Diffractive Waveguide Collimation for AR Display Space Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing augmented reality (AR) projection devices require multiple optical elements for high optical resolution and low power consumption, which increases installation space and assembly complexity in AR goggles.

Innovation Solution

A device with a light source, microscanner, and a waveguide with a diffractive element for collimating and deflecting a divergent light bundle, reducing the need for additional optical elements and minimizing installation space by integrating the diffractive element into the waveguide.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple optical elements are used to achieve high optical resolution and low power consumption, then the optical performance is improved, but the installation space and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical resolutionVSAvoidnumber of optical elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical functions (collimation, beam shaping, and waveguide coupling) into a single diffractive optical element (DOE). This integration eliminates the need for separate collimating lenses and beam shaping optics, thereby reducing the total number of optical elements while maintaining high optical resolution through the DOE's ability to precisely control light wavefronts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The diffractive optical element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it collimates the divergent light from the edge emitter, shapes the beam profile, and couples light into the waveguide. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by achieving high optical performance without requiring multiple separate optical components, thus reducing device complexity and installation space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple optical elements are used for beam collimation and shaping, then the optical performance is improved, but the installation space increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical resolutionVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges collimation optics, beam shaping optics, and waveguide coupling optics into a single diffractive optical element mounted on the waveguide. This consolidation dramatically reduces the installation space required compared to using multiple separate optical elements, while the DOE maintains high optical resolution through its ability to precisely manipulate light wavefronts

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple optical elements are used, then the optical performance is improved, but the assembly complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical resolutionVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple optical functions into a single diffractive optical element that is mounted directly on the waveguide. This reduces assembly complexity from aligning multiple separate optical elements to simply mounting one DOE component, while the DOE's diffraction-based optics maintain high optical resolution through precise wavefront control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical systems (multiple lenses and mirrors requiring precise mechanical alignment) with a diffractive optical element that achieves the same optical functions through diffraction patterns. This substitution simplifies assembly by eliminating complex mechanical alignment requirements while maintaining high optical performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Achieves high optical resolution with low power consumption and reduced installation space, simplifying assembly and production costs by eliminating the need for extra optical elements.

Implementation Method 1

at least one diffractive element for collimating the at least one light bundle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

which can display images, user interfaces or information directly on the lenses of the eyeglasses or on the retina of a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12147049B2Device for generating and displaying an image on an observation field using a diffraction-influenced waveguide

Publication Date: 2024.11.19 OQMENTED GMBH

AI summary

A device for generating and displaying an image on an observation field provided for overlaying information and images, including at least one light source for emitting at least one divergent light bundle, a microscanner for variable deflection of the at least one light bundle in direction of the observation field, at least one waveguide which is arranged in a beam path of the at least one light bundle between the at least one light source and the microscanner, and at least one diffractive element for collimating the at least one light bundle. The microscanner has at least one axis of rotation for a rotational oscillating movement for deflecting the at least one light bundle, and the at least one diffractive element is arranged on or in the at least one waveguide.