Switchable Waveguide Exit Pupils for Stereoscopic Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical apparatuses for stereoscopic displays, such as exit pupil expanders, are not optimal in providing improved apparatus, systems, and methods for displaying stereoscopic content.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus comprises two light guiding means with switchable diffractive elements that independently control the out-coupling of light beams to form non-overlapping exit pupils for each eye, allowing for stereoscopic viewing by aligning and controlling the out-coupling states of overlapping diffractive means based on the projection timing and angles of input beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional optical apparatuses are used for stereoscopic displays, then the system structure is simple, but the stereoscopic display performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The optical apparatus is divided into multiple waveguide layers (first waveguide layer, second waveguide layer, third waveguide layer) with distinct functions. Each layer handles specific light propagation tasks, allowing independent optimization of each layer for stereoscopic display performance while maintaining manageable overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the first waveguide layer is positioned within or alongside the second and third waveguide layers. This nesting approach allows multiple functional layers to be integrated in a compact arrangement, improving stereoscopic performance without proportionally increasing device complexity
2Area of stationary object
If exit pupil expansion is implemented in conventional systems, then the field of view is limited, but the system remains compact
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple waveguide layers are combined to achieve exit pupil expansion. The first waveguide layer propagates light in a first direction, while the second and third layers propagate light in a second direction, merging their outputs to create an expanded exit pupil that benefits both eyes simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple waveguide layers stacked in the vertical dimension to expand the exit pupil in the lateral dimension. By utilizing the third dimension (layer stacking) to manage light propagation, the system achieves large exit pupil size without increasing the lateral footprint of the device
3Manufacturing precision
If stereoscopic content is displayed using conventional methods, then image quality is compromised, but the display system is easier to implement
Solution Approach 1:
Each waveguide layer is designed with specific local properties optimized for its function. The first waveguide layer has grating laminae optimized for extracting light in the first direction, while the second and third layers have grating laminae optimized for the second direction, ensuring high image quality for stereoscopic content
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide layers serve multiple functions: they guide light, expand the exit pupil, and provide stereoscopic separation for both eyes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, making the system easier to manufacture while maintaining high image quality
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 the display of stereoscopic images by separately outputting images for each eye, enhancing the perception of 3D content through autostereoscopic displays in augmented reality and head-up display systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of diffractive means configured to: in-couple one or more input beams of light into the light guiding means
Implementation Method 2
expand the one or more input beams of light, and out-couple the one or more expanded beams of light from the light guiding means to provide one or more enlarged output beams of light
Implementation Method 3
each light guiding means respectively comprises: a plurality of diffractive means configured to: in-couple one or more input beams of light into the light guiding means
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 3D~3F
AI summary
Certain examples of the present invention relate to optical apparatuses, systems and methods. Certain examples provide apparatus 10 comprising: at least a first and a second light guiding means100, 200, wherein each light guiding means respectively comprises: a plurality of diffractive means 101-103, 201-203 configured to: in-couple one or more input beams of light 106, 206 into the light guiding means, expand the one or more input beams of light, and out-couple the one or more expanded beams of light from the light guiding means to provide one or more expanded output light beams; wherein the out-coupling diffractive means 103,203 comprises a plurality of sections thereof 1031-103n, 2031-203n that are independently switchable between a first out-coupling state and a second out-coupling state, wherein a section of the out-coupling diffractive means in the first out-coupling state permits the out-coupling of the one or more expanded beams of light therefrom, and wherein a section of the out-coupling diffractive means in the second out-coupling state precludes the out-coupling of the one or more expanded beams of light therefrom; wherein the apparatus is configured such that the out-coupling diffractive means of one light guiding means at least partially overlaps the out-coupling diffractive means of the other light guiding means.