AR Optical Projector with Out-of-Phase Oscillating Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of oscillating glass plates in projection systems for augmented reality introduces mechanical noise and vibrations, which can distract and discomfort users, especially in head-mounted displays where proximity to the user's head and ears exacerbates the issue.
Innovation Solution
A multi-aperture projection system utilizing a set of oscillating glass plates that operate out of phase with each other, integrated with a waveguide to manipulate light paths and enhance image quality, depth perception, and immersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If oscillating glass plates are used for pixel-shifting in AR projection, then image resolution and sharpness are improved, but mechanical noise and vibrations increase causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical oscillating glass plate system with a digital pixel-shifting approach using a fixed display panel and electronic control. Instead of physically moving optical elements, the system uses electronic pixel manipulation and timing control to achieve the same image enhancement effects without mechanical vibrations or noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the oscillating mechanical component from the projection system. By eliminating the moving glass plate entirely and replacing it with a static display panel and electronic processing, the harmful mechanical vibrations and noise are completely removed while preserving the image quality enhancement through digital means.
2Productivity
If oscillating plates are positioned close to the user's head in HMD, then projection efficiency is improved, but user discomfort and distraction are exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical oscillating plate system entirely and replaces it with a fixed display panel and electronic pixel-shifting mechanism. This substitution maintains projection efficiency through electronic control while completely removing the source of mechanical vibrations and noise that cause user discomfort in head-mounted displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the pixel-shifting function through electronic processing rather than physical movement. The fixed display panel electronically generates and manipulates pixel positions through timing and control signals, replicating the optical effects of the oscillating plate without the mechanical drawbacks.
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 out-of-phase oscillation of the glass plates reduces mechanical noise and vibrations, improving the immersive quality and reducing user discomfort in augmented reality systems by enhancing image manipulation and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
The degree of pixel displacement is determined by factors such as the refractive index, thickness of the plate, and the angle at which the plate is positioned
Data Source
AI summary
A projector design for a microLED augmented reality (AR) display system. The AR display includes a light engine comprising a microLED panel and a set of plates that oscillate out of phase. The system also includes a waveguide with an input coupler (IC) having an entrance pupil. The entrance pupil of the IC is substantially coplanar with the exit pupil of the light engine. This configuration allows for coupling of light from the light engine into the waveguide, enabling the display of augmented reality content. A set of plates are configured to rotate either about a common axis or their individual axes. These rotations may be facilitated by actuators such as voice coils, piezo actuators, or others, each capable of linear or rotary movement. The plates may be either driven individually but synchronized for cohesive operation, or jointly propelled by a shared actuator for collective movement.