AR Lens External Light Control Layer for Contrast

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Solution Overview

Problem

Augmented reality (AR) devices face challenges in maintaining an appropriate balance between external and internal light levels, leading to washed-out AR imagery in bright environments and visibility issues in dark environments, while also needing to minimize light emission to avoid detection in tactical situations.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a photochromic or electrophotochromic external light control layer within the AR device's lens system, which adjusts transmissivity based on external light levels, combined with a light sensor and controller to ensure optimal contrast and brightness balance between real-world and AR imagery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the internal light is increased to improve AR imagery visibility in bright environments, then the AR imagery becomes more visible, but the real-world scene becomes difficult to see and excess light may escape allowing the user to be seen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal light brightnessVSAvoidvisibility of real-world scene and light emission detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a dynamic light control mechanism where the integrated lens system continuously adjusts its light transmission properties based on environmental conditions and device orientation. The system transitions between different optical states (transparent, reflective, absorptive) in real-time to adapt to varying lighting scenarios, resolving the contradiction between maintaining AR imagery visibility and preserving real-world scene visibility while controlling light emission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters of the lens system by incorporating multiple layers (transparent substrate layer, reflective layer, absorptive layer) that can dynamically alter their light transmission, reflection, and absorption characteristics. By adjusting these optical parameters based on sensors detecting external light levels and device orientation, the system optimizes the balance between AR imagery visibility and real-world scene visibility while minimizing detectable light emission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If the external light control layer adjusts transmissivity to maintain contrast, then AR imagery visibility is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAR imagery contrastVSAvoidlens system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light control function into multiple specialized layers within the integrated lens system: a transparent substrate layer for light transmission, a reflective layer for light reflection, and an absorptive layer for light absorption. Each layer is optimized for its specific function, and their combination provides dynamic light control capabilities while maintaining a relatively compact and integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite lens system combining multiple materials with different optical properties in a single integrated structure. The transparent substrate, reflective coating, and absorptive materials are combined to create a multi-functional optical element that can dynamically control light transmission, reflection, and absorption, achieving complex light control functions without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 ensures that AR imagery remains visible and optimally contrasted with the real-world environment, while minimizing light emission, effectively addressing the balance of external and internal light levels across varying conditions.

Implementation Method 1

an external light control layer, such as a photochromic or electrophotochromic layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotochromism: Photochromism

Implementation Method 2

an external light control layer, such as a photochromic or electrophotochromic layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophotochromism: Electrochromism

Implementation Method 3

a light sensor configured to generate an external light power level that quantifies an amount of light received from a scene within the FOV

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11249310B1Augmented reality device with external light control layer for realtime contrast control

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP

AI summary

An augmented reality device. The device includes an integrated lens system having a field of view (FOV). The lens system includes a reflective layer, a transparent substrate layer, an external light control layer, and an anti-reflective layer. The device also includes a display device configured to present an image on an interior surface of the integrated lens system.