On-axis eyeglass display using spherical mirror and beam splitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted displays (HMDs) are not commercially adopted due to their size, bulk, complexity, and expense, prompting a need for more portable and less obtrusive eyeglass-based display devices that also provide acceptable image quality.
Innovation Solution
An on-axis imaging system integrated into eyeglass-based display devices, comprising a microdisplay as the image source, a spherical mirror as the optical element, and a beam splitter, which simplifies manufacturing and testing while maintaining a compact and aesthetically pleasing design, focusing images on the user's eyes with minimal chromatic aberration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional head-mounted displays are used, then image display capability is achieved, but size and bulk increase making the device obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional components: a microdisplay (LCD, LCOS, or OLED) mounted in one temple, a spherical mirror in the other temple, and a beam splitter integrated into the lens assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces overall system complexity while achieving compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional front-mounted or top-mounted display configurations to a lateral distribution arrangement where display components are mounted in the temples (side dimensions) rather than occupying frontal or vertical space. This dimensional reorganization reduces the device's profile and makes it less obtrusive.
2Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced to achieve eyeglass form factor, then portability improves, but image quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise optical parameters to maintain image quality: spherical mirror radius of curvature between 150-250mm (optimally 200mm), mirror diameter 15-30mm, beam splitter distance from pupil 15-20mm, and field of view 5-15 degrees. These parameter constraints ensure acceptable image quality while maintaining compact eyeglass form factor.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex optical systems are used to improve image quality, then display performance improves, but manufacturing and testing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs commercially available, off-the-shelf components including standard spherical mirrors, conventional beam splitters, and mature microdisplay technologies (LCD, LCOS, OLED). This approach eliminates the need for custom-optics manufacturing and complex alignment procedures, significantly simplifying both manufacturing and testing while delivering acceptable image quality.
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 results in a lightweight, compact, and cost-effective eyeglass-based display device that offers a diagonal field of view of approximately 10.4 degrees, providing clear display of text, graphics, or photographic images with negligible chromatic aberration, making it more appealing to the public.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element, which in one embodiment comprises a spherical mirror that reflects light from the image source
Implementation Method 2
a spherical mirror that reflects light from the image source and focuses the reflected light on a retina of one of the user's eyes
Implementation Method 3
a beam splitter that transmits light from the image source to the optical element and reflects focused light from the optical element to an entrance pupil of one of the user's eyes
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are imaging systems and eyeglass-based display devices. In one embodiment, an imaging system includes an image source that generates images, a optical element that manipulates the images, and a beam splitter positioned between the image source and the optical element that reflects the images onto an eye of a user of the imaging system, wherein each of the image source, optical element, and beam splitter are aligned along the same optical axis.