Nose Bridge Coupling Element for AR Image Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible and deformable frames in head-mounted wearable devices, such as smart glasses, can cause misalignment of left and right images in augmented or mixed reality applications, leading to user discomfort due to inconsistent display alignment.
Innovation Solution
A coupling element on the nose bridge overlays left and right images from respective outcouplers and sends the overlay image to a sensor, which adjusts the field of views until the images are vertically, horizontally, or rotationally aligned by comparing the overlay image with a factory-calibrated initial alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flexible and deformable frames are used in head-mounted wearable devices, then comfort and adaptability to different users are improved, but misalignment of left and right images occurs leading to user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration by capturing an initial overlay image at the factory or during first use when the frame is in its intended configuration. This initial image serves as a reference for subsequent alignment comparisons, allowing the system to pre-establish the correct spatial relationship between left and right images before normal operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously captures overlay images during operation and compares them against the initial calibration image to detect misalignment. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the field of view parameters to correct the misalignment, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains image alignment despite frame deformation.
2Measurement precision
If full field-of-view imaging is used for alignment calibration, then complete image coverage is achieved, but device complexity and calibration time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring complete field-of-view imaging for calibration, the system uses partial overlay images that contain sufficient alignment information. The coupling element combines images from both eyes, and the sensor detects misalignment from this combined partial view, eliminating the need for complex full-field calibration procedures while maintaining adequate alignment precision.
3Reliability
If real-time image alignment adjustment is implemented, then user comfort is improved despite frame deformation, but processing requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs real-time alignment adjustment by analyzing only the critical alignment information from overlay images rather than processing complete high-resolution fields of view. This partial processing approach maintains image alignment reliability while significantly reducing computational energy consumption and processing requirements.
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 ensures alignment of real and virtual objects without requiring full field-of-view imaging, using simple test patterns for calibration, and allows for real-time adjustments to maintain image alignment despite frame deformation, reducing user discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
a left waveguide and a right waveguide. The left waveguide includes a left incoupler configured to couple the internally generated radiation and externally generated radiation into the waveguide to produce left radiation in the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a left outcoupler configured to couple the left radiation in the left waveguide out of the left waveguide to produce left outcoupled radiation, the left outcoupled radiation representing a left image
Data Source
AI summary
Improved techniques include providing a coupling element on a nose bridge that can overlay left and right images output from respective outcouplers and send the overlay image to a sensor. Based on at least a portion of the overlay image, the sensor may cause the left, right, or both field of views to move until the left and right images are aligned.