Orthogonal Image Panels Fold Optical Path for Compact HMD
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted display (HMD) systems for virtual and augmented reality are bulky and uncomfortable due to the need for substantial space and weight to achieve high-quality, wide-field viewing, often compromising on resolution for a compact form factor.
Innovation Solution
The HMD system employs a configuration with orthogonal image panels and a reduced number of folded mirrors, allowing light to be directed through a single optical path, resulting in a lighter, more compact design with reduced seam visibility and improved image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional eyepiece lenses and lens structures are used to achieve high-quality, wide-field viewing, then image quality and field of view are improved, but device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional eyepiece lens from the HMD system, extracting the problematic optical component that caused bulk and weight. Instead of using a lens to create a virtual image at a distance, the system uses a display panel positioned close to the eye with a folded optical path that directs light without requiring substantial space for lens elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a folded optical path that uses mirror reflections to change the direction of light propagation. By folding the light path multiple times within a compact volume, the system achieves a long effective optical path length in a short physical distance, eliminating the need for bulky lens structures while maintaining wide field of view and high image quality.
2Ease of operation
If display is positioned far from eyes to achieve sufficient magnification and wide field of view, then viewing comfort is improved, but device weight shifts forward causing fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The folded optical path uses mirror reflections to propagate light through multiple directions within a compact volume near the eye. This allows the display to be positioned close to the user's face (improving weight distribution) while still achieving sufficient magnification and wide field of view through the folded light path geometry.
3Measurement precision
If complex lenses are used to achieve high-quality images with wide field of view, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex multi-element lenses from the optical system, replacing them with simple mirror reflections and a direct display panel. This extraction of the complex lens subsystem dramatically reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining high image quality through the folded optical path design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical lens system with a simpler system using mirror reflections and direct light guidance. Instead of using multiple lens elements to achieve the desired optical performance, the system uses reflective surfaces and geometric optics to direct light along a folded path, simplifying manufacturing and assembly.
4Ease of operation
If traditional lens configurations are used to create virtual images at far distance, then viewing comfort is improved, but device protrusion distance from face increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folded optical path uses multiple mirror reflections to create a compact optical system that fits close to the face. By folding the light path in multiple directions, the system achieves the necessary optical length and virtual image distance within a minimal protrusion distance from the user's face.
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 configuration enables a comfortable, lightweight HMD with high-resolution imaging and a wide field of view, minimizing fatigue and allowing space for the nose, while maintaining image quality and reducing the visibility of seams.
Implementation Method 1
an optical arrangement; a first image panel, wherein the optical arrangement directs image light from the first image panel along a first optical pathway having a first length; and a second image panel arranged orthogonal to the first image panel, wherein the optical arrangement directs image light from the second image panel along a second optical pathway different from the first optical pathway having a second length
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted display (HMD) has an enhanced optical arrangement that permits high-resolution imaging in a compact device. The HMD system includes an optical arrangement; a first image panel, wherein the optical arrangement directs image light from the first image panel along a first optical pathway having a first length; and a second image panel arranged orthogonal to the first image panel, wherein the optical arrangement directs image light from the second image panel along a second optical pathway different from the first optical pathway having a second length. The first length is equal to the second length, and the optical arrangement is configured such that light from the first image panel and the second image panel are emitted from the HMD system in a combined fashion in a first eye direction. The optical arrangement may include a plurality of mirror components and a plurality of lens components, wherein the plurality of mirror components are configured to direct image light from the first and second image panels along respective optical pathways to the plurality of lens components.