See-Through Display Optics Using Polarization-Selective Refraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-mounted displays for augmented reality and virtual reality have bulky optical systems due to the use of beam splitters and convex lenses, increasing the overall volume and limiting the practical applications.
Innovation Solution
A see-through type display apparatus utilizing an optical coupler and a polarization selection optical system with a polarization selection lens that separates and refracts light of different polarizations, reducing the volume and improving optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If beam splitters and convex lenses are used in the optical system, then optical performance is maintained, but the physical volume of the display apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by replacing traditional beam splitters and convex lenses with a grating lens that utilizes diffraction principles. This parameter change in the optical mechanism allows achieving the same optical performance with a significantly reduced physical volume, directly resolving the contradiction between compact size and optical effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical optical system (beam splitters, convex lenses) with a grating-based optical system that uses light diffraction and interference principles. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical components while maintaining optical performance, thereby reducing the overall device volume
2Device complexity
If traditional optical systems with beam splitters are used, then image combining is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grating lens in the patent performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a focusing element and a beam combining element, and can handle multiple wavelengths. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate beam splitters, convex lenses, and mirrors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining full image combining capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of beam splitting, beam combining, and focusing into a single grating lens component. By combining these previously separate optical elements into one integrated component, the overall device complexity is reduced while the adaptability for image combining is preserved
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 reduces the physical volume of the display apparatus while maintaining optical performance, enabling more compact and efficient augmented reality displays.
Implementation Method 1
an optical coupler that combines a first image with a second image incident to the optical coupler from a path different from that of the first image and outputs the combined image
Implementation Method 2
a polarization selection lens that applies different refractive powers with respect to light of different polarizations
Implementation Method 3
a polarization selection lens that applies different refractive powers with respect to light of different polarizations
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A display apparatus includes: a display device configured to output a first image; an optical coupler configured to: combine the first image received through a first path from the display device with a second image received through a second path that is different from the first path, output, through an exit surface of the optical coupler, a first light corresponding to the first image in a first polarization and a second light corresponding to the second image in a second polarization; and a polarization selection optical system arranged on the exit surface of the optical coupler and configured to have different refractive power with respect to the first light of the first polarization and the second light of the second polarization.