Light guide device, optical display system and display equipment
By setting the target shape in the optical coupling area of the light guide device or adding a diaphragm with the light-transmitting area of the target shape, the problems of low image resolution and uneven display of traditional light guide devices are solved, and higher image resolution is achieved and brightness uniformity improve the user's visual experience.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202421241463.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-05-31
AI Technical Summary
Traditional light guide devices have problems with low image resolution and uneven display in augmented reality applications, which affects the user's experience.
By setting a target shape in the light coupling area of the light guide device or adding a stop having a target shape transmitting area on one side thereof, the spot shape of the light ray before entering the substrate is modulated to form a uniform spot.
The image resolution and brightness uniformity of the light guide device are achieved, and the user's visual experience and augmented reality display effect are improved.
Smart Images

Figure CN222461726U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The embodiments of the present application relate to the field of optical technology. More specifically, the embodiments of the present application relate to a light guide device, an optical display system, and a display device. Background Art
[0002] With the continuous advancement of technology, augmented reality (AR) has become a focus of consumer attention. Light guides play a crucial role in AR, guiding light from micro-displays to the user's eyes, enabling the fusion of virtual images with the real world. However, traditional light guides often suffer from issues such as low image resolution and uneven display, which impact the user experience. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this application is to provide a new technical solution for a light guide device, an optical display system and a display device, which can improve the resolution and display uniformity of the near-eye display of the light guide device.
[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present application provide a light guide device. The light guide device includes a substrate and a light incoupling region and a light outcoupling region disposed on the substrate;
[0005] By setting the light coupling-in area to a target shape, or setting an aperture on one side of the light coupling-in area and the aperture having a light-transmitting area of a target shape, the light coupling-in area can adjust the spot shape of the light before entering the substrate, thereby achieving a uniform light spot when the light passes through the substrate and reaches the light decoupling area.
[0006] Optionally, the target shape includes any one of a non-circular centrally symmetrical figure, a figure with rotational symmetry, a figure with mirror symmetry, and a figure with translational symmetry.
[0007] Optionally, the light coupling-in region is configured to be in a target shape, and the light coupling-in region is a centrally symmetrical figure with a hollowed-out middle portion.
[0008] Optionally, the light coupling region is a circular ring structure.
[0009] Optionally, the light coupling region is a circular ring structure composed of a plurality of arc segments, there is a gap between two adjacent arc segments, and all the gaps are symmetrically distributed around the center of the light coupling region.
[0010] Optionally, the light coupling region includes a plurality of sub-coupling regions arranged in a set manner, the sub-coupling regions are all circular or annular structures, and the plurality of sub-coupling regions are symmetrically distributed around the center of the light coupling region.
[0011] Optionally, the number of the sub-coupling regions is four, and the four sub-coupling regions are symmetrically arranged in pairs around the center of the light coupling region.
[0012] Optionally, the light-transmitting area of the aperture is set to a target shape, and the light-transmitting area is a circular ring structure, a circular ring structure composed of multiple arc segments, or a centrally symmetrical structure composed of multiple circular hollow areas.
[0013] Optionally, a specific grating structure is provided in the light outcoupling area, which can expand the pupil of the light from the light incoupling area and couple it out;
[0014] The light coupling-in area is configured as a centrally symmetrical polygon, or the light-transmitting area of the aperture is configured as a centrally symmetrical polygon, so that non-overlapping light spots can be formed when light passes through the substrate and reaches the light coupling-out area.
[0015] Optionally, the light coupling region or the light transmission region of the aperture is configured as a regular polygon;
[0016] The regular polygon includes a square, a regular hexagon or a regular octagon.
[0017] Optionally, the light guide device further comprises a light turning region, the light turning region being provided on the substrate, and the light turning region being used to propagate light from the light incoupling region to the light outcoupling region;
[0018] Wherein, the light coupling region is configured as a parallelogram, or the light transmission region of the aperture is configured as a parallelogram.
[0019] Optionally, at the light outcoupling area, when the light expands the pupil along one dimension or multiple dimensions, any adjacent light spot edges form an adjacency.
[0020] Optionally, a filter is provided in the light-transmitting area of the aperture, the filter has a hollow structure, and the hollow structure matches the target shape.
