Two-dimensional array optical waveguide
The two-dimensional array optical waveguide structure solves the problems of heavy AR glasses and small outcoupling area, and realizes the beauty, comfort and efficient outcoupling of the optical waveguide with a simple structure and easy processing.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510940305.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-08
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-16
AI Technical Summary
The optical waveguide model of existing AR glasses makes the glasses thick and unsightly, with poor wearing comfort, small outcoupling area and poor performance.
A two-dimensional array optical waveguide structure is adopted, including a coupling prism, a lateral waveguide and a vertical waveguide. The light beam propagates in the lateral and vertical waveguides through total reflection and transmission, and is coupled out through the coupling waveguide. The vertical waveguide is tilted to maximize the coupling area.
The monocular structure of the optical waveguide is simple, the outcoupling area is maximized, the wearing is more beautiful and comfortable, the processing is easier, and the effect is better.
Smart Images
Figure CN120652601A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of AR display technology, and in particular to a two-dimensional array optical waveguide. Background Art
[0002] The optical module of AR is mainly divided into two parts. The first part is the micro display module, including micro display (LCD screen, LCOS / DLP display panel, uLED / uOLED, and other micro projectors). The second part is the waveguide that enters the eye, including prism waveguide (prism method, the main companies are Epson and Nadejia), array waveguide (a spectroscopic device composed of multiple grating sheets glued together, the main manufacturers are Shanghai Lipai, Longjing Optoelectronics, etc.), diffraction waveguide (nano-imprinting method to transfer nanometer-level micro stripes on silicon-based glass, and propagate light by diffraction), and other waveguide solutions.
[0003] Although the waveguide model and AR glasses in the existing technology can realize a one-to-two dual-eye display with a single optical engine in the middle, the biggest flaw is that in actual use, because the optical engine is in the middle, the glasses will be very thick at the bridge of the nose (the thickness of the optical engine), which seriously affects the aesthetics of wearing. At the same time, because the optical engine is on the side of the bridge of the nose, the weight of the optical engine is at the end of the bridge of the nose, which will make the nose bear a relatively large weight, affecting the wearing comfort.
[0004] Furthermore, the outcoupling area of the waveguide plate model and AR glasses in the prior art is small, so the use effect is not good.
[0005] In summary, the prior art lacks an optical waveguide and AR glasses that are easy to use and have a large outcoupling area.
[0006] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the above background technology section is only used to understand the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to ordinary technicians in this field. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The present invention provides a two-dimensional array optical waveguide, which can solve at least one technical problem in the background technology.
[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions: A two-dimensional array optical waveguide, characterized in that it includes a coupling-in prism, a transverse waveguide, a vertical waveguide, and a coupling-out waveguide; an optical engine is connected to the coupling-in prism, and is used to provide a projected image to the coupling-in prism; the coupling-in prism is arranged on the end side of the transverse waveguide, and is used to deflect the light beam into the transverse waveguide, and the light beam propagates laterally within the transverse waveguide by total reflection and enters the coupling-out waveguide and the vertical waveguide respectively by transmission; the vertical inclined surface of the vertical waveguide forms a first angle with the horizontal direction, and the light beam of the vertical waveguide enters the coupling-out waveguide respectively by total reflection; the coupling-out waveguide couples the light beam outward through the entire panel area.
[0009] Preferably, the first angle between the vertical inclined surface of the vertical waveguide and the horizontal direction is in the range of 45° to 135°.
[0010] Preferably, the interface between the transverse prism and the outcoupling waveguide is a first interface, and the transmittance of the first interface is 1% to 50%; the interface between the longitudinal prism and the outcoupling waveguide is a second interface, and the transmittance of the second interface is 1% to 50%.
[0011] Preferably, the transverse waveguide has 1-10 layers, with a film coating between each layer, and the transmittance of the coating is 10%~90%; the longitudinal waveguide has 1-10 layers, with a film coating between each layer, and the transmittance of the coating is 10%~90%.
[0012] The present invention also provides a two-dimensional array optical waveguide, including a coupling-in prism, a vertical waveguide, and a coupling-out waveguide; an optical engine is connected to the coupling-in prism to provide a projected image to the coupling-in prism; the light beam from the coupling-in prism is transmitted into the vertical waveguide and the coupling-out waveguide; the vertical inclined surface of the vertical waveguide forms a first angle with the horizontal direction, and the light beams from the vertical waveguide enter the coupling-out waveguides respectively through total reflection; the coupling-out waveguide couples the light beam outward through the entire panel area.
