Annular Mirror Collimating Optics for Compact AR/VR Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing displays for devices such as virtual and augmented reality headsets poses challenges due to unsightly and bulky components that do not achieve desired optical performance levels.
Innovation Solution
A display system incorporating a waveguide with mirrors and a display module, where the second mirror has an annular footprint with a central opening, and collimating optics including a first mirror on the waveguide's first side and a second mirror on the second side, which overlap the central opening, to efficiently direct and collimate image light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional display components are used in virtual and augmented reality headsets, then the display can present images to users, but the components become unsightly and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (display module, mirrors, waveguide, and output coupler) into a single integrated optical system. The display module is positioned to overlap with the waveguide, and the mirrors are integrated within the waveguide structure, merging separate components into a unified compact assembly that eliminates bulkiness while maintaining imaging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by positioning the display module to overlap the waveguide in the vertical dimension rather than placing it beside the waveguide in the horizontal plane. This vertical stacking approach, combined with the annular mirror design that overlaps the central opening, allows compact integration without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby achieving a more compact overall shape.
2Reliability
If traditional display components are used in virtual and augmented reality headsets, then the display can present images to users, but the components do not exhibit desired levels of optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural substrate, an optical waveguide for light propagation, and a mounting platform for the mirrors and output coupler. The annular mirrors serve dual purposes as both reflective surfaces and structural elements that define the optical path. This multi-functionality achieves desired optical performance without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary element that couples the display module to the output coupler through controlled light propagation. The waveguide receives light from the display module, guides it through the optical path defined by the mirrors, and delivers it to the output coupler for presentation to the user. This intermediary structure enables precise control of light paths and imaging characteristics while maintaining a compact form factor.
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
The system achieves compact, lightweight, and cost-effective optical performance by using annular mirrors and collimating optics, ensuring seamless image integration and reduced bulkiness.
Implementation Method 1
a first mirror on the first side of the waveguide... a surface relief grating on the first side of the waveguide that has a first annular footprint with a first central opening that overlaps the first mirror, a display module on the second side of the waveguide that produces image light that passes through the first central opening to reach the first mirror
Implementation Method 2
a second mirror on the second side of the waveguide that receives the image light from the first mirror
Implementation Method 3
a surface relief grating on the first side of the waveguide that has a first annular footprint with a first central opening that overlaps the first mirror, a display module on the second side of the waveguide that produces image light that passes through the first central opening to reach the first mirror
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a display module that generates light and an optical system that redirects the light towards an eye box. The system may include an input coupler on a waveguide and collimating optics that collimate the light between the light exiting a display module and the light reaching the input coupler. The collimating optics may include a first mirror with a convex surface on an opposing side of the waveguide as the display module. The collimating optics may include a second mirror with an annular footprint on the same side of the waveguide as the display module. The second mirror may have a concave surface and may laterally surround the display module. The input coupler may have an annular footprint that laterally surrounds the first mirror.