Augmented Reality Eyewear With Dual-Display Waveguides for Wide-Angle Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality eyewear systems face challenges in providing good wide-angle views of virtual objects while maintaining a compact device form factor.
Innovation Solution
A dual-display optical structure for each eye of augmented reality eyewear, comprising a first and second image display on opposite sides of the eye, with light rays reflected multiple times by waveguides before reaching the eye, allowing for combined virtual objects and environmental light to be seen simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single display structure is used in augmented reality eyewear, then the device can be kept compact, but the field of view and wide-angle capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single display system into multiple image displays (first image display and second image display) positioned at different locations. Each display is coupled with its own waveguide, creating segmented optical paths that collectively provide a wider field of view while keeping individual components manageable in size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane display arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration by positioning image displays at different spatial locations (e.g., above/below or left/right of the eye) and using waveguides to redirect light from multiple directions, thereby expanding the field of view in multiple angular dimensions
2Area of stationary object
If multiple image displays are used per eye, then the wide-angle view and field of view are improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple image displays and waveguides within the compact frame of eyewear, nesting optical components within the existing structure. The waveguides are positioned to overlap or adjacently arrange, allowing multiple optical systems to occupy shared spatial volume without linearly increasing device size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple optical paths from different image displays into a unified viewing experience, where light from both displays is merged in the user's field of view. The waveguides are integrated into a single eyewear frame structure, merging multiple components into one cohesive device
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 dual-display optical structure enables wide-angle views of virtual objects while maintaining a compact design, enhancing the user's field of view and environmental visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a first waveguide which reflects light rays from the first image display multiple times before those light rays are directed toward the eye
Implementation Method 2
wherein light rays from the environment pass through the first waveguide and/or the second waveguide to reach the eye
Data Source
AI summary
In an example, a compact, dual-display optical structure for each eye of augmented reality eyewear can include: a first image display on a first side of a person's eye; a second image display on a second side of the eye; a first waveguide which reflects light rays from the first image display multiple times before those light rays are directed toward the eye; and a second waveguide which reflects light rays from the second image display multiple times before those light rays are directed toward the eye.