Unitary Optical Component for Pixelated Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unintended defects and distortions occur when combining images from optical systems with real-world images, necessitating a solution to produce a clear and undistorted single combined image.
Innovation Solution
A unitary reflective and transmissive optical component, which includes a wire grid polarizer, multi-layer interference stack reflective polarizer, or holographic reflective polarizer, is used to receive and process display and scene images with orthogonal polarizations, forming a combined image by reflecting and transmitting these images through a contact lens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a unitary reflective and transmissive optical component with polarizing filters is used to combine display and scene images, then image quality and clarity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (reflection, transmission, polarization) into a single unitary optical component. The component integrates a reflective polarizer that simultaneously reflects display images with one polarization state while transmitting scene images with orthogonal polarization state, eliminating the need for separate optical elements and reducing overall system complexity despite maintaining high image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The unitary optical component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a beam splitter and a polarizing filter. The component selectively reflects polarized light from the display while transmitting polarized light from the scene, enabling one element to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate optical components
2Stability of the object's composition
If orthogonal polarizations are used to separate display and scene images, then image distortion is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes polarization state as a distinguishing parameter to separate display and scene images. By assigning orthogonal polarization states to different image sources and using a polarizing beam splitter, the system achieves clean image separation without distortion. The manufacturing precision challenge is addressed through the inherent properties of the polarizing material and standard optical alignment procedures
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 approach effectively reduces defects and distortions, allowing for a clear and undistorted combined image to be formed, enhancing image quality in optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
The unitary reflective and transmissive optical component includes a wire grid polarizer
Implementation Method 2
The unitary reflective and transmissive optical component to receive the display image and to form a reflected display image
Implementation Method 3
The unitary reflective and transmissive optical component to receive a scene image and form a transmitted scene image
Implementation Method 4
The unitary reflective and transmissive optical component includes a multi-layer interference stack reflective polarizer
Implementation Method 5
the contact lens to form a combined image including the reflected display image and the transmitted scene image
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for providing pixelated occlusion is disclosed. The apparatus includes a display, a unitary and transmissive optical component, and a contact lens. The display provides a display image. The unitary reflective and transmissive optical component receives the display image and forms a reflected display image having a first polarization and receives a scene image and forms a transmitted scene image. The contact lens forms a combined image including the reflected display image and the transmitted scene image. The pixelated display includes one or more occluding pixels having a second polarization with the first polarization substantially orthogonal to the second polarization. The pixelated display is included anterior to the unitary and reflective optical component.