Auto-Focus AR System with Dynamic Vision Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality (AR) viewing systems fail to account for users with different visual impairments, leading to degraded viewing experiences as real and virtual objects may not appear in focus for users with presbyopic, myopic, or hyperopic vision.
Innovation Solution
An auto-focus AR system with internal and external focus correction modules that adjust the focal distances of virtual and real objects based on the user's vision type, ensuring both are in focus simultaneously, using tunable-focus lenses and varifocal beam combiners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If AR systems display virtual images at a fixed depth corresponding to the user's vergence plane, then virtual objects appear in focus for users with normal vision, but real and virtual objects cannot be simultaneously in focus for users with visual impairments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focus adjustment by allowing the focal distance of virtual images to be continuously adjusted based on the user's accommodation state. The system transitions from a fixed-depth display to a dynamic system that adapts the virtual image depth in real-time to match the user's focusing capability, enabling users with various vision impairments to view both real and virtual objects in focus simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the focal distance parameter of virtual images to accommodate different user vision types. By detecting the user's accommodation state and adjusting the virtual image depth parameter accordingly, the system enables users with presbyopic, myopic, or hyperopic vision to achieve clear focus on both real and virtual objects without requiring multiple fixed-depth configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If AR systems use a fixed focal distance for virtual objects, then the system design is simplified, but users with different visual impairments experience degraded viewing quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs self-adjusting mechanisms that automatically detect the user's accommodation state and adjust the virtual image focal distance without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains ease of manufacture by avoiding complex manual adjustment mechanisms while achieving high viewing quality through automated adaptation to individual user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the user's accommodation state in real-time and use this information to dynamically adjust the virtual image focal distance. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain optimal viewing quality for users with different visual impairments while keeping the overall system design relatively simple through automated control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If AR systems accommodate multiple vision types with different focal distances, then all users can view objects in focus, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal focus correction mechanism that serves multiple vision types (presbyopic, myopic, hyperopic) through a single dynamic adjustment system. Rather than requiring separate correction mechanisms for each vision type, the system uses one adaptable mechanism that can accommodate all user categories, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining broad adaptability.
4Measurement precision
If AR systems provide separate focus adjustment for virtual and real objects, then simultaneous focus is achieved, but the number of components and control mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the focus correction functions into an integrated mechanism that simultaneously adjusts both virtual and real object focus. By combining what would otherwise be separate adjustment systems into one unified mechanism, the patent achieves simultaneous focus accuracy for both virtual and real objects while minimizing the number of components and control mechanisms required.
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 system provides clear, simultaneous focus on real and virtual objects across various depths for users with different vision types, enhancing the viewing experience and potentially replacing conventional prescription eyeglasses.
Implementation Method 1
an external focus correction module, mounted to the frame and configurable to adjust the focal distance of the real objects based on the different user vision types
Implementation Method 2
an internal focus correction module that is configurable to adjust the focal distance of the virtual objects differently for different user vision types
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing auto-focus augmented reality (AR) viewing of real and virtual objects includes a frame for holding AR viewing components on a user's head and optically in front of the user's eyes. The AR viewing components include an internal virtual objects display for displaying virtual objects to a user. Internal and external focus correction modules respectively adjust focal distances of virtual and real objects, are respectively configurable to adjust the focal distances of the virtual and real objects differently based on the different user vision types, and operate to respectively adjust the focal distances of the virtual and real objects such that the virtual and real objects are simultaneously in focus based on the vision type of the user.