See-Through Head-Worn Display Optics for Stray Light Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable computing systems face challenges in providing lightweight, compact, and fully functional head-worn displays that offer high-resolution digital content alongside a clear see-through view of the environment, while effectively managing stray light to maintain image contrast and reducing system size and weight.

Innovation Solution

The use of optical configurations, including DLP and TIR wedge systems, to manage light reflection and absorption, combined with polarized light sources and reflective polarizers, to create a compact and lightweight head-worn display that provides high contrast and deep blacks by separating image and dark state light paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If traditional optical configurations are used in head-worn displays, then the system can provide basic display functionality, but the device becomes bulky and heavy with poor image contrast due to stray light

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay system weightVSAvoidimage contrast

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The optical system is divided into separate functional modules: a first optical element for displaying digital content and a second optical element for transmitting environmental light. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized independently, reducing overall system weight while maintaining image contrast through dedicated optical paths that prevent stray light contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A polarizing beam splitter is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the light source and the display elements. This mediator separates polarized light from non-polarized light, enabling the system to achieve high image contrast by blocking stray light while maintaining a compact, lightweight configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the display system uses separate optical elements for digital content and environmental light, then image contrast improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage contrastVSAvoidoptical system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The polarizing beam splitter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it separates polarized from non-polarized light, controls the optical paths for both digital content and environmental light, and enables compact integration of multiple optical elements. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity despite the increased number of optical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple optical functions are merged into a single compact housing that contains both the first optical element for digital content and the second optical element for environmental light transmission. The polarizing beam splitter integrates the light separation function within this unified structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high image contrast.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the optical system uses polarized light and beam splitters, then stray light is effectively managed, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestray light interferenceVSAvoidoptical alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system utilizes the polarization state of light as a key parameter to separate different light paths. By changing the polarization parameter rather than relying solely on precise spatial alignment, the system reduces sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances while effectively managing stray light interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution achieves a compact, lightweight, and high-contrast head-worn display that enhances the user's experience by providing sharp images and clear environmental visibility, reducing stray light interference.

Implementation Method 1

DLP and TIR wedge systems to manage light reflection and absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

DLP and TIR wedge systems to manage light reflection and absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 3

polarized light sources and reflective polarizers, to create a compact and lightweight head-worn display that provides high contrast and deep blacks by separating image and dark state light paths

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 4

manage light reflection and absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20260003197A1Optical configurations for head-worn see-through displays

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 MENTOR ACQUISITION ONE LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the present invention relate to methods and systems for providing a high transmission see-through view of the environment while trapping escaping light from the display system. In embodiments, a camera system is also provided that is aligned with the display system to provide images of the environment in a viewing direction of the user.