[0021] Optionally, the light coupling region includes a first grating and a second grating, the first grating is arranged around the second grating, and the second grating is set to the target shape.
[0022] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an optical display system. The optical display system includes:
[0023] The light guide device according to the first aspect; and
[0024] An optical machine is used to project light onto the light guide device.
[0025] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a display device. The display device includes:
[0026] casing; and
[0027] As described in the optical display system of the second aspect, the optical display system is provided in the housing.
[0028] The beneficial effects of this application are:
[0029] According to an embodiment of the present application, a light-guiding device is provided, which can adjust the shape of the light spot before the light enters the substrate by setting the light coupling-in area to a target shape or by adding an aperture with a target-shaped light-transmitting area on one side of the light coupling-in area, so that a relatively uniform light spot can be formed when the light passes through the substrate and reaches the light coupling-out area. That is, the design can form a light spot distribution with uniform brightness, which can not only improve the overall MTF performance of the light-guiding device, reduce the MTF difference in each direction, thereby improving the image resolution of the final imaging, but also improve the uniformity of the display of the entire light-guiding device, thereby improving the display effect and user visual experience.
[0030] Other features and advantages of the present specification will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present specification with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the specification and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the specification.
[0032] Figure 1 A top view of a traditional optical waveguide device and a schematic diagram of the pupil expansion path;
[0033] Figure 2 A top view of a traditional optical waveguide device and a second schematic diagram of the pupil expansion path;
[0034] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the light spot of the incident light of the traditional optical waveguide device;
[0035] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the pupil expansion effect at the outcoupling grating of a traditional optical waveguide device;
[0036] Figure 5 This is the MTF diagram of the traditional optical waveguide device;
[0037] Figure 6 A structural diagram of a light guide device provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0038] Figure 7 This is one of the top views of the light guide device provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0039] Figure 8A second top view of the light guide device provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0040] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the structure of a traditional aperture;
[0041] Figure 10 One of the structural diagrams of the aperture provided in an embodiment of the present application;
[0042] Figure 11 The second structural diagram of the aperture provided in the embodiment of the present application;
[0043] Figure 12 This is a comparison chart of the MTF of a conventional optical waveguide device and the optical waveguide device of an embodiment of the present application;
[0044] Figure 13 A structure of a light guide device according to an embodiment of the present application and a corresponding pupil expansion path diagram;
[0045] Figure 14 The structure of the aperture provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 3 ;
[0046] Figure 15 Another structure of the light guide device and the corresponding pupil expansion path diagram of the embodiment of the present application;
[0047] Figure 16 The structure of the aperture provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 4 ;
[0048] Figure 17 The structure of the aperture provided in the embodiment of the present application Figure 5 ;
[0049] Figure 18 This is the third top view of the light guide device provided in the embodiment of the present application.
[0050] Description of reference numerals:
[0051] 1. Substrate; 2. Light incoupling region; 21. First grating; 22. Second grating; 3. Light outcoupling region; 4. Aperture; 401. Light-transmitting region; 5. Light turning region; 6. Filter;
[0052] 01. In-coupling grating; 02. Out-coupling grating; 03. Turning grating. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] Various exemplary embodiments of the present application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangements of components and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application.
[0054] The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses.
[0055] Techniques and equipment known to ordinary technicians in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the techniques and equipment should be considered part of the specification.
[0056] In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values.
[0057] It should be noted that like reference numerals and letters refer to like items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.
[0058] The light guide device, optical display system and display device provided in the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0059] According to one embodiment of the present application, a light guide device is provided. Figures 6 to 8 As shown, the light guide device includes a substrate 1 and a light coupling region 2 and a light coupling region 3 provided on the substrate 1; by setting the light coupling region 2 to a target shape, or setting an aperture 4 on one side of the light coupling region 2 and the aperture 4 having a light-transmitting region 401 of the target shape, see Figure 10 and Figure 11 , so that the light coupling-in region 2 can adjust the spot shape of the light before entering the substrate 1 , thereby achieving a uniform spot when the light passes through the substrate 1 and reaches the light coupling-out region 3 .
[0060] An embodiment of the present application provides a light-guiding device, which is, for example, a diffraction light waveguide device, and can be applied to, for example, a virtual reality display device.