[0013] Preferably, the bevel angle of the coupling prism is as follows: define the xyz coordinate axis, the z axis is the thickness direction of the coupling prism, which belongs to the longitudinal direction, and xy is the coordinate of the direction of the plane perpendicular to the z axis; the angle between the bevel of the coupling prism and the y axis is θ1y, and the range of θ1y is: 30°~70°; the angle between the bevel of the coupling prism and the z axis is θ1z, and the range of θ1z is: 30°~70°.
[0014] Preferably, the angle between the inclined surface of the outcoupling waveguide and the y-axis is θ3y, and the angle between the inclined surface and the z-axis is θ3z; θ3y=θ1y; θ3z=θ1z.
[0015] Preferably, the coupling-in prism and the vertical waveguide are an integral structure; or, a surface of the coupling-in prism close to the out-coupling waveguide is parallel to a surface of the vertical waveguide in contact with the out-coupling waveguide.
[0016] The present invention further provides a two-dimensional array optical waveguide, comprising an input prism, a transverse waveguide, a first outcoupling array waveguide and a second outcoupling array waveguide symmetrically arranged, and a first vertical waveguide and a second vertical waveguide arranged corresponding to the first outcoupling array waveguide and the second outcoupling array waveguide; an optical engine is connected to the input prism and is used to provide a projected image to the input prism; the input prism is arranged at the end side of the transverse waveguide and is used to deflect a light beam into the transverse waveguide, the light beam propagates laterally within the transverse waveguide by total internal reflection and enters the first outcoupling array waveguide, the second outcoupling array waveguide, the first vertical waveguide and the second vertical waveguide respectively by transmission; the vertical inclined surfaces of the first vertical waveguide and the second vertical waveguide form a first angle with the horizontal direction, and the light beam entering the first vertical waveguide and the second vertical waveguide enters the first outcoupling array waveguide and the second outcoupling array waveguide respectively by total internal reflection; the first outcoupling array waveguide and the second outcoupling array waveguide couple the light beam outward through the entire panel area.
[0017] Preferably, the light beam is transmitted from the bottom surface of the lateral waveguide in contact with the first outcoupling array waveguide, the first vertical waveguide, the second outcoupling array waveguide, and the second vertical waveguide into the first outcoupling array waveguide, the first vertical waveguide, the second outcoupling array waveguide, and the second vertical waveguide; the bottom surface includes a first part in contact with the first outcoupling array waveguide and the first vertical waveguide respectively; a second part in contact with the second outcoupling array waveguide and the second vertical waveguide, and a third part separated by the first part and the second part; the light beam is transmitted through the first part into the first outcoupling array waveguide and the first vertical waveguide; and through the second part into the second outcoupling array waveguide and the second vertical waveguide; the third part is not coated; the transmittance of the coated first part is: 5%~50%; the transmittance of the coated second part is: 5%~100%.
[0018] The present invention has the beneficial effects: The present invention provides a two-dimensional array optical waveguide with a simple monocular structure and an inclined vertical waveguide. The light beams of the lateral waveguide and the vertical waveguide all enter the outcoupling array waveguide, so the entire panel area of the outcoupling array waveguide serves as the outcoupling area, maximizing the outcoupling area. In addition, the inclined vertical waveguide is easier to process and has better effects. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] Figure 1Schematic diagram of a two-dimensional array optical waveguide according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of a vertical waveguide according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of another two-dimensional array optical waveguide according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of another two-dimensional array optical waveguide according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Figure 5 FIG. 4 is a schematic structural diagram of another two-dimensional array optical waveguide according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of a coupling-in prism according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another two-dimensional array optical waveguide according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of a lateral waveguide according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention. It should be emphasized that the following description is merely illustrative and is not intended to limit the scope and application of the present invention. In the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this application can be combined with each other.
[0028] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or indirectly on the other element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element. In addition, connection can be used for both fixing and coupling or communication.
[0029] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating the orientation or position relationship, are based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operate in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.
[0030] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, "plurality" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically defined.
