Lens-Based Optical Window for AR Light Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented reality systems face limitations in precise light blocking and depth perception, leading to blurry obstructions and discomfort due to inconsistent distance information presented to the brain, as they struggle to simultaneously focus selectable light blocking components and real images at different distances.
Innovation Solution
A lens-based optical window comprising selectably transmissive internally focused intermediate image lenses with controllable shutters, allowing for precise light blocking and depth perception by projecting afocal images that appear in focus, enabling clear and focused blockages and augmented reality enhancements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional augmented reality systems use light blocking components at fixed distances from the observer's eyes, then the system structure is simple, but the light blocking components cannot be sharply focused and therefore cannot precisely block portions of the image being viewed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic focusing capability where the optical system can adjust focus between different distances. The observer can shift focus between near objects (light blocking components) and far objects (virtual image) through accommodation of the observer's own lens, eliminating the need for fixed focus constraints while maintaining precise light blocking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediate optical path that allows light from distant objects to be redirected through the observer's lens to form a virtual image. This intermediary mechanism enables the decoupling of the light blocking component distance from the virtual image distance, allowing precise blocking without compromising image quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional systems present images at a fixed perceived distance, then the optical system is simplified, but the ability to mix or augment actual physical scenes with presented images is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of virtual image distance by utilizing the observer's natural accommodation. As the observer focuses on different distances, the virtual image distance adjusts accordingly, allowing flexible mixing of real and virtual images at various depth planes without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the key parameter of image distance from a fixed value to a variable that depends on the observer's focus distance. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different viewing conditions and mix images at multiple depth planes, significantly enhancing versatility while maintaining optical simplicity.
3Length of moving object
If head mounted displays are mounted in close proximity to the wearer's eyes, then the device form factor is compact, but the light blocking components are not in focus and cannot sharply block portions of the image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the dynamic focusing capability of the human eye to resolve the focus issue. When the observer accommodates to view near objects, the light blocking components formed by the optical path are brought into sharp focus, eliminating the blur problem inherent in fixed-focus systems while maintaining compact device geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the observer's natural visual feedback loop where the brain processes focus information and adjusts the lens accommodation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that light blocking components are always presented in sharp focus when the observer is viewing them, regardless of the fixed physical distance in the compact device structure.
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 provides clear and focused light blocking and depth information, reducing discomfort and enhancing the augmented reality experience by allowing precise control over light transmission and appearance, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens portion configured to receive incoming light and focus the incoming light into a focused image on a focal plane that is coplanar with a second side of the first portion
Implementation Method 2
a second lens portion configured to refract the focused image and project the refracted focused image through a rear side of the lens
Implementation Method 3
a selectably transmissive shutter that is located in the internal focal plane and that is controllable to block light passing therethrough
Data Source
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AI summary
A selectably transmissive internally focused intermediate image lens (500) and a lens based optical window (102) include a number of such lenses. Each selectably transmissive internally focused intermediate image lens in a lens based optical window includes a first (542) and second lens portion (544). The first lens portion receives light (510, 514) and focuses it into a focused image at a focal plane (546) that is coplanar with a second side of the first portion. A second lens portion has an image side (546) adjacent to the second side of the first lens portion and an opposite side (562) opposite the image side. The second lens portion refracts the focused image as an image (516, 512) projected through its rear side (562). Each lens further includes a selectably transmissive shutter (604) that is located at the internal focal plane and that is controllable to block at least a portion of light passing therethrough.