Wearable Optical System with Rotating Projection Optics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of smartphones and virtual reality systems often fail to be aware of their surroundings while viewing device screens, leading to accidents and discomfort due to the inability to see the real world simultaneously with the displayed data.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted display system that allows users to see the real world while viewing data on a screen, featuring lightweight design, a large field of view, and adjustable interpupillary distance through rotating projection optics, with a focus on ergonomic and cost-effective construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a head-mounted display is used to show data on a screen, then the user can view displayed data, but the user cannot see the real world simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple independent display zones that can be optically separated. Each eye receives a different portion of the screen through dedicated projection optics, allowing the user to view screen content while maintaining peripheral awareness of the real world through the transparent or reflective optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by positioning the display screen in a different orientation and plane relative to the user's line of sight. The projection optics redirect light from the screen at angles that allow simultaneous viewing of both the displayed content and the surrounding environment, effectively adding a dimensional layer to the viewing experience.
2Area of stationary object
If the field of view is increased, then the user can see more of the real world, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film optical elements such as beam splitters and partial reflectors that provide wide field of view functionality without adding significant weight. These thin film structures allow light to pass through while redirecting portions of the light path, enabling extended viewing angles with minimal mass addition.
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing angular redirection and spatial positioning of optical elements, the system expands the effective field of view in the angular dimension without proportionally increasing the physical footprint or weight of the device. The projection optics are arranged to maximize viewing angles while maintaining a compact form factor.
3Ease of operation
If the center of gravity is moved closer to the human head, then comfort is improved, but the optical system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical functions (display projection, real-world viewing, focus adjustment) into a unified optical system centered on the user's head. The projection optics, beam splitters, and display elements are combined in a compact arrangement that balances the center of gravity near the head while maintaining functional simplicity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable focus mechanisms that allow the optical path to be dynamically tuned for different viewing distances and conditions. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to maintain optimal performance with a fixed, head-centered mounting position, avoiding the need for complex reconfigurable structures.
4Ease of operation
If projection optics are added to enable focus adjustment, then viewing comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the focus adjustment function into a dedicated, simple mechanism within the projection optics. By isolating this function in a separate adjustable element (such as a movable lens or mirror), the system achieves focus control without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire optical system, maintaining simplicity while improving comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection optics include dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow real-time modification of the optical path for focus control. This dynamic element enables users to adjust viewing comfort for different conditions without adding substantial mechanical complexity, as the adjustment mechanism is integrated into the existing optical train.
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
Enables users to maintain awareness of their surroundings while using the device, providing a comfortable and cost-effective solution with minimal optical aberrations and reduced center of gravity, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The projection optics includes a beam splitter having a semi-reflective surface
Implementation Method 2
The projection optics includes an eyepiece having an optical power and a semi-reflective surface, the relay lens being located near a stop of the projection optics and relaying the image towards the eyepiece image plane at a distance of about 25 mm from the screen
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable optical system allows a user to watch a large screen, such as a smartphone screen, in a wide field of view (FOV) with both eyes, the field superimposed on the real world. The screen displays two separate zones to be the data source for each eye. The system includes two projection optical subassemblies based on a pupil forming eye piece. The interpupilarity distance (IPD) is adjusted by rotating each optical subassembly about a pivot, which is perpendicular to its specific display zone.