Light Projector Waveguide Alignment System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near-eye displays (NEDs) face alignment issues between light projectors and optical waveguides due to physical impacts and environmental changes, leading to degraded performance in virtual, augmented, and mixed reality applications.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically aligning light projectors with optical waveguides using a controller, light detectors, and actuators, which project light from multiple pixels, detect the alignment, and adjust the optical coupling to maintain proper alignment, ensuring clear and undistorted image presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment procedures are used during manufacturing, then initial alignment precision is achieved, but alignment degradation occurs due to physical impacts and environmental changes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment during manufacturing using alignment marks and imaging systems to establish initial precise alignment between the light projector and waveguide. This preliminary action ensures that the components are correctly positioned before assembly, creating a foundation for subsequent automated realignment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through automated alignment procedures that use imaging systems to detect the positions of alignment marks on both the light projector and waveguide. The controller processes images from the imaging system and adjusts the relative positions of components based on detected deviations, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism that maintains alignment stability despite physical impacts or environmental changes.
2Reliability
If automated realignment system is added, then alignment stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting its own component positions using imaging systems and adjusting itself without external intervention. The controller uses images from the imaging system to determine relative positions of alignment marks and autonomously controls actuators to realign components, eliminating the need for manual realignment procedures and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical alignment procedures with an automated optical-mechanical system using imaging sensors and electronic control. Instead of relying on manual adjustment mechanisms, the system uses digital image processing and electronic actuation to achieve and maintain alignment, reducing mechanical complexity while improving alignment stability.
3Measurement precision
If alignment marks and imaging systems are implemented, then measurement precision of alignment is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses alignment marks with distinct optical characteristics (such as specific patterns or contrast properties) that enable precise detection by the imaging system. These alignment marks are designed to create detectable optical signals that allow accurate measurement of component positions and relative alignment, providing high measurement precision through simple optical features rather than complex measurement mechanisms.
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 ensures consistent and clear image presentation by automatically realigning light projectors with waveguides, addressing misalignment caused by physical impacts and environmental changes, thereby maintaining the quality of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality experiences.
Implementation Method 1
A light detector may receive light from the light projector
Implementation Method 2
the optical waveguide carries at least some of the light
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed system may include (1) a light projector with multiple pixels, (2) a waveguide optically coupled to the light projector, where the waveguide is configured to in-couple light from the light projector and out-couple the in-coupled light toward an eyebox of the system, (3) a light detector that is configured to receive light from the light projector, and (4) a controller that (a) causes the light projector to project light from at least one of the multiple pixels, (b) receives information from the light detector based on light received from the at least one of the multiple pixels, and (c) causes an alteration in an alignment of the light from the light projector relative to the optical waveguide based on the information. Various other systems and methods are also disclosed.