Optical Eyepiece Path Superposition for Low-Distortion HMD Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical systems are fixed-focus and require specialized knowledge, are heavy, and bulky, limiting their accessibility to a broader user base.

Innovation Solution

An optical eyepiece system capable of superimposing optical paths, comprising an image surface, auxiliary optical path, and main optical path with specific lens configurations and a spectroscope, allowing for high-definition, distortion-free imaging through a positive, negative, and positive lens combination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-focus optical system is used, then the optical path is simple, but the adaptability to different user requirements is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to user requirementsVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic focus adjustment by making the optical path length可调 (adjustable). The optical system transitions from a fixed-focus design to a dynamic one where the focal length can be changed according to different observation requirements, allowing users to adjust focus for objects at different distances without changing the basic optical structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The optical system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can observe both distant celestial objects and nearby objects by adjusting the optical path length. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple fixed-focus instruments, improving versatility while maintaining relatively simple optical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If traditional optical instruments are designed for high performance, then the imaging quality is high, but the weight and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidoptical system weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into modular components: an objective lens assembly, an adjustable optical path section, and an eyepiece. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for lightweight construction while maintaining overall imaging quality. The adjustable optical path section can be compactly designed since it only needs to provide focus adjustment rather than complex imaging functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical path length parameter to achieve focus adjustment instead of using multiple lens elements or complex mechanical focusing mechanisms. By varying a single parameter (optical path length) rather than changing optical components, the system maintains high imaging quality with minimal weight increase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If traditional optical instruments are designed for high performance, then the imaging quality is high, but the volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidoptical system volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable optical path section is designed to nest within or alongside the fixed optical components. The optical path can be extended or retracted in a compact manner, allowing the system to achieve variable focus without requiring a large overall volume. The optical components are arranged to maximize space utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Measurement precision

If optical instruments require specialized knowledge for operation, then the imaging quality can be optimized, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging qualityVSAvoidease of use
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system provides self-adjusting focus through a simple mechanical or manual adjustment mechanism that automatically maintains optimal focus as the optical path length changes. This eliminates the need for users to understand complex optical alignment or focus calibration, making the instrument easy to operate while maintaining imaging quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables clearer, high-quality imaging with reduced distortion and weight, making optical instruments more accessible to users without specialized knowledge.

Implementation Method 1

the optical axis of the main optical path is reflected by the spectroscope and is superimposed with the auxiliary optical path transmitted by the spectroscope

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the main optical path comprises a first lens, a second lens, and a third lens which are arranged sequentially from the spectroscope to a micro image display in an optical axis direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12546988B2Optical eyepiece system capable of superimposing optical paths and head-mounted display device
Publication Date: 2026.02.10 SHENZHEN NED OPTICS CO LTD
  • US12546988B2 patent drawing
  • US12546988B2 patent drawing
  • US12546988B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An optical eyepiece system capable of superimposing optical paths and a head-mounted display device. The optical eyepiece system comprises an image surface (103), an auxiliary optical path (T), a spectroscope (101), and a main optical path (A) which are sequentially connected; an optical axis of the image surface (103) coincides; an optical axis of the main optical path (A) is mutually perpendicular to the optical axis of the auxiliary optical path (T); and the optical axis of the main optical path (A) is reflected by the spectroscope (101) and is superimposed with the auxiliary optical path (T) transmitted by the spectroscope (101). An image displayed on the micro image display (102) and a physical object image captured by an object shape observation and photographing apparatus are displayed in a superimposing mode, and characteristics of being clearer in imaging, small in distortion, and high in imaging quality are achieved.