Spectacle Optical Unit Layout for See-Through Image Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted displays, including connected spectacles, are bulky and obstructive, failing to optimize the size, weight, and design of common spectacles while allowing unobstructed viewing of the external environment.
Innovation Solution
A spectacle system with an optical unit featuring an emitting module and a geometric reflection element positioned near the nose joint, minimizing bulk and obstruction, and projecting images onto the rear diopter of the lens without obstructing direct vision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display system is integrated into spectacles, then the display function is provided, but the spectacles become bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical display systems with optical waveguide technology. The waveguide uses total internal reflection to guide light from the display source through the spectacle lens, eliminating the need for heavy mirrors and complex mechanical components. This substitution of mechanical systems with optical phenomena directly reduces the weight while maintaining display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin film waveguide structures integrated into the spectacle lenses. These thin optical films replace bulky traditional display components, allowing the display system to be integrated into the lens itself without adding significant weight. The thin film approach enables the display function while maintaining the lightweight characteristic of conventional spectacles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display system is integrated into spectacles, then the display function is provided, but the spectacles occupy more space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the display source and waveguide structure within the existing spectacle lens volume. The waveguide is embedded as a thin layer within the lens material itself, and the display source is positioned in the available space at the temple or frame. This nesting approach allows the display system to occupy the same spatial envelope as traditional spectacles without increasing overall volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional bulky display system to a two-dimensional thin film waveguide integrated into the lens surface. By spreading the optical functionality across the lens area rather than stacking components in depth, the system achieves display functionality without increasing the volumetric dimensions of the spectacles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display system is integrated into spectacles, then the display function is provided, but the view of the environment is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the display function locally to specific regions of the spectacle lens rather than making the entire lens opaque. The waveguide is positioned in the peripheral regions of the lens where it can display information without blocking the central field of view. This local application of the display function allows users to see through the central portion of the lens while receiving display information in the periphery.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary that delivers display information to the user's periphery of vision without requiring the user to move their eyes or head. The optical design directs display light into the user's peripheral visual field, allowing simultaneous viewing of the environment through the central vision and display information through the periphery, thus eliminating the need for eye movements that would otherwise obstruct the view.
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 system provides a high-quality image with a wide field of view while maintaining unobstructed direct vision, optimizing the compactness and design of common spectacles.
Implementation Method 1
The optical unit includes a waveguide for transmitting, by means of total internal reflection, a light coming from a display source
Implementation Method 2
Spectacles with waveguides in the stems have been described in WO 2015/075206 (Carl Zeiss Optics); they require the use of a set of prisms in order to extract light from the spectacle lenses
Implementation Method 3
each screen projects an image into the eye of the spectacle wearer by means of the internal (rear) diopter of the spectacle lens
Data Source
AI summary
Spectacles, comprising a face defining a passage for a nose of a user, may be provided with a lens-type optical unit. Internal edges may define the face, the edges being respectively turned toward lateral edges of the face. The spectacles may comprise a module for emitting visual information and a geometric element for returning the converted visual information, including towards a target zone of the optical unit. The emitting module may be placed at the bottom or top portion of an internal edge of the face, whereas a geometric return element may be placed in the top or bottom portion. The return element may be placed at the top portion of one internal edge when the emitting module is placed at the bottom portion of the one internal edge. And the return element may be placed at the bottom portion when the emitting module is placed at the top portion.