[0031] See Figure 1 , one embodiment of the present invention provides a two-dimensional array optical waveguide 1, comprising an in-coupling prism 11, a transverse waveguide 121, a vertical waveguide 122, and an out-coupling waveguide 13; The optical engine 2 is connected to the coupling prism 11 and is used to provide a projection image to the coupling prism 11; The coupling-in prism 11 is arranged at the end side of the transverse waveguide 121, and is used to deflect the light beam into the transverse waveguide 121. The light beam propagates laterally inside the transverse waveguide 121 by total reflection and enters the coupling-out waveguide 13 and the vertical waveguide 122 respectively by transmission. The vertical inclined surface of the vertical waveguide 122 forms a first angle with the horizontal direction, and the light beams of the vertical waveguide 122 enter the outcoupling waveguide 13 respectively through total reflection; The outcoupling waveguide 13 couples the light beam outward through the entire panel area.
[0032] The present invention provides a two-dimensional array optical waveguide with a simple monocular structure and an inclined vertical waveguide. The light beams of the lateral waveguide and the vertical waveguide all enter the outcoupling array waveguide, so the entire panel area of the outcoupling array waveguide serves as the outcoupling area, maximizing the outcoupling area. In addition, the inclined vertical waveguide is easier to process and has better effects.
[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical inclined surface of the vertical waveguide 122 forms a first angle θ2y with the horizontal direction in the range of 45° to 135°. It will be appreciated that, compared to a vertical waveguide pointing vertically downward, the vertical waveguide of the present invention can be rotated within 45° in either direction, i.e., from 90°-45° to 90°+45°.
[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the interface between the transverse prism 121 and the outcoupling waveguide 13 is a first interface S1, and the transmittance of the first interface S1 is 1%~50%; the interface between the longitudinal prism 122 and the outcoupling waveguide 13 is a second interface S2, and the transmittance of the second interface S2 is 1%~50%.
[0035] like Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the transverse waveguide 121 and the longitudinal waveguide 122 can be provided in multiple layers to achieve a more uniform light beam. The transverse waveguide 121 has 1-10 layers, with a coating between each layer. The coating has a transmittance of 10% to 90%. The longitudinal waveguide 122 has 1-10 layers, with a coating between each layer. The coating has a transmittance of 10% to 90%.
[0036] like Figure 5 As shown, a two-dimensional array optical waveguide of the present invention includes a coupling-in prism 11, a vertical waveguide 122, and a coupling-out waveguide 13; an optical engine 2 is connected to the coupling-in prism 11, and is used to provide a projected image to the coupling-in prism 11; the light beam from the coupling-in prism 11 is transmitted into the vertical waveguide 122 and the coupling-out waveguide 13; the vertical inclined surface of the vertical waveguide 122 forms a first angle with the horizontal direction, and the light beams from the vertical waveguide 122 enter the coupling-out waveguide 13 respectively through total internal reflection; The outcoupling waveguide 13 couples the light beam outward through the entire panel area.
[0037] and Figure 1 Compared to the embodiment shown, Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, there is no transverse waveguide, only vertical waveguide, which makes the structure simpler and more convenient to manufacture.
[0038] like Figure 6 As shown, in one embodiment of the present invention, the angle of the inclined surface S11R of the coupling-in prism 11 is as follows: Define xyz coordinate axes, where the z axis is the thickness direction of the coupling prism and belongs to the longitudinal direction, and xy is the coordinate of the direction of the plane perpendicular to the z axis; The angle between the inclined surface of the coupling prism and the y-axis is θ1y, and the range of θ1y is: 30°~70°; The included angle between the inclined surface of the coupling-in prism and the z-axis is θ1z, and the range of θ1z is: 30°~70°.
[0039] The angle between the outcoupling waveguide 13's inclined surface and the y-axis is θ3y, and the angle between the inclined surface and the z-axis is θ3z; θ3y = θ1y, and θ3z = θ1z. This means that the outcoupling prism waveguide and the incoupling prism have the same angular orientation. This arrangement allows the light beam to be directly coupled outward through the outcoupling prism without using a deflection waveguide.
[0040] It is understandable that Figure 6 The coupling prism shown is also applicable to the present invention. Figure 1 The two-dimensional array optical waveguide scheme shown.
[0041] Continue as Figure 5As shown, the coupling-in prism 11 and the vertical waveguide 122 are an integral structure; or, the surface of the coupling-in prism 11 close to the coupling-out waveguide 13 is parallel to the surface of the vertical waveguide 122 in contact with the coupling-out waveguide 13, as shown in the figure, θ1y'=θ2y, and the left surface of the coupling-in prism 11 is parallel to the left surface of the vertical waveguide 122.
