AR Optical Device Using Polarizing Beam Splitters and Quarter Wave Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality optical devices are bulky due to the need for multiple components like beam splitters, lenses, and displays, which limits their wearability and thickness.
Innovation Solution
An optical device design incorporating a light input part with a micro display, polarizing beam splitters, quarter wavelength plates, and a light condenser, along with a light output part featuring polarizing beam splitters and a quarter wavelength plate, to efficiently transmit and reflect polarized light, reducing the device's thickness and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components (beam splitters, lenses, displays) are used to provide augmented reality, then the augmented reality function is achieved, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical components (beam splitters, wavelength plates, condensers) into an integrated optical system where components are arranged in sequence within a compact structure. The beam splitter integrates the micro display and light guide, while wavelength plates and condensers are positioned within the same optical path, merging functions that would traditionally require separate assemblies into a unified thin-profile device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional multi-component three-dimensional arrangement to a planar integrated structure. By arranging optical components in a two-dimensional layout within the light guide plane and using thin-film wavelength plates, the system achieves augmented reality functionality while reducing the thickness dimension, effectively moving the design from vertical stacking to lateral integration
2Reliability
If multiple components are used to achieve augmented reality, then the display function is realized, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the micro display, beam splitter, wavelength plates, and light condenser into a single integrated optical assembly. The beam splitter serves as both a structural component and an optical element, while the wavelength plates are positioned within the light guide structure, combining multiple discrete components into a unified compact unit that reduces overall device footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the micro display is positioned within the beam splitter structure, wavelength plates are embedded within the light guide, and the light condenser is integrated into the optical path. This nesting of components within each other's structural envelopes reduces the total device area while maintaining all necessary optical functions
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 design achieves a reduced thickness and increased wearability of augmented reality devices while maintaining the same viewing angle, enhancing the usability of head-mounted displays.
Implementation Method 1
a first quarter wavelength plate configured to receive light transmitted by the first polarizing beam splitter or the second polarizing beam splitter and change a polarized state of the received light
Implementation Method 2
a first polarizing beam splitter and a second polarizing beam splitter configured to reflect or transmit incident light comprising an image displayed on the micro display
Implementation Method 3
a light condenser configured to condense the polarized light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device includes a light input part and a light output part. The light input part includes a micro display; a first and a second polarizing beam splitters configured to reflect or transmit incident light including an image displayed on the micro display; and a first quarter wavelength plate configured to receive light transmitted by the first polarizing beam splitter or the second polarizing beam splitter and change a polarized state of the received light. The light output part includes a third and a fourth polarizing beam splitters configured to transmit or reflect light including the image received from the light input part; a second quarter wavelength plate configured to receive the light transmitted by the third polarizing beam splitter or the fourth polarizing beam splitter and change the polarized state of the received light, and a light condenser configured to condense the polarized light.