Maxwellian Display Optical System with Enlarged Eye-Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-eye displays (NED) and head-mounted displays (HMD) suffer from the vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC), leading to visual discomfort and fatigue due to their fixed focal point, which limits the field of view and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a tree structure configuration using beam splitters and reflectors to create multiple sets of light beams with equally long paths, allowing for an enlarged eye-box and reduced complexity in design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Maxwellian view principle is used to create all-in-focus retinal projection, then image clarity is improved, but eye-box becomes extremely narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single beam path into multiple beam paths by introducing beam splitters that divide the incoming light into multiple sets of beams. Each beam set travels through a different optical path but all converge to the same focal point on the retina, thereby expanding the eye-box while maintaining image clarity through the Maxwellian view principle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beam splitters and mirrors as intermediary optical components between the light source and the eye. These intermediaries create multiple beam paths that converge at the retinal focal point, allowing the system to maintain the all-in-focus property while accommodating a larger range of eye positions and angles
2Area of stationary object
If multiple beams are generated using unstructured beam splitter and mirror configuration, then eye-box is enlarged, but optical path equalization becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric optical arrangement where beam splitters and mirrors are positioned at specific asymmetric angles and locations. This asymmetric configuration naturally equalizes the optical paths of multiple beams without requiring additional compensating components, simplifying the overall system while maintaining equal path lengths for all beams
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes specific geometric parameters of the optical components, such as the angles of incidence and reflection, and the positions of beam splitters and mirrors. By carefully selecting these parameters, the system achieves equal optical path lengths for all beams converging to the retinal focal point, eliminating the need for complex path equalization mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If beam convergence point is strictly at the center of crystalline lens, then image quality is maximized, but field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the system from a single central convergence point to multiple convergence points arranged in a two-dimensional array on the retinal surface. This dimensional expansion allows the system to maintain high image quality at each convergence point while accommodating a broader field of view through multiple focal regions
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 effectively enlarges the eye-box, simplifies the optical system design, and ensures uniform light distribution to the user, reducing visual discomfort and enhancing the user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one beam splitter and at least three reflectors are positioned to form the multiple sets of the light beams from the input light beams
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system for a display device for head mounting is described. In particular a Maxwellian display device, with an enlarged eye-box is described. The optical system includes a beam forming element configured to converge multiple sets of light beams into at least two points of convergence (e.g., on an exit pupil of the optical system or of the display device using the optical system), and at least one optical arrangement comprising an input for input light beams, at least one beam splitter and at least three reflectors. The at least one beam splitter and at least three reflectors are positioned to form the multiple sets of the light beams from the input light beams such that the multiple sets of the light beams have equally long beam paths from the input to the beam forming element. Each point of convergence is a convergent viewing point for a user, thus enlarging the eye-box.