AR Device Light Source Delta Robot Eye Box Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented reality (AR) devices with reflective display devices face challenges in volume increase due to the need for separate optical systems and combiners, which restrict the eye box and user experience, especially when using holographic optical elements that require precise positioning.
Innovation Solution
An AR device employing a light source-moving delta robot that adjusts the position and slope of a light source in a 3D space to modulate light, combined with a holographic optical element combiner, to expand the eye box and improve user experience by dynamically positioning the virtual image convergence point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a reflective display device is used to generate virtual images, then the device can modulate light for each pixel, but the volume of the AR device increases due to the need for a separate optical system and beam splitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display device and optical system into an integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate beam splitters and optical components. The display device itself serves as both the light modulation element and the optical component, reducing overall device volume while maintaining light modulation precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device performs multiple functions: it modulates light for image generation and simultaneously serves as the optical element for guiding light to the user's eye. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated optical components, reducing device volume.
2Device complexity
If a holographic optical element is used as a combiner to create a virtual image, then the device structure is simplified, but the eye box is reduced because the eye must be accurately positioned onto a very small focus area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable light source platform that can dynamically adjust its position and orientation in three-dimensional space. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to expand the effective eye box by repositioning the light source to accommodate different user positions and viewing angles, while maintaining the simplified HOE combiner structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spatial dimensionality by allowing the light source to move in three-dimensional space rather than being fixed in a single position. This multi-dimensional positioning capability expands the eye box area by providing multiple focal points and viewing zones, overcoming the limitation of the small focus area in traditional HOE systems.
3Volume of moving object
If the volume of the beam splitter and optical system increases with viewing angle, then the combiner volume increases, but this limits the usable viewing range
Solution Approach 1:
The movable light source platform dynamically adjusts its position based on viewing angle requirements. As the viewing angle changes, the light source repositions itself to maintain optimal optical path geometry, allowing the combiner volume to remain compact while accommodating a wide viewing range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the spatial parameters (position and orientation) of the light source in response to viewing angle variations. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains a compact optical system volume while adapting to different viewing angles and expanding the usable viewing range.
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 enhances the eye box size and user experience by dynamically adjusting the light source's position and slope, allowing for a larger image-visible range without increasing the device's volume, and reduces the need for separate display devices.
Implementation Method 1
a light source-moving delta robot on which the light source is mounted, the light source-moving delta robot being configured to change a traveling path of light emitted from the light source by adjusting at least one of a position or a slope of the light source
Implementation Method 2
a display device configured to generate a first image by modulating the light emitted from the light source
Implementation Method 3
a combiner configured to combine the first image generated by the display device with a second image, which is different from the first image and is received from an external source, and output a combined image
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented reality (AR) device includes a light source; a light source-moving delta robot on which the light source is mounted, the light source-moving delta robot being configured to change a traveling path of light emitted from the light source by adjusting at least one of a position or a slope of the light source in a three-dimensional (3D) space based on a movement of the light source-moving delta robot; a display device configured to generate a first image by modulating the light emitted from the light source; and a combiner configured to combine the first image generated by the display device with a second image, which is different from the first image and is received from an external source, and output a combined image.