Image Waveguide Mirror Arrays for AR Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional near-to-eye optical systems for head-mounted displays suffer from limited field of view and bulkiness due to the use of lenses and angle-sensitive dichroic mirrors, which restrict their practical applications in augmented reality and other fields.
Innovation Solution
An image waveguide with a 1D array of in-coupling mirror structures and a 2D array of out-coupling mirror structures is used to guide light, allowing for a larger field of view and improved efficiency by using total internal reflection and metallic reflective coatings, enabling the display of augmented reality images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional optical systems use lenses and angle-sensitive dichroic mirrors, then image guidance is achieved, but field of view is limited and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into discrete mirror elements arranged in arrays. Instead of using a single complex lens or dichroic mirror, the system segments the reflection function across multiple smaller mirror structures (e.g., micromirrors) that can be independently positioned and oriented to achieve the desired light guidance and expand field of view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D mirror arrays to 3D-configured mirror arrays with elements positioned at different depths and angles. This dimensional expansion allows light to be guided through multiple reflection paths, significantly increasing the effective field of view while maintaining a compact physical footprint.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional optical systems use lenses and dichroic mirrors, then light guidance is achieved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional lens-based refraction systems with mirror-based reflection systems. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky lenses and angle-sensitive dichroic mirrors, reducing device size and weight while maintaining or improving optical efficiency through precise angular control of reflected light.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the reflective properties of mirror surfaces by controlling surface roughness, coating materials, and angular orientations. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high reflectivity and directional control without requiring large aperture sizes, thereby reducing overall device volume while maintaining productivity.
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 image waveguide system provides a wider field of view and improved efficiency, allowing for the effective superimposition of computer-generated images over real-world views, enhancing the usability of head-mounted displays in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a one dimensional ('1D') array of in-coupling mirror structures disposed in or on the image waveguide along the first surface at the in-coupling region of the image waveguide and orientated to reflect the input light, after entering through the second surface, along the image waveguide towards the out-coupling region
Implementation Method 2
guiding the reflected light through the waveguide to the out-coupling region
Implementation Method 3
a two dimensional ('2D') array of out-coupling mirror structures disposed in or on the image waveguide along the first surface at the out-coupling region of the image waveguide and orientated to reflect the guided light out of the image waveguide as the output light
Data Source
AI summary
An image waveguide includes an in-coupling region for receiving input light into the image waveguide and an out-coupling region for emitting output light from the image waveguide. The in-coupling region includes a one dimensional array of in-coupling mirror structures orientated to reflect the input light within the waveguide towards the out-coupling region as guided light. The out-coupling region includes a two dimensional array of out-coupling mirror structures orientated to reflect the guided light out of the waveguide as the output light.