See-through Display Optics Stray Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-mounted display (HMD) systems, particularly those providing a see-through view, face challenges in optimizing user experience due to complex operations in presenting content effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of advanced head-worn computing systems with integrated optical modules, including DLP displays, polarized light sources, and combiner elements, which allow for high-resolution digital content to be overlaid on the real environment while minimizing stray light and enhancing contrast, using techniques such as TIR wedges and dark state light trapping to improve image quality and user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If see-through display systems are used to allow users to view the real environment, then transparency and see-through capability are improved, but image quality, contrast, and stray light control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a combiner element as an intermediary component that selectively reflects display light while transmitting environmental light. This mediator enables the see-through capability by allowing users to view the real environment through the display device, while simultaneously presenting digital content by reflecting light from the display toward the user's eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using a light trap positioned at a specific location to absorb stray light in targeted areas. The light trap is strategically placed to capture and absorb reflected and scattered light that would otherwise degrade image quality, thereby improving contrast and reducing glare in specific regions of the optical path.
2Loss of information
If display content is overlaid on the real environment, then information presentation is improved, but contrast ratio and image quality deteriorate due to stray light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of stray light into a beneficial outcome by using a light trap to absorb and eliminate unwanted reflected and scattered light. The light trap transforms the potential degradation of image quality into an opportunity to enhance contrast and eliminate glare, thereby improving overall image quality while maintaining information presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The combiner element serves as an intermediary that separates display light from environmental light. It reflects display content toward the user's eye while transmitting environmental light, enabling effective information presentation as an overlay on the real environment without significant loss of information.
3Manufacturing precision
If optical components are added to improve image quality and reduce stray light, then image quality and contrast are improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single combiner element that simultaneously reflects display light and transmits environmental light. This integration reduces the number of separate optical components needed, thereby simplifying the overall optical system while maintaining image quality and contrast enhancement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The light trap acts as an intermediary component that simplifies stray light management by consolidating light absorption functions in a single element. This approach reduces the complexity of managing multiple light control mechanisms while effectively reducing glare and enhancing contrast.
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
These systems provide a seamless and immersive experience by ensuring high contrast, deep blacks, and reduced stray light, allowing for effective digital content overlay on the real environment, enhancing user interaction and immersion.
Implementation Method 1
TIR wedges
Implementation Method 2
polarized light sources
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention relate to providing see-through computer display optics with improved content presentation.