Variable-Curvature Waveguide With Optical Compensation for AR Glasses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing augmented reality glasses face challenges in achieving a wide field of view, high image quality, and ergonomic design due to issues with waveguide curvature, which introduce distortions and require individual adjustments for each user.

Innovation Solution

The use of a flexible waveguide with an optical compensator that adjusts image pre-distortion and zoom to counteract distortions caused by changing waveguide curvature, allowing users to manually or automatically adjust the device for a clear, undistorted image.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a curved waveguide is used to improve ergonomics and reduce size, then the device becomes more compact and comfortable, but image distortion is introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidimage distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-distorting the image in the opposite direction of the waveguide-induced distortion before the light enters the curved waveguide. The projection system projects a pre-distorted image that, when passed through the curved waveguide, becomes corrected to the desired undistorted state at the output, effectively compensating for the waveguide's curvature effects in advance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary anti-action by introducing an optical compensator that applies counter-distortion to the image before it enters the curved waveguide. The compensator creates an opposite distortion effect that cancels out the waveguide's distortion, allowing the curved waveguide to be used while maintaining image quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the waveguide curvature is changed to accommodate different users, then individual comfort is improved, but additional distortion compensation is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser adaptabilityVSAvoiddistortion compensation mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the waveguide curvature adjustable rather than fixed. The waveguide can change its curvature radius to adapt to different users' head shapes and sizes. Combined with the optical compensator that adjusts pre-distortion accordingly, this dynamic adjustment allows the device to accommodate various users while maintaining image quality through real-time compensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements universality by designing a single device that can serve multiple users with different anatomical features. The adjustable curvature mechanism and adaptive optical compensator allow the same device to be optimized for each user, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining high image quality for all users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of stationary object

If a planar waveguide is used to achieve wide field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the device takes up more space and is less ergonomic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies spheroidality by using a curved or bent waveguide instead of a planar one. The curved waveguide follows the contour of the user's head, improving ergonomics and reducing device volume while maintaining the ability to provide a wide field of view through proper optical design and distortion compensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 provides augmented reality glasses with a wide field of view, high image quality, and ergonomic design, ensuring undistorted and optically zoomed images for individual users, enhancing user comfort and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

The flexible waveguide with diffractive optical elements... light is introduced into the waveguide by an input diffraction grating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 2

light is introduced into the waveguide by an input diffraction grating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS20250328021A1Augmented reality device based on waveguide with variable curvature, method for operating the augmented reality device, augmented reality glasses, optical compensator

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The disclosure relates to augmented reality devices, and more particularly, to augmented reality glasses and methods for operating the same. An augmented reality display device is provided. The augmented reality display device includes a projection system, an optical compensator positioned after the projection system, and a flexible waveguide. The flexible waveguide can change its curvature and comprises an input diffraction grating and an output diffraction grating. The optical compensator is configured to introduce pre-distortion to the image and optically zoom the image received from the projection system, the pre-distortion in the image and optical zoom of the image being opposite to those introduced by the flexible waveguide to the undistorted image in accordance with chosen radius of the flexible waveguide. Flexible diffraction grating distorts the pre-distorted image. The output diffraction grating outputs undistorted image to a user's eyes.