Fluid Membrane Lens Variable Focus for AR Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact variable focus configurations for augmented reality near-eye displays are bulky and suffer from image position changes as focus is adjusted, complicating calibration and integration into wearable systems.
Innovation Solution
A head-wearable viewing component with left and right optical elements featuring a fluid/membrane lens system, where a compact actuation motor adjusts the focal length by moving or rotating frame members relative to each other, maintaining even perimetric loading to prevent image reorientation and allow predictable focal adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fluid/membrane lens system with opposing perimetric plates is used to achieve variable focus, then focal length adjustability is improved, but device size and complexity increase making it bulky for wearable integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the opposing perimetric plate mechanism from the system. Instead of using two plates that rotate relative to each other, the invention uses a single perimetric plate that rotates about a fixed axis, removing the redundant mechanical complexity and reducing overall device volume while maintaining focal length adjustability through the fluid lens compression mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple components into a simplified configuration. The single perimetric plate combines the functions of both opposing plates into one element, and the fixed rotation axis combines the pivot functions, thereby reducing the number of moving parts and decreasing device size while preserving the variable focus capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If opposing perimetric plates are rotated relative to each other to adjust focus, then focal length control is achieved, but image position changes occur requiring complex calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the relative rotation mechanism between opposing plates that causes image position drift. By using a single perimetric plate rotating about a fixed axis, the system eliminates the concomitant image position changes that occur when two plates pivot relative to each other, thereby removing the need for complex calibration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed rotation axis design inherently maintains image position stability during focus adjustment. The mechanical configuration itself prevents image drift without requiring active compensation or calibration systems, allowing the system to self-maintain proper image positioning across the full range of focus adjustment
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 a compact, adjustable focus system that maintains image position stability during focal changes, enhancing the integration of variable focus lenses into wearable devices without the bulkiness and calibration challenges of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid/membrane lens (36) is squeezed (44/42; or released, depending upon the motor 24/cam 28 direction/positioning)
Implementation Method 2
a left optical element coupled to the head wearable frame and comprising a left fluid/membrane lens configured to have an electromechanically adjustable focal length
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is directed to a head-wearable viewing component for presenting virtual image information to a user, comprising: a head wearable frame; a left optical element for a left eye of the user, the left optical element coupled to the head wearable frame and comprising a left fluid/membrane lens configured to have an electromechanically adjustable focal length for the left eye of the user; a right optical element for a right eye of the user, the right optical element coupled to the head wearable frame and comprising a right fluid/membrane lens configured to have an electromechanically adjustable focal length for the right eye of the user; and a controller operatively coupled to the left optical element and right optical element and configured to provide one or more.