Near-to-eye display system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a near-to-eye display system, comprising: an image display unit for projecting light; optical fibers in the flexible optical fiber bundle are in one-to-one correspondence with pixel points in the image display unit, the flexible optical fiber bundle is provided with a first port and a second port, and the first port is coupled to the image display unit; and the planar optical waveguide is internally provided with waveguide channels, the waveguide channels are in one-to-one correspondence with optical fibers in the flexible optical fiber bundle, the second port is coupled to the coupling-in ends of the waveguide channels, and the coupling-out ends of the waveguide channels are used for coupling out light to the outer side of the planar optical waveguide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of AR imaging technology, and in particular to a near-eye display system. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rise of concepts such as the metaverse, augmented reality (AR) devices have received widespread attention as an important part of human-computer interaction systems. However, at present, AR near-eye display systems generally suffer from large size, which leads to a poor user experience and can easily cause dizziness and other problems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new near-eye display system to address the issue of the large size of existing AR near-eye display systems.

[0004] The technical solution provided by this invention is as follows:

[0005] A near-eye display system, comprising:

[0006] Image display unit, used to project light;

[0007] A flexible optical fiber bundle, wherein the optical fibers in the flexible optical fiber bundle correspond one-to-one with the pixels in the image display unit, and the flexible optical fiber bundle has a first port and a second port, wherein the first port is coupled to the image display unit;

[0008] A planar optical waveguide has a waveguide channel disposed therein, and the waveguide channel corresponds one-to-one with the optical fiber in the flexible optical fiber bundle. The second port is coupled to the coupling end of the waveguide channel, and the coupling end of the waveguide channel is used to couple the light out to the outside of the planar optical waveguide.

[0009] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0010] In this invention, the pixels in the image display unit are coupled to the planar optical waveguide via optical fibers in the flexible fiber bundle. Under these conditions, bending the flexible fiber bundle effectively reduces the distance between the image display unit and the planar optical waveguide, thus significantly reducing the size of the near-eye display system. Furthermore, bending the flexible fiber bundle allows it to avoid other components in the near-eye display system, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the structural design of the near-eye display system and further contributing to its size reduction.

[0011] For the two reasons mentioned above, the pixels in the image display unit are coupled to the planar optical waveguide through the flexible optical fiber bundle, which can significantly reduce the volume of the near-eye display system, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the near-eye display system.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, a first coupling element is disposed between the first port of the flexible optical fiber bundle and the image display unit. The first coupling element is used to couple the light projected by the image display unit into the flexible optical fiber bundle. The first coupling element can improve the optical coupling effect between the image display unit and the flexible optical fiber bundle.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the first coupling element is a first microlens or a first metasurface element.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the first coupling element may be fixed at the first port of the flexible optical fiber bundle by dispensing adhesive.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the first coupling element corresponds one-to-one with the optical fiber in the flexible optical fiber bundle, and the pixels in the image display unit also correspond one-to-one with the first coupling element. The first coupling element is located between the corresponding pixel and the corresponding optical fiber. With this design, each pixel in the image display unit can couple light to the corresponding optical fiber in the flexible optical fiber bundle through the corresponding first coupling element. In other words, each optical fiber in the flexible optical fiber bundle can achieve high light coupling quality, thereby effectively improving the coupling effect between the flexible optical fiber bundle and the image display unit, and thus improving the final imaging quality of the near-eye display system.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, the pixels in the image display unit are fixed to the ends of the corresponding optical fibers at the first port of the flexible optical fiber bundle by dispensing adhesive.

