Light Guide Optical Element for Compact See-Through Aerial Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing image display apparatuses that form aerial images are bulky due to the need for tilted components and obstruct the view of scenery behind the reflective elements, preventing augmented reality displays.
Innovation Solution
An optical element comprising a light guide element with incidence and emission diffraction elements and a reflection lens, allowing components to be disposed parallel, reducing volume and enabling transparent operation for AR displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reflective plane-symmetric imaging element is used to form an aerial image, then the image can be displayed in the air, but the total volume of the apparatus increases due to tilted components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar reflection geometry to a three-dimensional light guide structure. The light guide plate with embedded diffraction elements and reflection lens creates a volumetric optical path that eliminates the need for tilted external components, thereby reducing the overall apparatus volume while maintaining aerial image display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds the diffraction elements and reflection lens within the light guide plate structure itself. The incidence diffraction element and emission diffraction element are integrated into the light guide plate, with the reflection lens positioned inside the light guide element, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces the required space.
2Ease of operation
If a reflective plane-symmetric imaging element is placed behind the aerial image, then the aerial image can be formed, but the scenery behind the element cannot be recognized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the transparent properties of the light guide plate and diffraction elements to allow light from the background scenery to pass through while still forming the aerial image. The light guide plate acts as a transparent medium that guides light without completely blocking the view of objects behind it, enabling both aerial image display and scenery recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
By embedding the optical components within the light guide plate rather than placing them as separate external elements, the patent creates a transparent three-dimensional structure. This allows light paths from both the display element and background scenery to coexist and pass through the same volume, enabling simultaneous aerial image formation and scenery visibility.
3Volume of stationary object
If components are disposed parallel to reduce volume, then the apparatus size decreases, but the complexity of the optical path increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical function into distinct segments: the incidence diffraction element for light entry and direction control, the light guide plate for light transmission and guidance, the reflection lens for light reflection and focusing, and the emission diffraction element for light exit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining a compact parallel arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support, a light transmission medium, a light guide, and a housing for the embedded diffraction elements and reflection lens. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall optical path while maintaining compact dimensions.
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 solution achieves a compact image display apparatus that can display aerial images while allowing the user to see through and superimpose scenery, thus enabling augmented reality functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the incidence diffraction element diffracts incident light such that the diffracted light is incident into the light guide plate
Implementation Method 2
the emission diffraction element emits light propagating in the light guide plate from the light guide plate
Implementation Method 3
the reflection lens collects the light that is emitted from the light guide plate by the emission diffraction element
Implementation Method 4
the reflection lens collects the light that is emitted from the light guide plate by the emission diffraction element
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an optical element and an image display apparatus that display an aerial image, in which the total volume of the apparatus is small, a reduction in size can realized, and a scenery can be recognized. The optical element includes: a light guide element including a light guide plate, an incidence diffraction element, and an emission diffraction element, the incidence diffraction element being disposed on a main surface of the light guide plate and the emission diffraction element being disposed on the main surface of the light guide plate; and a reflection lens that is disposed at a position overlapping the emission diffraction element in a view from a direction perpendicular to the main surface of the light guide plate, in which the incidence diffraction element diffracts incident light such that the diffracted light is incident into the light guide plate, the emission diffraction element emits light propagating in the light guide plate from the light guide plate, and the reflection lens collects the light that is emitted from the light guide plate by the emission diffraction element.