Optical Combiner with Semi-Transparent Reflective Elements for AR Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual and augmented reality devices suffer from significant chromatic aberrations and optical distortions, complex optical element arrangements that cause obstructions and limit field of view, making it difficult to adjust image projections in size and position.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus comprising a context image renderer, a focus image renderer, and an optical combiner with semi-transparent reflective elements that optically combine projections to minimize aberrations and distortions, allowing for a larger field of view and easier adjustment of image projections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical elements are used to project images in virtual and augmented reality devices, then images can be displayed, but chromatic aberrations and optical distortions occur that diminish quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic optical elements (lenses, mirrors, prisms) from the optical path entirely. Instead of using conventional refraction-based optics, the invention employs direct LED-to-retina projection, eliminating the source of chromatic aberrations and optical distortions while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical optical system (lenses and mirrors that physically manipulate light) with a direct electromagnetic radiation approach. LEDs emit light that travels directly to the retina without mechanical optical intermediaries, substituting a complex mechanical optical system with a simpler electromagnetic field-based solution
2Quantity of substance
If complex optical elements are arranged to project images, then image projection is achieved, but obstructions are introduced within projection paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes optical elements from the projection path, extracting them entirely from the system. By using LEDs that emit light directly toward the retina without intermediate lenses or mirrors, the invention eliminates obstructions in the projection path while maintaining the necessary image projection function
3Area of stationary object
If conventional optical arrangements are used, then image projection is possible, but field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts optical elements from the system entirely, eliminating the constraints they impose on field of view. The direct LED-to-retina projection approach allows for a wider field of view without the limiting factors of conventional optical arrangements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional optical path manipulation (using lenses and mirrors in fixed positions) to a three-dimensional direct projection approach. By positioning LEDs at specific distances and angles relative to the retina, the system expands the field of view through spatial arrangement rather than optical element manipulation
4Ease of operation
If multiple optical elements are arranged complexly, then image projection is achieved, but adjustment of image size and position becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes optical elements that require complex adjustment mechanisms. By using direct LED-to-retina projection, the system eliminates the need for adjusting lenses and mirrors, making image size and position adjustment simpler and more direct
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable LED modules that can dynamically change their position and orientation relative to the retina. This dynamic adjustment capability allows for easy modification of image size and position without the complexity of adjusting multiple optical elements, as the LEDs themselves can be repositioned
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 solution effectively eliminates chromatic aberrations and optical distortions, provides a larger field of view, and simplifies the adjustment of image projections, enhancing the user's immersion in virtual and augmented reality environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first semi-transparent reflective element having a first side and a second side, the first side obliquely facing the exit optical element, the second side facing the at least one context image renderer
Implementation Method 2
a second semi-transparent reflective element obliquely facing the first side of the first semi-transparent reflective element, wherein the at least one focus image renderer is arranged in a manner that the projection of the rendered focus image emanating therefrom passes through the first semi-transparent reflective element towards the second semi-transparent reflective element, from where the projection of the rendered focus image is reflected towards the first semi-transparent reflective element
Implementation Method 3
at least one optical combiner for optically combining a projection of the rendered context image with a projection of the rendered focus image to create a visual scene
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus and method of displaying, via the display apparatus. The display apparatus includes context image renderer for rendering context image; focus image renderer for rendering focus image; exit optical element; and optical combiner for optically combining projection of the rendered context image with projection of the rendered focus image to create visual scene. The optical combiner includes first semi-transparent reflective element; and a second semi-transparent reflective element. The context image renderer is arranged in a manner that the projection of rendered context image passes through first semi-transparent reflective element towards exit optical element. The focus image renderer is arranged in a manner that projection of the rendered focus image passes through the first semi-transparent reflective element towards the second semi-transparent reflective element, and reflected therefrom towards the first semi-transparent reflective element, and is then reflected from the first semi-transparent reflective element towards the exit optical element.