Occluding Virtual Image Display for AR Light Bleed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented reality (AR) displays experience significant bleed-through of background light through virtual images, degrading the illusion of virtual objects being present in the physical world, especially for low-luminance portions of the virtual images.
Innovation Solution
An AR optical system with a beam-splitter and an occluding display that operates in a different focal plane than the imagery display, reducing environmental light at the optical reference point by displaying occluding images that control the amount of background light reaching the viewer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a beam-splitter is used to display virtual images in an AR system, then the virtual images can be superimposed on the real world, but background light bleeds through the virtual images degrading the illusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display system into two separate displays: a first display for virtual images and a second display for occluding background light. This segmentation allows each display to be optimized for its specific function, with the second display specifically tasked with blocking background light bleed-through while the first display handles virtual image rendering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an occluding display as an intermediary element between the beam-splitter and the viewer. This intermediary display specifically addresses the background light bleed-through problem by blocking unwanted background light while allowing the virtual images to pass through, thus mediating the interaction between the virtual and real worlds.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the occluding display is placed in a different focal plane than the imagery display, then background light can be effectively reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes different focal planes (depth dimensions) to separate the functionality of the two displays. The first display is positioned for a first focal plane while the second occluding display is positioned for a second focal plane. This dimensional separation allows both displays to coexist in the optical path without interfering with each other, effectively managing complexity through spatial organization.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If virtual images are displayed with low luminance to enhance realism, then the illusion is improved, but background light bleed-through becomes more significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of background light bleed-through into a beneficial control mechanism. By using the second occluding display, the system can selectively block background light in specific regions, transforming the previously problematic bleed-through effect into a controllable feature that enhances virtual image realism without sacrificing environmental awareness.
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
Enhances the realism of AR displays by reducing background light bleed-through, improving contrast and color accuracy of virtual images, and creating an optical traveling matte that tracks virtual imagery effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a beam-splitter disposed within the field of view and configured to cause the displayed images to appear in a first focal plane within the field of view
Implementation Method 2
an occluding display disposed within the field of view and configured to display, based on the first display signal, occluding images in a second focal plane nearer to the beam-splitter than the first focal plane, thereby reducing environmental light at the optical reference point
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein include an augmented reality (AR) optical system, and associated method and computer program product, defining a field of view relative to an optical reference point. The optical system comprises an imagery display configured to display images using a received first display signal, and a beam-splitter disposed within the field of view and configured to cause the displayed images to appear in a first focal plane within the field of view. The optical system further comprises an occluding display disposed within the field of view and configured to display, based on the first display signal, occluding images in a second focal plane nearer to the beam-splitter than the first focal plane, thereby reducing environmental light at the optical reference point for at least a portion of the displayed images.