[0061] The technical solutions provided in the embodiments of this application are intended to address some of the problems encountered by existing optical waveguide technology in augmented reality applications. Specifically, in the embodiments of this application, by modifying the light coupling region 2 to a target shape, or by providing an aperture 4 having a target-shaped light-transmitting region 401 on one side of the light coupling region 2, the spot shape of the light before entering the substrate 1 is modulated to be, for example, non-circular. This design allows the light to form as uniformly arranged spots as possible when it propagates through total internal reflection through the substrate 1 and reaches the light coupling region 3, so that the light spots overlap less or as little as possible.
[0062] In the prior art, see Figure 1The conventional optical waveguide device shown has an incoupling grating 01 and an outcoupling grating 02. Figure 2 Some optical waveguide devices are also designed with a turning grating 03. Optical waveguide devices are usually used to transmit the image displayed on the display screen to the user's eyes for imaging without loss. However, due to the discontinuity of the pupil expansion of the optical waveguide device, see Figure 4 , the light spot obtained at the user's entrance pupil is often a partial superposition of multiple circular light spots, which makes the entrance pupil not uniformly filled. This unevenness will further cause the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the optical waveguide device to show large differences in various directions and be low overall. MTF is an important indicator for measuring the imaging performance of optical waveguide devices. It reflects the ability of optical waveguide devices to transmit information of different spatial frequencies. If the MTF value is low, it means that the resolution of the displayed image is low, which affects the user's visual experience.
[0063] Compared with traditional optical waveguide devices, the light guide device provided in the embodiments of the present application has the following technical effects:
[0064] First, see Figure 7 and Figure 8 , by changing the target shape of the light coupling region 2, or, see Figure 10 and Figure 11 By adding an aperture 4 having a target-shaped light-transmitting area 401 to one side of the light-incoupling area 2, the spot shape at the entrance pupil of the light guide device can be appropriately modulated, significantly improving the overall MTF performance of the light guide device. In other words, by optimizing the spot shape of the light incident on the interior of the substrate 1, the light propagating through the substrate 1 to the light-outcoupling area 3 can be evenly distributed at the user's entrance pupil, thereby improving the resolution and clarity of the image.
[0065] Secondly, see Figure 12 The MTF comparison chart shown in Figure 2 shows that the light guide device provided by the embodiment of the present application reduces the difference in MTF in various directions. Due to the modified non-circular spot shape, the light can be better distributed during propagation and pupil expansion, avoiding the situation where the spot is too concentrated or too sparse in certain directions, thereby maintaining a high MTF level in all directions.
[0066] The technical solution provided in the embodiments of this application improves the uniformity and resolution of the entire light guide device display by properly adjusting the spot shape of the incident light. This improved uniformity helps eliminate bright and dark areas in the final image, making the entire picture appear uniformly bright and more comfortable.
[0067] In general, the light-guiding device provided in the embodiment of the present application improves the overall MTF performance and reduces the MTF differences in various directions by designing the modulated light spot shape, while also improving the uniformity of the light-guiding device display, bringing users a higher-quality augmented reality experience.
[0068] It should be emphasized that see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In a conventional optical waveguide device, light propagates through total internal reflection. At the coupling grating 01 on the left side of the optical waveguide device, light is coupled into the optical waveguide device. At this time, the entrance pupil usually appears as a circular and uniform light spot, see Figure 3 However, when the light reaches the outcoupling grating 3, the originally uniform light spot becomes non-uniform due to the pupil expansion process in one or more dimensions, see Figure 4 , showing the shape of multiple circular bright spots superimposed on each other. This non-uniformity of pupil filling leads to a low overall modulation transfer function (MTF) of the system, and the MTF in each direction also varies greatly, see Figure 5 This phenomenon not only affects the imaging quality, but may also lead to a reduction in the resolution of the displayed image, thereby affecting the user's visual experience.
[0069] In some examples of the present application, the target shape includes any one of a non-circular centrally symmetrical figure, a figure with rotational symmetry, a figure with mirror symmetry, and a figure with translational symmetry.
[0070] A non-circular centrally symmetrical figure is not a circle, but is symmetrical about a point (called the center of symmetry). This means that every point on the figure is symmetrical about the center of symmetry. There are many such figures, for example: a square, which is symmetrical about its center point; a rhombus, which is symmetrical about its center point; and a parallelogram, which is symmetrical about the intersection of its diagonals.
