Modular Wearable Optics Interpupillary Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable optical devices, such as head-mounted displays, face challenges in aligning the viewable output with human eyes due to variations in interpupillary distance and other anthropometric characteristics among users, leading to discomfort and difficulty in viewing.
Innovation Solution
A modular wearable optics device with adjustable bridging elements of different shapes and sizes, equipped with identifiers, allows for precise positioning and orientation of eyepieces based on individual anthropometric characteristics, including interpupillary distance, to ensure optimal image alignment and a wider field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed eyepiece position is used in HMD design, then the device structure is simple, but alignment with user eyes deteriorates due to varying interpupillary distances
Solution Approach 1:
The HMD device is divided into modular components: a support element, interchangeable bridging elements, and eyepieces. The bridging elements are further segmented into multiple variants with different shapes and sizes to accommodate different interpupillary distances. This segmentation allows users to select and interchange bridging elements to achieve proper alignment without redesigning the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static, fixed eyepiece position to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. Users can dynamically adapt the device to their specific anthropometric characteristics by selecting appropriate bridging elements, enabling the device to respond to varying user requirements rather than requiring a one-size-fits-all fixed design.
2Ease of operation
If multiple HMD devices are provided for different users, then alignment for each user is optimized, but device quantity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single HMD support element and eyepiece assembly is designed to serve multiple users through the use of interchangeable bridging elements. The universal support structure can accommodate different bridging element variants, each optimized for specific interpupillary distance ranges. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to manufacture separate HMD devices for different users, reducing overall device quantity while maintaining optimal alignment for each user.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating multiple devices with different fixed parameters, the invention allows parameter changes through interchangeable components. The bridging elements vary in geometric parameters (shape, size, curvature) to match different user anthropometric parameters (interpupillary distance). This approach enables parameter adaptation without multiplying the entire device system.
3Measurement precision
If bridging elements with different shapes and sizes are used, then alignment precision for different users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complexity is localized to the interchangeable bridging elements rather than the entire device. Each bridging element is a simple, dedicated component with a specific shape and size optimized for particular interpupillary distances. This segmentation confines complexity to replaceable parts while keeping the main support structure and eyepieces simple and universal.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple bridging elements are created as copies with varying geometric parameters but identical functional interfaces. Each copy serves a specific user category based on interpupillary distance, allowing precise alignment without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The standardized interface simplifies the overall system despite the variety of bridging element variants.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular wearable optics device including: at least one wearable support element; one or more active optical elements adapted in use to display an image to a user; one of a plurality of bridging elements selected to position or orientate the one or more active optical elements in a predetermined location based on one or more anthropometric characteristics of the user.