Fiber Scanning Projector Optics for Multi-Depth AR Eyewear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality systems lack efficient methods and systems for creating volumetric displays that provide multiple depth planes and are compact enough to be integrated into wearable devices like eyeglasses.
Innovation Solution
A fiber scanning projector system is developed, incorporating a scanning light source, a piezoelectric element, and an optical assembly with components like a prism element, collimating element, quarter wave plate, and polarizing beam splitter, which enables the creation of volumetric sculptures of light at multiple depth planes and fits within the form factor of eyeglasses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional augmented reality display systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the field of view and depth resolution are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the display function into multiple depth planes, with each plane projected by dedicated optical paths. This allows independent optimization of each plane's field of view and resolution, achieving overall enhanced adaptability while managing complexity through functional division
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from 2D display to 3D volumetric display by adding the depth dimension. Multiple depth planes are projected simultaneously, creating volumetric light sculptures that provide true depth resolution and expanded field of view in three-dimensional space
2Measurement precision
If volumetric displays with multiple depth planes are implemented, then depth resolution is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical assembly employs a nested configuration where multiple optical elements (prisms, wave plates, beam splitters) are integrated within a compact housing. The scanning fiber and piezoelectric actuator are positioned within the optical path, creating a space-efficient nested arrangement that maintains multiple depth planes without proportionally increasing device volume
Solution Approach 2:
By utilizing the third dimension (depth) for display content rather than expanding lateral dimensions, the system achieves high depth resolution without proportional increases in overall device footprint. The volumetric display creates depth perception through light field manipulation in the Z-dimension
3Volume of moving object
If fiber scanning projector is used, then the display can fit within eyeglasses frames, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions into integrated components. The optical assembly combines a scanning fiber, piezoelectric actuator, prisms, wave plates, and beam splitters into a single compact unit that can be mounted within eyeglasses frames, reducing the number of separate manufacturing steps and assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces traditional mechanical scanning systems with a fiber-based scanning mechanism actuated by piezoelectric elements. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and enables miniaturization suitable for eyeglass integration, though it introduces precision requirements for piezoelectric actuation
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 system allows for the display of images in a form comparable to standard eyeglasses, providing increased field of view and depth planes through the integration of multiple projectors, enhancing the user experience with improved image quality and brightness.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element and a scanning fiber mechanically coupled to the piezoelectric element
Implementation Method 2
The scanning fiber emits light along an optical path
Implementation Method 3
a collimating element coupled to the prism element at an interface
Implementation Method 4
a quarter wave plate
Implementation Method 5
a polarizing beam splitter disposed at the interface
Implementation Method 6
a prism element
Implementation Method 7
prism element...coupled to the collimating element
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber scanning projector includes a piezoelectric element and a scanning fiber passing through and mechanically coupled to the piezoelectric element. The scanning fiber emits light propagating along an optical path. The fiber scanning projector also includes a first polarization sensitive reflector disposed along and perpendicular to the optical path. The first polarization sensitive reflector includes an aperture and the scanning fiber passes through the aperture. The fiber scanning projector also includes a second polarization sensitive reflector disposed along and perpendicular to the optical path.