Lens-Based Optical Window with Intermediate Image Shutter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented reality systems, such as head-mounted displays, face limitations in precisely blocking image portions and presenting mixed reality due to blurry obstructions and inconsistent distance information, leading to user discomfort like headaches.
Innovation Solution
A lens-based optical window system using internally focused intermediate image lenses with controllable shutters that block or transmit light in focus, allowing for precise image augmentation and depth perception by projecting light at angles that simulate real-world distances, enabling clear and focused blockages and augmentations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If head mounted displays incorporate light blocking components in close proximity to the wearer's eyes, then the device can block portions of the image being viewed, but the light blocking components appear blurry and cannot sharply block portions of the image
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple optical paths, with separate light blocking components for each eye. This segmentation allows each blocking component to be optimized independently for its specific optical path, enabling sharp blockage despite the components being positioned close to the eyes
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary optical element is introduced between the light blocking component and the eye to relay the blocked image portions. This intermediary allows the blocking component to be positioned away from the eye while still achieving sharp blockage at the perceived image location, resolving the contradiction between proximity and sharpness
2Adaptability or versatility
If images are presented at a fixed perceived distance of two meters to infinity, then the optical system can create augmented reality effects, but the ability to mix and augment actual physical scenes at varying distances is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system dynamically adjusts the perceived distance of presented images by varying the optical path length and focusing characteristics. This allows the system to present virtual images at different perceived distances that match the actual distance of physical objects in the scene, enabling realistic mixing of virtual and physical elements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes optical parameters such as focal length and image distance to match the distance of physical objects in the scene. By adjusting these parameters, virtual images can be presented at the same perceived distance as physical objects, improving adaptability for augmented reality applications
3Adaptability or versatility
If autostereoscopic displays present different images to each eye with location offsets, then three-dimensional depth simulation is achieved, but the brain receives inconsistent distance information causing headaches
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system incorporates feedback mechanisms that detect the distance of physical objects in the scene and adjust the optical path accordingly. This feedback ensures that the perceived distance of virtual images matches the actual distance of physical objects, providing consistent distance information to the brain while maintaining stereoscopic depth effects
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes optical parameters including image distance and focal length to match the distance of physical objects. This parameter adjustment ensures that location offsets between images presented to each eye correspond to actual depth relationships, eliminating inconsistent distance information that causes discomfort
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 system provides clear and focused blockages and augmentations, reducing user discomfort by accurately simulating depth and distance, enhancing the mixed reality experience without the need for complex optics or bulky hardware.
Implementation Method 1
A projecting output optical structure, which may include a second lens portion, refracts the focused image as an image projected through a rear side of the second lens portion
Implementation Method 2
a selectably transmissive shutter that is located at the internal focal plane and that is controllable to block at least a portion of light passing therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
An image augmenting window and method of operation. An image augmenting window has at least one selectably transmissive internally focused intermediate image lens with a first portion that receives light and focuses it into a focused image on an internal focal plane. An output optical structure refracts the focused image out as a projected image. A selectably transmissive shutter located in the internal focal plane selectably blocks at least a portion of light passing through the lens. At least one controllable light source has a respective light source lens that is separate from and positioned adjacent to a lateral side of a respective selectably transmissive internally focused intermediate image lens and that emits an afocal projection of respective projected light. A controller independently controls each shutter and each controllable light source.