Head-Worn See-Through Display Optics for Stray-Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable computing systems face challenges in providing lightweight, compact, and fully functional head-worn displays that offer high-resolution digital content while maintaining a clear see-through view of the environment, and require effective user interfaces and control systems that adapt to environmental conditions and user interactions.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical configurations for head-worn see-through computer displays, incorporating compact and lightweight modules with integrated sensors and displays, such as DLP and TIR wedges, that manage stray light using light traps and polarized light systems to enhance image contrast and transparency, along with contextual control mechanisms for user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If compact and lightweight optical modules are used, then the device weight and size are reduced, but the manufacturing precision and alignment accuracy become more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into separate modules (first optical module containing DLP device and first combiner, second optical module containing TIR wedge and second combiner) that can be independently manufactured and then integrated. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for compactness while maintaining alignment precision through modular assembly interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Alignment features and mounting structures serve as intermediaries between the optical components and the housing, providing reference points that ensure precise alignment during assembly. These intermediary elements bridge the gap between compact component design and manufacturing precision requirements.
2Measurement precision
If light traps are added to manage stray light, then image contrast is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light trap functionality is merged with the existing optical housing and component structures. Rather than adding separate light trap components, the housing itself is designed to incorporate light-trapping surfaces and features, thereby improving image contrast without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If polarized light systems are implemented, then image contrast and transparency are enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Polarizing filters are applied selectively at specific locations within the optical path where they provide the greatest benefit for enhancing image contrast and transparency. Rather than polarizing all light paths, the system applies polarization locally at the combiner surfaces and key optical interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining performance benefits.
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 provides high-resolution digital content with clear environmental visibility, efficient stray light management, and adaptive user interfaces, enhancing the overall functionality and comfort of head-worn computing systems.
Implementation Method 1
TIR wedges
Implementation Method 2
polarized light systems to enhance image contrast and transparency
Implementation Method 3
manage stray light using light traps
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and systems for providing a high transmission see-through view of the environment while trapping escaping light from the display system. In embodiments, a camera system is also provided that is aligned with the display system to provide images of the environment in a viewing direction of the user.