Decentered Optical Surface for Wide Viewing Angle HMDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image observation systems, such as head-mounted displays (HMDs), face challenges in achieving a wide viewing angle while maintaining a compact design due to light scattering and flare caused by joint lines between reflective surfaces in optical paths.
Innovation Solution
An image observation apparatus with a single optical surface that reflects light from one image-forming element and transmits light from another, eliminating the joint line between reflective surfaces and using decentered surfaces to combine light fluxes from multiple image-forming elements, thereby reducing scattering and flare.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple reflective surfaces are used to combine light fluxes from multiple display elements, then the viewing angle is widened, but light scattering and flare occur at the joint lines between reflective surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple reflective surfaces into a single continuous optical surface. This optical surface combines light fluxes from multiple display elements without creating joint lines, thereby eliminating the light scattering and flare that occur at the boundaries of separate reflective surfaces while maintaining the ability to widen the viewing angle.
2Area of stationary object
If a large display element is used to provide a wide viewing angle, then the viewing angle increases, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a decentered optical surface that combines light fluxes from multiple smaller display elements arranged in different spatial positions. This approach achieves a wide viewing angle equivalent to a large display element while keeping the individual display elements small, thus reducing the overall device size.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple display elements are used to achieve wide viewing angle, then the viewing angle increases, but the optical system complexity increases due to multiple reflective surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple reflective surfaces into a single integrated optical surface, reducing the number of separate optical components. This simplification maintains the functionality of combining light from multiple display elements while reducing optical system complexity and eliminating joint lines that cause light scattering.
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
This configuration allows for a compact HMD with a wide viewing angle, minimizing light scattering and maintaining consistent brightness across the viewing field by integrating optical paths without joint lines, enhancing the overall image observation experience.
Implementation Method 1
an optical surface as a single surface which reflects the light flux from the one image-forming element and transmits the light flux from the other image-forming element
Implementation Method 2
is totally reflected by a transmissive/totally reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
The image observation apparatus includes a first image-forming element and a second image-forming element each of which forms an original image, and an optical system configured to introduce light fluxes from the first and second image-forming elements to an exit pupil position of the optical system where an eye of an observer is placed. The optical system includes an optical surface as a single surface that reflects the light flux from the first image-forming element and transmits the light flux from the second image-forming element. The first image-forming element and the second image-forming element respectively form a first original image and a second original image that correspond to different viewing fields from the exit pupil position. The apparatus combines plural original images to enable observation of one combined image and that can suppress generation of light scattering.