[0017] In some embodiments of this application, a second coupling element is provided between the second port of the flexible fiber bundle and the coupling end of the waveguide channel. The second coupling element is used to couple the light transmitted by the flexible fiber bundle into the planar optical waveguide. The second coupling element can improve the optical coupling effect between the flexible fiber bundle and the planar optical waveguide.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the second coupling element is a second microlens array or a second metasurface element.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the second coupling element can be fixed at the second port of the flexible optical fiber bundle by dispensing adhesive.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, the second coupling element corresponds one-to-one with the optical fibers in the flexible fiber bundle, and also one-to-one with the waveguide channels. The second coupling element is located between the coupling end of the corresponding optical fiber and the corresponding waveguide channel. With this design, each optical fiber in the flexible fiber bundle can smoothly couple light out to the corresponding waveguide channel through the corresponding second coupling element. In other words, each waveguide channel within the planar waveguide can achieve high light coupling quality, thereby effectively improving the coupling effect between the flexible fiber bundle and the planar waveguide, and thus improving the final imaging quality of the near-eye display system.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the second coupling elements are arranged linearly on the coupling end face of the planar optical waveguide. This reduces the difficulty of fabrication.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, a reflective element is disposed within the waveguide channel to form a reflective array. The reflective element is used to reflect the light transmitted through the corresponding waveguide channel to couple out of the waveguide. The reflective element allows the light coupled out of the waveguide channel to be transmitted to the retina, thereby achieving retinal imaging. Retinal imaging offers a wider depth of field and is also more convenient for near-eye display systems used by near-vision individuals.

[0023] In some embodiments of this application, the reflective element is a semi-transparent and semi-reflective element.

[0024] In some embodiments of this application, the reflective element is fixed within the waveguide channel by adhesive dispensing.

[0025] In some embodiments of this application, the near-eye display system further includes a flexible sleeve through which the flexible fiber bundle passes. The flexible sleeve protects the flexible fiber bundle and prevents the fibers within the bundle from becoming excessively dispersed, thereby helping to reduce the size of the near-eye display system.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, the flexible sleeve may be made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or polyurethane. PVC possesses good flexibility, abrasion resistance, and corrosion resistance, while polyurethane exhibits good flexibility and excellent tensile and compressive strength. Therefore, by selecting PVC and / or polyurethane as the material for the flexible sleeve, it is possible to ensure that the flexible sleeve has good bending deformation capability, avoiding unnecessary limitations on the overall deformation capability of the flexible optical fiber bundle.

[0027] Other features and advantages of the present invention will be disclosed in detail in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a near-eye display system in the prior art;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the near-eye display system in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the near-eye display system in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the near-eye display system in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 .

[0032] Figure label:

[0033] 1. Image display unit; 11. Pixel; 2. Flexible fiber bundle; 21. First coupling element; 22. Second coupling element; 3. Planar optical waveguide; 31. Waveguide channel; 311. Reflecting element; 4. Lens group; 100. Human eye. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0035] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0036] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0037] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0040] Existing technology:

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, in the prior art, the near-eye display system includes an image display unit 1, a planar optical waveguide 3, and a lens group 4. The light rays projected by each pixel 11 in the image display unit 1 need to be coupled into the planar optical waveguide 3 through the lens group 4, and then the planar optical waveguide 3 couples the light rays out to the outside of the planar optical waveguide 3 and reaches the human eye 100.

[0042] The inventors discovered that one reason for the large size of existing near-eye display systems is that the lens group 4 itself is a rigid structure. This rigidity makes it difficult to reduce the distance between the image display unit 1 and the planar waveguide 3, and also imposes certain limitations on the arrangement and design of other components in the near-eye display system.

[0043] Example:

[0044] like Figures 2-4 As shown, this embodiment provides a near-eye display system based on the problems existing in the prior art, including an image display unit 1, a flexible fiber bundle 2, and a planar optical waveguide 3.

[0045] The image display unit 1 is used to project light, and the optical fibers in the flexible optical fiber bundle 2 correspond one-to-one with the pixels 11 in the image display unit 1. The flexible optical fiber bundle 2 has a first port and a second port. The first port is coupled to the image display unit 1. Specifically, the end of the optical fiber in the flexible optical fiber bundle 2 at the first port is coupled to the corresponding pixel 11 in the image display unit 1.

[0046] For example, the end of the optical fiber in the flexible optical fiber bundle 2 at the first port can be fixedly connected to the corresponding pixel 11 in the image display unit 1 by dispensing adhesive.

