Low-Profile Eyewear Integrating Imaging and Projection Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-light vision enhancing eyewear is often bulky and protruding, failing to provide a discreet and aesthetically appealing solution for enhancing human vision, particularly in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile, wearable eyewear system incorporating a head-mounted housing with imaging devices, image generators, and optical elements, including digital cameras, microprocessors, and projection optics, integrated into a frame that resembles traditional eyeglasses, offering low light vision enhancement, digital zoom, contrast enhancement, and dynamic range scaling without the bulk of traditional night-vision goggles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional low-light vision enhancing eyewear is used, then vision enhancement capability is provided, but the device becomes bulky and protruding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vision enhancement functions (low-light imaging, near-vision enhancement, display capabilities) into a single integrated eyewear device. The imaging device, image generator, and display components are merged within a unified housing structure that attaches to traditional eyeglasses, eliminating the need for separate bulky night-vision goggles while maintaining all enhancement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The eyewear device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides low-light vision enhancement through imaging devices, near-vision enhancement through the image generator and display, and can switch between different operational modes. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate devices into one universal eyewear system
2Reliability
If traditional night-vision goggles are used, then low-light vision is enhanced, but aesthetic appeal and discreetness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a housing structure that attaches to traditional eyeglasses, imaging devices positioned near the eyes, an image generator, and a display component. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while the overall assembly maintains a sleek, discreet profile that resembles conventional eyeglasses rather than bulky night-vision gear
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional eyeglasses serve as an intermediary structure that supports the vision enhancement components. The housing attaches to the eyeglasses frame, positioning the imaging devices and other components in optimal locations while using the eyeglasses themselves as part of the structural support system, thereby achieving a discreet appearance
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 provides enhanced vision capabilities in low-light conditions while maintaining a sleek and discreet design, allowing users to navigate low-light environments effectively without the noticeable bulk of traditional night-vision goggles.
Implementation Method 1
one or more (e.g., a plurality) imaging devices (e.g., sensors or photocells) coupled to one or more image generators
Implementation Method 2
one or more optical elements (e.g., a combination of mirror(s) and/or lenses). The one or more optical elements may place an output of the image generator(s) into a position that is visible to the wearer's eye
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments according to the present disclosure are directed to, for example, head mounted eyewear (e.g., similar in form to traditional eye glasses) that includes low light vision enhancing and/or additional vision enhancing capabilities (e.g., near-vision enhancing capabilities). For example, in some embodiments, a head mounted housing arrangement is provided that includes an eyepiece adjacent to a wearer's eye, one or more imaging devices (e.g., one or more solid state or other imagers sensitive to light, including low light levels), one or more image generator(s) operatively coupled to the imager(s) (e.g., optically coupled, in electrical communication with, or wirelessly coupled) to receive an output from the imaging device(s), and/or one or more optical elements (e.g., a combination of mirror(s) and/or lenses). The one or more optical elements may place an output of the image generator(s) into a position that is visible to the wearer's eye.