Catadioptric Optical System for Head-Mounted Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted displays for virtual and augmented reality are often cumbersome and uncomfortable due to bulky and heavy optical systems, leading to fatigue during extended use.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted display system incorporating a catadioptric optical system with a single lens element coated with a retarder on a curved surface, combined with a quarter wave plate and reflective polarizer, which reduces the need for adhesive layers and hard coatings, and can be manufactured using direct 3D printing for a lightweight and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional optical systems with multiple lens elements are used in head-mounted displays, then image quality can be maintained, but the device becomes bulky and heavy causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (refraction, reflection, polarization control, wave plate functionality) into a single integrated lens element. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby decreasing weight and complexity while maintaining image quality through the coordinated design of the integrated optical element
Solution Approach 2:
The single lens element is designed to perform multiple optical functions simultaneously: it provides refractive power, incorporates reflective surfaces, integrates polarizing filters, and includes wave plate functionality through coated layers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing overall system weight
2Device complexity
If multiple separate optical components are used, then optical functionality can be achieved, but the device complexity and number of assembly steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple discrete optical components into a single lens element structure. Instead of assembling separate lenses, polarizers, and wave plates, all these functions are combined into one monolithic component that can be manufactured as a single unit, thereby reducing device complexity and assembly steps
Solution Approach 2:
The lens element incorporates multiple functional layers including polarizing materials and wave plate materials integrated within the lens structure. These composite materials allow multiple optical functions to be achieved within a single component, reducing the need for separate parts
3Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive layers and hard coatings are used to assemble optical components, then component stability is improved, but the overall device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple functions into a single lens element, the patent eliminates the need for adhesive layers that would be required to bond separate components together. The unified structure provides inherent stability without requiring additional bonding materials, thereby reducing weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for adhesive layers and hard coatings by designing a single integrated lens element that does not require assembly of multiple separate components. This extraction of unnecessary assembly materials directly reduces the overall weight of the optical system
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 a more comfortable and efficient display system by minimizing weight and thickness, improving user experience through reduced material usage and simplified manufacturing, while maintaining effective image presentation.
Implementation Method 1
a quarter wave plate through which the light passes after passing through the linear polarizer
Implementation Method 2
a single reflective polarizer and retarder layer may be included in the optical system
Implementation Method 3
The optical system may be a catadioptric optical system having a single lens element
Implementation Method 4
A lens may be placed between each of the user's eyes and a portion of the microdisplay
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted display may include a display system and an optical system that are supported by a housing. The optical system may be a catadioptric optical system having one or more lens elements. In one example, the optical system includes a single lens element and a retarder that is coated on a curved surface of the lens element. The retarder may be coated on an aspheric concave surface of the lens element. In another example the retarder may be coated on an aspheric convex surface of the lens element. One or more components of the optical system may be formed using a direct printing technique. This may allow for one or more adhesive layers and one or more hard coatings to be omitted from the optical system. A lens element may be directly printed on the display system to improve alignment between the optical system and the display system.