[0047] Preferably, a first coupling element 21 is provided between the first port of the flexible optical fiber bundle 2 and the image display unit 1. The first coupling element 21 is used to couple the light projected by the image display unit 1 into the flexible optical fiber bundle 2. The first coupling element 21 can improve the optical coupling effect between the image display unit 1 and the flexible optical fiber bundle 2.

[0048] The first coupling element 21 can be a first microlens or a first metasurface element. The first coupling element 21 can be fixed at the first port of the flexible optical fiber bundle 2 by dispensing adhesive.

[0049] Preferably, the first coupling element 21 corresponds one-to-one with the optical fibers in the flexible optical fiber bundle 2, and the pixels 11 in the image display unit 1 also correspond one-to-one with the first coupling element 21. The first coupling element 21 is located between the corresponding pixel 11 and the corresponding optical fiber. With this design, each pixel 11 in the image display unit 1 can couple light to the corresponding optical fiber in the flexible optical fiber bundle 2 through the corresponding first coupling element 21. In other words, each optical fiber in the flexible optical fiber bundle 2 can achieve high light coupling quality, thereby effectively improving the coupling effect between the flexible optical fiber bundle 2 and the image display unit 1, and thus improving the final imaging quality of the near-eye display system.

[0050] Accordingly, in this embodiment, all the first coupling elements 21 will form a first coupling element array.

[0051] The planar optical waveguide 3 is provided with a waveguide channel 31, which corresponds one-to-one with the optical fibers in the flexible optical fiber bundle 2. The second port is coupled to the coupling end of the waveguide channel 31, and the coupling end of the waveguide channel 31 is used to couple the light out to the outside of the planar optical waveguide 3, and then project it to the human eye 100. Specifically, the end of the optical fiber in the flexible optical fiber bundle 2 at the second port is coupled to the coupling end of the planar optical waveguide 3 corresponding to the waveguide channel 31.

[0052] For example, the end of the optical fiber in the flexible optical fiber bundle 2 at the second port can be fixedly connected to the coupling end of the planar optical waveguide 3 corresponding to the waveguide channel 31 by dispensing adhesive.

[0053] Preferably, a second coupling element 22 is provided between the second port of the flexible fiber bundle 2 and the coupling end of the waveguide channel 31. The second coupling element 22 is used to couple the light transmitted by the flexible fiber bundle 2 into the planar optical waveguide 3. The second coupling element 22 can improve the optical coupling effect between the flexible fiber bundle 2 and the planar optical waveguide 3.

[0054] The second coupling element 22 can be a second microlens array or a second metasurface element. The second coupling element 22 can be fixed to the second port of the flexible optical fiber bundle 2 by dispensing adhesive.

[0055] Preferably, the second coupling element 22 corresponds one-to-one with the optical fibers in the flexible fiber bundle 2, and also one-to-one with the waveguide channel 31. The second coupling element 22 is located between the coupling end of the corresponding optical fiber and the corresponding waveguide channel 31. With this design, each optical fiber in the flexible fiber bundle 2 can smoothly couple light out to the corresponding waveguide channel 31 through the corresponding second coupling element 22. In other words, each waveguide channel 31 in the planar optical waveguide 3 can obtain high light coupling quality, thereby effectively improving the coupling effect between the flexible fiber bundle 2 and the planar optical waveguide 3, and thus improving the final imaging quality of the near-eye display system.

[0056] Accordingly, in this embodiment, all the second coupling elements 22 will form a second coupling element array.

[0057] More preferably, the second coupling element 22 is arranged linearly on the coupling end face of the planar optical waveguide 3, which can reduce the processing difficulty.