[0071] A figure with rotational symmetry is one that can overlap with the original figure after being rotated a certain angle (e.g., less than 360 degrees) around a certain point (called the center of rotation). This angle of rotation is called the rotation angle. If the figure can overlap with the original pattern after being rotated at least 180 degrees around the center, then the figure is called a centrally symmetrical figure.
[0072] Among them, mirror-symmetric figures, also known as mirror symmetry or mirror symmetry, refer to a figure that can completely overlap with the original figure after undergoing a symmetrical transformation about a certain line (axis of symmetry). This line is called the axis of symmetry. In the case of mirror symmetry, the line connecting any point on the axis of symmetry and its symmetrical point is perpendicular to the mirror plane. Mirror symmetry is used to describe the symmetry of plane figures, such as squares, rectangles, and rhombuses. These figures can be completely overlapped by folding or rotating 180 degrees along the axis of symmetry.
[0073] Among them, a figure with translational symmetry, also known as a translationally symmetric figure, refers to a figure that can completely overlap with the original figure after being translated in a certain direction (that is, moving a certain distance in a certain direction within the same plane).
[0074] In some examples of the present application, the light coupling region 2 is set to a target shape, and the light coupling region 2 is a centrally symmetrical figure with a hollowed-out middle portion, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 .
[0075] The target shape of the light coupling region 2 provided in the example of this application is a centrally symmetrical image with a hollowed-out middle. Figure 12 It can be seen that the reduction of the MTF difference of the light guide device in certain directions is beneficial to the overall improvement of the MTF of the entire light guide device.
[0076] It should be noted that a coupling-in grating is provided in the light coupling-in region 2 , and the shape of the light coupling-in region 2 refers to the shape of the coupling-in grating.
[0077] In some examples of this application, see Figure 8 , the light coupling region 2 is a circular ring structure.
[0078] The light guide device provided in the embodiment of the present application is shown in FIG. Figure 8 , Figure 8 The circular ring structure on the left is the light coupling zone 2. The design of the light coupling zone 2 with the circular ring structure is different from the conventional circular structure coupling grating (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), which can modulate the light into a specific spot shape, so that the spot shape of the light is adjusted and optimized before entering the substrate 1.
[0079] Specifically, when light passes through the light incoupling region 2 of the annular structure, the light can be effectively dispersed due to the design of the annular structure. This dispersed distribution effect helps to form light spots with minimal or no overlap at the location of the light outcoupling region 3.
[0080] Furthermore, by adjusting the size and shape of the annular structure in the light-incoupling region 2, fine control of light distribution can be achieved, thereby forming a light spot with uniform and moderate brightness distribution in the light-outcoupling region 3. This improvement in uniformity and brightness distribution helps enhance the imaging quality of the light-guiding device, reducing the appearance of bright and dark areas, and making the overall image clearer and more comfortable.
[0081] In some examples of the present application, the light coupling region 2 is a circular ring structure composed of multiple arc segments, there is a gap between two adjacent arc segments, and all the gaps are symmetrically distributed around the center of the light coupling region 2.
[0082] In the examples provided herein, the light coupling region 2 can be designed as a special annular structure composed of multiple arc segments, with a certain spacing between adjacent arc segments. All spacings are symmetrically distributed relative to the center of the light coupling region 2. This design not only inherits the advantages of the annular structure of the light coupling region 2 in the above examples, but also innovates on it, achieving more precise and efficient spot shape modulation.
[0083] First, for the light incoupling zone 2, the circular ring structure composed of multiple arc segments allows for more flexible control of the light propagation path. Each arc segment can be considered an independent optical unit. By adjusting the size, shape, and arrangement of these units, the light propagation direction and spot shape can be precisely controlled. Second, the spacing between adjacent arc segments helps disperse the light. This dispersion effect helps form a more evenly distributed and minimally overlapping spot in the light outcoupling zone 3.
[0084] In some examples of this application, see Figure 7 The light coupling region 2 includes a plurality of sub-coupling regions arranged in a set manner, each of the sub-coupling regions is in a circular or annular structure, and the plurality of sub-coupling regions are symmetrically distributed around the center of the light coupling region 2.
