Tunable Lens Refractive Index Control for Wearable Display Blur Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable electronic devices face challenges in providing optimal image quality due to weight reduction for comfort, which complicates the implementation of optical systems that cater to diverse user eye sights, body types, and wearing tendencies. Additionally, downsized devices struggle to suppress distortion and aberration with a limited number of lenses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tunable lens in wearable electronic devices that can adjust its refractive index and focal length, allowing for dynamic optical performance optimization based on user gaze and specific areas of the lens, thereby reducing blur and enhancing image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the number of lenses is reduced to reduce device weight and size, then wearability and comfort are improved, but optical performance deteriorates with increased distortion and aberration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a tunable lens whose refractive index can be dynamically adjusted through applied voltage. This allows a single lens to perform the optical functions previously requiring multiple fixed lenses, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining or improving optical performance across different viewing conditions and user eye sights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by employing a tunable lens with variable refractive index that can be adjusted in real-time based on user gaze detection and specific optical requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the lens to optimize optical performance for different scenarios without requiring multiple physical lenses, thus reducing overall device weight.
2Volume of moving object
If the number of lenses is reduced to downsize the device, then portability and user accessibility are improved, but distortion and aberration suppression becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting the refractive index of the tunable lens through voltage control. This enables a single lens to compensate for optical distortions and aberrations that would traditionally require multiple lenses to correct, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining optical precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of multiple fixed lenses with a single tunable lens whose optical properties are controlled electrically through voltage application. This substitution allows for more compact device design while maintaining the ability to suppress distortion and aberration through software-controlled optical parameter adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tunable lens is used to adjust refractive index for different user eye sights, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single tunable lens to perform multiple optical functions including focus adjustment for different eye sights, distortion correction, and aberration suppression. This multi-functional approach improves adaptability across diverse user needs while avoiding the complexity of managing multiple specialized lenses and their respective control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated gaze detection and processing that automatically adjusts the tunable lens parameters without requiring manual user input. The system detects user gaze, determines appropriate optical settings, and adjusts the lens refractive index autonomously, thereby improving adaptability while reducing the operational complexity for the user.
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 tunable lens system effectively improves image quality by reducing blur and distortion, particularly in peripheral areas, while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable design for wearable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a tunable lens configured to adjust a refractive index in response to an applied voltage
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a wearable electronic device may include a camera, a display, a lens assembly configured to focus or guide light beams representing visual information output from the display, the lens assembly including a first lens configured to adjust a refractive index by receiving an electrical signal, at least one processor and memory storing instructions. According to an embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to control the display to output the light beams representing the visual information through the lens assembly. According to an embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to adjust a refractive index of a first area of the first lens corresponding to a first distance from an edge of the first lens to reduce blur of a first object displayed based on the first light beams passing through the first area of the first lens corresponding to the first distance from the edge of the first lens. According to an embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, may cause the wearable electronic device to adjust the refractive index of the second area of the first lens to a second value corresponding to a second distance, which is longer than the first distance, from the edge of the first lens. Various other embodiments may be possible.