See-Through Display Panel Assembly for Compact Helmet Visors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for optical processing of display and non-display information are bulky and unsuitable for applications with limited space, such as fighter pilot helmets, due to their large size and inability to provide a comfortable eye-to-system distance while maintaining a large field of view.
Innovation Solution
A display panel assembly that includes a transparent substrate with a reflector and a bandpass or polarization filter, used in conjunction with a contact lens to process and combine display and non-display information, allowing for compact optical processing and focusing of light without the need for large, bulky components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multi-component optical systems are used to achieve large field of view and comfortable eye-to-system distance, then the field of view and comfort are improved, but the system size becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (display information processing, non-display information transmission, focusing, and field of view expansion) into a single integrated contact lens assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate bulky optical components while maintaining the required field of view and comfortable viewing distance through micro-optics embedded in the lens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wavefront coding and phase modulation techniques to extend the depth of field in the optical path, effectively adding a dimensional aspect to light processing. This allows the system to maintain focus across varying distances without requiring multiple physical lenses or adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-component optical systems are used to achieve large field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact lens assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it processes display information from integrated displays, transmits non-display information from the environment, provides focusing power, and maintains a large field of view. This multi-functionality within a single device reduces system complexity compared to separate specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical systems with wavefront coding and phase modulation techniques. Instead of using multiple physical lenses and mirrors to achieve large field of view and focus, the system uses phase-modulated light waves that can be processed optically, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustments and component assemblies.
3Reliability
If traditional optical systems are used for display information processing, then the processing capability is adequate, but the space requirement is too large for helmet applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds micro-optical components and display elements directly within the contact lens structure. The display information processing functionality is nested within the lens itself, with micro-displays and optical elements integrated at the cellular level of the lens material, minimizing the external space required while maintaining full processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact lens uses thin-film optical elements and flexible substrate materials to achieve the required optical processing in a extremely compact form factor. The flexible nature of the contact lens allows integration of multiple functional layers (display, filtering, focusing) in a thin profile that requires minimal space compared to rigid traditional optical systems.
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 compact and efficient processing of display and non-display information, allowing for a comfortable eye-to-system distance and a large field of view, making it suitable for applications like fighter pilot helmets where space is limited.
Implementation Method 1
The reflector may be a narrow band reflector or a polarization reflector
Implementation Method 2
The reflector may be a narrow band reflector or a polarization reflector
Implementation Method 3
the bandpass filter limits bandwidths of light emitted from the display panel toward the narrow band reflector such that substantially no light passes through the narrow band reflector
Implementation Method 4
the polarization filter limits the polarity of light emitted from the display panel toward the polarization reflector such that substantially no light passes through the first polarization reflector
Implementation Method 5
a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention provide for systems and apparatus directed toward using a contact lens and deflection optics to process display information and non-display information. In one embodiment of the invention, a display panel assembly is provided, comprising: a transparent substrate that permits light to pass through substantially undistorted; a reflector disposed on the transparent substrate; and a display panel aimed toward the reflector and substantially away from a human visual system, wherein the reflector reflects light emitted from the display panel toward the human visual system. The reflector may comprise a narrow band reflector or a polarization reflector.