Microlens-Coupled Fiber Arrays for AR Display Light Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality (AR) glasses face challenges with weight, volume, complexity, and rigidity, limiting their portability and flexibility, and require improvements in optical display for miniaturization, high brightness, and high resolution.
Innovation Solution
An augmented reality display system utilizing an optical fiber array image transmission bundle with microlenses at input and output ends, coupled with an image source and optical waveguide device for total reflection and collimation, enhancing light utilization efficiency and ergonomic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional optical system is adopted in AR glasses, then optical display function is achieved, but weight and volume increase, making the device heavy and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into functional modules: image source device, optical fiber array image transmission bundle, and optical waveguide device. Each module performs a specific function, allowing for optimized design and reduced overall complexity while maintaining display performance
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical optical components are replaced with an optical fiber array-based transmission system that uses total internal reflection and collimation principles, reducing the number of mechanical parts and overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical system is used, then image transmission is achieved, but the system structure becomes complex and rigid, reducing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber array image transmission bundle provides a flexible connection between the image source device and optical waveguide device, allowing the system to adapt to different structural configurations and ergonomic requirements without being constrained by rigid optical paths
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber array serves multiple functions: image transmission, light collimation, and structural flexibility, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall system structure
3Illumination intensity
If conventional optical display is adopted, then basic image display is achieved, but light utilization efficiency is low, limiting brightness and resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes optical parameters by using total internal reflection at the optical fiber input end and collimation through microlenses at the output end, maximizing light utilization efficiency to 90% and improving display brightness and resolution
Solution Approach 2:
Microlenses are introduced as intermediary components at the input and output ends of the optical fibers to control and optimize light transmission, improving light utilization efficiency and enabling higher brightness and resolution
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 system achieves a 90% increase in light utilization efficiency, reduces weight, and allows for high-resolution, flexible image transmission, overcoming structural limitations and improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
the image information output by the image source device being coupled into the optical fiber array image transmission bundle through the first microlenses for total reflection
Implementation Method 2
then collimated by the second microlenses and emitted directly to the optical waveguide device
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented reality display system includes a body, an image source device configured to output image information, an optical waveguide device configured to receive the image information, and an optical fiber array image transmission bundle. The optical fiber array image transmission bundle includes a number of optical fibers. Each optical fiber includes an input end and an output end. Each input end is coupled with a first microlens protruding outward, and each output end is coupled with a second microlens protruding outward. The image information output by the image source device is coupled into the optical fiber array image transmission bundle through the first microlenses for total reflection, and then collimated by the second microlenses and emitted directly to the optical waveguide device. An augmented reality display device having the augmented reality display system is also disclosed.