Holographic Display Optics Layout for Thin Light-Efficient Headsets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices are not optimized for downsizing, leading to bulkiness and inefficiencies in light utilization.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration comprising a display element, a holographic optical element, and specific retardation films and polarizers arranged to minimize overlap and thickness, enhancing light condensation efficiency and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional display device configuration is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but device size and thickness increase leading to bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear stacking arrangement of optical components to a spatial arrangement where the holographic optical element and display element are positioned adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction rather than overlapping vertically. This dimensional reconfiguration reduces the overall thickness and volume of the display device while maintaining optical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the display element occupies one region while the holographic optical element occupies an adjacent region. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables a more compact overall structure by eliminating redundant overlapping layers.
2Loss of energy
If overlapping configuration of optical components is used, then alignment is simplified, but light utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The holographic optical element is extracted from the overlapping stack and positioned adjacent to the display element. This extraction eliminates the problematic overlap that caused light loss while maintaining the necessary optical pathways. The holographic optical element is strategically positioned to receive light from the display element without blocking or overlapping critical light paths.
Solution Approach 2:
A reflective polarizer is introduced as an intermediary component between the display element and the holographic optical element. This reflective polarizer manages light polarization states and directs light efficiently from the display element to the holographic optical element, improving light utilization while enabling the adjacent configuration.
3Loss of energy
If additional optical components are added to improve light condensation, then light utilization efficiency increases, but device weight and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The holographic optical element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a beam splitter, a condensing lens, and a virtual image formation element. By integrating these functions into a single component rather than using separate elements, the patent achieves improved light condensation efficiency without increasing device weight or thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the holographic optical element, specifically its refractive index and curvature, to optimize light condensation. By adjusting these parameters, the holographic optical element achieves efficient light focusing and condensation without requiring additional optical components, thereby avoiding increased weight and thickness.
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 configuration achieves a downsized display device with improved light utilization efficiency and reduced thickness, enabling applications in virtual and augmented reality.
Implementation Method 1
a technique for guiding light from a display element to the user's eyes, using a holographic optical element
Implementation Method 2
improved light condensation efficiency
Implementation Method 3
a first retardation film overlapping the display element, a second retardation film
Implementation Method 4
a reflective polarizer disposed on the second surface
Implementation Method 5
a reflective polarizer disposed on the second surface
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a display element including a display portion which displays an image, a first retardation film overlapping the display element, a holographic optical element adjacent to the display element and not overlapping the display portion, a second retardation film having a first surface which faces the first retardation film and the holographic optical element and which directly contacts neither a main surface of the first retardation film nor a main surface of the holographic optical element, and a second surface on an opposite side to the first surface, and a reflective polarizer disposed on the second surface.