Extended Display Optics Using Reflectors for Virtual Depth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current 3D display technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality headsets, face challenges with increased bulk, optical aberrations, and user discomfort due to refractive elements, which affect eye strain and immersion in immersive lightfield and autostereoscopic displays.

Innovation Solution

An extended display subsystem is integrated with a main display, using its own light source or a portion of the main display's light source to produce virtual images with monocular depths, featuring a housing with image apertures and specular reflectors for light guidance, and optionally incorporating AI for content modification based on user inputs or environmental properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If refractive elements are used in 3D display technologies to produce virtual images at perceived depths, then the depth perception and immersion are improved, but the device bulk and optical aberrations increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth perception capabilityVSAvoiddevice bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces refractive optical elements with a light-guiding subsystem using specular reflectors (mirrors) to direct light from the display to the viewer's eyes. This substitution of refractive mechanics with reflective mechanics achieves the same virtual image depth effect while reducing optical aberrations and potentially reducing device bulk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by positioning specular reflectors at angles to direct light paths, creating virtual images that appear at depths behind the physical display. This uses angular/spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions to achieve depth perception without requiring thick refractive optical paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If refractive elements are used in immersive lightfield displays, then the autostereoscopic 3D effect is improved, but eye strain and user fatigue increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautostereoscopic 3D capabilityVSAvoideye strain

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes refractive optical systems with a reflective light-guiding system using specular reflectors. This replacement eliminates the optical aberrations inherent in refractive elements, thereby reducing eye strain and fatigue while maintaining the autostereoscopic 3D effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of complex optical paths into a benefit by using simple specular reflection surfaces that direct light efficiently without introducing aberrations. The reflective surfaces transform what could be a complex refractive system into a simpler, eye-friendly optical path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If an extended display subsystem is added to enhance main display content, then the immersion and engagement are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay content enhancement capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an extended display subsystem that is integrated with or attached to the main display device. The light-guiding subsystem with specular reflectors is nested within or coupled to the existing display structure, allowing content enhancement without requiring a completely separate complex system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The extended display subsystem is designed to work with the main display to provide multiple functions: displaying main content, generating enhanced virtual images, and providing depth perception. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity by combining capabilities in a unified subsystem rather than requiring separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 user engagement by optimizing and modifying main display content, providing immersive experiences with reduced eye strain and improved optical quality through the creation of virtual images with adjustable monocular depths, enhancing productivity and entertainment value.

Implementation Method 1

a light-guiding subsystem secured withing the housing and having a plurality of specular reflectors oriented to direct the light through the image aperture forming a virtual image

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpecular reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20240385436A1Extended display systems and subsystems with virtual image content generation

Publication Date: 2024.11.21 BRELYON INC

AI summary

Systems and methods of virtual accent displays include a main display to produce a primary image and an extended display, the extended display including a light source and a light-guiding subsystem to produce a secondary image. In some embodiments, the secondary image is a virtual image that has one or more monocular depths. In some embodiments, the primary image and the secondary image are simultaneously visible by a viewer. In some embodiments, the secondary image is used as a productivity application, including workflow management or eye-health promotion.