Optical Sensor for Glasses with Electrochromic Lens Transmittance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented reality (AR) and mediated reality (MR) glasses with CMOS ambient optical sensors face challenges in adjusting image brightness due to the reception of infrared and ultraviolet light, leading to nonlinear signal output affected by temperature, which complicates the control of image brightness according to ambient light wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical sensor system that includes an electrochromic module with transparent conductive layers and an electrochromic layer, connected to a photoelectric conversion element, which converts ambient light into a voltage modulation signal to adjust the transmittance of lenses, reducing the impact of ambient light brightness on displayed images by overlaying AR or MR images onto the real environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If CMOS is used as ambient optical sensor, then wide frequency response range is achieved, but infrared and ultraviolet light are also received making it difficult to adjust image brightness according to specific wavelength ambient light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical sensing function by introducing a wavelength-selective filter layer that separates specific wavelength detection from other wavelengths. This allows the CMOS sensor to maintain its wide frequency response while only detecting ambient light at the desired wavelength for accurate brightness control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary wavelength-selective filter layer between the ambient light and the CMOS sensor. This filter acts as a mediator that allows only specific wavelength light to reach the sensor, enabling precise brightness control while preserving the CMOS's wide frequency response capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If CMOS is used as ambient optical sensor, then ambient light reception is achieved, but signals are easily affected by temperature and are nonlinear requiring circuit conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary wavelength-selective filter layer that not only filters light but also stabilizes the optical signal by blocking temperature-sensitive infrared wavelengths. This intermediary structure reduces thermal noise and improves signal linearity, decreasing the need for complex circuit conversion while maintaining ambient light reception capability.
3Device complexity
If ambient light brightness is not adjusted, then simple display is maintained, but brightness difference between ambient light and displayed images degrades image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service brightness adjustment mechanism where the optical sensor continuously monitors ambient light conditions and automatically controls the light source intensity or lens transmittance. This closed-loop system maintains image brightness consistency without requiring manual intervention or complex user interaction, balancing simplicity with image quality.
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 effectively reduces the brightness difference between ambient light and displayed images, improving image quality across various environments by dynamically adjusting lens transmittance based on ambient light conditions, ensuring consistent visual experience for users.
Implementation Method 1
a photoelectric conversion element (23) on a light transmitting side of the light sensing element (22) away from the light source (21) and receives the signal light LS transmitted by the light sensing element (22) and outputs a voltage modulation signal according to the signal light LS
Implementation Method 2
an electrochromic module (13) on a side of the lens substrate (11) away from the ambient light LC, the electrochromic module (13) changes a transmittance of the electrochromic module (13) according to the voltage modulation signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor includes a light source emitting signal light, a light sensing element on an optical path of the signal light, and a photoelectric conversion element on a side of the light sensing element away from the light source. The light sensing element is used to receive ambient light and the signal light on one side and transmit an incident light on another side, wherein a transmittance of the light sensing element changes according to an intensity of the ambient light to adjust an intensity of the incident light transmitted from the light sensing element. The photoelectric conversion element is configured to receive the incident light transmitted from the light sensing element, and to output a voltage modulation signal according to the incident light. A glasses is also provided.