Overlapping Waveguide Channels for Near-Eye Display Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near-eye display devices face challenges when the field-of-view exceeds 60 degrees, causing confusion due to partial image overlap and mechanical interference between waveguides, which limits the eye-relief distance and overall display performance.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a waveguide with overlapping transmission channels and diffractive optical elements that allow optical light from multiple input ports to partially overlap at an output port, expanding the field-of-view and reducing mechanical interference by enabling simultaneous projection of binocular images onto a single output region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the field-of-view is increased beyond 60 degrees, then the image coverage is improved, but image confusion occurs due to partial image overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into multiple transmission channels (first transmission channel and second transmission channel) that are spatially separated and independently configured. Each channel carries a distinct image signal, allowing the system to expand field-of-view while maintaining image separation through spatial segmentation of the optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane transmission approach to a multi-dimensional spatial arrangement by stacking transmission channels at different vertical positions and angles within the waveguide. This dimensional separation allows overlapping field-of-view coverage without image confusion, as each channel operates in a distinct spatial dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate waveguides are used for left and right eyes, then binocular display is achieved, but mechanical interference limits the waveguide lateral size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the left eye and right eye waveguides into a single integrated waveguide structure. Multiple transmission channels for both eyes are stacked and coupled within one waveguide body, eliminating the need for separate waveguides and reducing lateral size while maintaining binocular display functionality through shared optical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission channels are nested within the waveguide structure in a compact stacked arrangement. The first and second transmission channels are positioned at different vertical levels and angles, with their optical paths nested within the same waveguide substrate, achieving space-efficient packing that reduces overall lateral dimensions.
3Ease of operation
If the eye-relief distance is increased, then user comfort is improved, but mechanical interference between waveguides exacerbates the issue
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple waveguides into a single integrated structure with stacked transmission channels, the patent eliminates the mechanical clearance requirements between separate waveguides. This unified design removes the mechanical interference constraint, allowing the eye-relief distance to be optimized for user comfort without being limited by inter-waveguide spacing requirements.
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 configuration enhances the field-of-view and reduces mechanical interference, allowing for a more optimal image presentation and increased eye-relief distance, thereby improving the usability and form factor of near-eye display devices.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive optical element that expands the pupil horizontally and diffracts the light downward towards an output port
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of transmission channels are arranged to cause the optical light diffracted from at least a first one of the plurality of transmission channels to partially overlap
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects described herein generally relate to a waveguide and/or an associated display apparatus. The waveguide includes a plurality of optical input ports configured to receive optical light, at least one optical output port configured to output at least a modified portion of the optical light, and a plurality of transmission channels, each coupled to one of the plurality of optical input ports and configured to transmit the optical light from a respective optical input port to the at least one optical output port. The plurality of transmission channels are arranged to cause the optical light diffracted from at least a first one of the plurality of transmission channels to partially overlap, at the at least one optical output port, with the optical light diffracted from at least a second one of the plurality of transmission channels.