Compact Relay Optics for AR Optical Engine Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Near-eye displays for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) require a compact and low-power optical engine that efficiently illuminates a spatial light modulator (SLM) while maintaining high efficiency and reducing weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a compact illumination module optically coupled with single-piece relay optics and a prism, where the relay optics utilize multiple reflective surfaces to efficiently direct light towards the SLM, and the use of plastic or glass materials for the optics reduces weight and cost, with a spatial light modulator (SLM) to modulate the light for image production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional illumination systems are used, then illumination capability is provided, but system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single relay optics component with integrated reflective surfaces. The relay optics includes a first reflective surface, second reflective surface, and third reflective surface all within one optical element, eliminating the need for separate mirrors and lenses, thereby reducing system size and weight while maintaining illumination capability
Solution Approach 2:
The relay optics utilizes three-dimensional light path routing through multiple reflective surfaces to achieve compact illumination. By folding the light path in three dimensions rather than extending it linearly, the system achieves compact size while maintaining proper illumination geometry on the SLM
2Ease of operation
If multiple optical components are used, then light directionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple reflective surfaces and a transmissive surface are integrated into a single relay optics component. This unified design maintains precise light directionality through multiple reflections while eliminating the complexity of assembling and aligning multiple separate optical components
Solution Approach 2:
The relay optics serves multiple functions simultaneously: it redirects light from the illumination source, focuses light onto the SLM, and provides optical isolation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining operational effectiveness
3Reliability
If expensive materials are used, then optical performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the relay optics can be formed from plastic or glass materials with appropriate refractive indices and optical properties. By selecting materials with optimized parameters (refractive index, transmission characteristics) rather than using expensive precious materials, the system achieves sufficient optical efficiency at lower manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The relay optics is designed as a disposable or replaceable component made from cost-effective plastic or glass materials. This approach prioritizes functional performance over durability, allowing the use of cheaper materials that are sufficient for the application while significantly reducing manufacturing cost
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 solution results in a compact, low-power, and cost-effective optical engine that efficiently illuminates the SLM, enhancing the performance of near-eye displays by optimizing space usage and material selection.
Implementation Method 1
The first surface is configured to reflect the illumination light to produce first reflected light, the second surface is configured to reflect the first reflected light to produce second reflected light, the third surface is configured to reflect the second reflected light to produce third reflected light
Implementation Method 2
the second surface is configured to transmit the third reflected light to produce transmitted light towards the prism
Implementation Method 3
the SLM is configured to produce modulated light based on the transmitted light
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an illumination module configured to produce illumination light and a prism. The system also includes relay optics optically coupled between the illumination module and the prism, the relay optics having a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface. The first surface is configured to reflect the illumination light to produce first reflected light, the second surface is configured to reflect the first reflected light to produce second reflected light, the third surface is configured to reflect the second reflected light to produce third reflected light, and the second surface is configured to transmit the third reflected light to produce transmitted light towards the prism. Additionally, the system includes a spatial light modulator (SLM) optically coupled to the prism. The prism is configured to direct the transmitted light towards the SLM, and the SLM is configured to produce modulated light based on the transmitted light.