Compact LCoS Display Engine With Opposite-Sided Waveguide Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LCoS display engines have a large form factor that makes them unsuitable for portable and wearable optics such as AR glasses.
Innovation Solution
A compact LCoS display engine design that eliminates the polarization beam splitter and integrates the illumination module and LCoS panel on opposite sides of a waveguide, using a lens bundle to direct light without overlapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional LCoS display engine uses a polarization beam splitter and separate illumination module, then the optical path can be properly managed, but the form factor becomes large and unsuitable for portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illumination module and LCoS panel into a single integrated unit with opposite-sided mounting on the waveguide. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate polarization beam splitters and complex optical path management, achieving compact form factor suitable for portable and wearable optics while maintaining proper optical function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar optical path arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where the illumination module and LCoS panel are mounted on opposite sides of the waveguide. This dimensional change allows light paths to be separated spatially without requiring additional optical components, resolving the contradiction between compact size and optical path management
2Volume of moving object
If the illumination module and LCoS panel are integrated on opposite sides of the waveguide, then the form factor is reduced, but the image uniformity must be maintained across the field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the illumination source and LCoS panel on opposite sides of the waveguide, creating localized optical interactions that maintain image uniformity across the field of view. The opposite-sided integration allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system compactness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical optical path management (lenses, mirrors, beam splitters) with a simplified opposite-sided integration architecture. This substitution maintains image uniformity through proper optical alignment while achieving compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between size reduction and precision maintenance
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 compact design achieves a smaller form factor, improving image uniformity and reducing the overall size of the display engine, making it suitable for portable and wearable applications.
Implementation Method 1
display light is generated and projected to the eyes of a user using a display system where the light is in-coupled into a waveguide, transported therethrough by total internal reflection
Implementation Method 2
using a lens bundle to direct light without overlapping
Data Source
AI summary
A display engine includes an illumination module, an LCoS display panel, a waveguide, and projection optics configured to direct source light from the illumination module to the LCoS display panel and direct image light from the LCoS display panel to the waveguide.