[0042] like Figure 7 As shown, a two-dimensional array optical waveguide includes a coupling prism 11, a transverse waveguide 121, a first outcoupling array waveguide 131 and a second outcoupling array waveguide 132 symmetrically arranged, and a first vertical waveguide 141 and a second vertical waveguide 142 arranged corresponding to the first outcoupling array waveguide 131 and the second outcoupling array waveguide 132; The optical engine 2 is connected to the coupling prism 11 and is used to provide a projection image to the coupling prism 11; The coupling-in prism 11 is arranged at the end side of the transverse waveguide 121, and is used to deflect the light beam into the transverse waveguide 121. The light beam propagates laterally inside the transverse waveguide 121 by total reflection and enters the first outcoupling arrayed waveguide 131, the second outcoupling arrayed waveguide 132, the first vertical waveguide 141, and the second vertical waveguide 142 respectively by transmission. The vertical inclined surfaces of the first vertical waveguide 141 and the second vertical waveguide 142 form a first angle with the horizontal direction, and the light beams entering the first vertical waveguide 141 and the second vertical waveguide 142 enter the first outcoupling array waveguide 131 and the second outcoupling array waveguide 132 respectively through total internal reflection; The first outcoupling array waveguide 131 and the second outcoupling array waveguide 132 couple the light beam outward through the entire panel area.
[0043] like Figure 8 As shown, the transverse waveguide 121 of the present invention is a rectangular parallelepiped structure, including a front surface S25, a rear surface S26, a left surface S23, a right surface S21, a top surface S22, and a bottom surface. In a specific embodiment, the light beam is transmitted from the bottom surface of the transverse waveguide 121, which contacts the first outcoupling array waveguide 131, the first vertical waveguide 141, the second outcoupling array waveguide 132, and the second vertical waveguide 142, into the first outcoupling array waveguide 131, the first vertical waveguide 141, the second outcoupling array waveguide 132, and the second vertical waveguide 142; the bottom surface includes a first portion S241 that contacts the first outcoupling array waveguide 131 and the first vertical waveguide 141, respectively; a second portion S242 that contacts the second outcoupling array waveguide 132 and the second vertical waveguide 142, and a third portion S243 that is separated by the first portion S241 and the second portion S242. The light beam passes through the first portion S241 and enters the first outcoupling arrayed waveguide 131 and the first vertical waveguide 141; then passes through the second portion S242 and enters the second outcoupling arrayed waveguide 132 and the second vertical waveguide 142. The third portion S243 is uncoated; the first portion S241 has a coated transmittance of 5% to 50%, and the second portion S242 has a coated transmittance of 5% to 100%.
[0044] The present invention provides a binocular optical waveguide. A first outcoupling array waveguide receives beams from both the lateral waveguide and the first vertical waveguide, respectively. A second outcoupling array waveguide receives beams from both the lateral waveguide and the second vertical waveguide, and then couples them outwards separately. This maximizes the outcoupling area and achieves full-panel outcoupling. Furthermore, the first and second vertical waveguides are tilted, resulting in a more optimized configuration and easier processing, achieving good results even with some deviation.
[0045] The present invention also provides an AR glasses comprising any optical waveguide as described above.
[0046] The above description further details the present invention in conjunction with specific / preferred embodiments, and the specific implementation of the present invention should not be construed as being limited to these descriptions. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, they may make various substitutions or modifications to the described embodiments, and these substitutions or modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Throughout this specification, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "preferred embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" indicates that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with such embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the schematic representations of these terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. Persons skilled in the art may combine and assemble the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as features of different embodiments or examples, without conflicting opinions. Although the embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of protection of the patent application.
Claims
1. A two-dimensional array optical waveguide, characterized in that: Including coupling-in prism, lateral waveguide, vertical waveguide, and coupling-out waveguide; The optical engine is connected to the coupling-in prism and is used to provide a projection image to the coupling-in prism; The coupling-in prism is arranged at the end side of the transverse waveguide, and is used to deflect the light beam into the transverse waveguide. The light beam propagates laterally inside the transverse waveguide by total reflection and enters the coupling-out waveguide and the vertical waveguide respectively by transmission. The vertical inclined surface of the vertical waveguide forms a first angle with the horizontal direction, and the light beams of the vertical waveguide enter the outcoupling waveguides respectively through total reflection; The outcoupling waveguide couples the light beam outward through the entire panel area.
2. The two-dimensional array optical waveguide according to claim 1, wherein: The vertical inclined surface of the vertical waveguide forms a first angle with the horizontal direction in a range of 45° to 135°.
