Retinal Projection Device Nanostructure Reflector Lens Area Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near eye wearable devices, such as smart glasses, face challenges in reducing the size of the reflector area on the lens due to the need for a combiner to form an image projection plane, leading to increased device size and potential limitations in field of view.
Innovation Solution
A retinal projection device with a movable mirror and a reflector featuring nanostructures along the lens surface, where each unit region is a laminate of metal and dielectric layers, allowing for controlled reflection angles and reduced reflector area by projecting images directly onto the retina without displaying them, thus minimizing the necessary lens space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a combiner is used to form an image projection plane, then an image can be displayed, but the area on the lens where the reflector is provided increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional combiner-based image display system with a retinal projection system that directly projects images onto the user's retina. This substitution eliminates the need for a large reflective surface on the lens, as the nanostructure reflector only needs to redirect light at specific angles rather than form a complete image projection plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector is designed with spatially varying nanostructures where each local region has different reflection characteristics. The reflection angle varies according to the position on the lens surface, allowing different portions of the lens to redirect light to different locations on the retina. This local differentiation enables compact reflector area while maintaining full image projection capability.
2Loss of information
If a large reflective surface is formed to display an image, then image quality is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional image projection plane (combiner) to a three-dimensional retinal projection system. By utilizing the curvature and positioning of the lens surface in conjunction with angularly selective nanostructures, the system achieves image projection without requiring a large flat reflective surface, thereby reducing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of image formation from planar projection to retinal projection. By altering the target surface from a combiner plane to the curved retinal surface, and by varying the reflection angle parameter across different lens positions, the system achieves high-quality image projection with reduced device dimensions.
3Loss of information
If a combiner protrudes from the inner surface of the lens, then image projection is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reflector function directly into the lens structure by integrating nanostructures onto the lens surface. This integration eliminates the need for a separate combiner component that protrudes from the lens, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the image projection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides optical focusing and simultaneously integrates the reflector function through surface nanostructures. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, simplifying the overall device structure while enabling image projection.
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 enables a compact design by eliminating the need for a large reflective surface, enhancing the field of view and simplifying manufacturing by integrating the reflective function directly onto the lens without affecting its existing functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a reflector that projects an image onto a retina of a user wearing the near eye wearable device by reflecting the laser light having passed through the movable mirror and irradiating the retina with reflected light
Implementation Method 2
each of the plurality of unit regions may be a laminate including a first metal layer, a dielectric layer, and a second metal layer in sequence in a first direction intersecting the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A retinal projection device includes: a light source that emits laser light; a movable mirror that performs scanning with the laser light; and a reflector that projects an image onto a retina of a user wearing a near eye wearable device by reflecting the laser light having passed through the movable mirror and irradiating the retina with reflected light. The reflector includes a plurality of unit regions provided along a surface of a lens of the near eye wearable device, and the surface faces an eyeball of the user. Each of the plurality of unit regions is a nanostructure configured to reflect the laser light at a reflection angle corresponding to a position where the unit region is provided when the laser light having passed through the movable mirror is incident on the unit region.