Aspheric Light Coupling Lens for Clearer See-Through AR Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality (AR) technologies lack a light combining lens with a high degree of freedom in curvature selection, limiting their effectiveness in providing clear and integrated virtual and real-world imagery.
Innovation Solution
The development of a see-through type display device with a light combining lens featuring regions of varying curvatures, allowing for a high degree of freedom in curvature selection, which enhances the integration of virtual and real-world images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a light combining lens with fixed curvature is used in existing AR technologies, then the device structure is simple, but the integration and clarity of virtual and real-world images are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light combining lens is divided into multiple regions with different curvatures. The first region has a first curvature optimized for virtual image light, while the second region has a second curvature optimized for real-world light. This segmentation allows each region to independently optimize its optical properties, achieving high curvature selection freedom without requiring a completely complex lens system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light combining lens are assigned different local optical properties (curvatures). The first region near the optical axis has a specific curvature for virtual image optimization, while the second region away from the optical axis has a different curvature for real-world light optimization. This local quality differentiation enables the lens to simultaneously handle multiple optical requirements with high precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If a light combining lens with varying curvature regions is implemented, then the integration of virtual and real-world images is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lens surface is segmented into distinct curvature zones that can be manufactured using standard aspheric lens fabrication techniques. Each region's curvature is clearly defined and can be produced using conventional precision molding or grinding methods, making the varying curvature design manufacturable with existing technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The light combining lens employs aspheric surfaces with mathematically defined curvature variations. The first and second regions have curvatures that follow precise mathematical profiles, allowing them to be manufactured using computer-controlled lens fabrication equipment. This approach balances manufacturing precision with ease of production by using standard aspheric lens manufacturing processes.
3Reliability
If a light combining lens with high curvature freedom is used, then the clarity of virtual and real-world image integration is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system uses a segmented light combining lens where the first region handles virtual image light with a first curvature and the second region handles real-world light with a second curvature. This segmentation provides high curvature selection freedom for optimizing image integration while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure by integrating the different curvature regions into a single lens element rather than multiple 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 solution provides improved clarity and integration of virtual and real-world images, making AR devices more effective in various environments, including ubiquitous and IoT settings.
Implementation Method 1
a first surface including a first region having a first curvature and a second region having a second curvature different from the first curvature
Data Source
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AI summary
A see-through type display device includes a display panel configured to generate first image light, a beam splitter configured to reflect the first image light and generate second image light, and a light coupling lens including a first surface on which the second image light is incident and a second surface provided opposite to the first surface, the first surface being aspherical.