[0085] In the examples of this application, see Figure 7 The light coupling region 2 is not a single structure, but rather consists of multiple sub-coupling regions, which are arranged in a predetermined pattern and have a hollowed-out structure in the middle. Each sub-coupling region, for example, has a circular or annular structure, and the multiple sub-coupling regions are symmetrically distributed around the center of the light coupling region 2. The starting point of this design concept is that by introducing multiple sub-coupling regions and carefully arranging and laying them out, more sophisticated and complex light modulation can be achieved. Each sub-coupling region can be regarded as an independent optical unit, working together to disperse the incident light at multiple angles and directions.
[0086] Because multiple sub-coupling regions are symmetrically distributed around the center of the light coupling region 2, this design ensures uniform light distribution within the light coupling region 2, thereby avoiding problems such as spot shape distortion and uneven brightness caused by uneven light distribution. Furthermore, by precisely controlling the shape, size, and arrangement of the sub-coupling regions, the light propagation direction and spot shape can be precisely controlled, resulting in a uniformly arranged spot at the light decoupling region 3.
[0087] From a technical perspective, the design of the optical coupling zone 2, which is composed of multiple sub-coupling zones, has the following advantages: First, since each sub-coupling zone can independently modulate light, by rationally matching and combining different sub-coupling zones, a light spot with a specific shape and distribution can be formed to meet the needs of different application scenarios. Second, by optimizing the arrangement and layout of the sub-coupling zones, the loss of light during propagation can be reduced, and the utilization rate of light energy can be improved. At the same time, due to the improved light spot shape and uniform brightness distribution, the imaging quality will also be significantly improved. In addition, due to the synergistic effect of multiple sub-coupling zones, the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the entire light guide device is reduced in all directions, and the overall performance is more stable and reliable.
[0088] For some examples in this application, please see Figure 7 The number of the sub-coupling regions is four, and the four sub-coupling regions are symmetrically arranged in pairs around the center of the light coupling region 2.
[0089] See also Figure 7 The number of sub-coupling regions of the light coupling region 2 is specifically set to four, and these four sub-coupling regions are symmetrically arranged in pairs around the center of the light coupling region 2. This design simplifies the structure and ensures uniform distribution and efficient utilization of light.
[0090] Further, see Figure 7 The four sub-coupling zones are arranged symmetrically, two by two, around the center of the light coupling zone 2. This layout ensures uniform light distribution within the light coupling zone 2. This symmetrical distribution not only prevents excessive concentration or loss of light in certain directions, but also helps form a well-shaped, uniformly bright light spot. This uniformity is crucial for improving image quality and system performance.
[0091] In some examples of this application, see Figure 10 and Figure 11 The light-transmitting area 401 of the aperture 4 is set to a target shape, and the light-transmitting area 401 is a circular ring structure, a circular ring structure composed of multiple arc segments, or a central symmetrical structure composed of multiple circular hollow areas.
[0092] It should be noted that the light-transmitting area 401 of the conventional aperture 4 is circular, see Figure 9 .
[0093] In the example of the present application, the light-transmitting area 401 of the aperture 4 is ingeniously designed and can adopt various structural forms to meet different needs. Figure 11 It can be a simple circular ring structure to achieve preliminary modulation of light. In addition, the light-transmitting area 401 of the aperture 4 can also be a circular ring structure composed of multiple arc segments. This design is more flexible and the number, size and arrangement of the arc segments can be adjusted according to specific application scenarios to achieve precise control of light propagation. Figure 10 Another design is a centrally symmetrical structure composed of multiple circular hollow areas. This structure is not only beautiful, but also can uniquely modulate light through its complex hollow pattern to form a unique light spot shape.
[0094] In the light guide device provided in the embodiment of the present application, if it is not desired to change the shape of the light coupling region 2, it may be considered to introduce the following into the light path: Figure 10 and Figure 11 The aperture 4 shown here influences the light spot shape by adjusting the shape of its light-transmitting area 401. This aperture design achieves the same technical effect as changing the shape of the light coupling area 2. It also optimizes the shape and distribution of the light spot, improving light energy utilization and enhancing image clarity and resolution.
[0095] In some examples of the present application, a specific grating structure is provided in the light outcoupling area 3 for expanding the pupil of the light from the light incoupling area 2 and coupling it out. The light incoupling area 2 is set as a centrally symmetrical polygon, or the light-transmitting area 401 of the aperture 4 is set as a centrally symmetrical polygon, so that when the light passes through the substrate 1 and reaches the light outcoupling area 3, non-overlapping light spots can be formed, see Figures 13 to 16 .
