Single-Imager Display Glasses With PVH Optics for Lightweight 3D Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing VR and AR devices are bulky, heavy, and inconvenient for prolonged use, limiting their usability and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, wearable display device designed as glasses with a single imager that projects optical images to integrated lenses using planar optics and polarization volume hologram (PVH) lenses to minimize footprint and weight, allowing for wireless interaction and reduced manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If traditional VR/AR display devices are designed with multiple imagers and complex optical systems, then image quality and viewing experience are improved, but weight and device bulk increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single integrated lens assembly. Instead of using separate imagers and optical systems for left and right eyes, the invention combines these functions into one compact unit that delivers stereoscopic 3D imagery through a unified optical path, significantly reducing weight while maintaining image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated lens serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the optical element for image delivery and the structural component for housing the imager. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate optical housings and mounting structures, reducing overall device weight and complexity
2Volume of moving object
If VR/AR devices are designed with compact form factors, then wearability and comfort are improved, but optical performance and image delivery capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs waveguide technology that directs light through planar surfaces and utilizes total internal reflection to guide optical paths in three dimensions within a thin profile. This allows compact form factor while maintaining effective optical performance through clever use of light propagation in multiple dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses thin film optical elements and flexible waveguide structures that maintain optical performance in reduced thickness. These thin film technologies enable light manipulation and image delivery without requiring bulky traditional optical components
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imagers are used for left and right eye display, then stereoscopic 3D effect is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path within the single integrated lens to deliver separate images to left and right eyes. By using internal optical segmentation rather than separate external imagers, the system achieves stereoscopic 3D capability with reduced component count and simplified manufacturing
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 comfortable, versatile use of VR and AR experiences by maintaining a compact form factor while reducing weight and cost, facilitating simultaneous interaction with the real world.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated lens receiving a portion of the optical images, wherein the integrated lens includes one or more lenses, disposed on an exterior side of the integrated lens, directing the potion of the optical images to a predefined direction
Implementation Method 2
A lightweight, wearable display device designed as glasses with a single imager that projects optical images to integrated lenses using planar optics and polarization volume hologram (PVH) lenses
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for designing display (glasses) devices in light-weight and small footprint are described. To reduce the cost, weight and volume of the display devices, only one imager is used. An optical engine (cube) is provided to split optical images from the imager into a first (left) portion and a second (right) portion. Each of the portions is redirected via one or more optical lenses to a predefined path, where the optical lenses are based upon planar lenses in one embodiment, all having different optical characteristics to diffract light beams at predefined angles.