Midair Virtual Display Optics for Depth Without Headset Bulk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 3D display technologies, such as VR and AR headsets, suffer from increased bulk, optical aberrations, and eye strain, limiting immersive experiences.
Innovation Solution
An extended display subsystem integrated with a main display, utilizing its own light source or a portion of the main display's light source, creates virtual images with monocular depths and interactive capabilities, enhancing user engagement and interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If refractive elements are used to produce virtual images at depth behind the display device, then the image depth perception is improved, but the device bulk and optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the refractive elements from the main display device and places them in a separate wearable component (glasses or contact lenses). This allows the display device itself to remain compact while the optical correction functionality is provided by the wearable accessory, resolving the contradiction between depth perception accuracy and device bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wearable optical device as an intermediary between the display device and the user's eyes. This intermediary contains the refractive elements needed for accurate depth perception, allowing the main display to remain compact while providing the necessary optical correction through the wearable component.
2Measurement precision
If refractive elements are used to produce virtual images at depth behind the display device, then the image depth perception is improved, but optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the refractive elements from the main display device and places them in a separate wearable component. This separation allows for optimized optical design in the wearable component, reducing aberrations while maintaining the depth perception functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies refractive elements with specific optical properties tailored for the wearable component, rather than attempting to incorporate them into the main display. This localized optimization allows for reduced aberrations in the critical viewing path while keeping the main display design simple.
3Measurement precision
If VR and AR headsets are used for immersive experiences, then the depth perception is improved, but eye strain and fatigue symptoms increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy optical processing from traditional VR/AR headsets and moves it to wearable glasses or contact lenses that work with a compact display device. This reduces the bulk and weight that cause fatigue, while maintaining depth perception accuracy through the wearable optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a camera to capture the display output and creates a optical copy that is presented through the wearable refractive elements. This copying approach allows for optimized optical paths in the wearable component that reduce eye strain while maintaining immersive depth perception.
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 enhanced immersive experiences with reduced bulk and optical aberrations, allowing for interactive and multifocal virtual images, improving user engagement and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of specular reflectors to direct the light along an optical path forming a virtual image having a monocular depth
Implementation Method 2
an exit aperture optic in the aperture to prevent stray light from impacting the virtual image
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of virtual displays to generate virtual images. Some display systems comprise a light source and a plurality of specular reflectors to produce virtual images that have a monocular depth that is closer to a viewer than an exit aperture optic or other optical component of the display system. In some embodiments, sensors or cameras detect a property of a viewer or of an environment to impact the virtual image or to provide sensory feedback to the viewer.