Directional Screen Projection for a Larger AR Eye Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable augmented-reality devices with mechanical scanning systems have a small eye box, limiting user compatibility due to varying interpupillary distances, and require complex mechanical components, increasing cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A device with a directional screen and optical combiner that emits divergent light waves along predefined axes, using a convergent lens and holographic elements to form a collimated light wave focused on the pupil, eliminating moving parts and enhancing user comfort and compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a scan-based configuration is used to project images onto the eye, then the device can be compact, but the eye box size becomes small and mechanical systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with a static directional screen that emits light waves along predefined axes. Each pixel on the screen has a specific emission axis, eliminating the need for moving mirrors or mechanical scanners while achieving the same image projection function. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by removing mechanical components while maintaining compact size and improving eye box size.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the light emission function across multiple pixels, each with its own predefined emission axis. Instead of using a single scanning beam, the system divides the image into multiple spatial segments (pixels) that emit light in predetermined directions. This segmentation allows the eye to move within a larger volume (eye box) while still receiving the complete image information.
2Volume of moving object
If a scan-based configuration is used to project images onto the eye, then the device can be compact, but mechanical systems increase complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with a static directional screen that emits light waves along predefined axes. Each pixel on the screen has a specific emission axis, eliminating the need for moving mirrors or mechanical scanners while achieving the same image projection function. This substitution directly resolves the contradiction by removing mechanical components while maintaining compact size and improving eye box size.
3Volume of moving object
If a small eye box is used in the device, then the device can be compact, but it becomes unsuitable for users with different interpupillary distances
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the light emission function across multiple pixels, each with its own predefined emission axis. Instead of using a single scanning beam, the system divides the image into multiple spatial segments (pixels) that emit light in predetermined directions. This segmentation allows the eye to move within a larger volume (eye box) while still receiving the complete image information.
Solution Approach 2:
The directional screen with multiple emission axes provides universal adaptability to different users. The system is designed to accommodate variations in interpupillary distances and eye positions by ensuring that multiple light paths are available simultaneously, making the device suitable for a broader range of users without requiring 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 provides a larger eye box and improved user comfort by ensuring compatibility across different interpupillary distances without mechanical scanning, reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
a screen, comprising various pixels, each pixel being configured to emit a divergent light wave that propagates around an emission axis
Implementation Method 2
an optical combiner, optically coupled to the light emitter, and configured to form, from each light wave emitted by the light emitter, a collimated light wave that propagates to the pupil of the eye
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for projecting an image onto an eye, the device comprising:a light emitter, configured to emit light waves along various respective emission axes;an optical combiner, optically coupled to the light emitter, and configured to form, from each light wave emitted by the light emitter, a collimated light wave that propagates to the pupil of the eye;the device being characterized in that:the light emitter comprises a screen, comprising various pixels, each pixel being configured to emit a divergent light wave that propagates around an emission axis, the various pixels emitting respective divergent light waves that propagate along various emission axes, respectively;the optical combiner is configured to receive each light wave emitted by a pixel and to form a collimated light wave that propagates towards a central position corresponding to the centre of the pupil of the eye.