The projection based head-mounted display (HMD) constitutes a new paradigm in the field of wearable computers. Expanding on our previous projection based HMD, we developed a wearable computer consisting of a pair of miniature projection lenses combined with a beam splitter and miniature displays. Such wearable computer utilizes a novel conceptual design encompassing the integration of phase conjugate material (PCM) packaged inside the HMD. Some of the applications benefiting from this innovative wearable HMD are for government agencies and consumers requiring mobility with a large field-of-view (FOV), and an ultra-light weight headset. The key contribution of this paper is the compact design and mechanical assembly of the mobile HMD.
Current technology trends are focused on miniaturizing displays, although for specific applications such as the use of head-mounted displays (HMD) this limits the advancements for a wider field-of-view (FOV) and a negligible overall weight of the optics. Due to the advancements of electronics that benefit from smaller miniature displays, universities and companies are focused on developing this technology to meet the growing demand of this global market. Higher resolution displays with added brightness are being developed, but these displays are decreasing in their viewable area. HMDs can benefit from these higher resolution and brighter displays but they will undergo an increased optical weight to compensate for the smaller display size. To overcome this hindrance in HMDs, we demonstrate in this paper how to incorporate microlenslet arrays as an optical relay system to magnify miniature displays. Microlenslet arrays provide respectively shorter focal length which yields a smaller overall object to image distance and an incremental overall weight compared to an otherwise increased optical lens assembly. The contribution of this paper is a patented concept of magnifying/demagnifying miniature displays with microlenslet arrays that can be integrated in a spaced limited area.
A generalized nonparaxial theoretical framework based on the scalar diffraction theory is developed to describe the propagation of an optical field through a linear optical system with quasi-monochromatic spatially incoherent illumination. Software implementation of this theoretical framework on single and multiple processor platforms was developed and simulated results of the imaging process through optical aberration-corrected optics are presented for both in-focus and out-of-focus imaging, validating the first-order nonparaxial model.
Recent investigation demonstrated the feasibility of using stacks of microlenslet arrays for optical imaging applications. Many applications driving our research require ultra-compact magnifying imaging systems. In this investigation we demonstrate that a magnifying system based on a stack of two dissimilar microlenslet
arrays is feasible.
In an investigation of approaches to compact relay lenses for special effect photography, the potential of microlenslet arrays in image formation is investigated. In this paper, various arrangements of microlenslet arrays and associated baffles are considered and their role on image quality presented. Findings through software simulations clearly demonstrate the trade-offs between image quality and compactness.
A new paradigm and methods for special effects in images were recently proposed by artist and movie producer Steven Hylen. Based on these methods, images resembling painting may be formed using optical phase plates. The role of the mathematical and optical properties of the phase plates is studied in the development of these new art forms. Results of custom software as well as ASAP simulations are presented.
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