[0096] A specific grating structure is provided inside the light outcoupling area 3. The purpose of this design is to expand the pupil of the light from the light coupling-in area 2 and couple it out effectively. It is particularly worth mentioning that in the example of the present application, the light coupling-in area 2 can be designed as a centrally symmetrical polygonal structure. This polygonal structure can be a quadrilateral, hexagon, octagon, etc., and the specific shape is determined according to the application requirements and manufacturing process. The centrally symmetrical characteristic ensures that the light can be evenly distributed when entering the light coupling-in area 2, avoiding the light deviation or loss caused by structural asymmetry. At the same time, the polygonal structure is better than the traditional circular structure (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The coupling-in grating 01 shown has more corners and vertices, which provide more possibilities in light modulation and shaping.
[0097] In the light guide device provided in the embodiment of the present application, if it is not desired to change the shape of the light coupling region 2, it may be considered to introduce the following into the light path: Figure 14 The aperture 4 shown affects the light spot shape by adjusting the shape of the light transmission area 401 of the aperture 4. The shape of the light transmission area 401 of the aperture 4 is also a centrally symmetrical polygon.
[0098] See also Figure 12 , Figure 12 In the figure, a is a traditional optical waveguide device. When light is coupled into the waveguide, the entrance pupil is usually a circular uniform light spot. b and c are light guide devices provided in the embodiment of the present application. When light is coupled into the substrate 1, the entrance pupil is a circular light spot or a light spot composed of multiple circles. Figure 12 From the MTF comparison chart on the right, it can be confirmed that the light guide device design provided in the embodiment of the present application can change the light intensity distribution at the entrance pupil, thereby modulating the MTF of the light guide device, thereby improving the resolution of the near-eye display of the light guide device.
[0099] In some examples of this application, see Figures 13 to 16 The light coupling region 2 or the light transmission region of the aperture 4 is a regular polygon; the regular polygon includes a square, a regular hexagon or a regular octagon.
[0100] The light coupling region 2 or the light-transmitting region 401 of the aperture 4 is designed as a regular polygon. A regular polygon is a polygon with all sides of equal length and all internal angles equal, and includes various shapes such as squares, regular hexagons, and regular octagons. Firstly, the regular polygon design ensures that the light coupling region 2 or the light-transmitting region 401 of the aperture 4 is highly symmetrical and uniform. Because all sides and angles are equal, light is uniformly and consistently affected when passing through these regions, thus avoiding problems such as uneven light distribution or spot shape distortion caused by structural unevenness.
[0101] Secondly, the regular polygon design provides more controllable degrees of freedom. By selecting regular polygons with different numbers of sides, such as squares, hexagons, or octagons, the light propagation path and spot shape can be finely controlled. Regular polygons with different numbers of sides have different corner properties. These properties produce different refraction and reflection effects when light passes through them, resulting in different spot shapes and distributions.
[0102] Furthermore, the regular polygon design also offers better process feasibility. Due to its relatively simple and regular structure, it is easier to ensure precision and consistency during the manufacturing process, reducing manufacturing costs and difficulty.
[0103] In general, the regular polygon design of the light coupling region 2 or the light-transmitting region 401 of the aperture 4 offers the following significant advantages: It improves the uniformity and symmetry of the light spot, resulting in a more regular shape and uniform brightness distribution, enhancing image clarity and visual quality. It also enhances the ability to control light propagation. By selecting regular polygons with different numbers of sides, the shape and distribution of the light spot can be precisely controlled to meet the needs of different application scenarios. This simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces manufacturing costs and difficulty, and improves product reliability and stability.
[0104] In some examples of this application, see Figure 15 and Figure 16 The light-guiding device further includes a light turning zone 5, which is arranged on the substrate 1 and is used to propagate light from the light coupling-in zone 2 to the light coupling-out zone 3; wherein the light coupling-in zone 2 is arranged as a parallelogram, or the light-transmitting zone of the aperture 4 is arranged as a parallelogram.
