Liquid Crystal Half-Wave Plate Lens for Compact HMDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted display devices are bulky and heavy due to complex optics, making them uncomfortable for users and limiting their application in virtual and augmented reality experiences.
Innovation Solution
The use of liquid crystal half-wave plate lenses, which are thinner and lighter than conventional lenses, providing similar performance features such as aperture and focal length, and can be used alone or in conjunction with conventional lenses to reduce the size and weight of head-mounted displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lenses are used in head-mounted displays, then optical performance can be maintained, but the device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing liquid crystal materials that can dynamically alter their refractive index and optical properties in response to applied voltages. This allows the lens to achieve focusing functionality without the bulk of conventional glass lenses, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining optical performance and reducing device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical/optical system of conventional glass lenses with an electro-optical system using liquid crystals. Instead of relying on fixed geometric shapes and high-refractive-index materials, the patent uses electrically controlled liquid crystal molecules to achieve light manipulation, thereby eliminating the need for heavy conventional lens structures.
2Reliability
If conventional lenses are used in head-mounted displays, then optical performance can be maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single liquid crystal lens structure. By integrating the focusing mechanism, aperture control, and optical path management into one unified liquid crystal device, the system eliminates the need for multiple separate conventional lenses and associated mounting structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining optical performance.
3Reliability
If conventional lenses are used in head-mounted displays, then optical performance can be maintained, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film liquid crystal layers instead of thick conventional lens elements. The liquid crystal material can be deposited as a thin film between substrates, achieving the required optical path length and focusing capability in a much thinner profile than glass lenses, thereby significantly reducing device volume while preserving optical performance.
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 results in compact and lightweight head-mounted displays that enhance user experience and satisfaction by providing efficient and effective virtual and augmented reality experiences.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid crystals in a first region are aligned in a first orientation. The liquid crystals in a second region, located between the first region and a third region and adjacent to the first region and the third region, are aligned in a second orientation that is distinct from the first orientation.
Implementation Method 2
applying a respective pattern of an electric field on a liquid containing liquid crystals so that the liquid crystals are aligned to focus at least a portion of impinging light
Implementation Method 3
liquid crystal half-wave plate lenses, which are thinner and lighter than conventional lenses, providing similar performance features such as aperture and focal length
Data Source
AI summary
A lens includes immobilized liquid crystals. The liquid crystals in a first region are aligned in a first orientation. The liquid crystals in a second region, located between the first region and a third region and adjacent to the first region and the third region, are aligned in a second orientation that is distinct from the first orientation. The liquid crystals in the third region, located between the second region and a fourth region and adjacent to the second region and the fourth region, are aligned in the first orientation. The liquid crystals in the fourth region, located adjacent to the third region, are aligned in the second orientation. A device with the lens and an array of light emitting devices is also disclosed.