18274303. FOVEATED OPTICAL LENS FOR NEAR EYE DISPLAY simplified abstract (3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY)

FOVEATED OPTICAL LENS FOR NEAR EYE DISPLAY

Organization Name

3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY

Inventor(s)

Timothy L. Wong of West St. Paul MN (US)

John D. Le of Woodbury MN (US)

David J.W. Aastuen of Shoreview MN (US)

FOVEATED OPTICAL LENS FOR NEAR EYE DISPLAY - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18274303 titled 'FOVEATED OPTICAL LENS FOR NEAR EYE DISPLAY

The optical system described in the patent application forms a virtual image of an image emitted by a display for viewing by an eye, with the eye having an optical eye axis.

• The system includes at least one lens and is designed to provide different image resolutions based on the alignment of the eye axis with the system axis or a field axis.
• The first retinal image of the virtual image at a specific field angle has a certain resolution when the eye axis is aligned with the system axis.
• When the eye is rotated to align the eye axis with a field axis, the image resolution improves significantly.
• The patent focuses on enhancing image resolution based on the alignment of the eye axis with different axes within the optical system.

Potential Applications: - Virtual reality headsets - Augmented reality devices - Medical imaging equipment

Problems Solved: - Improving image resolution for users with varying eye alignments - Enhancing the viewing experience in optical systems

Benefits: - Enhanced image quality for users - Improved user experience in viewing virtual images - Increased versatility in optical system design

Commercial Applications: Title: Enhanced Image Resolution Technology for Optical Systems This technology can be utilized in various commercial products such as virtual reality headsets, medical imaging devices, and augmented reality glasses. The improved image resolution can lead to better user experiences and increased market competitiveness.

Questions about the technology: 1. How does the alignment of the eye axis affect image resolution in the optical system? 2. What are the potential implications of this technology in the field of virtual reality and augmented reality devices?

Original Abstract Submitted

An optical system includes an optical system axis, a display and at least one lens, the optical system forming a virtual image of an image emitted by the display for viewing by an eye, the eye having an optical eye axis, such that a first retinal image of the virtual image at a first virtual image location and an associated first field angle, the first field angle between about 5 degrees and about 30 degrees, has a first image resolution when the eye axis is substantially coincident with the system axis, and a second image resolution when the eye is rotated so that the eye axis is substantially coincident with a first field axis extending between the eye and the virtual image at the first field angle, wherein the second image resolution is greater than the first image resolution.