Compact Multi-Color Beam Combiner Using Geometric Phase Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted display devices for virtual and augmented reality operations are hindered by the increased size and weight due to the need for multiple light sources and complex optical components for generating and projecting multi-color images, which affects user satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-color light source device is developed, utilizing a first light source for each color (red, green, blue) with distinct focal lengths and geometric phase lenses to collimate and combine light into a single, collinear beam, reducing the overall size and weight of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and complex optical components are used for generating and projecting multi-color images, then the functionality and image quality are improved, but the size and weight of the head-mounted display device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (red, green, blue LEDs) and multiple optical components (collimating lenses, combiner prisms, beam splitters) into a single integrated optical assembly. This merging reduces the overall device weight by consolidating separate components into one unified structure while maintaining the capability to generate and project multi-color images.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: generating multiple colors, collimating light beams, combining different wavelengths, and projecting images. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device weight and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources and complex optical components are used for generating and projecting multi-color images, then the functionality and image quality are improved, but the size of the head-mounted display device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple optical components including collimating lenses, combiner prisms, and beam splitters into a compact unified assembly. This merging significantly reduces the overall device footprint and size while preserving the full functionality for generating and projecting multi-color images.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components are arranged in a nested configuration where smaller elements are positioned within or alongside larger components. For example, multiple LEDs are arranged in a compact array, and optical elements are nested within the housing structure, minimizing the overall device size.
3Ease of operation
If conventional optical components are used to combine multiple light sources, then the light combining function is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges collimating lenses, combiner prisms, and beam splitters into a single integrated optical assembly. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the light combining function. The assembly is designed to receive multiple light sources and output a combined collimated beam through a unified optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated optical assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: collimating light from multiple LEDs, combining different wavelengths, and directing the combined beam. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing device complexity.
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 solution enables head-mounted display devices to perform virtual and augmented reality operations with reduced weight and size, enhancing user satisfaction by providing a compact and efficient light source system.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens associated with a first focal length for the light of the first color and a second focal length, distinct from the first focal length, for the light of the second color wherein: the first lens is a first geometric phase lens
Implementation Method 2
the first light source, the second light source, and the first geometric phase lens are positioned so that the light of the first color and the light of the second color, after passing through the first geometric phase lens, are collinearly collimated
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a multi-color light source device including a first light source configured to emit light of a first color, a second light source configured to emit light of a second color that is distinct from the first color, and a first geometric phase lens associated with a first focal length for the light of the first color and a second focal length, distinct from the first focal length, for the light of the second color. The first light source is located at a first distance from the first geometric phase lens, and the second light source is located at a second distance, distinct from the first distance, from the geometric phase lens. Also disclosed is a head mounted display system including the multi-color light source device, a light modulator configured for modulating light from the multi-color light source device, and one or more lenses.