Binocular Optical Display Layout for Natural HMD Image Presentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coupling a vision enhancement system with a head-mounted display (HMD) often results in optical path limitations and unnatural image presentation, particularly when using an intermediate mirror centrally aligned with the user's brow, limiting adjustability and causing potential eye strain.
Innovation Solution
An optical display system with an intermediate reflective element comprising an array of microstructures, positioned centrally but offset, reflects light from separate image generators to each eye, allowing independent optical paths and facilitating integration with a vision enhancement system, enhancing image presentation and reducing eye strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a centrally aligned intermediate mirror is used in the HMD optical path, then the optical path is reduced and the HMD becomes compact, but the image presentation becomes unnatural and causes eye strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the intermediate reflective element offset from the central optical axis, specifically at a position that creates asymmetric optical paths for the left and right eyes. This asymmetric configuration allows each eye to receive light from its corresponding image generator without requiring a central mirror, thereby eliminating the eye strain caused by central alignment while maintaining a compact HMD design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical path by using separate image generators positioned on opposite sides of the HMD, with each image generator serving its corresponding eye independently. The intermediate reflective element is positioned to reflect light from each image generator to its designated eye without requiring a central alignment, thus maintaining compactness while improving natural image presentation.
2Volume of moving object
If separate image generators are positioned on opposite sides of the HMD, then the optical path is reduced making the HMD compact, but coupling with vision enhancement systems becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the intermediate reflective element to serve multiple functions: it reflects light from both the left and right image generators to their respective eyes, and simultaneously provides a mounting interface for vision enhancement systems. This multi-functional design allows the offset reflective element to maintain compact optical paths while enabling integration with external vision enhancement devices through its positioned interface.
3Device complexity
If a centrally aligned intermediate mirror is used, then the optical path is simplified, but adjustability and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by positioning the intermediate reflective element at an offset location that allows for adjustable optical paths. This offset configuration enables the system to accommodate different image generator positions and vision enhancement system requirements without requiring a fixed central alignment, thereby providing adjustability and flexibility while maintaining relatively simple optical path geometry.
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 a compact, efficient optical display that integrates seamlessly with vision enhancement systems, ensuring correct image presentation and reducing eye fatigue by using microstructures for independent optical paths, enabling clear viewing of both HMD images and external environment.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second regions of the surface are reflective and arranged to respectively reflect the light emitted by the first image generator towards a user's left eye position and the light emitted by the second image generator towards the user's right eye position
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an improved optical display system for a head or helmet mounted display (HMD). The optical display system comprises an intermediate reflective element that comprises an array of microstructures. Separate image generators are provided which generate images which are projected onto a user's left and right eyes and by use of the intermediate reflective element, the image generator located on the left side of the HMD generates an image for the user's left eye and the image generator located on the right side of the HMD generates an image for the user's right eye. As described below, this improved optical display system may, in various examples, be coupled with a vision enhancement system.