[0058] In this embodiment 1, the pixel 11 in the image display unit 1 is coupled to the planar optical waveguide 3 through the optical fiber in the flexible optical fiber bundle 2. Under this condition, by bending the flexible optical fiber bundle 2, the distance between the image display unit 1 and the planar optical waveguide 3 can be effectively reduced, thus effectively reducing the size of the near-eye display system. In addition, by bending the flexible optical fiber bundle 2, it can also avoid other components in the near-eye display system, thus effectively increasing the degree of freedom in the structural design process of the near-eye display system, which also helps to reduce the size of the near-eye display system.

[0059] For the two reasons mentioned above, the pixel 11 in the image display unit 1 is coupled to the planar optical waveguide 3 through the flexible optical fiber bundle 2, which can significantly reduce the volume of the near-eye display system, thereby facilitating the miniaturization of the near-eye display system.

[0060] The waveguide channel 31 is provided with a reflective element 311 to form a reflective array. The reflective element 311 is used to reflect the light transmitted through the corresponding waveguide channel 31 to couple out of the waveguide. The reflective element 311 allows the light coupled out of the waveguide channel 31 to be transmitted to the retina, thereby achieving retinal imaging. Retinal imaging offers a wider depth of field and is also more convenient for nearsighted individuals to use near-eye display systems.

[0061] The reflective element 311 can be a semi-transparent and semi-reflective element. The reflective element 311 can also be fixed in the waveguide channel 31 by dispensing adhesive.

[0062] In some embodiments, the near-eye display system further includes a flexible sleeve through which the flexible fiber bundle 2 passes. The flexible sleeve protects the flexible fiber bundle 2 and prevents the fibers within it from becoming excessively dispersed, thus helping to reduce the size of the near-eye display system. The flexible sleeve can be made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and / or polyurethane. PVC possesses good flexibility, abrasion resistance, and corrosion resistance, while polyurethane exhibits good flexibility and excellent tensile and compressive strength. Therefore, by selecting PVC and / or polyurethane as the material for the flexible sleeve, good bending deformation capability can be ensured, avoiding unnecessary limitations on the overall deformation capability of the flexible fiber bundle 2.

[0063] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0064] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A near-eye display system, characterized in that, include: Image display unit (1), used to project light; A flexible fiber bundle (2) is provided, wherein the optical fibers in the flexible fiber bundle (2) correspond one-to-one with the pixels (11) in the image display unit (1). The flexible fiber bundle (2) has a first port and a second port, wherein the first port is coupled to the image display unit (1). Planar optical waveguide (3), a waveguide channel (31) is provided inside the planar optical waveguide (3), the waveguide channel (31) corresponds one-to-one with the optical fiber in the flexible optical fiber bundle (2), the second port is coupled to the coupling end of the waveguide channel (31), and the coupling end of the waveguide channel (31) is used to couple the light out to the outside of the planar optical waveguide (3).

2. The near-eye display system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A first coupling element (21) is provided between the first port of the flexible fiber bundle (2) and the image display unit (1), and the first coupling element (21) is used to couple the light projected by the image display unit (1) into the flexible fiber bundle (2).

3. The near-eye display system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first coupling element (21) is a first microlens or a first metasurface element.

4. The near-eye display system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second coupling element (22) is provided between the second port of the flexible fiber bundle (2) and the coupling end of the waveguide channel (31). The second coupling element (22) is used to couple the light transmitted by the flexible fiber bundle (2) into the planar optical waveguide (3).

5. The near-eye display system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second coupling element (22) is a second microlens array or a second metasurface element.

6. The near-eye display system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second coupling element (22) is arranged linearly on the coupling end face of the planar optical waveguide (3).

7. The near-eye display system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The waveguide channel (31) is provided with a reflective element (311) to form a reflective array. The reflective element (311) is used to reflect the light transmitted by the corresponding waveguide channel (31) to couple out the waveguide.

8. The near-eye display system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reflective element (311) is a semi-transparent and semi-reflective element.

9. The near-eye display system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The reflective element (311) is fixed inside the waveguide channel (31) by dispensing adhesive.

10. The near-eye display system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The near-eye display system also includes a flexible tube sleeve, and the flexible fiber bundle (2) is inserted through the middle of the flexible tube sleeve.

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