Compensating Lens Waveguide Assembly for Mixed Reality FOV
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near-eye display devices, such as head-mounted displays, face limitations in field of view (FOV) due to the orientation of waveguides, which can cause user discomfort and distortion of computer-generated images, reducing the perceived reality and utility of mixed reality displays.
Innovation Solution
The use of specialized waveguide assemblies with a compensating lens system that refracts and directs light to increase the FOV and precision of image projection, allowing for an 'artificial wrap and tilt' to enhance the alignment of images with the user's field of view, while maintaining transparency for external light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the waveguide orientation is modified to increase FOV by wrapping around the user's eyes, then the field of view is increased, but the alignment precision of MR projections with objects in the user's FOV deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A compensating lens is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the waveguide and the user's eye. This lens compensates for the angular deviations caused by the wrapped waveguide orientation, thereby maintaining precise alignment of MR projections with real-world objects while preserving the expanded field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide is intentionally oriented at non-standard angles (wrapped around the eyes) and compensating lenses with specific optical parameters are designed to counteract the resulting angular deviations. This parameter-based compensation approach allows FOV expansion while maintaining projection accuracy.
2Area of moving object
If the waveguide orientation is modified to increase FOV, then the field of view is increased, but the complexity of connecting and assembling the output waveguide increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the wrapped waveguide assembly and the compensating lens assembly. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized and assembled independently, reducing the overall assembly complexity despite the non-standard waveguide orientation.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional waveguide orientation is used, then the assembly is simpler, but the field of view is limited and image projection precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The compensating lens serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the simplified wrapped waveguide assembly and the requirement for precise image projection. It corrects the optical path deviations without complicating the waveguide assembly process.
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 solution increases the user's FOV and precision of image projection, reducing distortions and enhancing the overall mixed reality experience by compensating for the limitations of conventional waveguide orientations, thereby improving user comfort and optical performance.
Implementation Method 1
The waveguide includes a front surface and a back surface and is configured to receive external light at the front surface and transmit the external light through the waveguide to the back surface
Implementation Method 2
refracting a signal light from a light source at an angle relative to a waveguide, in-coupling the signal light to propagate along the waveguide
Implementation Method 3
The compensating lens is located on the back surface and configured to direct light emitted from the back surface toward an exit pupil proximate the back surface
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems and methods that include specialized waveguide assemblies are provided for performing light transformations. Some waveguide assemblies include a waveguide and a compensating lens. The waveguide includes a front surface and a back surface, wherein the waveguide is configured to receive external light at the front surface and transmit the external light through the waveguide to the back surface. The compensating lens is located on the back surface and is configured to direct light emitted from the back surface toward an exit pupil proximate the back surface. The compensating lens has an input surface oriented toward the waveguide and an opposing output surface oriented away from the waveguide. The waveguide can sometimes increase a user's field of view with minimal distortion on a mixed reality display.