Optical Splitter with Varying Facet Powers for AR Eyebox Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality display systems face challenges in maintaining image resolution across replicated pupils due to displaced virtual projector beams, which are not optimally focused without additional optics, and liquid lenses are not suited to correct aberrations effectively.
Innovation Solution
An optical splitter with a volumetric polygonal structure featuring input and output facets with varying optical powers, defined by different radii of curvature and centers of curvature, is used in a scanning projector system to replicate eyeboxes, allowing for optimal focusing of beamlets from spatially separated virtual projector positions without the need for liquid lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple facets on output side are used to replicate pupils, then eyebox is expanded, but image resolution differs from pupil to pupil due to displaced virtual projector beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different optical powers to different output facets. Each output facet is tailored with a specific optical power to compensate for the displacement of its corresponding virtual projector beam, ensuring that each replicated pupil delivers uniform image resolution to the user's eye.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical power parameter across different output facets. By varying the optical power (focal length) of each facet according to its position and the corresponding virtual projector beam displacement, the system achieves uniform image quality across all replicated pupils while maintaining an expanded eyebox.
2Manufacturing precision
If additional optics such as liquid lenses are used to correct focusing, then resolution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to eye tracking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring each output facet with a specific optical power during manufacturing. This predetermined optical power is calculated based on the expected displacement of virtual projector beams, eliminating the need for dynamic adjustment mechanisms like liquid lenses and eye tracking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple static copies of optical functionality through the array of output facets. Each facet is a static copy with a specific optical power, replacing the need for a single dynamic liquid lens that would require complex control systems.
3Device complexity
If a single optical element is used to correct aberrations, then device complexity is reduced, but aberration correction effectiveness decreases for replicated pupils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aberration correction function across multiple output facets. Instead of using a single optical element to correct aberrations for all replicated pupils, each output facet is designed with specific optical properties to correct aberrations locally for its corresponding virtual projector beam, achieving better overall correction effectiveness.
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 solution ensures uniform image quality and improved resolution across eyeboxes by optimally focusing replicated pupils, correcting for aberrations, and eliminating the need for costly and complex liquid lenses and eye tracking systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical splitter for a scanning projector system, the optical splitter comprising: an input side and a spaced apart and opposing output side, wherein the input side comprises at least one input optical facet and the output side comprises two or more output optical facets
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an optical splitter for a scanning projector system such as that provided in an augmented reality system. The optical splitter includes: an input side and a spaced apart and opposing output side, the input side includes at least one input optical facet and the output side includes two or more output optical facets. The at least one input facet are arranged to receive an input optical signal from a light source, and the two or more output optical facets are arranged to output an output optical signal dependent on the input optical signal. Each of the output optical facets define an optical path and each of the optical paths have a different optical power.