Holographic Projector Waveguide Display Relay Optics Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near-eye display devices face limitations in reducing size and weight due to the finite size of micro-displays and the resulting relay optics, which restrict image quality and field of view, and require additional optics that occupy space and increase aperture size.
Innovation Solution
A holographic display system using a Digital Dynamic Hologram (DDH) illuminated by a diverging or converging beam to form images directly in the waveguide, eliminating the need for relay optics and allowing for larger aperture sizes, improved image quality, and increased field of view, with a waveguide coupling hologram optimizing light propagation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If relay optics are used to direct light from micro-display to waveguide, then image can be formed, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the relay optics from the optical system by using a holographic display that directly couples light into the waveguide. This removal of unnecessary components directly reduces device weight and complexity while maintaining the image formation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The holographic display serves multiple functions: it acts as both the light source and the image formation element, eliminating the need for separate micro-display and relay optics. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and device complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If relay optics are used to direct light from micro-display to waveguide, then image can be formed, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes relay optics from the system, directly reducing the volume occupied by optical components. The holographic display enables direct waveguide coupling without requiring the space needed for relay optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The holographic display is integrated within the waveguide structure, with the hologram positioned at or near the waveguide input face. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall device volume by eliminating separate optical pathways.
3Adaptability or versatility
If micro-display with finite size is used, then device can be compact, but field of view and image quality are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of light coupling by using holographic diffraction patterns that can expand the effective aperture and control light propagation angles. This enables larger field of view and improved image quality without requiring a larger physical display element.
4Area of stationary object
If additional optics are added to direct light into waveguide, then light propagation can be controlled, but aperture size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates additional directing optics by using the holographic display to directly couple light into the waveguide. This removal reduces the required aperture size while maintaining or improving light propagation efficiency through optimized holographic coupling.
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 holographic display system reduces the size and weight of near-eye display devices, enhances image quality, and increases the field of view by eliminating the need for relay optics and allowing for smaller pixel sizes, while maintaining high resolution and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a digital dynamic hologram configured to receive light from a light source, modulate the light, and direct the light toward the waveguide for coupling into the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
a waveguide to deliver an image from an image producing element to a user's eye for viewing
Data Source
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AI summary
A near-eye display device (100) including a holographic display system (102L, 102R). The holographic display system includes a light source (507) configured to emit light that is converging or diverging, a waveguide (502) configured to be positioned in a field of view of a user's eye, and a digital dynamic hologram (504) configured to receive the light, and project the light into the waveguide such that the light propagates through the waveguide.