Head-Worn Eye Imaging Through a Partially Reflective Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable computing systems face challenges in providing lightweight, compact, and fully functional computer displays that offer high-resolution digital content while maintaining a see-through view of the environment, along with effective user interfaces and context-aware operation.
Innovation Solution
The development of head-worn computing systems with integrated sensors and displays that utilize compact optical modules, such as DLP and TIR wedges, to deliver high-contrast images by managing stray light through light traps and polarized light systems, allowing for comfortable and efficient augmented reality experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If compact optical modules are used in head-worn computing systems, then the device becomes lighter and more compact, but the image quality and contrast may deteriorate due to stray light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of stray light into a beneficial feature by using light traps and polarized light systems. The light traps capture and redirect stray light that would otherwise degrade image quality, while polarized light systems enhance contrast by blocking unwanted light paths. This transforms what would be a limitation of compact design into an advantage, achieving high contrast in a lightweight device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary optical components including light traps and polarized light systems between the light source and the display. These intermediaries filter and redirect stray light, preventing it from reaching the user's eye while allowing the desired image light to pass through. This mediation enables high image quality in a compact optical module.
2Illumination intensity
If high-resolution digital content is displayed with high contrast, then image quality improves, but stray light increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into integrated components. The light traps are combined with the optical module housing, and polarized light systems are integrated into the display assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining high contrast performance, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components in the patent serve multiple functions simultaneously. For example, the light traps not only reduce stray light but also help with thermal management and structural support. The polarized light systems enhance contrast while also filtering unwanted wavelengths. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, simplifying the overall device.
3Illumination intensity
If light traps and polarized light systems are added to manage stray light, then image contrast improves, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates light traps and polarized light systems directly into the optical module structure, merging them with other components such as the housing and display assembly. This integration eliminates the need for separate external components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining improved image contrast.
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 enables high-contrast, lightweight, and compact displays that provide a seamless augmented reality experience by minimizing stray light, enhancing user interaction through contextual awareness and sensor integration.
Implementation Method 1
Light traps may be provided in the HWC to trap stray light
Implementation Method 2
polarized light systems, allowing for comfortable and efficient augmented reality experiences
Data Source
AI summary
Head-worn computers with eye-imaging systems include a camera system positioned in a head-worn computer, wherein the camera system is further positioned to capture eye-image light that originates as reflections from a user's eye, wherein the camera system is further positioned to capture eye-image light as a reflection from a partially reflective surface that is positioned in front of an image display in the head-worn computer, wherein image light, from the image display, is transmitted through the partially reflective surface. A processor is adapted to cause the camera system to capture the eye-image light. The processor is further adapted to cause a comparison of the captured eye-image light with a pre-stored eye image of a known user of the head-worn computer. In the event the comparison confirms the identity of the known user, the user is granted permission to view content to be presented in a display of the head-worn computer.