See-through Display Using Deformable Lens for Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display technologies are inadequate for effectively implementing augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) applications, as they lack the capability to display two-dimensional images at varying depths, which is essential for creating a realistic and immersive experience in real-world environments.
Innovation Solution
A see-through type display apparatus comprising a spatial light modulator, a depth generator, and a light path change member, which time-sequentially outputs multi-layered two-dimensional images and generates depth information by varying the focal distance, allowing for the combination of virtual and real-world images to be displayed at different depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional display technologies are used, then the display can show two-dimensional images, but it cannot display images at varying depths which is essential for realistic AR and MR experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a deformable lens that can dynamically change its focal length in real-time. By applying voltage to the lens, the focal point varies, enabling the display to render images at different depths. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to create multiple depth layers from a single 2D image, providing realistic depth perception for AR and MR applications without requiring multiple physical displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (focal length) of the lens to achieve different depth effects. By varying the focal length parameter through electrical control, the system can adjust the convergence point of light rays, thereby controlling the perceived depth of displayed images. This parameter change enables a single display device to simulate multiple depth planes, resolving the contradiction between 2D display simplicity and 3D depth realism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single 2D image is displayed, then the display structure remains simple, but it cannot provide multi-layered depth information needed for immersive AR experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable lens serves as a dynamic optical element that can be electrically controlled to change its shape and focal length. This single dynamic component replaces what would otherwise require multiple static displays or complex optical systems, achieving multi-layered depth information while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes a single lens perform multiple functions by varying its focal length. The same lens element can focus light at different distances, effectively serving as multiple lenses with different focal lengths. This multi-functionality allows one display component to generate multi-layered depth information, avoiding the need for multiple separate display devices or complex optical assemblies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the focal distance is varied to generate depth information, then multi-layered depth images can be created, but the system requires coordination with frame speed which increases control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous focal length adjustment synchronized with the display frame rate. The lens continuously varies its focal length in coordination with each frame update, ensuring that depth information is consistently generated for every displayed image. This continuous synchronized action eliminates the need for complex discrete control mechanisms, as the system maintains smooth operation through continuous adaptation matched to the natural frame refresh cycle.
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 the creation of a more immersive and realistic AR and MR experience by effectively overlaying virtual information onto real-world environments, enhancing the sense of reality and applicability in various settings.
Implementation Method 1
The polarization member may include a liquid crystal
Implementation Method 2
The focal point varying member may include a bi-refractive lens
Data Source
AI summary
A see-through type display apparatus includes a spatial light modulator configured to time-sequentially output a multi-layered two-dimensional (2D) image, a depth generator configured to generate a multi-layered depth image having pieces of different depth information from the multi-layered 2D image based on a focal distance that is a distance between the depth generator and a focus point of the multi-layered 2D image; and a light path change member configured to change at least one of a first transmission path of light corresponding to the multi-layered depth image and a second transmission path of external light corresponding to an external image, to thereby transmit the multi-layered depth image and the external image to a same area.