AR Optical Module with Three-Lens Refractive System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current near-eye display devices, such as AR, VR, and MR, face inefficiencies in optical systems, excessive power consumption, and unsuitable design for long-term wear due to non-direct-view types, and direct-view types suffer from large volume and limited viewing angles, which can obstruct user vision and pose safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an optical module with a transparent display and three lenses (one negative and two with aspheric surfaces) that sequentially focus light for direct viewing, allowing users to see both background and displayed images comfortably without obstructing their field of vision, and can be adapted to various carriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a non-direct-view type optical system (beam splitter, waveguide sheet, or reflective mirror) is used, then the device can be made thinner, but the optical efficiency becomes lower than 35% and power consumption increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by using a transparent display with specific refractive index materials and designing lenses with precise curvature radii and thicknesses to achieve direct-view type optics with high efficiency while maintaining thin device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical optical components (beam splitters, waveguide sheets, reflective mirrors) with a transparent display and lens system that uses refraction and transmission to achieve the same viewing function with superior optical efficiency
2Shape
If a direct-view-type near-eye display device is used to achieve greater than 70 degrees visible viewing angle, then the viewing angle is improved, but the system thickness becomes greater than 100 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved lens surfaces with specific radii of curvature (first radius: 50-150mm, second radius: -30 to -100mm) to achieve wide viewing angles while maintaining a compact thin structure, replacing the traditional planar or complex multi-component optical paths
3Length of stationary object
If the visible distance is shortened to less than 50 mm, then the device can be made more compact, but the comfortable viewing experience cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the optical parameters including lens curvature radii, thicknesses, and material refractive indices to achieve a balanced design that provides both compact size and comfortable viewing experience by controlling the virtual image distance and optical path length
4Reliability
If existing AR devices are used with specific carriers, then the optical function can be maintained, but users cannot use different carriers according to their preferences and field of vision is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal optical module with transparent display and lens system that can be adapted to various carrier types (glasses, helmets, masks, etc.) without compromising optical function, allowing users to choose different carriers based on their preferences and needs
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 configuration enhances optical efficiency, reduces power consumption, and provides a slim, flexible AR device with increased viewing angles, ensuring comfortable and safe use, including during driving navigation.
Implementation Method 1
the transparent display of the optical module is configured to emit a light beam
Implementation Method 2
The first lens has a negative refractive power. The second lens has a negative refractive power, wherein a paraxial region of at least one of an eye side surface and a display side surface of the second lens is a concave surface or a structure having an optical function equal to a concave surface
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the eye side surface and the display side surface of the second lens is aspheric. The third lens has a positive refractive power. A paraxial region of at least one of an eye side surface and a display side surface of the third lens is a convex surface or a structure having an optical function equal to a convex surface, and at least one of the eye side surface and the display side surface of the third lens is aspheric
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented reality (AR) device including at least one optical module is provided. Each of the at least one optical module sequentially includes a transparent display, a first lens, a second lens, and a third lens from a display side to an eye side. The first lens has a negative refractive power. The second lens has a negative refractive power. The third lens has a positive refractive power. The number of lenses of the optical module having refractive powers is three, wherein the transparent display of the optical module is configured to emit a light beam, and the light beam sequentially passes through the first lens, the second lens, and the third lens to be incident into a user's eyes at the eye side, so that an AR virtual image on the display side is seen by the eyes.