HMD Waveguide Configurations for Wide FOV and Compact Form Factor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted displays (HMDs) are bulky and limit the field of view (FOV) due to large optical configurations, which also restrict the functionality of built-in features like eye-tracking and facial recognition components, and suffer from visual distortions and resolution issues.
Innovation Solution
The use of waveguide configurations, such as planar and conical waveguides, to reduce the overall size and weight of HMDs while maximizing the see-through path and enhancing central and peripheral FOV, allowing for improved functionality of other features like eye-tracking without visual obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional optical configurations are used in HMDs, then the structural integrity and optical performance are maintained, but the device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into multiple waveguide panels (e.g., four panels) that can be individually optimized and assembled. Each panel handles a specific portion of the field of view, allowing the overall system to achieve wide FOV without requiring a single large complex optical element, thus reducing weight while maintaining performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional bulk optical elements to thin waveguide panels that guide light through planar structures. This dimensional change from three-dimensional bulky optics to two-dimensional thin panels dramatically reduces the weight and thickness of the HMD while maintaining optical functionality through waveguide physics
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical configurations are used in HMDs, then the optical performance is adequate, but the field of view (FOV) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple waveguide panels are optically combined to create a unified wide FOV experience. The panels are positioned and oriented so that their individual fields of view merge to form a larger composite field of view, achieving wide angular coverage without requiring each individual component to be oversized and heavy
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide panels are configured with specific curvatures and orientations (e.g., angled at 45 degrees, arranged in curved configurations) to expand the field of view. The curved arrangements allow light to be guided across wider angles, providing an immersive wide FOV experience while keeping each panel compact and lightweight
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional optical configurations are used in HMDs, then the basic functionality is provided, but visual distortions and resolution issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
Each waveguide panel is designed with locally optimized optical properties, including specific refractive indices, thickness variations, and surface treatments tailored to minimize distortions in their respective field of view regions. This local optimization allows high visual quality across the entire wide FOV without requiring an overly complex monolithic design
Solution Approach 2:
The successful waveguide panel design is replicated and tiled to create the complete optical system. By copying and arranging multiple identical or similar panels in specific configurations, the system achieves consistent high visual quality across the entire field of view while simplifying the design and manufacturing process compared to creating a single complex optical element
4Adaptability or versatility
If the headset size is reduced to accommodate more features, then the portability is improved, but the space for built-in features like eye-tracking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide panels are extremely thin planar structures that replace bulky conventional optical elements. This thin-film approach dramatically reduces the volume required for the optical system, creating space within the headset for additional features like eye-tracking cameras, facial recognition sensors, and other built-in components while maintaining portability
Solution Approach 2:
The transition to two-dimensional thin waveguide panels frees up the third dimension (depth/volume) within the headset structure. This dimensional change allows other components to be arranged in available space without increasing overall headset volume, enabling higher feature density in a compact form factor
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 waveguide configurations provide a wider, more immersive FOV with minimized visual distortions and increased functionality of built-in features, achieving a more compact form factor and reduced black seam effects compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
Waveguide configurations in a head-mounted display (HMD) for improved field of view (FOV)
Data Source
AI summary
A head-mounted display (HMD) for improved field of view (FOV) is provided. The head-mounted display (HMD) may include a display element to provide display light. The head-mounted display (HMD) may also include a lens element to provide display light to a user of the head-mounted display (HMD). The head-mounted display (HMD) may further include an optical element comprising at least one waveguide to provide improved central or peripheral field of view (FOV) for the user of head-mounted display (HMD). In some examples, the waveguide may be part of central optics and/or peripheral optics. The waveguide may have a planar waveguide profile or a curved waveguide profile. In some examples, the waveguide may be stacked or may include a graded index (GRIN) layer.