3. The two-dimensional array optical waveguide according to claim 2, wherein: The interface between the transverse prism and the outcoupling waveguide is a first interface, and the transmittance of the first interface is 1% to 50%; The interface between the longitudinal prism and the outcoupling waveguide is a second interface, and the transmittance of the second interface is 1% to 50%.
4. The two-dimensional array optical waveguide according to claim 1, wherein: The transverse waveguide has 1 to 10 layers, with a coating between each layer, and the transmittance of the coating is 10% to 90%; The longitudinal waveguide has 1 to 10 layers, with coatings between the layers, and the transmittance of the coatings is 10% to 90%.
5. A two-dimensional array optical waveguide, characterized in that: Including coupling-in prism, vertical waveguide, and coupling-out waveguide; The optical engine is connected to the coupling-in prism and is used to provide a projection image to the coupling-in prism; The light beam from the coupling-in prism is transmitted into the vertical waveguide and the coupling-out waveguide; The vertical inclined surface of the vertical waveguide forms a first angle with the horizontal direction, and the light beams of the vertical waveguide enter the outcoupling waveguides respectively through total reflection; The outcoupling waveguide couples the light beam outward through the entire panel area.
6. The two-dimensional array optical waveguide according to claim 5, wherein: The bevel angles of the coupling-in prism are as follows: Define xyz coordinate axes, where the z axis is the thickness direction of the coupling prism and belongs to the longitudinal direction, and xy is the coordinate of the direction of the plane perpendicular to the z axis; The angle between the inclined surface of the coupling prism and the y-axis is θ1y, and the range of θ1y is: 30°~70°; The included angle between the inclined surface of the coupling-in prism and the z-axis is θ1z, and the range of θ1z is: 30°~70°.
7. The two-dimensional array optical waveguide according to claim 6, wherein: The angle between the inclined plane of the outcoupling waveguide and the y-axis is θ3y, and the angle between the inclined plane and the z-axis is θ3z; θ3y=θ1y; θ3z=θ1z.
8. The two-dimensional array optical waveguide according to claim 6, wherein: The coupling-in prism and the vertical waveguide are an integrated structure; Alternatively, a surface of the coupling-in prism close to the outcoupling waveguide is parallel to a surface where the vertical waveguide contacts the outcoupling waveguide.
9. A two-dimensional array optical waveguide, characterized in that: The invention comprises a coupling-in prism, a transverse waveguide, a first outcoupling array waveguide and a second outcoupling array waveguide symmetrically arranged, and a first vertical waveguide and a second vertical waveguide arranged corresponding to the first outcoupling array waveguide and the second outcoupling array waveguide; The optical engine is connected to the coupling-in prism and is used to provide a projection image to the coupling-in prism; The coupling-in prism is arranged at the end side of the transverse waveguide, and is used to deflect the light beam into the transverse waveguide. The light beam propagates laterally inside the transverse waveguide by total reflection and enters the first outcoupling array waveguide, the second outcoupling array waveguide, the first vertical waveguide and the second vertical waveguide respectively by transmission; The vertical inclined surfaces of the first vertical waveguide and the second vertical waveguide form a first angle with the horizontal direction, and the light beams entering the first vertical waveguide and the second vertical waveguide enter the first outcoupling array waveguide and the second outcoupling array waveguide respectively through total internal reflection; The first out-coupling array waveguide and the second out-coupling array waveguide couple the light beam outward through the entire panel area.
10. The two-dimensional array optical waveguide according to claim 9, wherein: The light beam is transmitted from the bottom surface of the lateral waveguide in contact with the first outcoupling arrayed waveguide, the first vertical waveguide, the second outcoupling arrayed waveguide, and the second vertical waveguide into the first outcoupling arrayed waveguide, the first vertical waveguide, the second outcoupling arrayed waveguide, and the second vertical waveguide; The bottom surface includes a first portion contacting the first outcoupling array waveguide and the first vertical waveguide respectively; a second portion contacting the second outcoupling array waveguide and the second vertical waveguide, and a third portion separated by the first portion and the second portion; The light beam is transmitted through the first portion into the first outcoupling array waveguide and the first vertical waveguide; and is transmitted through the second portion into the second outcoupling array waveguide and the second vertical waveguide; The third portion is not coated; the transmittance of the first portion coated is 5% to 50%; the transmittance of the second portion coated is 5% to 100%.