Holographic Waveguide Optical Article for Compact Sensor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smart eyeglasses and windows face challenges in integrating sensors and displays due to limited space, bulkiness, and aesthetic issues, with filters reflecting unwanted wavelengths towards others and requiring complex frame adaptations.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a holographic waveguide that selectively directs and filters light based on wavelength and orientation, allowing sensors and displays to be integrated more easily, reducing bulkiness and improving aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional glass plates with facets are used to direct light in head mounted displays, then light can be directed towards the user's eye, but the device becomes bulky, heavy, and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional thick glass plates with thin film holographic optical elements that can be integrated directly onto the lens surface. This thin-film approach dramatically reduces the thickness and weight of the optical components while maintaining the light-directed function, making the eyeglasses lighter and more comfortable to wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The holographic optical elements are integrated within the lens structure itself, nesting the display functionality inside the existing eyeglass frame and lens. This eliminates the need for separate bulky glass plates and allows the optical functions to be embedded within the compact lens volume.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional filters are used to reflect unwanted wavelengths, then light of unwanted wavelengths can be blocked, but light is reflected towards other users and colored reflections are induced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the unwanted wavelengths from the light spectrum using holographic filtering that selectively absorbs or directs these wavelengths away from the user's path. Instead of reflecting them back towards other users like traditional mirrors, the holographic elements can channel unwanted light to the sides or absorb it, eliminating the harmful reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful unwanted wavelengths into a beneficial filtering mechanism by using holographic gratings that selectively diffract or absorb these wavelengths. The same holographic structure that enables precise light direction for displays also provides wavelength-selective filtering, turning potential harm into a protective function without creating unwanted reflections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors and displays are integrated into smart eyeglasses, then functionality is enhanced, but the limited space and complex frame adaptations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functional optical elements that simultaneously perform multiple tasks: displaying images, filtering unwanted wavelengths, and guiding light from various sources. This universal approach allows sensors, displays, and protective filtering to be integrated into a single cohesive optical system rather than requiring separate components and frame modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (display, filtering, light guidance) into integrated holographic elements that are deposited directly onto the lens. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate sensors, filters, and display components that would each require individual mounting and frame adaptations, simplifying the overall device architecture.
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
Enables compact, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing eyeglasses with selective light collection and emission, enhancing user experience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The holographic waveguide is configured so that light incoming on the first zone Z1, is at least partially directed towards the second zone Z2... The light that is directed within the holographic waveguide can be selected according to its wavelength and orientation relative to the waveguide.
Implementation Method 2
This makes it possible to filter undesired wavelengths such as UV or blue wavelengths without reflecting them towards other users.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Optical article (200) comprising at least: - a substrate (201), and - a holographic waveguide (202) covering at least part of the substrate (201) and comprising : - two main surfaces (203, 204), at least one of them conforming to a surface (201a) of the substrate (201), and - at least first and second zones (Z1, Z2) that are configured so that light incoming on one of the first and second zones (Z1; Z2) is at least partially guided towards the other of said first and second zones (Z2; Z1).