Dual Waveguide Light Field Optics for Precise AR Registration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality systems face challenges in accurately capturing and integrating real-world images with computer-generated images, leading to registration issues and jitter in virtual object placement.
Innovation Solution
A dual composite light field device comprising multiple planar waveguides with diffractive optical elements and sensors to capture and analyze light, allowing for precise registration and integration of real-world images with virtual content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single waveguide is used to transmit both real-world views and computer-generated images, then device complexity is reduced, but registration accuracy and image integration quality deteriorate due to inability to separately capture and process real-world images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into separate waveguides: one dedicated to transmitting computer-generated images and another dedicated to capturing real-world images. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each waveguide's function, improving registration accuracy while maintaining manageable overall device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs waveguides that serve dual purposes: transmitting computer-generated images while simultaneously capturing real-world images through the same optical path. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining registration accuracy through precise optical coupling.
2Measurement precision
If real-world images are captured and processed in real-time for augmented reality integration, then virtual object registration accuracy is improved, but processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary processing of real-world images by capturing them through dedicated waveguides with specific optical characteristics before full augmented reality composition. This preliminary capture and preprocessing stage prepares the real-world image data in advance, reducing the computational burden during final composition and display, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining registration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate processing stages where captured real-world images are pre-aligned and pre-processed using the known geometric relationships established by the waveguide optical paths. This intermediary processing step reduces the complexity of real-time registration calculations, enabling faster processing while maintaining high registration accuracy.
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
Enables accurate registration of virtual objects in three dimensions by capturing real-world images and modifying virtual content in real-time, enhancing the augmented reality experience.
Implementation Method 1
A diffractive optical element (DOE) is formed across the waveguide. The DOE is configured to couple a portion of the light passing through the waveguide into the waveguide.
Implementation Method 2
The light coupled into the waveguide is directed via total internal reflection to an exit location on the waveguide.
Implementation Method 3
a light sensor having an input positioned adjacent the exit location of the waveguide to capture light exiting therefrom and generate output signals corresponding thereto
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising a processor (714); a wearable head device including a transmissive display (700) comprising a waveguide (702) with an input face and an output face having an exit location (710); and a diffractive optical element (704), DOE, formed across the waveguide (701) and configured to couple input light into the waveguide and direct the input light via total internal reflection to the exit location; and a light sensor (712) configured to receive the input light via the waveguide (702) and generate a sensor output signal corresponding to the received input light, wherein the processor (714) is configured to generate an output based on the sensor output signal, the output comprising a rectilinear array of pixel values, the sensor output signal comprises one or more incoming pixel values, and generating the output comprises determining, for a first pixel value of the rectilinear array of pixel values, a corresponding incoming pixel value.