Variable Focus Lens for Augmented Reality Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented reality displays often limit users to seeing objects, both real and virtual, clearly in only a portion of the space due to focus limitations, particularly affecting individuals with refractive errors or age-related vision issues like Presbyopia.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a near-eye display system with a variable focus lens that automatically adjusts to the user's current focal region, using a microdisplay assembly and processors to project virtual images at a real-world focal distance, enhancing visibility of both real and virtual objects by determining the user's field of view and focal region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed focus lens is used in the near-eye display device, then the device structure is simple, but users can only see objects clearly in a limited portion of space and cannot accommodate different focal distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable focus lens that can dynamically change its focal length to accommodate different viewing distances. The lens transitions from a fixed focus state to a dynamic adjustable focus state, allowing users to clearly see objects at various distances in the augmented reality space without changing physical glasses or lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter (focal length) of the lens to resolve the contradiction. By making the focal length adjustable rather than fixed, the system achieves adaptability across different focal distances while managing the complexity through controlled parameter variation rather than multiple physical components.
2Manufacturing precision
If a variable focus lens is added to enable automatic focus adjustment, then users can see objects clearly across their field of view, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where sensors detect the user's current focal region and the processor automatically adjusts the variable focus lens accordingly. This closed-loop control system maintains high visual acuity by continuously monitoring and adjusting the lens focus, managing the complexity through automated control rather than manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The focus adjustment system operates autonomously without requiring user intervention. The device self-adjusts the lens focus based on detected viewing conditions, eliminating the need for manual focus mechanisms and reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the focal region is manually adjusted, then users can change focus distance, but individuals with refractive errors or Presbyopia still cannot see objects clearly across the entire space
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects and compensates for individual user's focal requirements, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. This self-adjusting capability ensures that users with refractive errors or Presbyopia can see objects clearly across the entire viewing space without requiring operational effort or knowledge of focus mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable focus lens system with automatic detection serves multiple user types universally, accommodating normal vision, refractive errors, and age-related vision changes through a single integrated solution rather than requiring different manual adjustment procedures for different user groups.
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 solution allows users to see both real and virtual objects clearly across their field of view, improving visual acuity and accommodating different focal distances, thereby addressing focus limitations and enhancing the overall augmented reality experience.
Implementation Method 1
a variable focus lens positioned to be seen through for at least one eye and a focal region adjustment unit for focusing the variable focus lens
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented reality system provides improved focus of real and virtual objects. A see-through display device includes a variable focus lens a user looks through. A focal region adjustment unit automatically focuses the variable focus lens in a current user focal region. A microdisplay assembly attached to the see-through display device generates a virtual object for display in the user's current focal region by adjusting its focal region. The variable focus lens may also be adjusted to provide one or more zoom features. Visual enhancement of an object may also be provided to improve a user's perception of an object.