Dynamic Image Plane Adjustment in Near-Eye Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional near-eye displays (NEDs) have a fixed image plane, which can cause ocular stress and a less realistic augmented scene when the user is viewing objects at close distances, such as reading a book, due to mismatched focusing points and image planes.
Innovation Solution
A near-eye display system with multiple image planes, incorporating an orientation detection device and a display block that adjusts optical power based on user orientation data to select the appropriate image plane for optimal viewing, using a focusing assembly with multiple optical powers and a controller to generate multifocal instructions for the display block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed image plane is used in conventional NEDs, then the device structure is simple, but the user experiences ocular stress and reduced realism when viewing objects at close distances due to mismatched focusing points and image planes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable optical power system that dynamically adjusts the image plane distance based on the user's viewing conditions. The optical assembly can change its focal length to match different object distances, transforming the fixed image plane into a dynamic one that adapts to close-up viewing, reading scenarios, or distant viewing as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the optical parameter (optical power/focal length) of the NED based on detected viewing conditions. By adjusting the optical power of the assembly, the image plane distance is modified to correspond with the distance of objects the user is viewing, thereby resolving the mismatch between focusing point and image plane
2Reliability
If the image plane is fixed at 2 meters or 3 meters, then the device is easy to operate, but the augmented scene becomes less realistic when the user anticipates viewing at different distances
Solution Approach 1:
The NED system automatically detects the user's viewing conditions (such as head orientation, eye position, or selected content type) and self-adjusts the optical power accordingly. This eliminates the need for manual intervention while maintaining scene realism, as the system serves itself by adapting to user needs without requiring user configuration
3Manufacturing precision
If a single optical power is used, then the device structure is simple, but the focusing point and image plane cannot correspond when viewing objects at different distances
Solution Approach 1:
The optical assembly transitions from a static single-power design to a dynamic multi-power system. The assembly can switch between different optical powers (e.g., for infinity focus, intermediate focus, and close-up focus) to ensure the image plane always corresponds with the focusing point regardless of object distance
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into multiple focal ranges, each handled by a specific optical power setting. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for different viewing distances independently, ensuring precise focusing point alignment for each scenario without requiring a completely different optical design
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 system provides a more realistic and comfortable augmented reality experience by dynamically adjusting the image plane to match the user's orientation, reducing ocular stress and enhancing the realism of the augmented scene across various viewing distances.
Implementation Method 1
The orientation may be measured relative to a gravity vector
Implementation Method 2
The focusing assembly has a plurality of optical powers that each correspond to different image planes
Data Source
AI summary
A near-eye display (NED) has an orientation detection device and a display block. The orientation detection device collects orientation data that describe an orientation of the NED. The display block has a display assembly, a focusing assembly, and a controller. The controller determines an orientation vector of the NED based in part on the orientation data and computes an angular difference between the orientation vector of the NED and a gravity vector. After comparing the angular difference to a threshold value, the controller generates multifocal instructions that adjusts the optical element to display an augmented scene at the selected image plane corresponding to the multifocal instructions.