Active Optical Engine for Wide-FOV Near-Eye Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-eye display systems face challenges in expanding the field of view (FOV) without increasing the size, weight, and power consumption of projectors, which is particularly problematic for lightweight and energy-efficient devices like head-mounted displays and smart glasses.
Innovation Solution
The use of an active optical engine with an active wave plate and polarizing beam splitters to dynamically switch the polarization of light beams, allowing for 2D pupil expansion and optical path redirection, which enables a wider FOV without requiring larger or more power-intensive components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the size of the projector is increased to expand the field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the weight and compactness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic optical switching using liquid crystal wave plates that can change their optical properties in real-time. The wave plates switch between different polarization states to dynamically redirect light beams through different optical paths, enabling field of view expansion without physically enlarging the projector structure. This dynamic control allows a compact projector to achieve multiple FOV configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the polarization parameter of light beams using active wave plates. By switching the polarization state of light between different orientations, the system can redirect light through polarizing beam splitters along different optical paths, effectively expanding the field of view while maintaining a compact projector form factor. The parameter change occurs in the optical domain rather than the physical domain.
2Area of stationary object
If the size of the projector is increased to expand the field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses universal optical components that serve multiple functions. The polarizing beam splitters and wave plates form a multi-functional optical engine that can handle multiple optical paths and field of view configurations using the same set of components. This universal approach allows the system to achieve complex FOV expansion without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same components are reused across different optical paths.
3Area of stationary object
If larger components are used to expand the field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical field of view expansion mechanisms with an optical-based system. Instead of physically moving or enlarging mechanical components, the invention uses optical switching through wave plates and beam splitters to redirect light paths. This substitution of optical control for mechanical expansion achieves FOV enlargement without the power consumption associated with moving large mechanical components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for a wider, immersive FOV in near-eye display systems while maintaining a compact form factor and reduced power consumption, enhancing user experience without bulkiness or increased energy demands.
Implementation Method 1
The active wave plate is configured to convert the light beam output by the projection optics device from the first polarization to a second polarization when in the activated state
Implementation Method 2
The PBS is configured to redirect light beams having the first polarization and to allow light beams having the second polarization to pass therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes at least one processor configured to determine a target coupling-out facet, identify an optical path to the target coupling-out facet, identify an active wave plate corresponding to the optical path, determine a target state of the active wave plate that corresponds to the optical path, set the active wave plate to the identified target state and cause a projection device to project a light beam comprising an image field of view component along the identified optical path.