Head-Worn Sight Tracking With TIR Optics for AR Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable computing systems face challenges in providing effective and efficient methods for collecting and utilizing eye and sight heading information to enhance user interaction and environmental awareness, leading to suboptimal performance in augmented reality applications.
Innovation Solution
The integration of sensors and optical modules in head-worn computing devices that utilize DLP technology with polarized light management and TIR wedges to create compact, lightweight displays capable of delivering high-contrast augmented reality images while maintaining a clear view of the environment, combined with gesture recognition and network connectivity for context-aware operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If sensors and optical modules are integrated in head-worn computing devices to deliver augmented reality images, then image contrast and resolution are improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (display, polarization management, total internal reflection) into an integrated head-worn device. The optical module merges the light source, polarizing elements, and TIR wedge into a single compact assembly that delivers augmented reality images while maintaining high contrast through coordinated optical path management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarizing filters and TIR wedges as intermediary optical elements between the light source and the user's eye. These intermediaries manage light paths to enhance image contrast by separating desired light from stray light, thereby improving image quality without directly modifying the light source itself.
2Volume of moving object
If DLP technology with polarized light management is used to create compact displays, then display size is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs DLP technology which uses microelectromechanical mirrors with precisely controlled angles and positions. The polarized light management system requires specific orientation parameters for polarizing filters and TIR wedge angles to be maintained within tight tolerances to achieve the desired compact form factor and optical performance.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If TIR wedges and polarized light management are implemented, then stray light is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts potentially harmful stray light into beneficial optical paths by using TIR (total internal reflection) wedges. The TIR structure redirects stray light away from the user's eye while maintaining the compact form factor, effectively transforming a harmful optical phenomenon into a useful light management mechanism.
4Ease of operation
If sensor feedback mechanisms are added for context-aware operation, then user interaction quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensor feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor user interactions and environmental context. The sensors detect user actions such as gestures or head movements and provide real-time feedback to adjust the augmented reality display content, creating a responsive user experience while managing energy consumption through intelligent sensor activation and processing.
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
Enables high-resolution, contextually aware augmented reality experiences with improved image contrast and reduced stray light, allowing seamless interaction with both digital and physical environments through advanced sensor feedback and control mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
TIR wedges to create compact, lightweight displays
Implementation Method 2
polarized light management and TIR wedges to create compact, lightweight displays capable of delivering high-contrast augmented reality images
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and systems for collecting an using eye heading and sight heading information in head worn computing.