Prism Module for Large FOV Sampling in AR Glasses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical systems for testing large field of view (FOV) in augmented reality/virtual reality/mixed reality glasses are bulky and require disassembly, limiting space for testing and increasing costs, especially for children's glasses.

Innovation Solution

A compact prism module with elongated prisms disposed about a central axis, featuring a fore surface, an aft surface, and a reflecting surface that receives incoming light rays orthogonally and reflects them to exit at a right angle, allowing for high-resolution sampling with minimal distortion recognizable by the human eye.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional optical systems with mirrors are used to test large FOV, then the ability to transmit incident beams at severe angles is improved, but the system occupies large space and requires disassembly of temples

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to transmit incident beams at severe anglesVSAvoidspace occupied by optical system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mirror-based optical systems with a waveguide-based system that uses total internal reflection to redirect light beams. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mirrors and complex mechanical arrangements, achieving the same function of transmitting severe angle incident beams while occupying minimal space within the temple structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide optical system is nested within the temple structure of the AR/VR/MR glasses. The waveguide integrates the optical path directly into the temple, allowing the optical system to be housed within the existing temple volume without requiring additional external space or disassembly of the temple components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional optical systems are used for large FOV testing, then severe angle beam transmission is improved, but device complexity and disassembly requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelarge FOV beam transmission capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of optical system assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mirror-based optical systems with a waveguide-based system that uses total internal reflection to redirect light beams. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mirrors and complex mechanical arrangements, achieving the same function of transmitting severe angle incident beams while occupying minimal space within the temple structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide system serves multiple functions: it transmits light from the display element to the user's eye, redirects severe angle incident beams for testing, and maintains the structural integrity of the temple. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate testing components and simplifies the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables sampling of large FOV light beams on a smaller imaging system, reducing space requirements and maintaining high resolution with minimal distortion, suitable for testing AR/VR/MR glasses without disassembling them, thus reducing costs and improving build quality.

Implementation Method 1

the reflecting surface configured to reflect the incoming light rays to cause outgoing light rays to exit at a right angle through the aft surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12124060B2Prism to enable large FOV high resolution sampling with smaller FOV imaging system

Publication Date: 2024.10.22 ML OPTIC CORP

AI summary

A prism module for enabling a large field of view high resolution sampling of incoming rays, the prism module including a plurality of elongated prisms disposed about a central axis, each of the prisms including a fore surface; an aft surface; and a reflecting surface connected on a first edge to the fore surface and connected on a second edge to the aft surface, wherein the fore surface is configured to receive the incoming light rays orthogonally disposed with respect to the fore surface, the reflecting surface configured to reflect the incoming light rays to cause outgoing light rays to exit at a right angle through the aft surface to form an image with a maximum distortion not recognizable by a human eye.