[0105] See also Figure 15 , a light turning region 5 is introduced on the substrate 1 of the light guide device, and the light incoupling region 2 or the light-transmitting region 401 of the aperture 4 is cleverly configured as a parallelogram structure. This design not only enriches the functionality of the light guide device but also enables the formation of completely non-overlapping parallelogram-shaped light spots in the light outcoupling region 3, thereby improving the overall optical performance.
[0106] When the light coupling-in area 2 or the light transmission area of the aperture 4 is configured as a parallelogram, the light entering the light guide device will be modulated by the structure, thereby forming a parallelogram-shaped light spot in the light coupling-out area 3. It is worth noting that this design can achieve the effect of completely non-overlapping light spots in the light coupling-out area 3, see Figure 15 This means that each spot maintains its own independent parallelogram shape, without overlapping or crossing each other. This completely non-overlapping spot distribution helps reduce interference and aliasing between spots, improving image clarity and contrast.
[0107] In some examples of this application, see Figure 13 and Figure 15 At the light outcoupling area 3, when the light expands the pupil along one dimension or multiple dimensions, any adjacent light spot edges form abutments.
[0108] At the optical outcoupling zone 3, the light undergoes specific modulation and shaping, dilating the pupil along one or more dimensions. Pupil dilation refers to the fact that when light propagates inside the waveguide, due to a specific optical structure or mechanism, the light forms a larger spot at the exit pupil, thereby expanding the field of view.
[0109] It is worth noting that see Figure 13 and Figure 15 After pupil dilation, the edges of any adjacent light spots are contiguous. This means that different light spots are closely connected at the boundaries, with no noticeable gaps or overlaps. This contiguous spot distribution not only ensures the continuity and integrity of the field of view, but also helps improve image brightness uniformity and clarity.
[0110] In some examples of this application, see Figure 17 A filter 6 is provided in the light transmission area of the aperture 4. The filter 6 has a hollow structure, and the hollow structure matches the target shape.
[0111] A filter 6 is cleverly placed within the light-transmitting area 401 of the aperture 4. This design allows for further light control through the filter 6 without changing the shape of the aperture's light-transmitting area. The hollowed-out structure of the filter 6 is designed to match the target shape, enabling precise control of the light spot shape and brightness.
[0112] Specifically, the hollow structure of the filter 6 allows the transmission of light that matches its intended light source while blocking other unwanted light. This design not only provides a high degree of flexibility, allowing the light spot shape to be adjusted without changing the shape of the aperture's light transmission area, but also by replacing filters with different hollow structures, light spots of varying shapes and brightness can be easily achieved to meet diverse application requirements.
[0113] In the example of the present application, a design of adding a filter 6 in the light-transmitting area 401 of the aperture 4 simplifies the manufacturing process. Since the shape of the light spot can be controlled without changing the shape of the light-transmitting area of the aperture, the manufacturing difficulty and cost are reduced.
[0114] In some examples of this application, see Figure 18 The light coupling region 2 includes a first grating 21 and a second grating 22 , wherein the first grating 21 is arranged around the second grating 22 , wherein the second grating 22 is set to the target shape.
[0115] See also Figure 18 The first grating 21 is designed to surround the second grating 22. This layout provides more possibilities for light entry and control. More importantly, the second grating 22 is specifically designed to have a target shape. By adjusting the shape and structure of the second grating 22, the propagation direction and distribution of light after passing through the grating can be effectively influenced, thereby forming non-overlapping light spots in the light outcoupling area 3.
[0116] This design allows the light spots formed by the light outcoupling zone 3 to achieve a completely non-overlapping effect. This means that each light spot maintains its own independent shape and position, without overlapping or intersecting with each other. This light spot distribution helps improve image clarity and resolution.
[0117] According to another embodiment of the present application, an optical display system is provided, comprising: the light guide device and an optical engine as described above, wherein the optical engine is used to project light onto the light guide device.
[0118] One embodiment of this application provides an optical display system. This optical display system primarily consists of two components: a light guide device as described in all the above embodiments, and an external optical engine. These two components work together to achieve efficient and high-quality light processing and projection.
[0119] As the core part of the optical system, the light guide device is responsible for effectively guiding and distributing the incident light.
[0120] The optical engine is another important component in the optical system. Its main function is to project light onto the light-guiding device and provide a stable and high-quality light source for the light-guiding device.
