Polarization-Dependent Lenses for Wide-Angle AR Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display technologies for augmented and mixed reality struggle with providing a wide angle of view while preventing chromatic dispersion and aberration, and maintaining a compact configuration.

Innovation Solution

The use of a multi-image transmitting optical system comprising at least two polarization-dependent lenses with varying focal lengths based on polarization state, which reinforces refractive power for one image and offsets it for another, allowing for a see-through type display with enhanced performance and reduced chromatic dispersion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional optical systems are used to provide a wide angle of view, then the angle of view is improved, but chromatic dispersion and aberration increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle of viewVSAvoidchromatic dispersion
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into multiple discrete lenses (first lens, second lens, third lens) with different optical characteristics. Each lens segment handles specific wavelength ranges or polarization states, allowing the system to achieve wide angle of view while managing chromatic dispersion through distributed optical elements rather than a single complex lens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the optical system are assigned different optical properties. The first lens has positive optical power for converging light, the second lens has negative optical power for diverging light to correct aberrations, and the third lens provides additional focusing. This local differentiation of optical qualities allows simultaneous achievement of wide angle and chromatic correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple lenses are added to correct chromatic dispersion, then chromatic aberration is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechromatic aberrationVSAvoidoptical system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the optical parameters of the lenses, specifically using lenses with different signs of optical power (positive and negative) and different focal lengths. By selecting lenses with specific parameter combinations, the system corrects chromatic aberration while maintaining a relatively simple three-lens configuration rather than requiring numerous complex elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If optical elements are increased to achieve wide angle of view, then angle of view is improved, but the size of the apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle of viewVSAvoidapparatus size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The three lenses are arranged in a compact nested configuration where the second lens with negative optical power is positioned between the first and third lenses with positive optical power. This nesting allows the optical elements to be closely integrated, achieving wide angle of view capability while minimizing the overall volume of the optical apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 wide angle of view while preventing distortion and chromatic dispersion, making it suitable for augmented and mixed reality applications with a compact design.

Implementation Method 1

at least two polarization-dependent lenses, each of which has a respective focal length that varies based on a polarization state of incident light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization-dependent refraction: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

a combination of the at least two polarization-dependent lenses may be configured to reinforce a refractive power with respect to the first image and to offset the refractive power with respect to the second image

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3351978B1Image display apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3351978B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3351978B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3
  • EP3351978B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

Provided are display apparatuses and electronic apparatuses that include the display apparatuses. The display apparatus may include an optical system that transfers a first image and a second image to an ocular organ of a user. The optical system may include at least two polarization-dependent lenses (LN11, LN21). Each of the two polarization-dependent lenses (LN11, LN21) may have a focal length that varies based on a polarization state of incident light. The two polarization-dependent lenses (LN11, LN21) may have optically different characteristics with respect to the first and second images (L11, L21). The display apparatus may further include at least one wave plate (WP11, WP21) and/or at least one polarizer (LP11, PT11) provided between the two polarization-dependent lenses (LN11, LN21) or outside thereof.