AR Waveguide In-Coupling and Out-Coupling Regions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current augmented and virtual reality display systems face challenges in providing a comfortable and natural-feeling presentation of virtual image elements amidst real-world imagery, due to the complexity of human visual perception.

Innovation Solution

The development of head-mountable display systems that utilize a light projection system and waveguides with in-coupling and out-coupling regions to project virtual image content directly into the user's eyes, allowing for selective light output towards the pupil to enhance efficiency and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If light is projected into the waveguide for virtual image content, then virtual image content can be displayed to the user, but light may be out-coupled at locations not aligned with the user's pupil, reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight utilization efficiencyVSAvoidlight loss from out-coupling regions not aligned with pupil

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of light out-coupling by selectively activating different out-coupling regions based on real-time eye tracking data. The system dynamically adjusts which regions of the waveguide out-couple light, ensuring optimal alignment with the user's pupil position and minimizing light loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters by switching between different out-coupling regions with distinct optical characteristics. Each region can be independently controlled to adjust light extraction efficiency and directional properties, optimizing light delivery to the pupil based on viewing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the waveguide is segmented into multiple in-coupling and out-coupling regions, then light can be selectively directed to match pupil position, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight delivery efficiency to pupilVSAvoidwaveguide structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is divided into multiple discrete in-coupling and out-coupling regions that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific regions based on pupil position, improving light delivery efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An eye tracking system acts as an intermediary between the light projection system and the waveguide control. It provides real-time feedback on pupil position that guides the selection of active out-coupling regions, enabling adaptive light delivery without complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If conventional display systems are used, then virtual images can be presented, but accommodation and vergence cues do not match, causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomfort of viewingVSAvoidvisual perception accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates eye tracking feedback to monitor pupil position and gaze direction in real-time. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of which waveguide regions are active, ensuring that light is delivered to match the user's natural accommodation and vergence states, thereby improving comfort and visual accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach improves the efficiency of light utilization, increases the proportion of light entering the pupil, and provides a more comfortable and realistic viewing experience by matching accommodation and vergence cues.

Implementation Method 1

The waveguide is configured to in-couple the light therefrom and to direct the light through total internal reflection along a propagation direction through the waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The waveguide includes a first plurality of out-coupling regions configured to out-couple the light from the propagation direction at a first plurality of locations along the waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS20250164800A1Augmented and virtual reality display systems with correlated in-coupling and out-coupling optical regions for efficient light utilization

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 MAGIC LEAP INC

AI summary

Augmented reality and virtual reality display systems and devices are configured for efficient use of projected light. In some aspects, a display system includes a light projection system and a head-mounted display configured to project light into an eye of the user to display virtual image content. The head-mounted display includes at least one waveguide comprising a plurality of in-coupling elements each configured to receive, from the light projection system, light corresponding to a portion of the user's field of view and to in-couple the light into the waveguide; and a plurality of out-coupling elements configured to out-couple the light out of the waveguide to display the virtual content, wherein each of the out-coupling elements are configured to receive light from different ones of the in-coupling elements.