Reflective Hollow Singlet Folded Lens for Compact HMDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted displays (HMDs) face challenges with bulkiness, weight, and optical performance, particularly in achieving compactness and high optical resolution while maintaining a wide field of view, due to the use of bulky optical configurations and doublets with cemented lenses that add weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a hollow singlet optical lens structure comprising two optical elements with an air gap between them, incorporating reflective polarizer, quarter wave, and semi-transparent mirror layers, which enhances optical focus power and reduces weight by minimizing chromatic aberration and spherical aberration, while allowing for a wider field of view and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical configurations with cemented lenses are used, then optical resolution is improved, but device weight and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate optical elements with air gaps between them, eliminating the need for cemented lenses. This segmentation reduces weight while maintaining optical resolution by allowing each element to be optimized independently and reducing chromatic aberration through the air gap configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the optical system by introducing air gaps between optical elements and using reflective polarizer layers. This parameter change enables reduced weight while maintaining or improving optical resolution through modified light path management and reduced chromatic dispersion.
2Weight of moving object
If fewer optical components are used to reduce weight, then device compactness is improved, but optical resolution and field of view decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes individual optical elements perform multiple functions. The first and second optical elements not only focus light but also work together with reflective polarizer layers and quarter-wave layers to correct chromatic aberration, manage polarization, and expand field of view. This multi-functionality allows reduced component count while maintaining optical resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite optical structures combining different materials and layers (optical elements, reflective polarizers, quarter-wave layers) to achieve superior performance with fewer components. The composite structure enables simultaneous weight reduction and optical resolution maintenance through synergistic material properties.
3Measurement precision
If conventional optical configurations are used, then optical resolution is maintained, but device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into distinct functional layers (optical elements, reflective polarizer layers, quarter-wave layers) separated by air gaps. This segmentation simplifies the overall configuration by eliminating complex cemented lens assemblies while maintaining optical resolution through the simplified air-gap-based design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dimensional changes by using air gaps (spatial dimension) between optical elements instead of cemented connections. This dimensional approach simplifies the optical configuration complexity while maintaining resolution by allowing independent optimization of each element and reducing mechanical 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
This configuration achieves a more compact and lightweight HMD with enhanced optical performance, including reduced aberrations and improved image clarity, facilitating a wider field of view and efficient production.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective polarizer layer
Implementation Method 2
a reflective polarizer layer
Implementation Method 3
a quarter wave layer
Implementation Method 4
a semi-transparent mirror
Implementation Method 5
two optical elements with an air gap between them
Data Source
AI summary
According to examples, an optical lens assembly for head-mount display (HMD) devices may include an optical lens configuration with a first optical element and a second optical element. The first optical element and the second optical element may be affixed together along a peripheral edge to form a gap between the two optical elements and may compensate chromatic dispersion characteristics. The optical lens configuration may also include a reflective polarizer layer, a quarter wave layer, and a semi-transparent mirror provided on selected surfaces of the optical elements. In some examples, the gap may be filled with air or an inert gas.