Catadioptric Collimating Lens for Compact Waveguide Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing optical systems for displays in devices such as virtual reality and augmented reality headsets is challenging due to the need for components that are unsightly, bulky, and do not exhibit desired optical performance levels.
Innovation Solution
A display system incorporating a waveguide, a display module, and a catadioptric lens that redirects image light from the display module to the waveguide, utilizing a lens element with refractive and reflective properties to achieve compactness and optimal optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical components are used in display systems, then optical performance can be achieved, but the device becomes bulky and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines refractive and reflective optical functions into a single integrated lens element. The lens includes both refractive surfaces for focusing light and reflective surfaces (with mirror coatings) for redirecting light paths, eliminating the need for separate lenses and mirrors that would increase device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multi-surface lens design with light reflecting multiple times within the lens structure. By adding dimensional complexity to the light path (multiple reflections and refractions within a compact volume), the system achieves high optical performance without proportional increase in device size.
2Reliability
If conventional optical components are used in display systems, then optical functions can be performed, but the device becomes unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines refractive and reflective optical functions into a single integrated lens element. The lens includes both refractive surfaces for focusing light and reflective surfaces (with mirror coatings) for redirecting light paths, eliminating the need for separate lenses and mirrors that would increase device volume.
3Device complexity
If a single lens element is used, then device complexity is reduced, but optical performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines refractive and reflective optical functions into a single integrated lens element. The lens includes both refractive surfaces for focusing light and reflective surfaces (with mirror coatings) for redirecting light paths, eliminating the need for separate lenses and mirrors that would increase device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a multi-surface lens design where light undergoes multiple reflections and refractions within the single lens element. This dynamic light path management within a unified structure achieves high optical performance without requiring 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
The solution provides a compact and efficient optical system that enhances optical performance, reducing bulkiness and improving the aesthetic appeal of display devices.
Implementation Method 1
The catadioptric lens may be configured to refract the image light at least twice
Implementation Method 2
the image light may be reflected at both the second and fourth surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a display module that generates image light and an optical system that redirects the image light towards an eye box. The optical system may include an input coupler on a waveguide and collimating optics that collimate the image light between the image light exiting a display module and the image light reaching the input coupler. The collimating optics may include a catadioptric lens that refracts the image light at least twice and reflects the image light at least twice. The catadioptric lens may include first and second lens elements with different refractive indices. The catadioptric lens may include first and second lens elements formed from the same material and attached using optically clear adhesive.