Folding Lens Assembly With Switchable Reflectors for VAC Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional near-eye displays (NEDs) suffer from a vergence-accommodation conflict, where the discrepancy between vergence and accommodative distances leads to eye strain and degraded visual experience, particularly in rendering virtual objects at varying distances.
Innovation Solution
A path-folding lens assembly with switchable polarization selective reflectors and a controller to alternately switch the active states of these reflectors, allowing the formation of images at different accommodation distances, thereby aligning vergence and accommodation distances for improved visual comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a camera module is integrated into contact lenses, then the functionality and versatility of the lens is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module is segmented into distinct functional components (lens element, image sensor, housing) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. The lens assembly is divided into a first lens element with first focal length and a second lens element with second focal length, allowing separate optimization of each component before integration into the contact lens system.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera module is nested within the contact lens structure, with the lens elements positioned within the curved surface of the contact lens. The housing of the camera module is integrated into the base curve of the contact lens, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes overall size while maintaining functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a camera module is integrated into contact lenses, then the versatility is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lens elements are pre-formed with specific focal lengths and optical properties before integration into the contact lens. The first lens element is formed with a first focal length and the second lens element with a second focal length, allowing precise optical characteristics to be established in advance of final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical parameters of the lens system are optimized by adjusting the focal lengths of individual lens elements. The system includes a first lens element with a first focal length and a second lens element with a second focal length, allowing precise control over the overall focal length and optical performance of the contact lens camera system.
3Volume of moving object
If the lens assembly is made compact to fit in contact lens, then the size is reduced, but the optical performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The lens assembly utilizes the curved three-dimensional surface of the contact lens to arrange lens elements, rather than relying solely on linear spacing. The first and second lens elements are positioned at different locations on the curved surface, utilizing the radial dimension to achieve proper optical spacing while maintaining a compact overall form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact lens itself provides a curved surface that accommodates the lens elements, utilizing the spherical geometry to achieve proper optical path lengths. The base curve of the contact lens serves as a mounting surface for the camera module housing, and the curved surface allows for optimized optical element placement without requiring additional space.
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 effectively mitigates the vergence-accommodation conflict, enhancing user visual experience by aligning vergence and accommodation distances, while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
The lens assembly includes a first lens element and a second lens element, each having different focal lengths
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A device includes a display element, and a lens assembly coupled with the display element. The lens assembly includes a first polarization selective reflector and a second polarization selective reflector each configured to be switchable between operating in an active state and a non-active state. The lens assembly includes a polarization non-selective partial reflector disposed between the first and second polarization selective reflectors. The device includes a controller configured to control, during a first time period, the display element to display a first virtual object, the first polarization selective reflector to operate in the active state, and the second polarization selective reflector to operate in the non-active state, and control, during a second time period, the display element to display a second virtual object, the first polarization selective reflector to operate in the non-active state, and the second polarization selective reflector to operate in the active state.