Lateral Image Shifting in VR Display Optical Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display technologies for virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) struggle to effectively expand the viewing window by shifting images according to the observer's pupil position, leading to limitations in providing an enhanced and accurate visual experience.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus that includes an image forming optical system, an image shifting optical system, and an eyepiece optical system, where the image shifting optical system uses a pair of optical members and an actuator to laterally shift the image in response to the observer's pupil position, allowing for precise alignment and expansion of the viewing window without distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotating mirror or shifting mirror is used to control image position, then the viewing window can be expanded according to pupil position, but image distortion occurs and the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing window expansionVSAvoidimage distortion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical system into three distinct modules: image forming optical system, image shifting optical system, and eyepiece optical system. Each module performs a specific function independently, allowing precise control of image position without distortion. The image shifting optical system is further segmented into multiple optical members (first optical member, second optical member) that work together to achieve accurate lateral shifting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an image shifting optical system as an intermediary component between the image forming optical system and the eyepiece optical system. This intermediary system, consisting of movable optical members controlled by an actuator, mediates the image position adjustment while maintaining image quality, avoiding the distortion problems associated with rotating or shifting mirrors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rotating mirror or shifting mirror is used to control image position, then the viewing window can be expanded according to pupil position, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing window expansionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical system into three distinct modules: image forming optical system, image shifting optical system, and eyepiece optical system. Each module performs a specific function independently, allowing precise control of image position without distortion. The image shifting optical system is further segmented into multiple optical members (first optical member, second optical member) that work together to achieve accurate lateral shifting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical rotating mirror or shifting mirror system with a more sophisticated optical arrangement using multiple optical members and an actuator. This substitution allows for precise lateral shifting of the image through controlled movement of optical elements, achieving the same viewing window expansion without the image distortion and mechanical complexity of mirror-based systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Area of stationary object

If the image is shifted laterally according to pupil position, then the viewing window is expanded, but the image may become distorted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing window areaVSAvoidimage quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical system into three distinct modules: image forming optical system, image shifting optical system, and eyepiece optical system. Each module performs a specific function independently, allowing precise control of image position without distortion. The image shifting optical system is further segmented into multiple optical members (first optical member, second optical member) that work together to achieve accurate lateral shifting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves image shifting by moving optical members in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, effectively using lateral displacement in a different dimension rather than rotating or tilting elements. This dimensional approach to image shifting maintains image quality while expanding the viewing window, avoiding the distortion that would result from angular adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution enables a more accurate and undistorted image presentation to the observer, expanding the viewing window and improving the overall visual experience in VR, AR, and MR applications by accurately shifting the image in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis, thus enhancing the usability of these technologies in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

The image shifting optical system may include a first optical member and a second optical member spaced apart from each other by a sum of a first focal length of the first optical member and a second focal length of the second optical member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical relay: Lens

Implementation Method 2

a position of the image shifting optical system is moved, in response to a change of a position of a pupil of an observer, provided from an eye tracker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentEP3709069B1Display apparatus capable of laterally shifting image
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3709069B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3709069B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3709069B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a display apparatus including an image forming optical system configured to form an image to be displayed, an eyepiece optical system configured to provide the image formed by the image forming optical system to a pupil of an observer, and an image shifting optical system disposed on an optical path between the image forming optical system and the eyepiece optical system, the image shifting optical system being configured to shift the image formed by the image forming optical system in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis, wherein the image shifting optical system includes a first optical member having a first focal length and a second optical member having a second focal length, and wherein a distance between the first optical member and the second optical member along the optical axis is equal to a sum of the first focal length and the second focal length.