Separated Pupil Optical Systems for VR
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional virtual and augmented reality systems suffer from eye fatigue and discomfort due to the vergence-accommodation conflict, which is not adequately addressed by existing stereoscopic configurations, and are hindered by the complexity and size of optical systems required for multiple depth planes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical system with spatially separated light sources and injection optical elements that form distinct pupils, allowing for selective illumination of light-guiding optical elements and reducing the number of optical components, thereby simplifying and miniaturizing the system while maintaining efficient 3D image generation across multiple depth planes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stereoscopic configurations are used, then 3D image generation is achieved, but eye fatigue and discomfort occur due to vergence-accommodation conflict
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into multiple light-guiding optical elements, each corresponding to a specific depth plane. Each element has its own in-coupling grating that selectively admits light beams for that depth plane. This segmentation allows independent control of vergence and accommodation for each depth plane, resolving the vergence-accommodation conflict that causes eye fatigue in conventional stereoscopic displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the depth plane dimension to the optical system by using multiple light-guiding optical elements stacked along the optical path. Each element handles a specific depth plane, creating a four-dimensional display space (x, y, depth, focus). This dimensional expansion allows the system to provide both vergence and accommodation cues for multiple depth planes simultaneously, eliminating the harmful vergence-accommodation conflict.
2Reliability
If multiple depth planes are implemented using conventional optical systems, then 3D image quality is improved, but system complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated optical system. The light-guiding optical elements simultaneously perform multiple functions: guiding light from the light source, providing depth plane separation through in-coupling gratings, and enabling selective illumination. This merging reduces the number of separate optical components needed compared to conventional systems that would require separate optics for each depth plane.
Solution Approach 2:
The light-guiding optical elements are designed as universal components that can handle multiple depth planes. Each element contains in-coupling gratings that can selectively admit light beams for different depth planes, making the system multi-functional. This universality allows a single optical element to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate optical components, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional optical systems are used for multiple depth planes, then 3D image generation is achieved, but system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple light-guiding optical elements are stacked along the optical path, with each element containing in-coupling gratings that are integrated into the element itself. This nesting allows multiple depth plane functions to be packed into a compact volume, reducing the overall system size compared to conventional systems that would require separate optical assemblies for each depth plane.
4Reliability
If conventional optical systems are used, then 3D presentation is achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses selective illumination where the light source alternates between illuminating different depth planes in a periodic manner. The in-coupling gratings are configured to admit light beams for specific depth planes at specific times. This periodic action allows the system to present multiple depth planes over time without requiring all light-guiding elements to be illuminated simultaneously, significantly reducing power consumption compared to conventional systems that would illuminate all depth planes continuously.
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
This approach minimizes eye fatigue by aligning vergence and accommodation, reduces system size and power consumption, and enhances the efficiency and comfort of 3D image presentation in virtual and augmented reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
a light-guiding optical element having an in-coupling grating configured to admit a first beam of the plurality into the light-guiding optical element while excluding a second beam of the plurality from the light-guiding optical element
Implementation Method 2
such that the first beam propagates by substantially total internal reflection through the light-guiding optical element
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging system includes a light source configured to produce a plurality of spatially separated light beams. The system also includes an injection optical system configured to modify the plurality of beams, such that respective pupils formed by beams of the plurality exiting from the injection optical system are spatially separated from each other. The system further includes a light-guiding optical element having an in-coupling grating configured to admit a first beam of the plurality into the light-guiding optical element while excluding a second beam of the plurality from the light-guiding optical element, such that the first beam propagates by substantially total internal reflection through the light-guiding optical element.