Compact AR Optical Assembly With Nested Light-Guiding Path Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current augmented, virtual, and mixed reality devices are hindered by large and bulky optical components, limiting their portability and user comfort.

Innovation Solution

An optical system comprising an image source assembly, light-guiding element, and optical elements with adjustable light paths, utilizing microstructures and driving assemblies to minimize size and enhance portability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional optical projection techniques are used in AR devices, then virtual content can be projected alongside real-world imagery, but the optical components become large and bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAR functionalityVSAvoidoptical component size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing the image source assembly inside the light-guiding element structure. The light-guiding element acts as a container that houses the image source assembly, allowing multiple optical components to occupy overlapping spatial volumes. This nested configuration enables the AR optical system to project virtual content while maintaining a compact overall form factor, directly resolving the contradiction between AR functionality and component size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light path adjusting elements are added to control light direction, then light path adjustment capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight path adjustment capabilityVSAvoidnumber of optical elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies multi-functionality by designing the light-guiding element to serve multiple purposes simultaneously: it guides light from the image source, adjusts light path direction, and houses the image source assembly. The first optical element also performs dual functions of adjusting light path and coupling light into the light-guiding element. This multi-functional design achieves comprehensive light path control while minimizing the total number of separate components, resolving the contradiction between adjustment capability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 achieves miniaturization and improved user comfort by reducing the size of optical components while maintaining functionality, enabling enhanced augmented, virtual, and mixed reality experiences.

Implementation Method 1

The light-guiding element is used for transmitting the light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The collimator is used for adjusting a direction of the light to the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

A plurality of microstructures are formed on the first optical element surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS12578577B2Optical system

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 ACTUTEK CORP

AI summary

An optical system is provided. The optical system includes an image source assembly, a light-guiding element, and a first optical element. The image source assembly is used for providing light. The light-guiding element is used for transmitting the light. The first optical element is disposed between the image source assembly and the light-guiding element and used for adjusting a path of the light.