Folded Optical HMD with Four Image Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted display (HMD) systems for virtual reality and augmented reality are bulky and uncomfortable due to the need for substantial space and weight to achieve high image quality and wide field of view, leading to fatigue and limited wearability.
Innovation Solution
A compact HMD system design using four image panels with a folded optical arrangement, where two main image panels and two additional panels are positioned to emit image light optimally filling the visual field, reducing the system's thickness and weight, and allowing near-eye optics for a large field of view while accommodating the user's nose for comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional VR/AR systems use traditional lens configurations to achieve sufficient magnification and wide field of view, then image quality and viewing comfort are improved, but the device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional linear optical path to a folded optical path that utilizes three-dimensional space. By introducing mirror assemblies that fold the light path at angles, the system achieves a longer effective optical distance within a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between image quality requirements and device size/weight constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple optical components (display module, mirror assemblies, lens assemblies) in a nested configuration where components are arranged concentrically around the user's head. The mirror assemblies are positioned between the display and lens assemblies, creating a compact nested structure that reduces overall device size while maintaining optical performance
2Reliability
If conventional HMDs use substantial space between eyepiece and display module to accommodate optical requirements, then virtual image distance and magnification are achieved, but the device protrudes far from the face causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses folded optical paths with mirror assemblies positioned at angles to redirect light between the display module and lens assemblies. This folding technique allows the optical path length to be extended without increasing the linear distance from the user's face, enabling proper virtual image distance while keeping the device compact and comfortable to wear
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable mirror assemblies that can be positioned at different angles to optimize the optical path. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to achieve the required virtual image distance while adapting to different user head sizes and shapes, improving overall wearability comfort
3Measurement precision
If complex lenses are used to achieve high image quality and wide field of view, then optical performance is improved, but device weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate functional modules: display module, mirror assemblies, and lens assemblies. Each module is optimized independently, with the mirror assemblies handling light redirection and the lens assemblies handling final image formation. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components while achieving complex overall optical performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mirror assemblies as intermediary components between the display module and lens assemblies. These mirrors serve as mediators that redirect light paths, allowing the lens assemblies to be simpler in design while still achieving the required field of view and image quality through the folded optical path
4Measurement precision
If the display is positioned far from the eyes to ensure sufficient magnification, then image quality is improved, but the device requires straps and generates torque on the head
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a folded optical path that extends the effective optical distance between the display module and the user's eyes without increasing the physical distance from the device to the head. By routing light through angled mirror assemblies, the system achieves sufficient magnification while positioning the device closer to the head, thereby reducing gravitational torque and eliminating the need for restraining straps
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 design results in a lightweight, comfortable, and compact HMD system that maintains high image quality and wide field of view, reducing torque on the head and neck, and minimizing the need for straps, enhancing wearability for VR and AR applications.
Implementation Method 1
The optical arrangement is configured such that light from the first image panel and the third image panel are emitted from the HMD system in a combined fashion in a first eye direction, and light from the second image panel and the fourth image panel are emitted from the HMD system in a combined fashion in a second eye direction different from the first eye direction
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted display (HMD) system includes an optical arrangement; a first image panel, wherein the optical arrangement directs image light from the first image panel along a first optical pathway; a second image panel, wherein the optical arrangement directs image light from the second image panel along a second optical pathway different from the first optical pathway; and a third image panel and a fourth image panel, wherein the third and fourth image panels are spaced apart from each other and the optical arrangement directs light from the third image panel and the fourth image panel along different optical pathways. The optical arrangement is configured such that light from the first image panel and the third image panel are emitted from the HMD system in a combined fashion in a first eye direction, and light from the second image panel and the fourth image panel are emitted from the HMD system in a combined fashion in a second eye direction different from the first eye direction.