Folded AR Glasses Optics for Compact Form Factor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality glasses are often bulky due to bulky image optics and the distance between the image lens and display elements, which hinders a true augmented reality experience by not providing a displayed image in the line of sight of the real-world scene.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of augmented reality glasses with an eyeglass substrate, a display system, and beam-splitting optics, where image optics are configured to couple light from display elements into the substrate via folded light paths, and beam-splitting optics direct light from the substrate towards the viewer's eye, allowing for a virtual larger image to be formed by stitching together smaller images from multiple display elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional image optics are used with sufficient distance between image lens and display elements, then image quality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces folded optical paths by reflecting light off a mirror at an angle, transforming a linear optical path into a multi-dimensional path. This allows the image optics to be positioned closer to the display element while maintaining the required optical path length for image quality, thereby reducing device volume without sacrificing image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mirror as an intermediary element between the display element and the image lens. This mirror reflects light from the display element at an angle, enabling the image optics to be positioned in a location that would otherwise be inaccessible, thus allowing compact positioning while maintaining optical performance.
2Volume of moving object
If image optics are positioned closer to display elements to reduce device size, then device compactness is improved, but the displayed image does not appear in the line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
By using a mirror to create a folded optical path, the patent enables the image optics to be positioned at an angle relative to the display element. This angular positioning allows the system to maintain compactness while ensuring that the displayed image appears in the user's line of sight, as the folded path redirects the light appropriately.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple display elements are used to create a virtual larger image, then image size is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple display elements (such as two separate display chips) into a single integrated display system. By merging the output of multiple display elements and using a single image optics system to process the combined light, the patent achieves a virtual larger image while reducing the overall complexity compared to using separate optical paths for each display element.
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 design enables a more compact form factor while providing a virtual image of substantial size, allowing simultaneous viewing of real-world scenes and generated images, enhancing the augmented reality experience by positioning image optics out of the line of sight and using polarizing or non-polarizing beam-splitting layers to superimpose images.
Implementation Method 1
couple light from the display elements toward the beam-splitting optics along folded light paths caused by internal reflection within the eyeglass substrate
Implementation Method 2
the beam-splitting optics may include a polarizing beam-splitting layer... allow approximately 50% of ambient light that has passed through the eyeglass substrate to pass through the beam-splitting optics
Implementation Method 3
the polarizing beam-splitting layer may allow approximately 50% of ambient light that has passed through the eyeglass substrate to pass through the beam-splitting optics
Data Source
AI summary
Some implementations of augmented reality glasses disclosed herein include an eyeglass substrate, two or more display elements, image optics configured for coupling light from the display elements into the eyeglass substrate and beam-splitting optics configured for directing light from the eyeglass substrate towards a viewer's eye and for allowing partial light from the real-world scene to arrive at a viewer's eye. The image optics may include one or more image optics lenses formed in the eyeglass substrate and may be positioned out of a line of sight of the viewer's eye when the viewer is wearing the augmented reality glasses. The image optics may be capable of coupling light from the display elements toward the beam-splitting optics along folded light paths caused by internal reflection within the eyeglass substrate.