[0121] According to yet another embodiment of the present application, a display device is provided, comprising: a housing and the optical system as described above, wherein the optical system is disposed in the housing.
[0122] The specific implementation of the optical display system and display device in the embodiments of the present application can refer to the various embodiments of the above-mentioned light guide device, and therefore at least have all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the above-mentioned embodiments, which will not be repeated here.
[0123] The above embodiments focus on the differences between the various embodiments. As long as the different optimization features between the various embodiments are not contradictory, they can be combined to form a better embodiment. Considering the simplicity of the text, they will not be repeated here.
[0124] Although some specific embodiments of the present application have been described in detail by way of example, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples are for illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the above examples may be modified without departing from the scope and spirit of the present application. The scope of the present application is defined by the appended claims.
Claims
1. A light guide device, characterized in that: It comprises a substrate (1) and a light coupling-in region (2) and a light coupling-out region (3) arranged on the substrate (1); By setting the light coupling-in area (2) to a target shape, or by setting an aperture (4) on one side of the light coupling-in area (2) and the aperture (4) having a light-transmitting area of the target shape, the light coupling-in area (2) can adjust the light spot shape of the light before entering the substrate (1), so that a uniform light spot can be formed when the light passes through the substrate (1) and reaches the light decoupling area (3).
2. The light guide device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The target shape includes any one of a non-circular centrally symmetrical figure, a figure with rotational symmetry, a figure with mirror symmetry, and a figure with translational symmetry.
3. The light guide device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light coupling-in area (2) is arranged in a target shape, and the light coupling-in area (2) is a centrally symmetrical figure with a hollowed-out middle portion.
4. The light guide device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The light coupling-in area (2) is a circular ring structure.
5. The light guide device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The light coupling-in area (2) is a circular ring structure composed of a plurality of arc segments, with a gap between two adjacent arc segments, and all the gaps are symmetrically distributed around the center of the light coupling-in area (2).
6. The light guide device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The light coupling region (2) comprises a plurality of sub-coupling regions arranged in a set manner, the sub-coupling regions are all circular or annular structures, and the plurality of sub-coupling regions are symmetrically distributed around the center of the light coupling region (2).
7. The light guide device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The sub-coupling regions are arranged in four numbers, and the four sub-coupling regions are arranged symmetrically in pairs around the center of the light coupling region (2).
8. The light guide device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light-transmitting area (401) of the aperture (4) is set to a target shape, and the light-transmitting area (401) is a circular ring structure, a circular ring structure composed of a plurality of arc segments, or a centrally symmetrical structure composed of a plurality of circular hollow areas.
9. The light guide device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A specific grating structure is arranged in the light outcoupling area (3), which can expand the pupil of the light from the light incoupling area (2) and couple it out; The light coupling-in area (2) is configured as a centrally symmetrical polygon, or the light-transmitting area (401) of the aperture (4) is configured as a centrally symmetrical polygon, so that when light passes through the substrate (1) and reaches the light coupling-out area (3), non-overlapping light spots can be formed.
10. The light guide device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The light coupling region (2) or the light transmission region (401) of the aperture (4) is set to be a regular polygon; The regular polygon includes a square, a regular hexagon or a regular octagon.
11. The light guide device according to claim 9, characterized in that: The light guide device further comprises a light turning area (5), wherein the light turning area (5) is arranged on the substrate (1), and the light turning area (5) is used to propagate light from the light coupling-in area (2) to the light coupling-out area (3); Wherein, the light coupling-in area (2) is configured as a parallelogram, or the light-transmitting area (401) of the aperture (4) is configured as a parallelogram.
12. The light guide device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that: At the light outcoupling area (3), when the light expands the pupil along one dimension or multiple dimensions, any adjacent light spot edges form an abutment.
13. The light guide device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A filter (6) is arranged in the light transmission area (401) of the aperture (4), the filter (6) having a hollow structure, and the hollow structure matches the target shape.
14. The light guide device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light coupling-in region (2) comprises a first grating (21) and a second grating (22), wherein the first grating (21) is arranged around the second grating (22), wherein the second grating (22) is arranged in the target shape.
15. An optical display system, characterized in that: include: The light guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 14; and An optical machine is used to project light to the light guiding device.
16. A display device, characterized in that: include: shell; and The optical system of claim 15, wherein the optical system is disposed in the housing.