AR Waveguide and Light Engine Correction for Image Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented reality systems face challenges with optical distortions, non-uniformity, and user variability due to imperfections in waveguides, which degrade image quality and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality system with a light engine and waveguide that includes an input and output coupler, a metrology system, and a controller to measure and correct visual defects by adjusting the light engine and/or the waveguide's gratings, using a demura algorithm to generate and apply corrective data to adjust components like pixels or segments to improve image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If waveguide components are manufactured with standard tolerances, then manufacturing cost and ease of fabrication are improved, but optical distortion and image uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement of optical defects using a metrology system before display operation, and pre-calculates correction data to compensate for waveguide imperfections. This preliminary characterization allows the system to account for manufacturing variations without requiring tighter fabrication tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the metrology system continuously measures optical defects in the waveguide, the controller processes this data to generate correction values, and the light engine adjusts its output accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables real-time compensation for manufacturing imperfections.
2Manufacturing precision
If the system adjusts components to correct optical defects, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a controller as an intermediary component that processes metrology data and generates correction values for the light engine. This intermediary layer manages the complexity of defect correction by abstracting the complex adjustments into manageable correction algorithms without requiring direct complex mechanical adjustments to the waveguide.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically adjusting waveguide components, the system changes operational parameters of the light engine (such as pixel intensity, timing, or position) to compensate for optical defects. This parameter-based correction approach is simpler than mechanical adjustments while achieving the same image quality improvement.
3Manufacturing precision
If a metrology system is added to measure and correct defects, then image uniformity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by using its own metrology system to automatically characterize and correct its own optical defects without external intervention. The waveguide system measures its own imperfections and applies corrections, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or manual adjustment procedures.
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 reduces optical distortions, enhances consistency across viewing zones, and compensates for fabrication tolerances and user variability by adjusting light engine and waveguide components to improve image quality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an input coupler disposed over the substrate and configured to receive the image from the light engine
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide including a substrate
Implementation Method 3
An output coupler is disposed over the substrate and configured to emit an outcoupled image
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to augmented reality systems. More specifically, embodiments described herein provide for augmented reality systems, methods of correcting an image projected into a waveguide, and related components. In one or more embodiments, an augmented reality system includes a light engine configured to emit an image and a waveguide including a substrate. The waveguide further includes an input coupler disposed over the substrate and configured to receive the image from the light engine. An output coupler is disposed over the substrate and configured to emit an outcoupled image. A controller is configured to generate corrective data based on one or more characteristics of the outcoupled image and adjust one or more components of the augmented reality system based on the corrective data.