Layered Waveguide Depth of Focus Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current image projection systems for virtual and augmented reality struggle to provide realistic and interactive three-dimensional digital imagery with adjustable depth of focus, limiting the immersive experience in interactive environments.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a layered waveguide with multiple sets of layers, each with specific optical features and focal lengths, controlled by physical processors to adjust the cumulative focal length and depth of focus, allowing for the projection of virtual content with varying depths within a user's field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single focal length is used in the waveguide, then the optical system is simpler, but the depth of focus cannot be adjusted for different virtual content distances
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is segmented into multiple layers, each with distinct optical features and focal lengths. This segmentation allows each layer to handle specific depth ranges, enabling adjustable depth of focus while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific layers based on the desired focal distance and user gaze. This dynamic adaptation allows the waveguide to adjust its optical properties in real-time, providing versatile depth of focus control without requiring all layers to be simultaneously complex
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layers with different focal lengths are used, then adjustable depth of focus is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each layer in the waveguide is designed with universal coupling optical features that can receive and guide light from the display. This multi-functionality allows a single layer structure to serve multiple focal purposes, reducing the need for entirely separate optical paths for each focal length
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple layers are nested within a single waveguide structure, with each layer containing coupling optical features and presentation optical features. This nesting approach consolidates multiple optical functions into a compact integrated structure, managing complexity through hierarchical organization
3Adaptability or versatility
If light is coupled into multiple layers, then virtual content at different depths can be displayed, but the light distribution control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates gaze tracking feedback to automatically determine which layers should be activated and how much light should be coupled into each layer. This feedback mechanism simplifies operation by removing the need for manual light distribution control, as the system automatically adapts to user viewing direction and focus preferences
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 approach enables the creation of immersive, interactive three-dimensional light fields with adjustable depth of focus, enhancing the perception of virtual content in augmented and virtual reality environments by aligning focal planes with user gaze and real-world distances, thereby improving the overall user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The layered waveguide may be configured to receive the light from the display at the input portion. The layered waveguide may be configured to selectively output the light at the presentation portion.
Implementation Method 2
The coupling optical features may be configured to selectively couple light from the display into the first set of layers.
Implementation Method 3
The presentation optical features may be configured with a first focal length. Light coupled into the first set of layers by the coupling optical features of the first set of layers may be output from the first set of layers by the presentation optical features with the first focal length.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of image projection are presented herein. Image projection may be facilitated by a layered waveguide and/or other components. The layered waveguide may have an input portion and a presentation portion. Light may be received from a display at the input portion and output at the presentation portion. Th input portion may include coupling optical features. The presentation portion ma include presentation optical features forming Bragg diffraction gratings. Relative proportions of light emitted by the display and coupled onto the layers may be controlled adjust a cumulative focal length of the layered waveguide.