflective surface to direct light projected from a light source towards the eye, integrated with optics and electronics within a frame that mimics traditional eyewear, allowing for minimal thickness and aesthetically pleasing profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If image generating hardware is housed within the eyewear lenses to minimize profile, then lens thickness increases to 5-10 mm, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the eyewear system into separate functional modules: the visor containing optical elements is detached from the frame, allowing the frame to maintain a thin, aesthetic profile while the visor houses the necessary image generating hardware. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by spatially separating aesthetic components from functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional lens integration approach to a three-dimensional visor structure that extends beyond the traditional lens plane. The visor projects outward to accommodate optical elements while the frame remains thin, effectively using the third dimension (depth) to resolve the profile thickness vs. aesthetic appeal contradiction.
2Shape
If image generating hardware is housed in the eyewear frame, then lens thickness is reduced, but frame visual conspicuousness increases making users self-conscious
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the visor (containing optical elements) from the frame, the invention allows the frame to remain visually inconspicuous and aesthetically pleasing, while the visor houses the necessary hardware. This segmentation eliminates the need to choose between thin lenses and inconspicuous frames, as both can be achieved simultaneously through modular design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual images are projected at close focal points, then image display functionality is achieved, but user comfort deteriorates due to frequent focus shifts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the optical parameters of the system by using a reflective surface with specific curvature (concave or planar) and appropriate positioning to project virtual images at focal points beyond the reflective surface, creating images at natural viewing distances. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between image display capability and user comfort by eliminating the need for frequent focus shifts.
4Use of energy by moving object
If reflective surface is positioned within the visor to direct light towards the eye, then optical path efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reflective surface within the visor serves multiple functions: it directs light from the light source toward the user's eye, creates the virtual image at the appropriate focal distance, and can be integrated with the visor structure itself. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate optical components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining optical path efficiency.
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 solution enhances user interaction by projecting virtual images at natural focal points, providing comfortable and socially acceptable augmented reality experiences with minimal visual obstructions and a slim profile.
Implementation Method 1
A reflective surface may be included within the visor, and is configured to direct light projected into the visor from the light source toward the corresponding eye of the wearer for display as a virtual image
Implementation Method 2
The reflective surface, in various embodiments, may focus the light projected into the visor at a location beyond the reflective surface
Implementation Method 3
The visor, in various embodiments, may further include at least one of a transform optic, a focusing optic, an optical waveguide, and a collimating optic embedded within the visor
Data Source
AI summary
Eyewear for displaying a virtual image comprising a visor for placement in a field of vision of a wearer, a light source in optical communication with the visor, and a reflective surface situated within the visor and configured to direct light projected into the visor from the light source toward at least one eye of the wearer for display as a virtual image. Another eyewear comprising a visor configured to display a virtual image in a field of vision of a wearer, a frame for supporting the visor, and electronics for operating the eyewear, the electronics being integrally embedded within one or more components of the frame.