Compact Near-Eye Display Engine Using Coupled Prisms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing near-eye projection displays, such as AR/VR glasses, face challenges in reducing size and weight while maintaining image quality, particularly in efficiently directing and focusing light from multiple color modes to a spatial light modulator (SLM).
Innovation Solution
The use of a pair of prisms optically coupled with a beam splitter and spatial light modulator (SLM) to direct and focus light from multiple color modes, enhancing the uniform distribution of color modes on the SLM and improving projected image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional projection display components are used in near-eye displays, then image projection function is achieved, but the size and weight of the display device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions (light direction, color mode separation, and focusing) into a single integrated optical system using a pair of prisms. The first prism directs light from the light source to the spatial light modulator, while the second prism separates color modes and directs them to the SLM. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components, thereby reducing overall device size and weight while maintaining the necessary optical capabilities for near-eye display projection.
2Manufacturing precision
If light from multiple color modes is directed to SLM without proper distribution, then projection display is achieved, but uniform distribution of color modes is poor resulting in reduced image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary component between the prisms and the spatial light modulator. The beam splitter receives light from the prisms and distributes it uniformly across the SLM surface, ensuring that all color modes (red, green, blue) are evenly distributed. This intermediary element solves the uniform distribution problem without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining system simplicity while achieving high image quality.
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 configuration reduces the size and weight of near-eye displays while improving the uniform distribution of color modes, leading to enhanced image quality and increased efficiency in light projection.
Implementation Method 1
a first prism and a second prism optically coupled to the first prism, the second prism having a first side and a second side
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter between the first prism and the second prism
Implementation Method 3
a spatial light modulator (SLM) facing the first side of the second prism
Implementation Method 4
reflective focusing optics facing a third side of the second prism
Implementation Method 5
reflective focusing optics configured to receive the modulated light and to reflect the modulated light to produce reflected light
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first prism and a second prism coupled to the first prism, where the first prism faces a first side of the second prism. The apparatus also includes a spatial light modulator (SLM) facing a second side of the second prism and reflective focusing optics facing a third side of the second prism.