Folded Optic AR Display Resolving Parallax Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing night vision systems suffer from parallax distortion when attempting to utilize non-visible light wavelengths, as they either require bulky helmet-mounted image intensifiers or digital solutions that increase complexity and energy usage, while also obstructing the direct view of the observer.
Innovation Solution
A wearable augmented reality goggle system utilizing folded optics and a beam-splitter optical element to direct near-infrared light to the side, allowing for parallax-free viewing by combining direct visual observation with imagery from cameras sensitive to non-visible wavelengths, and enhancing images through an image processing unit for display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a direct-view image intensifier tube is used to amplify near-infrared photons into visible light, then night vision capability is improved, but parallax distortion increases and device bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a folded optical path that redirects light from the side (non-visible camera) into the user's field of view through a beam splitter and mirror system. This dimensional redirection allows the camera to be positioned outside the direct line of sight while still providing integrated visual information, eliminating parallax distortion while maintaining night vision capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary element that combines the visible light path (direct view) with the near-infrared image path (from the side-mounted camera). This intermediary allows both light paths to coexist in the user's field of view without obstruction, resolving the parallax issue while maintaining illumination intensity.
2Ease of operation
If a non-visible camera is mounted out of the optical axis to avoid obstructing direct view, then direct viewing is maintained, but parallax distortion increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the camera outside the optical axis in a different spatial dimension and uses optical elements (beam splitter, mirror) to redirect this off-axis light into the user's field of view. This allows the camera to remain unobtrusive while its image is integrated seamlessly, eliminating parallax distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an optical copy of the scene captured by the side-mounted camera and superimposes it onto the direct view path. This copying allows the camera to be positioned away from the optical axis without obstructing direct viewing, while still providing the same visual information at the correct spatial location.
3Measurement precision
If digital capture solutions are used to overcome limitations of prior designs, then imaging capability is improved, but system complexity and energy usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex digital image processing systems with a purely optical solution using a beam splitter and mirror to combine visible and near-infrared light paths. This optical substitution eliminates the need for digital capture, processing, and display systems, thereby reducing complexity and energy consumption while maintaining imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the digital processing components from the system and replaces them with passive optical elements. By removing the digital capture and processing stages, the system achieves imaging capability through pure optics, significantly reducing complexity and energy usage.
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 parallax-free viewing of non-visible light information without the need for digital solutions, providing enhanced visibility in low-light environments for various applications, including industrial and military uses, while maintaining direct sight and reducing system complexity and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a beam-splitter optical element configured to allow visible light to pass through and direct non-visible wavelength light to the side
Implementation Method 2
a relay optic configured to enhance and/or amplify light passing through the beam-splitter optical element
Implementation Method 3
a redirection optic configured to redirect non-visible wavelength light to an image-capture unit located beside the head
Implementation Method 4
an image-capture unit sensitive to non-visible wavelengths, mounted proximal to the head and configured to provide imaging data
Implementation Method 5
an optical element configured to allow visible light to pass through to the user's eye while redirecting non-visible wavelength light
Data Source
AI summary
A digital imaging system is provided with direct view of an object, having: an optical element configured to allow visible light to pass therethrough to a user's eye and to redirect light of non-visible wavelengths away from the user's eye; a display disposed between the user's eye and the object; a digital camera mounted outside a field of view of the user's eye and configured to obtaining imaging data from the light of non-visible wavelength; a redirection optic disposed so as to redirect the light of non-visible wavelength to the digital camera; and an image processor configured to process the imaging data from the digital camera and output the data to the display such that an image generated from the imaging data from the digital camera overlays an image produced by the impingement of visible light on the user's eye following the visible light's passing through the optical element.