Three Prism Mixed Reality Optical System for Undistorted Real World View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constructing optical systems for mixed reality head-mounted displays that provide a clear and undistorted view of the real world while projecting virtual imagery is challenging, as existing systems often distort the real-world view.
Innovation Solution
The optical system employs three prisms, including a main body prism, a second prism with a flat surface for receiving real-world light, and a correcting plate, configured to minimize distortion by using air gaps and reflective coatings, allowing light from both sources to be projected to the user's eye without distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical systems are used to project virtual imagery, then the virtual image can be displayed, but the real world view becomes distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into three separate prism components: a first prism for receiving virtual imagery, a second prism for transmitting real world light, and a correcting plate. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the second prism and correcting plate specifically designed to maintain undistorted transmission of real world light while the first prism handles virtual image projection.
Solution Approach 2:
The second prism and correcting plate act as intermediary elements between the user's eye and the real world light path. These components are specifically configured with flat surfaces and appropriate optical properties to serve as mediators that transmit real world light without distortion while allowing the virtual imagery from the first prism to be superimposed onto this undistorted background.
2Device complexity
If a single prism is used to project virtual imagery, then the structure is simple, but distortion of the real world view occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single complex prism, the system segments the optical function across three separate components. The second prism and correcting plate are specifically designed as intermediary elements that can be manufactured with precise flat surfaces to ensure undistorted light transmission, while the first prism handles the more complex virtual image projection function.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If flat surfaces are used on prisms for real world light transmission, then distortion is minimized, but optical path control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The second prism and correcting plate with flat surfaces serve as intermediary elements that simplify the optical path for real world light. Their flat surfaces minimize distortion, while their positioning and configuration as intermediaries between the first prism and the user's eye allow the overall optical path to be controlled through their arrangement rather than through complex surface geometries.
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 configuration ensures that light from the real world is transmitted to the user's eye with minimal distortion, providing an undistorted view while projecting virtual imagery, enhancing the mixed reality experience.
Implementation Method 1
Light that enters the first surface of the first prism from the microdisplay is reflected at the second surface of the first prism by total internal reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A prism eye piece and optical system including a prism eye piece and microdisplay are described herein. The prism eye piece may include three prisms. A main body prism has a surface that receives light from a source such as a microdisplay. Another prism has a surface that receives light from a source such as the real world. Both of these images are projected through a surface of still another prism that is proximate to an exit pupil. The surface of the prism proximate the exit pupil may be flat. Also the surface of the prism that receives light from a source such as the real world may be flat. These flat surfaces may be parallel to each other. This allows the light from the real world to be transmitted to the exit pupil without distortion.