Compact AR/VR Display With Nested Beam-Splitter Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented and virtual reality display devices are limited in their ability to interact with the physical environment, with interactions primarily confined to the virtual world and lacking integration with real-world scenes, and subsequent captured images from different perspectives often fail to incorporate user alterations.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality-capable display device with an optical arrangement that includes a beam splitter and mirror elements to transmit and reflect light, allowing virtual imagery to be superimposed onto a user's natural field of view, and a mobile computing device that can switch between AR and VR modes based on environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional video game displays are used, then the device structure is simple, but the field of view is limited and immersion is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested optical arrangement where a first optical element (beam splitter) is positioned within a field of view defined by a second optical element (mirror). This nested configuration allows multiple optical functions to be integrated in a compact space, expanding the field of view while managing device complexity through hierarchical organization of optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional display plane to a three-dimensional optical path by introducing beam splitting and reflection elements. This dimensional transformation allows virtual imagery to be projected into the user's natural field of view, creating an immersive augmented reality experience that combines digital and physical spaces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If beam splitter and mirror elements are added to expand field of view, then immersion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a beam splitter element that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it transmits a first portion of incident light to maintain visibility of the physical environment, reflects a second portion to display virtual imagery, and allows for additional optical elements to be integrated. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing complexity while enhancing immersion.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical arrangement is designed to be configurable and adaptable, with elements that can be positioned and adjusted to optimize performance for different usage scenarios. The system dynamically manages light paths between virtual and real-world imagery, allowing the field of view and immersion characteristics to be tuned based on environmental conditions and user needs.
3Illumination intensity
If optical elements are positioned within field of view, then light transmission and reflection are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical elements (beam splitter, mirror, and additional optical components) into a unified optical arrangement where the elements work together as a coordinated system. By merging these components into a pre-aligned assembly, the patent reduces the cumulative impact of positioning tolerances and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining optimal light transmission and reflection characteristics.
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
Enhances the immersive nature of the storytelling experience by dynamically integrating virtual images with the physical environment, reducing strain on users through compact design and cost-effective manufacturing, and providing a large display for viewing.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter element disposed within the field of view and configured to transmit a first portion of first incident light and reflect a second portion of the first incident light
Implementation Method 2
a first mirror element configured to reflect, toward the beam splitter element, a second portion of second incident light
Implementation Method 3
an optically transmissive display disposed within the field of view
Implementation Method 4
a first lens element disposed within the field of view on a first side of the optically transmissive display, the first lens element having a positive optical power, and a second lens element disposed within the field of view on a second side of the optically transmissive display, the second lens element having a negative optical power
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of an augmented reality (AR)-capable display device for displaying light generated by a display onto a predefined field of view are disclosed herein. Within one implementation, the display device comprises a mount assembly configured to removably attach with a mobile computing device associated with the display, to thereby arrange the display with a predefined position. The display device further comprises an optical arrangement having a predefined arrangement relative to the predefined position and defining the field of view. The optical arrangement comprises a first mirror element configured to reflect a first portion of first incident light that is based on the light generated by the display, and a second mirror element disposed within the field of view and configured to reflect, onto the field of view, a second portion of second incident light that is based on the first portion.