Transparent Near Eye Optical Module with Micro-Lens Array
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current augmented and mixed reality systems are bulky, power-hungry, fashion-limited, expensive, and have a large form factor, necessitating a transformative technology change for increased adoption.
Innovation Solution
A transparent near eye optical module featuring a see-through display with a micro-lens array and light blocks, enabling a hermetically sealed, sparsely populated pixel configuration that allows for both real and virtual image rendering while maintaining transparency, using OLEDs, iLEDs, or TOLEDs with a flexible electrical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional AR/MR systems are used, then functional requirements are met, but the form factor becomes large and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The optical module is divided into discrete functional components: a transparent display element with pixels, a micro-lens array with individual lenslets, and light blocking elements. Each component is independently optimized and then integrated, allowing the system to achieve compact form factor while maintaining functional complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth/spacing) by positioning the transparent display and micro-lens array at different axial locations with a controlled spacing between them. This dimensional arrangement allows light to pass through both elements sequentially, enabling compact integration without compromising optical performance or requiring lateral expansion.
2Shape
If transparent display is used, then aesthetic appeal and fashionability improve, but image rendering quality may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The light blocking elements are strategically positioned only in specific locations where needed to prevent unwanted light paths, rather than creating a complete opaque barrier. This localized approach maintains transparency in critical viewing areas while providing sufficient optical control for image rendering, thus preserving aesthetic appeal without sacrificing image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-lens array serves as an intermediary optical element that mediates between the transparent display and the user's eye. The lenslets focus and direct light from the transparent pixels while blocking stray light paths, enabling the system to maintain both transparency and image rendering quality through this intermediate optical stage.
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 solution provides a lightweight, efficient, and aesthetically appealing AR/MR solution that enhances user experience by offering a seamless blend of real and virtual images, improving adoption and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-lens array spaced apart from and positioned in optical alignment with one or more pixels (or pixel patches) of the near eye display
Implementation Method 2
A light block is optionally placed behind each pixel and located on the side furthest away from the eye of a user
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A see-through transparent (or semi-transparent) near eye optical module includes a transparent sparsely populated near eye display comprising a plurality of pixels or pixel patches and a sparsely populated micro-lens array comprising a plurality of micro-lenses positioned in optical alignment with the plurality of pixels or pixel patches of the sparsely populated transparent near eye display. The sparsely populated transparent near eye display has a pixel fill factor capable of rendering the near eye display at least partially transparent. Light rays originating from outside the transparent sparsely populated near eye module pass through the transparent sparsely populated near eye display and sparsely populated micro-lens array of the transparent near eye module to an eye of a user to form a real image perceived by the user. The transparent sparsely populated near eye display further produces light rays generated by way of active pixels which pass through aligned micro-lenses to form a virtual image perceived by the eye of the user. The combination of the real image with the virtual images as perceived by the eye of a user causes the perception of Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality for the user. Light rays being projected away from the eye of the user are reduced or blocked by the transparent near eye display.