Edge Imaging Spectacle Lens for Compact AR Near-Eye Display

The patent divides the single cube beam splitter into multiple smaller optical elements distributed across the spectacle lens surface. Instead of using one large beam splitting cube, the system employs multiple small beam splitting surfaces or optical elements that are segmented and positioned at different locations on the lens, thereby achieving the same light folding function while reducing overall device bulkiness.

The patent transitions from a three-dimensional cube beam splitter occupying space in the optical path to a two-dimensional arrangement of optical elements on the spectacle lens surface. By distributing beam splitting functionality across the lens surface area rather than concentrating it in a single volumetric component, the system achieves light path folding without the bulk of a traditional cube beam splitter.

The patent applies different optical properties to different regions of the spectacle lens. The beam splitting optical elements are positioned in specific peripheral regions of the lens where they interact with virtual image light paths, while the central and other regions maintain high transparency for real-world view. This spatial differentiation of optical functionality allows compact integration without compromising real-world perception.

The patent uses multiple small beam splitting surfaces distributed across the lens that collectively replicate the function of a single large beam splitter. Each small optical element copies the beam splitting functionality locally, and their combined effect achieves the desired light path folding while maintaining openness in the real-world view paths.

The patent segments the beam splitting functionality into multiple small optical elements distributed across the horizontal expanse of the lens rather than using a single large vertical component. This horizontal segmentation allows the system to achieve sufficient light path folding within a limited vertical dimension while maintaining adequate real-world view paths.

The patent compensates for limited vertical dimension by utilizing the horizontal dimension of the lens more effectively. Multiple beam splitting elements are arranged horizontally across the lens surface, distributing the optical functionality across a wider horizontal span rather than requiring greater vertical height, thereby maintaining wearability while preserving view paths.

The patent employs multiple small asymmetric beam splitting elements positioned at different orientations and locations on the lens surface. Rather than using a single large tilted mirror requiring precise symmetric alignment, the system uses multiple smaller elements with different orientations that collectively achieve the desired light path bending while being more tolerant of manufacturing variations in each individual element.

The patent divides the single tilted mirror function into multiple smaller optical elements with different tilt angles and positions. Each small element requires less precise fabrication tolerance than a single large tilted mirror, and their collective arrangement achieves the overall contour-matching light path bending while being more manufacturable.

The patent compensates for reduced lens thickness by utilizing the horizontal dimension more effectively. Multiple beam splitting elements are distributed across a wider horizontal span on the thin lens surface, allowing the system to maintain adequate horizontal eye box dimension despite the reduced vertical thickness of the lens.

The patent positions beam splitting optical elements at specific locations and orientations on the thin lens surface to optimize the horizontal eye box. By carefully selecting the local positions and angles of individual optical elements, the system maintains sufficient horizontal viewing aperture even with reduced overall lens thickness.