AR Waveguide Alignment Coupler Photodetector Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented reality (AR) electronic devices face issues with misalignment of optical components, leading to errors in the position of AR images displayed to the user's line of sight.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device includes a display, a wave guide, an alignment coupler, a photodetector, and processing circuitry. The alignment coupler diffracts incident light at a specified angle, and the photodetector detects this light. The processor identifies light-related information, determines position errors of the AR image, and compensates for these errors by adjusting the light's position incident on the wave guide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If optical components are assembled in the electronic device, then the augmented reality image can be displayed to the user's line of sight, but misalignment of components causes position errors in the AR image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a photodetector detects the position of light diffracted by an alignment coupler, and the processor uses this information to determine position errors and compensate for misalignment. This closed-loop feedback system continuously monitors and corrects alignment issues, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision limitations and reliability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment adjustment mechanisms with an optical-electrical compensation system. Instead of physically adjusting component positions to achieve alignment, the system uses light diffraction, photodetector detection, and digital image processing to identify and correct position errors, thereby eliminating the need for high mechanical manufacturing precision.
2Ease of operation
If the wave guide diffracts light toward the user's eyes, then the augmented reality image becomes visible, but component misalignment causes the AR image to appear at incorrect positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the photodetector to provide feedback on the actual position of the AR image by detecting diffracted light from the alignment coupler. The processor compares the detected position with the expected position and calculates position errors, enabling real-time correction to maintain measurement precision while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment coupler acts as an intermediary element that enables position detection without interfering with the primary AR image display function. By diffracting a portion of incident light toward the photodetector, it provides alignment information while the wave guide continues to guide light to the user's eyes, thus maintaining both visibility and position accuracy.
3Productivity
If the display outputs light including the augmented reality image, then virtual information is presented to the user, but component gaps or tilt cause position errors in the displayed image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical precision requirements with an optical-electrical compensation system. The display can operate with standard manufacturing tolerances, and the alignment coupler-photon detector-processor system automatically compensates for any position errors, thereby maintaining high productivity without requiring high manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment and self-correction through the photodetector detecting light from the alignment coupler and the processor automatically calculating and compensating for position errors. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual realignment or high-precision manufacturing, enabling rapid production while maintaining display quality.
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 solution effectively measures and compensates for position errors of AR images in AR electronic devices, ensuring accurate overlay of virtual information with real-world data.
Implementation Method 1
at least one alignment coupler disposed on an optical path formed by the wave guide, and configured to diffract at least a part of incident light at a specified angle
Implementation Method 2
a photodetector configured to detect at least a part of light diffracted by the alignment coupler
Implementation Method 3
a wave guide configured to transmit light output from the display toward a user's eyes
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise: a display configured to output light of an augmented reality image; a wave guide configured to transmit the light output from the display toward a user's eyes; at least one alignment coupler disposed on an optical path formed by the wave guide to diffract at least a part of incident light at a specified angle; a photodetector configured to detect at least a part of the light diffracted by the alignment coupler; and at least one processor, comprising processing circuitry, operatively connected to the display and the photodetector.