Collimator-Based AR Display Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current AR display systems face challenges in maintaining precise alignment between left and right displays due to thermal fluctuations, mechanical stresses, and aging, leading to user discomfort and degraded AR experience.

Innovation Solution

A user-operable calibration device is provided for wearable AR display systems, enabling precise alignment of left and right displays through a collimating alignment apparatus that projects an optical alignment pattern, allowing users to adjust the alignment digitally or physically.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rigid structures are used to stabilize displays, then alignment stability is improved, but weight and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment stabilityVSAvoidheadset weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing calibration instructions to the user before alignment degradation becomes problematic. The system proactively guides users through self-calibration procedures to prevent misalignment issues from developing, rather than waiting for problems to occur and then requiring professional service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables self-service by allowing users to perform calibration operations themselves using provided instructions and visual feedback. Users can adjust alignment parameters without requiring specialized equipment or professional assistance, making the system self-maintaining and eliminating the need for heavy stabilization structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If additional hardware components are added for real-time alignment adjustments, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidheadset complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with a software-based calibration approach. Instead of using sensors, actuators, and real-time mechanical adjustment mechanisms, the system uses visual feedback patterns and user-guided digital calibration to achieve precise alignment, significantly reducing hardware complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual copying by projecting alignment patterns and reference images that users can observe and use to adjust their own alignment. The system creates visual copies of the desired alignment state, allowing users to replicate the correct configuration without requiring complex sensing and actuation hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If professional realignment services are used, then alignment accuracy is improved, but service cost and user convenience worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoiduser convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables users to perform calibration operations themselves using provided instructions and visual feedback. Users can adjust alignment parameters without requiring specialized equipment or professional assistance, making the system self-maintaining and eliminating the need for heavy stabilization structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces feedback by providing users with visual alignment patterns and instructions that show the current alignment state and guide adjustments. This real-time visual feedback loop allows users to iteratively improve alignment accuracy on their own, replacing the need for professional service while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 enables users to recalibrate their AR display systems effectively, enhancing user comfort and visual experience by maintaining optimal display alignment, thus reducing the need for professional realignment and associated costs.

Implementation Method 1

a collimating alignment apparatus operable to project an optical alignment pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical projection: Light

Data Source

PatentUS20250199310A1Collimator-based field-of-view calibration for augmented reality display systems
Publication Date: 2025.06.19 GOOGLE LLC
  • US20250199310A1 patent drawing
  • US20250199310A1 patent drawing
  • US20250199310A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems, techniques, and devices are provided for calibrating wearable augmented-reality display systems. A support frame is configured to be removably coupled to a wearable augmented-reality display system. The support frame is coupled to a collimator comprising one or more collimating optical elements and to a graticule, which aligns with one or more alignment indicators emitted from the wearable augmented-reality display system.