Freeform Optic System for Head Wearables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head wearable devices suffer from image distortion, inadequate field of view, and bulky form factor due to lack of effective image correction mechanisms and excessive eye relief, leading to poor image quality and usability.
Innovation Solution
The optic system for head wearable devices employs a configuration of light emitters and redirectors with multiple foci to optimize optical path lengths and redirect light signals, ensuring minimal distortion and increased field of view while reducing eye relief, utilizing non-spherical lenses and direct retina scanning technology to project images with superior form factor and depth perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional optical combiners are used to direct light into the viewer's eyes, then the device can display images, but the eye relief distance becomes excessively large causing bulky form factor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs freeform optical surfaces with complex curved geometries instead of conventional spherical or planar surfaces. The first and second freeform surfaces are specifically designed to manipulate light paths, enabling the system to achieve adequate eye relief while maintaining a compact overall form factor by precisely controlling light propagation through non-traditional surface curvatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension in optical path management by using volumetric light redistribution within the waveguide. The freeform surfaces create multi-dimensional light paths that fold and redirect light through the waveguide thickness, effectively reducing the linear eye relief distance while preserving the optical functionality.
2Shape
If digital distortion correction is implemented to modify image frame shape, then the image frame shape can be corrected, but additional circuitry increases hardware volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the digital/circuit-based distortion correction system with an optical correction mechanism. Freeform optical surfaces physically pre-correct light paths before they enter the waveguide, eliminating the need for additional digital processing circuitry and reducing hardware volume while achieving the desired rectangular image frame shape.
3Shape
If digital distortion correction with frame trimming is used to obtain proper image frame shape, then the image frame shape is corrected, but resolution and image information are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary optical correction of light paths before the light enters the waveguide. The freeform surfaces pre-shape and pre-position light rays to compensate for expected distortions, ensuring that the complete image frame including edge portions is correctly formed without requiring any trimming, thus preserving all image information and resolution.
4Ease of operation
If conventional waveguide transmission is used to transmit light from light sources, then light can be transmitted to display images, but image distortion occurs due to light scattering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different local optical properties to different regions of the waveguide through the use of freeform surfaces. The first and second freeform surfaces create spatially varying light redistribution patterns that locally compensate for scattering effects at different positions within the waveguide, maintaining overall image quality while enabling light transmission.
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 configuration significantly reduces image distortion, enhances the field of view, and minimizes eye relief, resulting in improved image quality and a more compact, user-friendly design for head wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first light redirector, a second light redirector, and a third light redirector receive the plurality of first light signals and change the direction of each of the plurality of first light signals
Implementation Method 2
The first light redirector receives the plurality of first light signals and directs the plurality of first light signals toward the third light redirector
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an optic system for head wearable devices. The optic system comprises a first light emitter for emitting a plurality of first light signals, the first light emitter varies a direction of projection between a first spatial dimension limit and a second spatial dimension limit in a first dimension; a first light redirector; and a second light redirector. A geometry of the first light redirector is configured such that a light signal emitted by the first light emitter in proximity to the first spatial dimension limit has a total optical path length from the first light emitter to the eye of the viewer substantially equal to a total optical path length of another light signal emitted by the first light emitter in proximity to the second spatial dimension limit from the first light emitter to the eye of the viewer.