See-through Near-eye Display Glasses with Small Scale Image Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented reality eyepieces lack the capability to seamlessly integrate 3D augmented reality content display and interaction with the surrounding environment, limiting user engagement and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The eyepiece incorporates an internal software application running on an integrated multimedia computing facility, utilizing projection optics with RGB LED modules and LCoS displays for field sequential color illumination, enabling see-through display of augmented reality content while maintaining visibility of the environment, with advanced input and output interfaces for user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional display methods are used in augmented reality eyepieces, then the display capability is limited, but the integration with the surrounding environment and user engagement are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (display, environmental sensing, user interaction) into a single integrated eyepiece system. The projection optics system merges virtual image display with see-through environmental visibility, while the integrated software application combines content delivery, environmental sensing, and user interaction capabilities into one unified platform, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The eyepiece is designed as a universal platform that can simultaneously perform multiple functions: displaying 3D augmented reality content, providing see-through environmental visibility, sensing environmental inputs, and enabling various user interaction modes. This multi-functionality approach allows the device to adapt to different use cases without requiring separate specialized devices, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through a unified architecture
2Illumination intensity
If advanced projection optics with RGB LED modules and LCoS displays are used, then 3D augmented reality display capability is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the LCoS display and RGB LED modules are integrated within a compact projection optics system. The field sequential color illumination method allows the same optical path to be used for different color components sequentially, effectively nesting multiple functional elements within a reduced volume compared to simultaneous multi-color projection systems
Solution Approach 2:
The field sequential color illumination technique uses periodic temporal sequencing of red, green, and blue LED modules to create full-color images. By rapidly switching between color channels in sequence and utilizing human visual persistence, the system achieves full-color display capability without requiring all three color sources to operate simultaneously, thereby reducing peak power consumption and thermal management requirements, which contributes to compact device design
3Illumination intensity
If see-through lens is used, then environmental visibility is maintained, but image overlay precision and contrast are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter layer as an intermediary optical element that separates the optical paths for virtual image projection and environmental viewing. This beam splitter enables precise control over the mixing ratio of virtual and real images, improving overlay precision by ensuring that virtual images are projected at the correct spatial location while maintaining environmental visibility through the see-through lens
Solution Approach 2:
The optical assembly employs different optical properties in different regions: the beam splitter layer has specific reflective and transmissive characteristics optimized for virtual image projection, while the see-through lens maintains high transmittance for environmental visibility. This local optimization of optical properties allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision while contributing to the overall system performance
4Ease of operation
If multiple input and output interfaces are integrated, then user interaction capability is enhanced, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the eyepiece can adaptively activate or deactivate different input and output interfaces based on current operational needs. The system can switch between different interaction modes (e.g., voice-only, touch-only, or combined modes) and adjust sensor activation patterns to minimize power consumption while maintaining ease of operation. This dynamic configuration allows the device to provide comprehensive user interaction capabilities when needed while conserving energy during normal operation
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 immersive 3D augmented reality experiences by allowing users to interact with both virtual and real-world elements, enhancing user engagement and functionality through advanced display and interaction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
projection optics with RGB LED modules and LCoS displays for field sequential color illumination
Implementation Method 2
LCoS displays for field sequential color illumination
Implementation Method 3
A beam splitter layer is provided between the image source and the see-through display lens
Implementation Method 4
transmits a second portion of scene light from a see-through view of a surrounding environment
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive head-mounted eyepiece with an integrated processor for handling content for display and an integrated image source for introducing the content to an optical assembly through which the user views a surrounding environment and the displayed content, wherein the height of the image source is at least 80% of a display active area width of the optical assembly.