Single Display Optical Path Redirection for AR Headsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented Reality (AR) electronic devices that transfer images to both eyes often increase in volume and weight due to the need for separate display panels and optical members for each eye, leading to image distortion due to slight differences in light emission from each display.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device design that includes a single display with a first light transfer member to redirect light along symmetrical second and third optical paths, using a driver to control the light transfer members and maintain equal optical path lengths to both eyes, thereby preventing image distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two display devices are disposed and the optical member is disposed around the both eyes or a portion of an eyeglass frame, then the image can be transferred to both eyes, but the AR electronic device increases in volume and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate display devices into a single display device that serves both eyes. The single display device includes a light source and display panel that generate light, which is then redirected through optical members (mirrors or prisms) to reach both the left and right eyes simultaneously. This consolidation eliminates the need for two independent display assemblies, thereby reducing overall device volume and weight while maintaining the capability to provide separate visual content to each eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The single display device is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates light for both eyes, directs light through different optical paths to the left and right eyes, and maintains equal optical path lengths for both eyes. The optical members (first and second mirrors or prisms) enable this single display to serve dual purposes of providing stereoscopic vision and maintaining image quality, making the system more versatile without requiring additional display components.
2Reliability
If two display devices are disposed and the optical member is disposed around the both eyes or a portion of an eyeglass frame, then the image can be transferred to both eyes, but the AR electronic device increases in volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate display devices into a single display device that serves both eyes. The single display device includes a light source and display panel that generate light, which is then redirected through optical members (mirrors or prisms) to reach both the left and right eyes simultaneously. This consolidation eliminates the need for two independent display assemblies, thereby reducing overall device volume and weight while maintaining the capability to provide separate visual content to each eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spatial redirection in three-dimensional space through optical members. The first optical member redirects light from the single display device to the left eye, while the second optical member redirects light to the right eye. By using dimensional spatial arrangement and angular redirection rather than linear placement of two displays, the system achieves compact volume while maintaining separate optical paths for binocular display.
3Ease of manufacture
If each display is the same product but light emitted from the two displays has a slight difference, then there is distortion in an image recognized by a user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path into distinct, controllable sections using separate optical members for each eye. The first optical member (mirror or prism) handles light redirection to the left eye, while the second optical member handles redirection to the right eye. This segmentation allows independent optimization and precise adjustment of each optical path segment, ensuring equal total optical path lengths from the single display to both eyes, thereby eliminating image distortion without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical members (mirrors or prisms) act as intermediaries between the single display device and the user's eyes. These intermediary components enable precise control and adjustment of light paths, allowing the system to compensate for any slight variations in light emission from the display and ensure that both eyes receive light traveling equal distances. The intermediaries provide adjustment mechanisms that fine-tune optical path lengths to be substantially equal, preventing image distortion.
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 reduces the volume and weight of the device while ensuring accurate image transfer to both eyes by maintaining equal optical path lengths, improving display quality without the need for additional calibration.
Implementation Method 1
a first light transfer member located on a first optical path of the light and configured to transfer the light of the first optical path to a second optical path and a third optical path
Implementation Method 2
an electronic device including optical members that change the optical path
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a display including a light source configured to emit light, a first light transfer member located on a first optical path of the light and configured to transfer the light of the first optical path to a second optical path and a third optical path, a driver configured to drive the first light transfer member, a second light transfer member disposed on the second optical path and configured to transfer light incident via the second optical path to the outside of the electronic device, and a third light transfer member disposed on the third optical path and configured to transfer light incident via the third optical path to the outside of the electronic device. The second optical path and the third optical path may be substantially symmetrical with respect to the first optical path.