Binocular Misalignment Correction in Near-to-Eye Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Binocular misalignment in head-mounted display (HMD) devices causes user discomfort and is difficult to achieve with low-cost, lightweight hardware, especially as the device ages.
Innovation Solution
An HMD device with automatic detection and correction of binocular misalignment using imagers, light-transmissive optical components, and a processor that samples and compares images for the left and right eyes, adjusting their spatial positioning to correct misalignment, and includes adjustable optics for interpupillary distance customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If low cost, lightweight hardware is used in HMD devices, then device portability and consumer appeal are improved, but binocular alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of binocular misalignment using the light sensor and processor before the user experiences discomfort. The processor continuously monitors the optical paths and predicts potential misalignment issues, allowing corrective action to be taken proactively rather than reactively. This preliminary detection mechanism enables lightweight hardware to maintain alignment precision through software-based compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the light sensor continuously monitors the optical paths from the display elements to the user's eyes, and the processor uses this feedback information to detect and correct binocular misalignment. This closed-loop feedback system allows lightweight HMD devices to maintain precise binocular alignment dynamically, compensating for the lack of inherent mechanical precision through active sensing and correction.
2Device complexity
If fixed optical paths are used in HMD devices, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed optical path into a dynamic system where the light sensor and processor continuously monitor and adjust for variations in user anatomy. The system adapts to different interpupillary distances and facial geometries by dynamically detecting misalignment and adjusting the effective optical path, allowing a single fixed physical configuration to serve multiple users with different anatomical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The HMD device performs self-adjustment for different users through the automated detection and correction system. When a user puts on the device, the light sensor automatically detects the individual's specific optical path characteristics, and the processor autonomously corrects for any misalignment without requiring manual adjustment by the user. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining adaptability to different users.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment mechanisms are added to HMD devices, then binocular alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms with an automated optical detection and correction system. Instead of requiring users to physically adjust lenses or mirrors, the light sensor detects misalignment and the processor electronically adjusts the display elements or optical paths to correct the issue. This substitution of mechanical user-adjustment with automated optical-electronic systems maintains alignment precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated feedback loop continuously monitors binocular alignment through the light sensor and makes real-time corrections without user intervention. This eliminates the need for users to manually adjust the device, as the system self-corrects any misalignment automatically. The feedback mechanism ensures precise alignment is maintained throughout use without requiring the user to understand or operate complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 effectively maintains user comfort by continuously correcting binocular misalignment and accommodating individual interpupillary distances, enhancing the usability and durability of HMD devices.
Implementation Method 1
a light sensor... The at least one light-transmissive optical component directs a first portion of each of the left and right images to the user's left and right eyes, respectively, while directing a second portion the left and right images to the light sensor
Implementation Method 2
the at least one light-transmissive optical component directs a first portion of each of the left and right images to the user's left and right eyes, respectively, while directing a second portion the left and right images to the light sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A near-to-eye display (NED) device comprises a light sensor, a processor, a first imager to generate a left image of an object for the user's left optical sensor, and a second imager to generate a right image of the object for the user's right optical sensor. The device further comprises at least one light-transmissive optical component arranged to receive concurrently the left image and the right image, the at least one light-transmissive optical component further arranged to direct a first portion of each of the left and right images to the left and right optical sensors, respectively, of the user while directing a second portion of each of the left and right images to the light sensor. The at least one processor detects a binocular misalignment between the left and right images based on output of the light sensor and to control the imagers to correct for the misalignment.