Movable Image Source Near-Eye Display Exit Pupil Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Near eye display devices face challenges in aligning exit pupils with users' eyes, as the distance between pupils varies among individuals, leading to inefficiencies in light distribution and user experience.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes an image source and a plurality of grating areas that direct light beams to an exit pupil, allowing the image source to be moved relative to the grating areas to adjust the position of the exit pupil, ensuring proper alignment with the user's eyes, regardless of inter-pupil distance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the exit pupil position is fixed in the device, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate users with different inter-pupil distances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different usersVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a moveable image source that can be repositioned along an optical axis relative to the diffraction grating. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the exit pupil position to be changed to accommodate different users' inter-pupil distances, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity by introducing controlled mobility rather than complete redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the grating structure into multiple grating areas (first grating area, second grating area, third grating area) with different orientations. This segmentation allows independent optimization of light distribution in different directions and enables the system to handle varying user configurations without requiring complete structural changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the image source is moved to adjust exit pupil position, then user alignment is improved, but the device requires additional moving mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of alignmentVSAvoidmoving mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the image source to be moved manually or automatically to positions where it aligns with different portions of the grating structure. This self-adjustment capability allows users to align the device with their eyes without requiring complex external adjustment mechanisms, as the system can be configured to work with standard user positions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If the grating areas are configured to direct light to specific exit pupil positions, then light distribution efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight distribution efficiencyVSAvoidgrating fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different grating orientations to different spatial regions: the first grating area has a first orientation, the second grating area has a second orientation, and the third grating area has a third orientation. This local differentiation optimizes light distribution for specific directions and user positions while maintaining manufacturability by using standard grating fabrication techniques for each region

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enables efficient light distribution by aligning the exit pupils with the user's eyes, reducing light wastage and enhancing the usability of near eye display devices for users with different inter-pupil distances, thereby improving the overall user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of grating areas between the image source and the exit pupil wherein the plurality of grating areas are configured to direct beams of light from the image source to the exit pupil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP3143452B1An apparatus and method for providing an image
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3143452B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3143452B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3143452B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

An apparatus and method wherein the apparatus comprises: an image source;an exit pupil configured to be positioned proximate to an eye of a user to enable a user to view an image from the image source; and a plurality of grating areas between the image source and the exit pupil wherein the plurality of grating areas are configured to direct beams of light from the image source to the exit pupil;wherein the image source is configured to be moved relative to the plurality of grating areas to control the position of the exit pupil relative to the eye of the user.