Multi-layered Thin Combiner for AR Windshields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical see-through (OST) augmented reality (AR) systems face limitations due to the physical size of optical components, particularly the imaging lens, which restricts the effective area for projecting virtual images, making it challenging to implement large transparent surfaces like windshields without significant cost or mechanical modifications, and often result in incomplete or fractured effective areas.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered thin optical combiner (MLTC) with connectable layers, each coated with a primary partially reflective filter, forming a complete effective aperture to align and modulate light from the real-world view and overlay data system, preserving transparency and aesthetics by eliminating geometrical discontinuities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If standard optical enabling devices with imaging lenses are used, then virtual objects can be projected into the observer's field of view, but the physical size of the imaging lens restricts the effective area for projecting virtual images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical combiner into multiple separate layers, each with a partially reflective filter. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute to the overall effective aperture, collectively defining a complete effective area that exceeds what a single imaging lens could provide, while keeping individual components thin and manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane optical component to a multi-layered structure extending in the depth dimension. By stacking multiple thin layers with partially reflective filters at different positions, the system creates a three-dimensional optical path that expands the effective projection area without increasing the lateral footprint of individual components
2Area of stationary object
If large transparent surfaces like windshields are used, then the effective area for projected images increases, but significant cost and mechanical modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin-film partially reflective filters deposited on transparent substrates that can be applied to existing large transparent surfaces like windshields. This approach avoids the need for thick, rigid optical components and extensive mechanical modifications, allowing integration into existing vehicle structures with minimal changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or simulation of traditional bulky optical systems using thin-film technology. Instead of requiring large imaging lenses and complex optical assemblies, the system uses multiple thin layers with reflective filters that replicate the optical functionality at a fraction of the size and cost
3Reliability
If partially reflective filters are deposited on optical combiners, then virtual data can be overlaid on the real-world view, but geometrical discontinuities may occur at layer boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partially reflective filters with specific local properties to different layers, where each layer's filter is optimized for its position in the stack. The filters are positioned and configured to handle specific portions of the optical spectrum or angular ranges, with transition zones designed to minimize visible discontinuities at layer boundaries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite optical structure by combining multiple transparent layers with different partially reflective filter properties. This composite arrangement allows each layer to contribute differently to the overall optical function, with the combination producing a unified effect that maintains surface continuity while enabling virtual data overlay
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 MLTC enables the conferment of optical power to large transparent surfaces, allowing for a seamless alignment of virtual data with the real-world view without distortion, increasing the effective area for projected images and reducing the need for gaze-tracking technology, while maintaining the transparency and continuity of the surface.
Implementation Method 1
a first surface of the optical combiner is coated with a primary partially reflective filter, said primary partially reflective filter being operable to modulate light incident thereon from said overlay data system so as to align with said real-world view, and further transmit light incident from said real-world view without modulation
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layered thin combiner (MLTC) is provided herein. The MLTC may include: a plurality of connectable layers each having a separate active area coated with a primary partially reflective filter; wherein each active area comprises a discrete fraction of an effective aperture; and wherein the active areas are configured to align, when said connectable layers are connected, to collectively define a complete effective aperture.