Compact Waveguide Display With Zonal Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-eye display systems, such as HMDs and HUDs, face challenges in achieving compact form factor, reduced weight, and efficient illumination while integrating advanced features like zonal illumination and polarization recycling.
Innovation Solution
A compact waveguide display system incorporating a reflective polarizer and a waveguide with an imaging assembly that guides backlight to illuminate a non-emissive display panel, utilizing zonal illumination and polarization recycling for enhanced display performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional near-eye display systems are used, then display functionality is achieved, but system complexity and form factor are large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into a single waveguide structure that performs illumination guidance, image transport, and polarization management simultaneously. The waveguide integrates zonal illumination optical concentrators, reflective polarizers, and imaging assemblies into one compact component, eliminating the need for separate optical paths and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide serves multiple functions: it guides backlight illumination, transports image light, implements polarization recycling, and enables zonal illumination. This multi-functional design replaces traditional separate optical components, reducing system complexity while preserving adaptability for various display features including eye and face tracking.
2Weight of moving object
If traditional near-eye display systems are used, then display functionality is achieved, but weight is high
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple optical components into a single waveguide structure, the patent significantly reduces the total weight of the display system. The integrated waveguide eliminates the need for separate illuminators, polarizers, and imaging assemblies, achieving weight reduction while maintaining all necessary display functionalities through its multi-functional design.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional illumination methods are used, then basic illumination is provided, but illumination efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs zonal illumination optical concentrators that provide different illumination characteristics to different zones of the display panel. Each zone receives optimized illumination based on its specific requirements, improving overall illumination efficiency. The reflective polarizer further enhances efficiency by recycling polarization states, ensuring maximum light utilization without requiring complex additional illumination 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 system achieves reduced complexity, form factor, and weight, while integrating efficient illumination and advanced features like eye and face tracking, with improved display performance and chromatic content.
Implementation Method 1
The reflective polarizer is configured to couple the image light into the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
The waveguide includes a reflective polarizer
Implementation Method 3
a waveguide including a reflective polarizer and disposed between the plurality of optical elements included in the imaging assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided. The system includes a display panel and an imaging assembly including a plurality of optical elements configured to guide a backlight to illuminate the display panel. The system also includes a waveguide including a reflective polarizer and disposed between the plurality of optical elements included in the imaging assembly. The display panel is configured to modulate the backlight into an image light representing a virtual image. The imaging assembly is configured to guide the image light toward the reflective polarizer. The reflective polarizer is configured to couple the image light into the waveguide.