Pancake Lens Assembly with Peripheral See-Through for HMDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted display devices do not allow users to view the outside environment without removing or turning them off, limiting interaction with surrounding objects.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted display device with an optical assembly that includes a substrate with curved surfaces, a beam splitter, a reflector, and an optical retarder, configured to transmit ambient light through peripheral portions without reflection, enabling users to see external environments while using the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional head-mounted display devices are used, then image light transmission is achieved, but ambient light blocks users' view of the outside environment
Solution Approach 1:
The optical assembly is divided into a central region and peripheral regions. The central region transmits image light from the display, while the peripheral regions transmit ambient light from the outside environment. This segmentation allows simultaneous transmission of both image light and ambient light through different spatial zones of the same optical assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical assembly have different optical properties. The central region is optimized for image light transmission with appropriate optical power, while the peripheral regions are optimized for ambient light transmission with reduced optical power. This local differentiation enables the system to provide both virtual reality immersion and augmented reality see-through capability.
2Ease of operation
If ambient light is transmitted through the optical assembly, then users can see the outside environment, but optical aberrations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral regions of the optical assembly transmit ambient light without applying full optical power correction. Instead of correcting all optical aberrations across the entire assembly, the system applies optical power primarily in the central region for image light, and reduces or eliminates optical power in the peripheral regions for ambient light. This partial correction approach reduces manufacturing complexity and minimizes induced aberrations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the optical assembly transmits both image light and ambient light, then device functionality is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a virtual reality optics element for image light transmission and an augmented reality see-through element for ambient light transmission. This multi-functionality is achieved within a single integrated optical assembly rather than requiring separate optical paths or assemblies for different operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the virtual reality optical path and augmented reality optical path into a single integrated optical assembly. The beam splitter, reflector, and lens elements are merged into one structure that handles both image light and ambient light through different regions, reducing the overall complexity compared to having separate independent optical systems.
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
Enables users to view external environments without removing the device, allowing for interaction with objects while maintaining clear image transmission, reducing optical aberrations and enhancing usability.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter on the first curved surface, a reflector on the second surface, and an optical retarder disposed between the beam splitter and the reflector
Implementation Method 2
an optical retarder disposed between the beam splitter and the reflector
Implementation Method 3
a reflector on the second surface, configured to receive the image light from the beam splitter, reflect the image light, and transmit the reflected image light back to the beam splitter
Implementation Method 4
at least one substrate that provides a first curved surface and a second surface. At least a portion of the first curved surface has a first radius of curvature and the second surface has a second radius of curvature that is different from the first radius of curvature
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly includes at least one substrate that provides a first curved surface and a second surface. The optical assembly also includes a beam splitter on the first curved surface, a reflector on the second surface, and an optical retarder disposed between the beam splitter and the reflector. The optical assembly is configured to transmit the first light through the optical assembly at a first optical power. The optical assembly is also configured to transmit second light through peripheral portions of the optical assembly at a second optical power that is less than the first optical power. The first light includes light having a first polarization and wavelengths within a predetermined wavelength range. The second light includes light having wavelengths within the predetermined wavelength range and a second polarization orthogonal to the first polarization, as well as light having wavelengths outside the predetermined wavelength range.