Optical Layered Composite for AR Image Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing augmented reality devices face challenges in achieving good real-world image quality, overlaid image quality, and wearability, particularly in optical bodies with high refractive indices.

Innovation Solution

An optical layered composite is developed, comprising a substrate with a coating applied to its front face. The coating has two regions: Region A with coating layers thinner than 5 nm or with a refractive index of 1.6 or more, and Region B with coating layers thinner than 5 nm or with a refractive index below 1.6. This composite is prepared using physical vapor deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a high refractive index optical body is used to reduce weight and improve optical properties, then weight is reduced and optical properties are improved, but image transmission in transverse direction deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidimage transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The coating is divided into two distinct regions (Region A and Region B) with different optical properties. Region A has high refractive index (≥1.6) to provide anti-reflective properties for longitudinal light, while Region B has low refractive index (<1.6) to minimize impact on transverse image propagation. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve weight reduction through high refractive index material and maintain image transmission by isolating its impact to a specific region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the coating are assigned different local optical qualities tailored to their specific functions. Region A (closer to substrate) uses high refractive index material optimized for longitudinal anti-reflect performance, while Region B (outer layer) uses low refractive index material optimized for transverse image propagation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by ensuring each region performs optimally for its intended purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If coating layers with high refractive index are applied to improve anti-reflect properties, then anti-reflect properties are improved, but color fidelity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-reflect propertiesVSAvoidcolor fidelity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The coating employs a composite structure combining materials with different refractive indices in specific layers. Region A uses high refractive index materials (≥1.6) to maximize anti-reflect properties for longitudinal incident light, while Region B uses low refractive index materials (<1.6) to preserve color fidelity for transverse propagating images. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both anti-reflect performance and color accuracy simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If thick coating layers are applied to achieve desired optical properties, then anti-reflect properties are improved, but manufacturing precision and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanti-reflect propertiesVSAvoidcoating thickness control

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying a single thick coating layer that would require precise thickness control throughout, the invention uses multiple thinner layers (Region A and Region B) with different optical properties. Each layer can be applied with relaxed thickness tolerances, and their combined optical effect achieves the desired anti-reflect performance without requiring high manufacturing precision for individual layer thicknesses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 optical layered composite enhances image transmission in a transverse direction, improves color fidelity, and provides good anti-reflect properties for augmented reality devices, while also reducing weight and maintaining excellent optical properties.

Implementation Method 1

a substrate having a front face, a back face, a thickness ds between the front face and the back face, and a refractive index ns

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein provide a device in which transverse propagation of an image is improved whilst simultaneously achieving good anti-reflect properties for longitudinally incident light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

applying one or more coating layers to the front face by physical vapor deposition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical vapor deposition: Physical Vapour Deposition

Data Source

PatentUS12242057B2Optical layered composite having two groupings of coating layers and its application in augmented reality

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 SCHOTT AG

AI summary

An optical layered composite includes: a substrate having a front face, a back face, a thickness ds between the front face and the back face, and a refractive index ns; and a coating applied to the front face, the coating having two regions, the two regions being a region A and a region B. The region A comprises one or more coating layers, each of which satisfies one or both of the criteria: a thickness below 5 nm; or a refractive index of 1.6 or more. The region B comprises one or more coating layers, each of which satisfies one or both of the criteria: a thickness below 5 nm; or a refractive index below 1.6.