Transflective Element Microstructures for Stray Light Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) display apparatuses face challenges in effectively managing ambient stray light, which can affect the quality of the displayed image and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An optical system comprising a transflective element and a reflective element, where the transflective element reflects collimated incident light to the reflective element, which then adjusts the angle of exit for the light. Additionally, microstructures on the light exit surface of the transflective element scatter ambient stray light out of the target region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microstructures are added to scatter ambient stray light, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light scattering function with the existing transflective element by integrating microstructures directly onto its surface. This merging approach allows the same component to perform both its original function (reflecting and transmitting collimated light) and the new function (scattering ambient stray light), thereby improving image quality without adding separate components or significantly increasing device complexity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the optical system uses multiple elements (transflective element, reflective element, microstructures), then stray light management is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring the microstructures with specific geometric parameters (apex angle of 85° to 105°, base angles of 15° to 25° and 60° to 70°) that are optimized for scattering ambient stray light. This localized optimization of structural parameters allows the system to effectively manage stray light while maintaining manufacturability, as the precision requirements are concentrated in well-defined geometric features rather than requiring high-precision alignment between multiple complex components.
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 optical system enhances image quality by effectively managing ambient stray light, improving the display effect without affecting the main light, and maintaining a large viewing angle, suitable for VR and AR applications.
Implementation Method 1
The transflective element is configured to reflect collimated incident light to the reflective element
Implementation Method 2
The reflective element is configured to reflect the collimated incident light back to the light incident surface of the transflective element, so as to adjust an angle at which the collimated incident light exits
Implementation Method 3
The plurality of microstructures are configured to adjust angles at which ambient stray light incident on surfaces thereof exits, and to scatter the ambient stray light out of the target region
Implementation Method 4
The plurality of microstructures include a plurality of prisms arranged in parallel. A parallel direction of the plurality of prisms intersects an incident direction of the ambient stray light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system, a display apparatus, and smart glasses are provided. The optical system includes a transflective element, a reflective element and a plurality of microstructures. The transflective element is configured to reflect collimated incident light to the reflective element. The reflective element is configured to reflect the collimated incident light back to a light incident surface of the transflective element, so as to adjust an angle at which the collimated incident light exits. The transflective element is further configured to transmit the reflected-back collimated incident light to a target region. The plurality of microstructures are configured to adjust angles at which ambient stray light incident on surfaces thereof exits, and to scatter the ambient stray light out of the target region.