Lightguide Insert Eyepiece for HMD Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted displays (HMDs) are limited by cost, size, weight, field of view, eye box, and efficiency, particularly in incorporating prescriptive lenses, which hinders widespread adoption in various applications including augmented reality.
Innovation Solution
The development of an eyepiece for HMDs that incorporates a lightguide insert with a laminated structure and optical pathway, allowing for the integration of display light with ambient scene light, using injection molded lens bodies and clear materials to provide a see-through augmented reality experience, while enabling the use of prescriptive lenses through a fabrication process similar to ophthalmic lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional optical systems are used in HMDs, then the basic display function is achieved, but the field of view, eye box, and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional zones within a single lens body: a lightguide section for directing display light, a prescriptive lens section for vision correction, and an ambient light transmission section. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining an integrated lens structure, thereby expanding the field of view without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional lens surfaces to a three-dimensional volumetric lightguide structure embedded within the lens body. This dimensional change enables light to be coupled in at one surface, guided through internal pathways, and out-coupled at another location, significantly expanding the effective field of view and eye box area without requiring a larger overall lens diameter
2Adaptability or versatility
If prescriptive lenses are incorporated into HMDs, then vision correction is enabled, but the cost and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the prescriptive lens function with the lightguide structure into a single integrated lens body. The prescriptive optical power is incorporated directly into the lightguide section, eliminating the need for separate prescription lenses or complex multi-element optical assemblies. This integration enables prescription customization while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs
Solution Approach 2:
The lens body is designed as a universal platform that simultaneously performs multiple functions: light guiding, vision correction, and ambient light transmission. The lightguide section can be configured with different prescriptive powers to accommodate various vision requirements, making the same basic lens structure adaptable to different prescriptions without requiring entirely different optical systems
3Weight of moving object
If traditional HMD optical systems are used, then display functionality is provided, but the size and weight limit practical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film optical coatings and a streamlined lens body design that eliminates bulky optical components. The lightguide structure utilizes thin internal pathways and surface treatments to redirect light, while the prescriptive lens section maintains minimal thickness. This thin-film and streamlined approach significantly reduces the overall size and weight of the HMD while preserving display performance through optimized optical pathways
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 enhances the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of HMDs by providing a wider field of view and improved integration of prescriptive lenses, enabling more practical and leisure applications, such as augmented reality, with reduced size and weight.
Implementation Method 1
The lightguide insert includes a relay section with a first interface and a second interface. The sides of the lightguide insert are offset from the lens bodies to form gaps that provide interfaces for total internal reflection of the display light from the relay section.
Implementation Method 2
The sides of the lightguide insert are offset from the lens bodies to form gaps that provide interfaces for total internal reflection of the display light from the relay section.
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a lightguide insert with a laminated structure and optical pathway, allowing for the integration of display light with ambient scene light
Data Source
AI summary
An eyepiece includes a first lens body having a first interface side and a second lens body having a second interface side. At least one of the first and second interface sides includes a recess. The first and second lens bodies are mated together along the first and second interface sides to form a cavity at the recess. A lightguide insert is provided that has a shape and a size to fit within the cavity. The lightguide insert includes an in-coupling region to receive display light into the lightguide insert and an out-coupling region to direct the display light out of the lightguide insert through the first lens body.