Mixed Reality Waveguide Layout for Compact Passive Display Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In see-through wearable displays, passive display panels require a light guide element between the coupling lens and the display panel, increasing the device size.
Innovation Solution
The passive display panel and light source are positioned on opposite sides of a waveguide element, eliminating the need for a light guide element, thereby reducing the device size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a light guide element is placed between the coupling lens and the passive display panel, then the light beam can be directed into the panel, but the size of the see-through wearable display is significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the light guide element from the optical path between the coupling lens and the passive display panel. By eliminating this intermediate component, the system achieves more compact packaging while maintaining proper light delivery to the display panel through direct coupling geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the coupling lens assembly and the passive display panel into a more integrated configuration. By positioning these components in direct proximity without intermediate light guide elements, the system reduces overall device volume while maintaining optical functionality.
2Volume of moving object
If the passive display panel is positioned close to the couple-in lens assembly (distance < 10mm), then the device size is reduced, but the light path configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the light path configuration complexity by transitioning from a linear optical path arrangement to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. The couple-in lens assembly and passive display panel are positioned in close proximity with optimized spatial relationships, allowing light to propagate through multiple dimensions rather than requiring long linear paths.
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 configuration allows for a significant reduction in the size of the mixed reality display device, facilitating miniaturization.
Implementation Method 1
The first holographic optical element is located on the first waveguide element
Implementation Method 2
a first waveguide element, a light source, a first holographic optical element, a couple-in lens assembly
Implementation Method 3
a couple-in lens assembly is located at a first side of the first waveguide element facing away from the first holographic optical element
Data Source
AI summary
A mixed reality display device includes a first waveguide element, a light source, a first holographic optical element, a couple-in lens assembly and a passive display panel. The light source is located at a side of the first waveguide element. The first holographic optical element is located between the first waveguide element and the light source. The couple-in lens assembly is located at another side of the first waveguide element facing away from the light source. The passive display panel is located at another side of the waveguide element facing away from the light source, in which the passive display panel and the light source are respectively located at two opposite sides of the couple-in lens assembly. A distance between the passive display panel and the couple-in lens assembly are smaller than 10 millimeters.