Focus Tunable Lens for AR Waveguide Depth Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality (AR) technologies face challenges in effectively controlling the depth positioning of virtual images when superimposed on real-world images, leading to suboptimal user experiences.
Innovation Solution
The use of a focus tunable lens system, including at least one liquid crystal (LC) plate, liquid lens, or active diffraction element, is employed to dynamically adjust the focal length based on distance information and user line of sight, allowing for precise control of virtual image depth positioning between a first and second waveguide, ensuring accurate superimposition on real-world scenery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed focal length lens is used in the waveguide, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the depth positioning of virtual images cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a tunable lens system that can dynamically adjust its focal length between first and second focal lengths corresponding to first and second depths. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the virtual image depth to be varied according to user needs, resolving the contradiction between fixed simple structure and adjustable depth positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the focal length parameter of the lens system to achieve different depth positions. By switching between first and second focal lengths, the system can position virtual images at different depths without changing the overall device structure, thus improving adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed lenses are used for different depths, then depth positioning is controllable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple fixed lenses, the patent employs a single tunable lens that can dynamically switch between different focal lengths. This dynamic lens replaces what would otherwise require multiple static lens components, achieving depth control capability while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunable lens serves multiple functions by being able to provide different focal lengths for different depth positions. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for separate dedicated lenses for each depth, thereby reducing the overall number of lens components in the system.
3Ease of operation
If the virtual image depth is fixed, then the display system is simple to manufacture, but the user experience is suboptimal due to inability to control image depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a tunable lens system that adds dynamic depth adjustment capability to enhance user experience. While this increases manufacturing complexity compared to fixed-depth systems, the tunable lens integrates into the existing waveguide structure, allowing for manageable manufacturing processes.
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
This solution enables more effective and user-friendly AR experiences by allowing for adjustable depth positioning of virtual images, enhancing the perception of three-dimensional representations and improving the integration of virtual and real-world elements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one liquid crystal (LC) plate
Implementation Method 2
liquid lens
Implementation Method 3
active diffraction element
Implementation Method 4
first waveguide and a second waveguide
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An image display apparatus including a first waveguide, a second waveguide, a focus tunable lens positioned between the first waveguide and the second waveguide, a display engine and a processor configured to control a focal length of the focus tunable lens and control the display engine to output first light forming the first virtual image and second light forming the second virtual image, wherein at least a portion of the first light is diffracted from the first waveguide and at least a portion of the second light diffracted from the second waveguide is incident on the first waveguide through the focus tunable lens.