Waveguide Illuminator With Stacked Depth-Plane Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) display systems face challenges in providing a comfortable and realistic presentation of virtual image elements due to mismatches between accommodative and vergence states, leading to user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a waveguide assembly with stacked waveguides and optical elements that provide selective wavefront divergence and color-specific in-coupling, coupled with a spatial light modulator and projector system, to create multiple depth planes and align accommodative and vergence cues, enhancing depth perception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional AR/VR display systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the user experiences discomfort due to mismatch between accommodative and vergence states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display system into multiple depth planes, with each plane providing specific accommodative cues. The waveguide assembly is segmented into multiple waveguides, each corresponding to a different depth plane and providing tailored wavefront divergence to match vergence cues at that depth, thereby resolving the accommodation-vergence mismatch that causes user discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of depth plane separation by providing multiple discrete depth planes instead of a single plane. Each depth plane is associated with specific accommodative and vergence cues, creating a multi-layered optical structure that enables physiologically correct alignment of accommodation and vergence states throughout the virtual scene.
2Measurement precision
If multiple depth planes are created, then depth perception is improved, but the optical system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single waveguide assembly that serves multiple functions: it provides both illumination for the spatial light modulator and image projection to the user's eye. The assembly handles multiple depth planes simultaneously, with each depth plane's light being routed through the same optical path, thereby achieving enhanced depth perception without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the illumination function and image projection function into a single integrated waveguide assembly. By merging these functions and using a common optical path for multiple depth planes, the system achieves precise depth perception while minimizing the increase in optical system complexity that would result from completely separate systems for each function.
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
This approach allows for a more realistic and comfortable 3D imagery experience by aligning accommodative and vergence states, reducing user discomfort and improving depth perception through physiologically correct alignment of accommodation and vergence cues.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide assembly with stacked waveguides and optical elements that provide selective wavefront divergence
Implementation Method 2
US 2016/077338A discloses a waveguide display having a compact projection light engine and a diffractive waveguide. The diffractive waveguide includes input diffraction gratings with rolled k-vectors.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical system for an augmented reality head mounted display eyepiece that is configured to deliver images to the eye wherein the optical system includes optics. The optics are disposed so as to receive light output from the light source. The optics further arranged with respect to a spatial light modulator such that the light received from the light source passes through the optics and illuminates the spatial light modulator. The light illuminating the spatial light modulator is redirected back through the optics and is coupled into at least one waveguide through at least one in-coupling optical element. At least a portion of the coupled light is ejected from at least one waveguide by at least one out-coupling optical element and directed to the eye of the user.