Multi-Focal Lens Display for Accommodation-Convergence Mismatch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional photography and motion picture capture using fixed focal length optics lead to cognitive discomfort due to the mismatch between accommodation and convergence, and existing solutions for stereoscopic viewing are complex and costly, hindering widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A device with a processor and memory configured to process video signals, providing light representative of distant and near objects at different focal lengths, allowing for quasi-panoramic or wide field-of-view images, and incorporating stereoscopic and plenoptic techniques to approximate natural accommodation and convergence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed focal length optics are used for image capture and display, then the device complexity is low, but cognitive discomfort occurs due to mismatch between accommodation and convergence
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple discrete lenses with different fixed focal lengths (e.g., first lens for distant objects, second lens for near objects). This segmentation allows the system to provide multiple focal lengths without requiring a complex variable focal length mechanism, thereby reducing device complexity while eliminating cognitive discomfort through appropriate focal length selection for different object distances
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the visual field are assigned different focal lengths through the use of multiple discrete lenses. Distant objects in the upper visual field are viewed through a lens optimized for distance, while near objects in the lower visual field are viewed through a lens optimized for near focus. This local quality approach ensures that each region receives the appropriate optical characteristics, eliminating accommodation-convergence mismatch while maintaining simple optical components
2Object-affected harmful factors
If variable focal length optics are used to provide natural accommodation, then cognitive comfort is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex variable focal length lens, the system segments the optical function across multiple discrete lenses with different fixed focal lengths. This approach achieves variable focal length functionality through a simpler array of fixed lenses, reducing mechanical complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to provide appropriate focus for different object distances
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different discrete lenses based on the distance to the object being viewed. Rather than requiring a continuously adjustable focal length mechanism, the system selects the appropriate fixed focal length lens for the current viewing condition, achieving adaptive focus with simpler optical components
3Ease of manufacture
If narrow field of view lenses are used, then manufacturing precision is easier to achieve, but the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discrete lenses with different focal lengths are merged into a single optical system that can be switched between them. This combination allows the system to achieve a wide effective field of view by utilizing lenses optimized for different viewing angles and distances, while each individual lens maintains simple manufacturing requirements through its specialized narrow field of view design
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
Enables comfortable and harmonious viewing of images at different distances without the need for complex infrastructure, providing a wide field of view and natural stereoscopic capture and viewing for both amateurs and professionals.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical element, responsive to the light representative of the near objects, for providing video images of the near objects at at least one near focal length, and responsive to the light representative of distant objects, for providing video images of the distant objects at at least one far focal length
Data Source
AI summary
One or more display elements of an apparatus provide light representative of distant objects and near objects and at least one optical element of the apparatus is responsive to the light representative of the near objects, for providing video images of the near objects at one or more near focal lengths, and is responsive to the light representative of distant objects, for providing video images of the distant objects at one or more far focal length and positioned for viewing at an elevation above the video images of the near objects.