AR Eyepiece Waveguide Gratings for Multi-Depth 3D Viewing Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented reality (AR) systems face challenges in providing a realistic and comfortable three-dimensional image simulation due to the mismatch between accommodation and vergence, leading to discomfort for users.
Innovation Solution
The use of an eyepiece waveguide with an input coupling grating (ICG) and combined pupil expander-extractor (CPE) grating regions to manipulate the field of view (FOV) within the k-space annulus, allowing for the translation and expansion of images across multiple depth planes, aligning with the user's accommodative and convergent eye movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional AR systems present computer-generated image data on a head-mounted display, then the user can see simulated elements in the real-world environment, but the mismatch between accommodation and vergence leads to user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical system into multiple functional grating regions (ICG, CPE, EPE) that independently control different aspects of light propagation. This segmentation allows separate optimization of accommodation cues (through focal plane control) and vergence cues (through angle of view control), resolving the contradiction by enabling both depth perception and user comfort simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fourth dimension (depth plane) by translating images across multiple depth planes within the k-space annulus. This dimensional expansion allows the system to provide realistic depth perception through accommodation-vergence matching while maintaining user comfort, as the optical system can now independently control both focal distance and viewing angle
2Adaptability or versatility
If the field of view is expanded across multiple depth planes, then the realism of three-dimensional imagery is improved, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (input coupling, pupil expansion, image extraction, and depth plane translation) into a single integrated waveguide system with multiple grating regions. This merging achieves multi-depth plane capability while avoiding the complexity of separate optical systems, as all functions are accomplished within one compact waveguide structure
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide system is designed as a universal optical platform that simultaneously performs input coupling, field of view expansion, pupil management, and multi-depth plane image presentation. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate optical components
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 enhances the realism and comfort of AR experiences by providing a more natural perception of depth through aligned accommodative and convergent cues, improving the user's sense of three-dimensional imagery.
Implementation Method 1
an input coupling grating (ICG) region formed on or in one of the surfaces of the substrate, the ICG region being configured to receive an input beam of light and to couple the input beam into the substrate as a guided beam
Implementation Method 2
a first combined pupil expander-extractor (CPE) grating region formed on or in the first surface of the substrate, the first CPE grating region being positioned to receive the guided beam from the ICG region and to create a first plurality of diffracted beams at a plurality of distributed locations, and to out-couple a first plurality of output beams
Data Source
AI summary
An eyepiece waveguide for an augmented reality display system. The eyepiece waveguide can include an input coupling grating (ICG) region. The ICG region can couple an input beam into the substrate of the eyepiece waveguide as a guided beam. A first combined pupil expander-extractor (CPE) grating region can be formed on or in a surface of the substrate. The first CPE grating region can receive the guided beam, create a first plurality of diffracted beams at a plurality of distributed locations, and out-couple a first plurality of output beams. The eyepiece waveguide can also include a second CPE grating region formed on or in the opposite surface of the substrate. The second CPE grating region can receive the guided beam, create a second plurality of diffracted beams at a plurality of distributed locations, and out-couple a second plurality of output beams.