Augmented Reality Waveguide With Region-Specific Focal Parameters
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In augmented reality systems, particularly in static near-eye displays, there is a need to concurrently provide high-quality images of both real and virtual objects across the entire field of view, while ensuring user comfort by dynamically controlling the focus of images, which is challenging with fixed optical properties.
Innovation Solution
An optical system is configured to direct both augmented and real image light along a common optical path for far and close objects, using a projecting optical device with varying focal parameters across different regions of the field of view, allowing the augmented image light to be modified before interaction with a light combining surface to maintain the real image's focus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a static optical system with fixed optical properties is used, then the system structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot provide dynamic focus control for both real and augmented images simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different optical properties in different regions of the waveguide. Specifically, the upper portion of the waveguide has optical properties optimized for far-distance viewing, while the lower portion has optical properties optimized for near-distance viewing. This allows the static optical system to provide differentiated focus control for different viewing zones without requiring dynamic adjustment mechanisms, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the augmented image light is modified to improve focus, then the augmented image quality is improved, but the real image focus may be affected negatively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the waveguide into distinct upper and lower portions, each with independently optimized optical properties. The upper portion modifies augmented image light for far-distance focus while the lower portion modifies augmented image light for near-distance focus. This segmentation allows focused modification of augmented image quality in each region without negatively affecting real image focus stability, as each portion is designed to handle specific viewing distances independently.
3Device complexity
If a single optical path is used for both real and augmented images, then the system structure is simplified, but it becomes difficult to provide different focal parameters for different viewing zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing region-specific optical properties within the unified waveguide structure. The upper portion of the waveguide is configured with optical properties for far-distance viewing, while the lower portion is configured with optical properties for near-distance viewing. This allows the single optical path to provide differentiated focal parameters for different viewing zones through spatial variation of optical properties, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while achieving adaptability.
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 ensures in-focus images for both augmented and real images across the field of view, enhancing user comfort by maintaining the real image's focus while modifying the augmented image's convergence, effectively addressing the challenge of presenting both types of images simultaneously with improved clarity and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
In such waveguides, light carrying an augmented image is guided by total internal reflection to a partially reflective surface from which it is reflected to a viewer.
Implementation Method 2
a light directing device configured for directing input light, including light indicative of an augmented image being projected and input light indicative of a real image of an external scene, to propagate in a general propagation direction to an imaging plane
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An optical system is presented for use in an augmented reality imaging system. The optical system comprises a light directing device, and a projecting optical device. The light directing device is configured for directing input light, including light indicative of an augmented image to be projected and input light indicative of a real image of an external scene, to propagate to an imaging plane. The projecting optical device has a fixed field of view and has a plurality of different focal parameters at different regions thereof corresponding to different vision zones within the field of view. The projecting optical device is configured to affect propagation of at least one of light indicative of the augmented image and light indicative of the real image, such that, for each of the different regions, interaction of a part of the light indicative of the augmented image and a part of the light indicative of the real image with said region of projecting optical device directs the parts of augmented image light and real image along a substantially common output propagation path, corresponding to the focal parameter of said region.