Ultra-Thin Optical Component for Compact AR Glasses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Head-mounted display devices face challenges in achieving a compact and lightweight design while maintaining optical performance and proper image source placement, leading to issues with size, image source location, and optical performance.
Innovation Solution
An ultra-thin optical component comprising a mirror projection device and a reflector, where the mirror projection device refracts image light symmetrically to form a real image between the human eye and the reflector, and the reflector reflects the image light to the eye, with a micro-reflector array or inverted image system, and a primary and auxiliary mirror with a free-form reflective surface, allowing for thinness without compromising optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If thin lenses are designed to reduce device thickness, then the device becomes more compact and lightweight, but optical performance and image source location are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional optical path by forming a real image between the eye and reflector using a mirror projection device, then reflecting this real image to the eye. This inverted approach allows thin lens design while maintaining optical performance, as the real image formation occurs in space rather than requiring thick lens elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension between the eye and reflector to form a real image, transitioning from traditional 2D lens surface optimization to 3D spatial optical path design. This dimensional change enables thin lens implementation while preserving optical quality through strategic image placement in the Z-direction.
2Device complexity
If the image source is placed directly at the real image position, then optical path is simplified, but the device blocks the human eye's sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reflector as an intermediary element that reflects the real image to the eye. This allows the image source to be positioned away from the direct optical path in front of the eye, eliminating sight obstruction while maintaining optical efficiency through the reflected path.
3Reliability
If the reflector size is increased to improve optical performance, then image quality improves, but the device becomes larger and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the reflector's focal length parameter (15-25mm) and curvature to achieve high image quality with minimal reflector size. By precisely controlling optical parameters like focal length and curvature radius, the system attains excellent optical performance with a compact, lightweight reflector structure.
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 enables a compact and lightweight display device that adapts to different visual degrees, reduces weight, and provides a layout that does not obstruct the eye, while maintaining optical performance, allowing for a design that resembles ordinary glasses.
Implementation Method 1
the mirror projection device is configured to refract image light symmetrically, then form a real image, and project the real image onto the reflector
Implementation Method 2
the reflector is configured to reflect the image light to the human eye
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an ultra-thin optical component, including a mirror projection device and a reflector, where the mirror projection device is configured to refract image light symmetrically, then form a real image, and project the real image to the reflector, where the real image is located between a human eye and the reflector; and the reflector is configured to reflect the image light to the human eye. The present invention further provides a display device using the ultra-thin optical component and a virtual imaging method. By means of the ultra-thin optical component, the display device, and the imaging method in the present invention, an optical component is made thinner and lighter, and an image source display device is easier to configure and package, to achieve the appearance of ordinary glasses.