Variable Lens Wearable Projecting Virtual Image at Matching Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of wearable devices with projection type display units may experience dizziness and discomfort due to mismatched depth perceptions between actual and projected images, as the depth of the projected image does not adjust according to the location of actual objects.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for providing a virtual image by adjusting the virtual object distance based on the viewing distance of actual objects, using a wearable device equipped with a projection type display unit and a variable lens that adjusts the focal length to match the depth of actual objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed focal length is used in the projection type display unit, then the device structure is simple, but the depth of the projected image cannot match the actual object distance, causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable lens that can dynamically adjust its focal length based on the distance to actual objects. The lens transitions from a fixed focal length structure to a dynamic adjustable structure, allowing the projected image depth to match the actual object distance, thereby resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the focal length parameter of the lens from a fixed value to a variable value that can be adjusted according to object distance. This parameter change enables the projected image to have varying depths that correspond to actual object distances, improving user comfort without significantly complicating the overall device structure.
2Reliability
If the virtual image depth is fixed, then the projection system is simple, but the depth information does not correspond to actual object distance, causing dizziness
Solution Approach 1:
The projection system incorporates a variable lens that dynamically adjusts focal length based on detected object distance. This dynamic adjustment ensures that the virtual image depth accurately reflects the actual object distance, improving depth perception reliability while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses distance detection (via camera or other sensors) to provide feedback about actual object distance, which then controls the focal length adjustment of the variable lens. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate depth correspondence between virtual and real objects, preventing user discomfort from depth mismatches.
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 effectively reduces user discomfort by ensuring that the virtual image is projected at a depth that matches the actual object's location, thereby maintaining a harmonious and clear visual experience.
Implementation Method 1
using a wearable device equipped with a projection type display unit and a variable lens that adjusts the focal length to match the depth of actual objects
Data Source
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AI summary
A wearable device and a method of outputting a virtual image by the wearable device area provided. The wearable device includes a projection type display unit that includes a variable lens and configured to project a light forming an image, a first sensor configured to detect a light reflected from an eye of a user, and a processor configured to control to display the virtual image on the projection type display unit by controlling one of a location of the variable lens and refractive power of the variable lens based on retina image information corresponding to the detected light.