Reflector-Lens Optical Layout for Spatially Uniform Light Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging and visualization systems face challenges in achieving spatially uniform light output and efficient light propagation, leading to complex manufacturing and suboptimal image brightness.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising a reflector with angularly uniform light output and a lens that converts this light into spatially uniform output, utilizing a compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) profile and a Fourier transform to enhance light uniformity and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional light projection systems are used, then light output is achieved, but spatial uniformity of light distribution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the light projection function into two distinct components: a reflector that provides angularly uniform light distribution and a lens that converts this to spatially uniform output. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving high spatial uniformity while keeping individual components relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector acts as an intermediary element between the light source and the lens. It first transforms the light from the source into an angularly uniform distribution, which then serves as the input for the lens that performs the final spatial uniformity conversion. This intermediary step is crucial for achieving the overall spatial uniformity goal.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex light projection systems are designed to achieve spatial uniformity, then light uniformity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the light uniformity achievement into two separate stages (angular uniformity by reflector, spatial uniformity by lens), the manufacturing requirements for each component become more manageable. The reflector can be manufactured as a simple geometric shape (cone, pyramid, etc.), while the lens can be a standard optical element, avoiding the need for manufacturing a single complex integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of light distribution in two sequential steps: first transforming the spatial distribution to angular distribution (via the reflector geometry), then transforming angular distribution to spatial distribution (via the lens). This parameter transformation approach simplifies the manufacturing of each component compared to achieving the final spatial uniformity in a single step.
3Illumination intensity
If light propagation efficiency is not optimized, then system simplicity is maintained, but image brightness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous and efficient light propagation from the source through the reflector to the lens and finally to the image plane. The reflector is designed to capture and redirect virtually all light from the source, and the lens is positioned to receive this redirected light, minimizing losses and maintaining high brightness efficiency throughout the light path.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects light from the source, provides angular uniformity to the light distribution, and positions the light appropriately for the lens. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, maintaining system simplicity while achieving high brightness.
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 system provides highly spatially uniform light output, improving image brightness and simplifying manufacturing by reducing complexity and light leakage, suitable for display systems and augmented/virtual reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
The sidewalls of the reflector may be shaped to provide substantially angularly uniform light output
Implementation Method 2
the lens may be configured to convert the substantially angularly uniform light output to substantially spatially uniform light output
Data Source
AI summary
A user may interact and view virtual elements such as avatars and objects and/or real world elements in three-dimensional space in an augmented reality (AR) session. The system may allow one or more spectators to view from a stationary or dynamic camera a third person view of the users AR session. The third person view may be synchronized with the user view and the virtual elements of the user view may be composited onto the third person view.