Microsoft's new patent exposure | Overcoming VR/AR equipment vision is too small

In recent years, changes in virtual reality and augmented reality (AR) have been heated up. Unfortunately, the device-side user experience of current technologies is still not friendly enough, especially in terms of horizons (FOV). The good news is that July On the 19th, the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) published a new patent from Microsoft, entitled "Lens Lens for Near-Eye Display Devices." It is known from the description that it is expected to overcome the problem of small view of AR / VR equipment.

(Photo from: Microsoft)

In the background section of the patent description, Microsoft explained that various virtual reality or augmented reality display systems are somewhat limited in their horizons. They need to seamlessly integrate digital content with the real world.

For example, a head-mounted display device (HMD) may contain transparent display elements so that the wearer can see both digital content and the real world. This type of near-eye display (NED) device provides a certain mixed reality (MR) experience. .

However, the typical NED device has a limited field of view, and it can only display images in front of the user's eyes (both eyes are displayed separately), which makes it difficult to create a completely immersive experience.

Increasing the size of the display will be a good solution. However, due to the complex structure of the device, the high cost of resources and the high price, it is impractical. In view of this, Microsoft specifically applied the following method.

(Photo from: USPTO)

The technology presented here includes at least one real-world device. The implementation of the display device involves a transparent substrate, a lenslet array, a transparent lenslet between the two, and a light source therein.

The light source section is operable to face the corresponding lenslet array. The illuminating lenslet array here has a special configuration that reflects light to render a digital image.

Normally, physical reflectors impede the performance of the perspective (the reflective surface reflects the light). But in this case, Microsoft uses a configuration of partially reflective surfaces, that is, a small portion of the light will still pass through.

Since the partially reflected surface is matched to the refractive index, the optical power distortion of the surface can be minimized (or even completely eliminated). The lenslet plays an efficient role in reflection, but the light can still pass through the unaltered part. Lens to transmit.

It should be pointed out that the current technology is still at the patent level. If you want to see its actual use, you may have to wait until the next generation (codenamed 'Sydney')? Hololens? It is reported that HoloLens 2 will be equipped Significantly improved holographic display, and significantly reduced costs.