AR Waveguide Eyebox Replication for 3D Road-Focused Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality (AR) devices, particularly in the automotive industry, face challenges in providing 3D augmented reality without distracting the user, as existing systems often require the user to focus on external devices for information display, which can divert attention from the road.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality device with a multi-view picture generation unit comprising light sources, a beam combiner, and projection optics, combined with a waveguide and spatial mask, allows for the generation of RGB images and 3D images by replicating the exit pupil along multiple axes, enabling simultaneous or alternating image display based on eye movement detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If information is displayed on external devices, then information delivery is achieved, but user attention is diverted from the road
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam combiner as an intermediary optical element that merges the information display beam with the road view beam. This allows the driver to receive information through the AR device while maintaining focus on the road, as the combined image is projected onto the windshield or retinal display without requiring the driver to shift attention to separate external devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple beams (information display beam and road view beam) into a single composite image that is presented to the driver simultaneously. The beam combiner merges these optical paths, allowing information delivery and road monitoring to occur concurrently through the same visual channel, eliminating the need for separate device attention
2Measurement precision
If 3D augmented reality is provided, then depth perception and information accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements 3D augmented reality by adding the depth dimension to the traditional 2D display. Through optical elements including beam combiners and retinal display technology, the system creates stereoscopic images with depth perception, allowing drivers to perceive distance and spatial relationships of information elements without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements in the patent serve multiple functions: the beam combiner both merges information and road view beams while also directing them to the appropriate retinal locations. The AR device integrates display, optical processing, and depth perception capabilities into a single multi-functional system, reducing the need for separate components
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 provides a 3D augmented reality experience by generating multi-view images with synchronized eye movement adjustment, enhancing safety by allowing drivers to focus on the road while receiving important information without visual distraction.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide and spatial mask, allows for the generation of RGB images and 3D images by replicating the exit pupil along multiple axes
Implementation Method 2
The beam combiner may be configured to mix and combine light from different light sources and output the mixed light to the image source
Implementation Method 3
The spatial mask may perform the light filtering based on at least one of a wavelength and a polarization state of the individual characteristics in a passive operation mode
Data Source
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AI summary
An augmented reality device for providing three-dimensional (3D) augmented reality and an operation method of the same are provided. The augmented reality device includes a multi-view picture generation unit configured to generate a multi-view picture including single-view images having respective individual characteristics, and generate an exit pupil including the generated multi-view picture, a waveguide configured to replicate the exit pupil generated by the multi-view picture generation unit, and an eyebox viewing zone generation unit configured to separate the single-view images based on the individual characteristics, and generate a three-dimensional (3D) image by outputting the single-view images in viewing zones in an eyebox corresponding to views of the single-view images.