Optical Waveguide Arrangement for Multi-Focal Plane HMDs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical waveguide technologies struggle to efficiently generate multiple focal planes and large depth of focus (DOF) in head-mounted displays (HMDs) and head-up displays (HUDs), limiting their ability to switch between focal planes and provide full-color images at different depths.
Innovation Solution
The use of optical waveguides that generate different focal planes by transmitting light signals with distinct spectral characteristics, allowing for the creation of full-color images at various focal planes through the combination of light sources with specific spectral characteristics, enabling switching between focal planes and achieving a large DOF.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical waveguides use multiple backlight illumination sets with different focal distances to generate multiple focal planes, then the ability to switch between focal planes is improved, but the device complexity and loss of substance increase due to requiring multiple separate illumination arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple spectral characteristics into a single light source system. The optical waveguide receives light signals with different spectral characteristics (first set and second set) from the same light source arrangement, eliminating the need for multiple separate backlight illumination sets. This merging approach maintains the ability to generate multiple focal planes while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical waveguide arrangement is designed to handle multiple spectral characteristics universally. It can process both the first set of spectral characteristics (producing first color image at first focal plane) and the second set of spectral characteristics (producing second color image at second focal plane) through the same waveguide structure, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate dedicated systems for each focal plane.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical waveguides use multiple backlight illumination sets to create multiple focal planes, then the depth of focus is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to requiring multiple illumination sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple illumination sources into a single light source arrangement that can emit light signals with different spectral characteristics. This single arrangement produces both the first set and second set of spectral characteristics, reducing the loss of substance by eliminating redundant illumination sources while maintaining the extended depth of focus through spectral multiplexing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical waveguides transmit light signals with different spectral characteristics to generate full-color images at different focal planes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to spectral management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the spectral characteristics of light signals to achieve different focal planes. By varying the spectral characteristics (first set vs. second set) of the light signals transmitted through the optical waveguide, the system generates full-color images at different focal planes. This parameter-based control approach manages spectral complexity through software/control mechanisms rather than requiring complex hardware modifications.
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 allows for seamless switching of full-color images between focal planes without changing perceived color, while maintaining a large DOF, enhancing the capabilities of HMDs and HUDs in augmented and virtual reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
when at least some of the received light signals have a set of first spectral characteristics and to generate a second image at a second focal plane of the optical waveguide arrangement when at least some of the received light signals have a set of second spectral characteristics
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical waveguide arrangement comprising, at least one light source arranged to transmit light signals to at least one optical waveguide of the optical waveguide arrangement and the at least one optical waveguide, wherein the at least one optical waveguide is arranged to receive the light signals from the at least one light source and to convey the light signals, to generate a waveguide-based display, the at least one optical waveguide being further arranged to generate a first image at a first focal plane of the optical waveguide arrangement when at least some of the received light signals have a set of first spectral characteristics and to generate a second image at a second focal plane of the optical waveguide arrangement when at least some of the received light signals have a set of second spectral characteristics, wherein at least one spectral characteristic of the set of first spectral characteristics is different compared to the set of second spectral characteristics.