Augmented Reality Lens Sheet for Head-Up Display Distortion Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-up displays in augmented reality applications suffer from image distortion due to the difference in eye focus and image angle, making it difficult to accurately overlay virtual information on real-world objects.
Innovation Solution
A lens sheet with an array of parallel lenses, each featuring a light redirecting portion with a slanted light reflecting surface and a refracting portion, is used to redirect and refract light to different regions, allowing each eye to view distinct images and creating a 3D illusion by aligning the image perception with the viewer's focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If mirror reflections are used in the projector unit to put the image floating beyond the windscreen, then the image distortion is reduced, but it is still difficult to place overlaying augmented information accurately on the objects on the road
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple lens units (first lens unit, second lens unit, third lens unit) arranged in parallel arrays. Each lens unit independently redirects light from specific regions of the display screen to specific viewing regions, enabling precise control over different portions of the augmented information and achieving accurate placement on road objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by using multiple lens units at different positions and orientations to redirect light to different viewing regions. This multi-dimensional light redirection approach enables accurate placement of augmented information by mapping display screen regions to corresponding viewing regions through the array of lens units.
2Illumination intensity
If the image is presented relatively close to the driver, then the display is visible, but the driver's focus is much further beyond the windscreen causing distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is divided into multiple regions, with each region's light being redirected by a corresponding lens unit to a specific viewing region. This segmentation allows the system to maintain image visibility while directing light paths that accommodate the driver's focal distance, reducing distortion by mapping close-displayed images to far-viewing positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The array of lens units acts as an intermediary between the display screen and the driver's eyes. These lens units redirect light from the display screen (positioned close to the driver) to viewing regions that align with the driver's focal distance (beyond the windscreen), effectively mediating the optical path to eliminate distortion while maintaining visibility.
3Device complexity
If a single display screen is used, then the system is simple, but image distortion occurs due to the difference in eye focus and image angle
Solution Approach 1:
The single display screen is functionally segmented into multiple regions, with each region served by a dedicated lens unit in the parallel array. This segmentation approach maintains relative system simplicity while eliminating image distortion by ensuring that light from each display region is redirected to the appropriate viewing region, accounting for eye focus and angle differences.
Solution Approach 2:
The array of lens units provides multi-functionality by simultaneously handling multiple light redirection tasks. Each lens unit in the parallel array can redirect light from its corresponding display region to the appropriate viewing region, allowing the system to maintain simplicity while achieving distortion-free multi-region display functionality.
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
The solution effectively reduces image distortion and enables accurate placement of augmented information on real-world objects by providing a 3D representation that aligns with the viewer's perspective, enhancing the augmented reality experience.
Implementation Method 1
The light reflecting surface is slanted relative to the light incident surface and relative to a plane interfacing the light redirecting portion and the light refracting portion, such that light of a first view image and light of a second view image transmitted through the light incident surface into the lens are directed to a first region and a second region of the light reflecting surface respectively and are reflected to the light refracting portion by the light reflecting surface
Implementation Method 2
The light refracting portion is configured to refract the light of the first view image to a first view region and refract the light of the second view image to a second view region spaced apart from the first view region
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, there is provided a lens sheet including an array of lenses arranged parallel to each other. Each lens includes a light redirecting portion having a light incident surface and a light reflecting surface, and includes a light refracting portion. The light reflecting surface is slanted relative to the light incident surface and relative to a plane interfacing the light redirecting portion and the light refracting portion, such that light of a first view image and light of a second view image transmitted through the light incident surface into the lens are directed to a first region and a second region of the light reflecting surface respectively and are reflected to the light refracting portion by the light reflecting surface. The first region is next to the second region. The light refracting portion is configured to refract the light of the first view image to a first view region and refract the light of the second view image to a second view region spaced apart from the first view region.