Head-Worn Optical Modules for Stray Light Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable computing systems face challenges in effectively suppressing stray light, which degrades image quality and user experience.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of optical modules with light traps and polarized light management systems in head-worn computing devices, such as DLP displays and TIR wedges, to redirect and absorb stray light, maintaining high contrast and brightness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If optical modules with light traps and polarized light management systems are implemented, then image clarity and contrast are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage clarityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into separate functional modules: a light source module, a DLP display module, a light trap module, and a polarized light management module. Each module performs a specific function, allowing for optimized design and assembly while managing overall system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A light trap is introduced as an intermediary component between the DLP display and the external environment. This light trap selectively absorbs stray light while allowing intended image light to pass through, improving image clarity without requiring complex modifications to the core display architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If optical modules with light traps and polarized light management systems are implemented, then contrast and brightness are maintained, but mechanical size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecontrastVSAvoidmechanical size and weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light trap is designed with localized light-absorbing properties at specific strategic locations within the optical path. Rather than making the entire optical system heavy, only the necessary portions are designed to absorb stray light, maintaining contrast improvement while minimizing added weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The optical modules utilize composite structures combining different materials with specific optical properties. For example, the light trap may use materials with high light absorption coefficients for specific wavelengths, and the polarized light management system uses materials with specific refractive indices and polarization characteristics, optimizing performance while controlling weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 approach enhances image clarity and user comfort by reducing stray light, allowing for high-resolution, see-through displays with improved contrast and reduced mechanical size and weight.

Implementation Method 1

a light trap configured to receive the stray light and redirect the stray light in a direction away from the user's eye

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

polarized light management systems in head-worn computing devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Data Source

PatentUS20260003188A1Suppression of stray light in head worn computing

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 OSTERHOUT GROUP INC

AI summary

Aspects of the present invention relate to suppression of stray light in head worn computing.