Miniaturized Reflective Unit for AR Headset Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented reality head-mounted display devices face challenges in manufacturing due to complex lens module structures, weight, size, and limited arrangement options, as well as issues with providing a consistently clear virtual screen as users change focal distances while viewing real-world environments.
Innovation Solution
The optical apparatus features a miniaturized reflective unit of 4 mm or less, integrated with a frame unit and optional auxiliary optical units, allowing for increased flexibility in installation and arrangement, and providing a deep depth of field to maintain image clarity regardless of focal distance adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional lens modules are used in AR HMD, then the virtual screen can be displayed, but the structure becomes complicated and the device becomes heavy and large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of the conventional lens module (image reflection and focusing) and implements it using a simplified reflective unit with specific curvature radius (R1 and R2) and aperture diameter (D1 and D2). This extraction removes the complex multi-element lens structure while preserving the core optical function, directly resolving the contradiction between virtual screen display capability and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by specifying precise curvature radii (R1, R2) and aperture diameters (D1, D2) for the reflective unit. These parameter specifications enable a single reflective surface to replace complex lens assemblies, reducing structural complexity while maintaining the ability to display virtual screens with proper focusing and depth of field control.
2Reliability
If conventional lens modules are used in AR HMD, then the virtual screen can be displayed, but the device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential reflective and focusing function from conventional heavy lens modules, implementing it with a lightweight reflective unit defined by specific curvature and aperture parameters. This extraction eliminates unnecessary optical elements and mounting structures, directly reducing the weight of the optical apparatus while preserving virtual screen display capability.
3Reliability
If conventional lens modules are used in AR HMD, then the virtual screen can be displayed, but the arrangement options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal reflective unit design with standardized parameter specifications (curvature radii R1, R2 and aperture diameters D1, D2) that can be adapted to various mounting positions and orientations. This universal design enables the same optical element to function effectively in different arrangements, increasing adaptability and versatility while maintaining virtual screen display capability.
4Device complexity
If conventional lens modules with fixed focus are used, then the structure is simplified, but the virtual screen becomes blurry when focal distance changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the fixed-focus limitation by carefully selecting and specifying the curvature radii (R1, R2) and aperture diameters (D1, D2) of the reflective unit. These parameter choices create an optical system with extended depth of field, allowing the virtual screen to remain clear across a range of focal distances without requiring complex focus-adjusting mechanisms, thus maintaining structural simplicity while improving image clarity reliability.
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 configuration simplifies the optical apparatus, reduces weight and manufacturing costs, and ensures a clear image is maintained across varying focal distances, enhancing user experience by providing a wide depth of field and improved installation freedom.
Implementation Method 1
at least one reflective unit having a size of 4 mm or less for reflecting an image outputted from the display unit
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an optical apparatus with a wide available range of a lens module, which is capable of providing an image having a deep depth of field to a user. The optical apparatus according to the present invention includes a display unit for outputting an image; at least one reflective unit having a size of 4 mm or less for reflecting the image outputted from the display unit; and a frame unit fixed thereto with the display unit and the at least one reflective unit.