Lens-Based Optical Window with Intermediate Real Image for AR
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented reality systems suffer from blurry light blocking components and inconsistent distance information, leading to discomfort and limited effectiveness in presenting selectable light blocking components and real images at different distances, which are not simultaneously in focus.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a lens-based optical window with internally focused intermediate image lenses and controllable shutters that allow selective light blocking and augmentation, ensuring the light blocking elements appear in focus and providing depth information by adjusting the apparent position of shutters and using Gradient Index lenses for a compact and efficient structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If head mounted display incorporates see-through optical path with light blocking components, then selective blocking of image portions is achieved, but the light blocking components appear blurry and cannot sharply block portions of the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate image plane as a mediator between the optical path and the light blocking components. By placing the light blocking components at this intermediate plane where real images are formed, the components appear sharp and in focus to the observer. This intermediate plane acts as a mediator that resolves the focus inconsistency between the optical path and the blocking elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension by creating an intermediate image plane at a different location in the optical path. Instead of placing light blocking components directly in the optical path near the observer's eye, they are positioned at an intermediate plane where real images are formed, effectively moving the blocking action to another dimensional plane in the optical system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If images are presented at a fixed perceived distance, then consistent virtual reality experience is achieved, but the ability to mix virtual content with actual physical scenes at different distances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system dynamic by allowing light blocking components to be positioned at different locations corresponding to different perceived distances. The controller can selectively activate blocking components at various intermediate image planes, enabling the system to adaptively present virtual content at different depths while maintaining consistent focus for each depth plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical system into multiple intermediate image planes, each corresponding to a different perceived distance. By dividing the optical path into multiple focal planes, the system can independently control blocking and augmentation at different depths, allowing virtual content to be mixed with physical scenes at various distances while maintaining focus consistency for each segment.
3Loss of information
If multiple intermediate image lenses are used to provide depth information, then accurate depth cues are achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each intermediate image lens multi-functional by designing them to form real images at different perceived distances while also serving as focal planes for light blocking components. Each lens simultaneously performs image formation and provides a plane for depth-coded blocking, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of image formation and depth encoding into a single integrated system. The intermediate image lenses both form real images and serve as the plane where light blocking occurs, combining multiple functions into unified optical elements that reduce the number of separate components needed.
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 allows for clear and focused blockages and augmentations of images, reducing discomfort and enhancing the ability to mix virtual and real scenes by providing accurate depth cues, enabling sharper and more comfortable viewing experiences.
Implementation Method 1
A lens receives light from a scene beyond a first side of the lens and focuses the received light into a focused image at a focal plane within the lens
Implementation Method 2
using Gradient Index lenses for a compact and efficient structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An image augmenting window (1702) and method of operation. An image augmenting window has at least one selectably transmissive internally focused intermediate image lens (1760, 1762) with a first (1786, 1788) and rear side (1764, 1766) opposite one another. Each lens respectively has a first portion (542) that receives light (510, 514) and focuses it into a focused image on an internal focal plane (546, 1726, 1728). Each lens also has a projecting output optical structure (544, 1212,) that refracts the focused image as a projected image 1781, 1783) exiting the rear side at an exit angle. A selectably transmissive shutter (604) is located in the internal focal plane and is controllable to block at least a portion of light passing through the lens. At least one controllable light source (1780, 1782, 1784), positioned adjacent to a lateral side of a respective selectably transmissive internally focused intermediate image lens, emits projected light (1740, 1742, 1744) parallel to the exit angle. A controller (1748) independently controls each shutter and each controllable light source.