Near-Eye Display Light Source Segmentation for Uniform Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Augmented reality display systems face challenges in achieving uniform intensity distribution of virtual images overlaid on the real world due to limitations in optical waveguides and light sources, leading to non-uniform pupil overlap and image artifacts.
Innovation Solution
A near-eye display system incorporating a light source assembly with red, green, and blue light sources producing multiple narrow bands with different emission peaks within specific wavelength ranges, combined with diffractive optical elements, to exploit chromatic dispersion effects for improved pupil overlap and uniform intensity distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single narrow band of light is used within the wavelength range for the light source, then the device complexity is reduced, but the intensity distribution uniformity in the viewable image deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light source is segmented into multiple independent narrow band light sources, each emitting at a different wavelength within the same color range. This segmentation allows each light source to be optimized for specific wavelength requirements while collectively achieving uniform intensity distribution across the spectrum.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the light source assembly are assigned different narrow band wavelengths tailored to specific functional requirements. Each local region emits light optimized for its specific purpose, while the combination achieves overall uniformity. The diffractive optical elements are also designed with local quality variations to compensate for intensity non-uniformities at different spatial locations.
2Illumination intensity
If chromatic dispersion effects are exploited to improve intensity uniformity, then the intensity distribution uniformity improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional optical elements
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions are merged into a single diffractive optical element. The DOE simultaneously performs wavelength separation, pupil expansion, and intensity uniformity correction, eliminating the need for separate optical components for each function and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive optical element is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions: it diffracts light into multiple wavelengths, expands the output pupil, and corrects intensity non-uniformities. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of optical elements required in the system.
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 enhances the uniformity of the viewable image intensity, reducing non-uniformities and image artifacts by increasing pupil overlap and output-pupil fill, providing a more immersive and clear augmented reality experience.
Implementation Method 1
by taking advantage of chromatic dispersion effects, this provides for a more uniform intensity distribution in the viewable image
Implementation Method 2
The optical structure can include one or more diffractive optical elements (DOEs) and be configured to transfer light corresponding to the image from an input-pupil to an output-pupil
Data Source
AI summary
A near eye or heads up display system includes at least one light source, an imaging device, and an optical structure. The at least one light source can be, e.g., a red light source that produces light within a red wavelength range that has at least two different narrow bands of light having respective different emission peaks. The imaging device produces an image using light produced by the light source(s). The optical structure is configured to transfer light corresponding to the image from an input-pupil to an output-pupil where the image is viewable. By producing at least two different narrow bands of light having respective different emission peaks within a color (e.g., red) wavelength range, and taking advantage of chromatic dispersion, a more uniform intensity distribution is provided in the viewable image compared to if only one narrow band of light within the color wavelength range were produced.