Image Display Apparatus with 0-5mm MEMS Gap for Wide Viewing Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional image display apparatuses with light guide plates struggle to achieve a wide angle of view when the distance between MEMS and the light guide plate is not properly set, resulting in a narrow field of view.
Innovation Solution
The image display apparatus includes a light source, an image generating element, and a light guide unit with a specific configuration where the distance between the exit surface of the image generating element and the incident surface of the light guide unit is between 0 mm and 5 mm, utilizing a quarter waveplate and diffractive optical elements to control light beam deflection and propagation, ensuring efficient light guidance and a wide viewing angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the distance between MEMS and light guide plate is not properly set, then the device size can be reduced, but the field of view becomes very narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the distance between the MEMS and light guide plate to be between 0-5mm. This specific parameter range resolves the contradiction by enabling both compact device size and wide field of view, as the optimized distance allows proper light beam deflection and propagation angles to reach the observer's pupil across a wide viewing angle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between exit surface of image generating element and incident surface of light guide unit is between 0 mm and 5 mm, then wide viewing angle is achieved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a parameter range of 0-5mm for the distance between the image generating element and light guide unit, which balances manufacturing feasibility with wide viewing angle achievement. This range is sufficiently constrained to ensure proper optical performance while remaining practical for manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide unit acts as an intermediary element that receives light beams from the image generating element and guides them through the light guide plate to the observer. This intermediary structure enables the system to achieve wide viewing angles while providing a buffer that relaxes the direct precision requirements between the MEMS and final optical output.
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
This configuration allows for both a reduced size and a wide viewing angle, ensuring that light beams are properly guided and emitted to the observer, preventing light loss and maintaining image quality across the entire angle of view.
Implementation Method 1
a quarter waveplate and diffractive optical elements to control light beam deflection and propagation
Implementation Method 2
Part of the light beams incident on a second deflector 2 is deflected toward a pupil SP of an observer
Implementation Method 3
are propagated through a light guide plate 3 by total reflection
Data Source
AI summary
An image display apparatus includes a light source, an image generating element, a light guide element, and a light guide unit. The light guide element has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the image generating element is disposed to face the second surface of the light guide element. The light from the light source enters the first surface, transmits through the light guide element and the light guide unit, and enters the image generating element to be converted into the image light, and the image light transmits through the light guide unit and enters the second surface. A distance between an exit surface of the image generating element for emitting the image light and an incident surface of the light guide unit which the image light enters is longer than 0 mm and equal to or shorter than 5 mm.