AR Reflective Optics With Focal Tracking for Virtual Image Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented reality devices face issues with complex configurations leading to discomfort, high costs, and the need for separate operations to adjust focal length, as well as out-of-sync phenomena at the boundaries of multiple reflective units due to inconsistent focal positions.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a reflective unit smaller than the pupil size, combined with a position adjustment mechanism controlled by a focal length tracking unit, adjusts the depth of the virtual image to match the user's focal length, using a display unit, focusing optics, and reflective modules to prevent out-of-sync issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical systems with prisms are used to reflect or refract virtual images, then augmented reality functionality is achieved, but the device configuration becomes complicated leading to increased weight and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of image reflection/refraction from complex prism systems and implements it using a simplified reflective unit with display device, eliminating unnecessary optical components while maintaining augmented reality functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a display device to generate virtual images that are optically superimposed on the real world, replacing physical optical path manipulation with electronic image generation and optical projection
2Reliability
If conventional optical systems are used, then augmented reality is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase due to complicated manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the augmented reality system into separate functional modules: display device, reflective unit, and optical means, allowing independent manufacturing and assembly of each component, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex optical path routing with electronic image generation and projection, using software-controlled display devices to create virtual images that can be programmed rather than physically constructed
3Device complexity
If a single reflective unit is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but the viewing angle is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the reflective unit into multiple reflective modules arranged in an array, where each module serves a specific viewing angle sector, collectively providing a wide overall viewing angle while maintaining individual module simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the reflective unit from a single point to a two-dimensional array of reflective modules, adding spatial dimensionality to expand the viewing angle coverage area
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple reflective units are arranged to increase viewing angle, then viewing angle is improved, but out-of-sync phenomena occur at boundaries when focal position is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control unit that receives focal length information from a tracking unit and adjusts the display device accordingly, creating a feedback loop that maintains image continuity across reflective module boundaries by adapting to the user's actual focal position
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the display device position adjustable based on detected focal length, allowing the system to dynamically adapt its optical configuration to match the user's viewing conditions and eliminate boundary artifacts
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 device ensures clear and continuous virtual images by maintaining focus regardless of changes in the user's focal length, enhancing user comfort and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective unit 102 reflects image light corresponding to an image for augmented reality, output from the image output unit 103, toward the pupil of a user
Implementation Method 2
The optical means 101 is a means for transmitting at least part of real object image light, which is image light output from a real object, therethrough
Implementation Method 3
focusing optics configured to refract or reflect virtual image light output from the virtual image displayed on the display unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an optical device for augmented reality having a function of adjusting the depth of a virtual image, the optical device including: a display unit configured to display a virtual image; focusing optics configured to refract or reflect virtual image light; a reflective unit including a plurality of reflective modules configured to provide the virtual image to a user; an optical means provided with the reflective unit installed therein, and configured to transmit real object image light toward a pupil of the user's eye; a position adjustment device configured to move at least one of the display unit and the focusing optics in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the focusing optics; a focal length tracking unit configured to measure the focal length of the user; and a control unit configured to control the movement of the position adjustment device.