Neural Network Image Correction for Near-Eye Waveguide Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide-based optical systems for augmented reality displays face challenges in achieving high image quality and wide viewing angles while maintaining a compact size, with issues in light uniformity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A neural network is trained to model the waveguide optical system, using a training set of input and output images to generate a uniformity correction image, which is combined with input images to optimize brightness uniformity, and the diffraction efficiencies of grating regions are adjusted to enhance light propagation uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If free-curved surface reflection or multi-mirror reflection is used in waveguide optical system, then structure simplicity and optical transmission efficiency are improved, but viewing angle is limited and waveguide size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical optical components (free-curved surfaces, multi-mirrors) with a diffractive optical element that uses diffraction physics to achieve the same light guiding function. This substitution enables wider viewing angles while maintaining compact waveguide size and high optical transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter approach from reflection-based to diffraction-based light manipulation. By using diffractive optical elements with specifically designed diffraction patterns, the system achieves superior performance in viewing angle, size reduction, and light uniformity simultaneously.
2Device complexity
If free-curved surface reflection or multi-mirror reflection is used in waveguide optical system, then structure simplicity is improved, but waveguide size cannot be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical reflection structures with a diffractive optical element that achieves light guiding through diffraction. This enables significant waveguide size reduction while maintaining structural simplicity and optical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from geometric optics (reflection) to wave optics (diffraction), utilizing the wave nature of light to achieve more compact and efficient optical guiding in the waveguide structure.
3Device complexity
If free-curved surface reflection or multi-mirror reflection is used in waveguide optical system, then structure simplicity is improved, but light propagation uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reflection-based optical structures with diffractive optical elements that inherently provide more uniform light distribution through diffraction patterns, improving light propagation uniformity while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffractive optical element is designed with spatially varying diffraction patterns that locally adjust light distribution to achieve overall uniformity in light propagation through the waveguide.
4Stability of the object's composition
If diffraction efficiencies of grating regions are adjusted to be different, then brightness uniformity of output images is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffractive optical element incorporates spatially varying diffraction patterns with different diffraction efficiencies in different grating regions. This local variation is designed to compensate for non-uniform light propagation, achieving overall brightness uniformity in the output image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the diffraction efficiency parameter across different grating regions of the diffractive optical element. By carefully controlling this parameter distribution, the system achieves uniform brightness output while the entire structure remains integrated and relatively simple.
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 improves brightness uniformity and light efficiency in near-eye display apparatuses, enhancing the overall image quality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an input-coupling diffractive element such as a diffractive optical element or a holographic optical element
Implementation Method 2
an output coupler including a plurality of grating regions for outputting the light propagating in the waveguide to an outside
Data Source
AI summary
An image processing method and apparatus include: obtaining a plurality of input optical images and a plurality of output optical images for a near-eye display apparatus; training a neural network for modeling the waveguide optical system by using a training set including the obtained input and output optical images; and obtaining a uniformity correction image to be input to the trained neural network such that the trained neural network then outputs a target uniformity image having certain brightness uniformity.