Gradient-Tinted AR Light-Guiding Optics for Rainbow Artifact Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented reality (AR) systems suffer from unintended rainbow artifacts due to uncontrolled in-coupling and out-coupling of real-world light within light-guiding optical elements, disrupting the AR experience.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a gradient tinted lens exterior to the light-guiding optical elements that absorbs and transmits real-world light in a controlled manner, minimizing rainbow artifacts by reducing overhead light diffraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light-guiding optical elements are made transparent to real-world light, then visibility of the real world is improved, but rainbow artifacts increase due to uncontrolled in-coupling and out-coupling of light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies gradient tinting to specific regions of the optical element, creating spatially varying optical properties. The tint is stronger at the top portion and weaker at the bottom portion, allowing differential control of light transmission in different areas to reduce rainbow artifacts while maintaining real-world visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the light-guiding element by introducing gradient tinting with varying transmission percentages (e.g., 5% at top, 33% at bottom). This changes the light absorption and transmission characteristics to control rainbow artifact formation while preserving adequate real-world light transmission
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gradient tinted lens is added to control light, then rainbow artifacts are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the gradient tinting function directly into the light-guiding optical element itself, merging multiple functions (light guidance, real-world transmission, and rainbow artifact reduction) into a single integrated component rather than adding separate elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite optical structures combining transparent light-guiding material with gradient tinting layers or patterns, creating a composite material system that achieves multiple optical functions simultaneously while managing complexity
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
Enhances virtual content solidity by reducing ambient light interference, thereby improving the AR scenario's image quality and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the virtual light beam enters the light guiding optical element, propagates through the light guiding optical element by total internal reflection (TIR) and exits the light guiding optical elements
Implementation Method 2
the lens is configured with a tint that absorbs an amount of real-world light to allow a portion of the real-world light to transmit through the light guiding optical element
Implementation Method 3
the light guiding optical element is transparent to a first real-world light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented reality system includes a light source to generate a virtual light beam, the virtual light beam carrying information for a virtual object. The system also includes a light guiding optical element, the light guiding optical element allowing a first portion of a first real-world light beam to pass therethrough, where the virtual light beam enters the light guiding optical element, propagates through the light guiding optical element by substantially total internal reflection (TIR), and exits the light guiding optical element. The system further includes a lens disposed adjacent and exterior to a surface of the light guiding optical element, the lens comprising a light modulating mechanism to absorb a second portion of the real-world light beam and to allow the first portion of the real-world light to pass through the lens.