Polarization Dual Imaging Optics for Multi-Focal Near-Eye Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near eye display (NED) devices struggle to provide high-quality, immersive, and interactive user experiences in augmented and virtual reality environments, particularly in forming multiple focal planes and field of view (FOV) planes, and providing a seamless user experience, especially in augmented and virtual reality environments.
Innovation Solution
A dual imaging optical system utilizing a polarization controller, beam splitter, reflective polarizer, and lenses to control polarization states of light beams, allowing for different focal lengths and magnifications based on polarization states, enabling multiple virtual images to be formed and perceived at different distances and resolutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single optical path is used in NED devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to form multiple focal planes and field of view planes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into separate optical paths (first optical path for virtual reality, second optical path for augmented reality) that can be independently controlled. Each optical path has its own imaging characteristics and focal plane formation mechanism, allowing multiple focal planes to be formed simultaneously without increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions through a unified structure. The same optical components serve dual purposes: forming virtual reality images in one polarization state and augmented reality images in another polarization state, enabling multiple focal planes without adding separate dedicated systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If polarization-based dual imaging is implemented, then multiple virtual images at different distances are achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple imaging functions are merged into a single optical system. The first and second optical paths are integrated within the same device structure, sharing common components where possible, and using polarization multiplexing to combine virtual reality and augmented reality imaging capabilities in one unified optical train
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system employs dynamic polarization control to switch between different imaging modes. By adjusting the polarization state of incident light, the system can dynamically transition between forming virtual reality images and augmented reality images, enabling multi-focal plane capability without requiring physical reconfiguration of optical components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If anti-reflection coatings and thin-film optical components are used, then ghost images are reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses ghost images caused by reflections at optical interfaces by applying anti-reflection coatings and thin-film optical components. These coatings convert the harmful reflective effects into beneficial transmissive properties, reducing ghost images while the precise fabrication requirements are managed through controlled manufacturing processes
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 high-resolution foveated views and multi-focal scenes, allowing users to interact with objects at arm's length and view distant objects comfortably, while reducing ghost images through anti-reflection coatings and thin-film optical components.
Implementation Method 1
a polarization controller configured to control polarization states of light beams incident onto the polarization controller such that a polarization state of each light beam passing through the polarization controller has one of a first polarization state and a second polarization state
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter configured to partially transmit and partially reflect the light beams incident onto the beam splitter
Implementation Method 3
a reflective polarizer configured to pass the light beams having a third polarization state and reflect the light beams having a fourth polarization state that is orthogonal to the third polarization state
Implementation Method 4
one or more lenses between the beam splitter and the reflective polarizer. If a polarization state of a first light beam of the light beams that passes through the polarization controller has the first polarization state, the first light beam passes the one or more lenses only one time. If a polarization state of a second light beam of the light beams that passes through the polarization controller has the second polarization state, the second light beam passes the one or more lenses more than one time
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system includes a polarization controller, a beam splitter, a reflective polarizer, and one or more lenses between the beam splitter and the reflective polarizer. The polarization controller is configured to control polarization states of light beams incident onto the polarization controller. Each light beam passing through the polarization controller has a first or a second polarization state. The beam splitter is configured to partially transmit and partially reflect the light beams incident onto the beam splitter. The reflective polarizer is configured to pass the light beams having a third polarization state and reflect the light beams having a fourth polarization state orthogonal to the third polarization state. A first light beam having the first polarization state passes through the one or more lenses N1 times. A second light beam having the second polarization state passes through the one or more lenses N2 times. N2 is larger than N1.