AR Glasses Frame Adaptation for Optical Alignment

Solution Overview

Problem

Augmented reality (AR) glasses with standard face shapes can cause distortion in virtual images due to variations in human face size and shape, leading to bent or torsioned frames that affect the alignment between the exit pupil of the display and the input grating of the optical waveguide.

Innovation Solution

A wearable electronic device with a skeletal member, including a temple, frame, and bridge, equipped with a self-luminous display, beam steering member using liquid crystals, optical waveguide, infrared output unit, infrared sensor, and control circuits to adjust the direction of visible light and correct distortions based on bending states measured by bend sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If AR glasses are manufactured with a standard face shape, then the device can be produced with consistent specifications, but the frame becomes bent or torsioned when worn by users with different face sizes and shapes, causing virtual image distortion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing consistencyVSAvoidvirtual image alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces adjustable components that allow the frame to dynamically adapt to different face shapes. The bridge and temple portions can be adjusted in position and angle, transforming a static standard-sized frame into a dynamic system that conforms to individual user anatomy, thereby maintaining manufacturing consistency while achieving precise virtual image alignment for each user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs adjustable mechanisms that change geometric parameters of the frame (bridge length, temple angle, frame curvature) to match different face shapes. By allowing users to modify these parameters, the system maintains standard manufacturing specifications while achieving the precise alignment needed for distortion-free virtual images

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the distance between the temple and frame changes due to face shape variations, then the device can accommodate different users, but the distance between the exit pupil of the display and the input grating of the optical waveguide changes, resulting in distorted virtual images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser accommodationVSAvoidoptical alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates sensors (such as bend sensors or optical sensors) that detect the actual position and orientation of the display relative to the optical waveguide. This feedback information is used to adjust the optical path or provide guidance to the user for proper alignment, ensuring that even when the temple-frame distance changes to accommodate different face shapes, the critical distance between the exit pupil and input grating remains precise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces adjustable components that allow the frame to dynamically adapt to different face shapes. The bridge and temple portions can be adjusted in position and angle, transforming a static standard-sized frame into a dynamic system that conforms to individual user anatomy, thereby maintaining manufacturing consistency while achieving precise virtual image alignment for each user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 3:

The patent employs adjustable mechanisms that change geometric parameters of the frame (bridge length, temple angle, frame curvature) to match different face shapes. By allowing users to modify these parameters, the system maintains standard manufacturing specifications while achieving the precise alignment needed for distortion-free virtual images

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

Provides a clear virtual image to the user by adjusting the output visible light without needing to adjust its size according to the user's face shape, correcting distortions caused by bending or torsion.

Implementation Method 1

a beam steering member including a liquid crystal and configured to adjust a direction of the visible light traveling from an exit pupil of the display to an input grating of an optical waveguide using the liquid crystal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLiquid crystal: Liquid Crystals

Implementation Method 2

the optical waveguide configured to adjust a path of the visible light and output the virtual image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical waveguide: Waveguide (optics)

Implementation Method 3

an infrared sensor configured to detect infrared light reflected from the pupil of the user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS11953695B2Wearable electronic device with display

Publication Date: 2024.04.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

It is provided the wearable electronic device including a skeletal member comprising a temple, a frame, and a bridge; a display fixed to the temple and configured to output visible light corresponding to a virtual image; a beam steering member comprising a liquid crystal and configured to adjust a direction of the visible light traveling from an exit pupil of the display to an input grating of an optical waveguide using the liquid crystal; the optical waveguide configured to adjust a path of the visible light and output the virtual image; an infrared output unit configured to output infrared light for tracking a gaze of a user; an infrared sensor configured to detect infrared light reflected from a pupil of the user; a bend sensor connected to the temple and the frame to measure a first bending state between the temple and the frame.