AR Optical Block for Monocular Eye Strain
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monocular near-eye display systems cause eye strain and double vision due to sensory eye dominance, where the brain struggles to focus on virtual content when one eye sees a virtual image and the other sees the real-world scene, especially in users with vision impairments like astigmatism and amblyopia.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality system with a near-eye display for one eye and an optical block in the field of view of the other eye, which can be semi-transparent or opaque, positioned based on inter-pupillary distance to prevent environmental light from reaching the retina, assisting the brain in focusing on virtual images by blocking or reducing light from the dominant or non-dominant eye.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a monocular near-eye display system is used to present virtual images to one eye, then the virtual image can be superimposed over the real-world image, but the user experiences eye strain and double vision due to sensory eye dominance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic sensory input from the dominant eye by introducing an optical block that selectively blocks environmental light from reaching the retina of the dominant eye. This removes the conflicting visual information that causes eye strain and double vision, while preserving the virtual image presentation to the non-dominant eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical block serves as an intermediary element positioned in the field of view of the dominant eye. It mediates between the environmental light and the retina by selectively blocking harmful light paths while allowing the system to maintain its monocular configuration and virtual image superposition capabilities.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical block is made opaque to effectively block environmental light, then eye strain is reduced, but the field of view and natural vision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The optical block is designed with spatially varying properties - it is opaque or semi-transparent only in the specific region where the virtual image is displayed, while remaining transparent in other areas of the field of view. This allows selective blocking of environmental light paths that would cause eye strain without obstructing the user's overall field of view and natural vision.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical block utilizes variable transparency properties, being opaque or semi-transparent in the virtual image region and transparent elsewhere. This optical property variation enables the block to filter harmful light selectively while preserving the user's natural vision and field of view in unaffected areas.
3Measurement precision
If the optical block is positioned to block light from the dominant eye, then focus on virtual images is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical block serves multiple functions simultaneously: it blocks environmental light from the dominant eye to prevent eye strain, enables the brain to focus on virtual images presented to the non-dominant eye, and can be positioned based on inter-pupillary distance to accommodate different users. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the optical block is made adjustable based on inter-pupillary distance parameters, allowing customization for different users. This parameter-based positioning enables the system to adapt to individual anatomical variations without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, maintaining simplicity while improving focus precision.
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
Reduces eye strain and improves focus on virtual images by blocking unnecessary visual input, enhancing the viewing experience for users with vision impairments and reducing distortion.
Implementation Method 1
an optical block located within a field of view of a second of a wearer's eyes, wherein the optical block is operable to prevent a portion of environmental light from reaching the retina of the second of the wearer's eyes
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented reality system comprising, a near-eye display operable to form virtual images viewable by a first of a wearer's eyes, the near-eye display located within a field of view of the first of the wearer's eyes, the near-eye display comprising an image generator operable to generate images, and, an optical block located within a field of view of a second of a wearer's eyes, wherein the optical block is operable to prevent a portion of environmental light from reaching a retina of the second of the wearer's eyes.