Waveguide AR/VR Display With Overlapping Angular Fields of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented and virtual reality displays struggle to provide wide field-of-view polychromatic images that can be positioned at any conceivable position within the user's field-of-view, and there is a need to minimize interference with peripheral vision and obscuration of the user's face.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple projectors and waveguide assemblies with carefully angled input and output diffractive optical elements to create overlapping angular fields of view, with dedicated optical paths for each projector, allowing for enhanced viewing angles and minimal interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single projector is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field of view is limited to a narrow angular range
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the field of view coverage into multiple angular ranges, with each projector (first projector 102, second projector 112) responsible for a specific angular range. The first projector covers a first range of angles and the second projector covers a second range of angles, collectively providing a wider overall field of view while maintaining manageable complexity for each individual projector channel.
2Area of stationary object
If projectors are positioned to provide wide angular coverage, then the field of view is enhanced, but interference with peripheral vision and obscuration of user's face increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each projector is positioned and angled to provide light to a specific angular range, creating localized optical paths that are optimized for their respective viewing zones. The first projector is configured to provide light at a first angle to the waveguide normal vector, while the second projector is configured at a second angle, allowing each to serve its local angular region without interfering with others.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple projectors are used to expand field of view, then the angular coverage is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple projector channels into a single waveguide assembly, where light from both the first projector and second projector is coupled into the same waveguide structure through separate input diffractive optical elements. This consolidation approach expands the field of view while avoiding the need for completely separate optical systems for each projector.
4Reliability
If dedicated optical paths are provided for each projector, then interference between channels is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates optical paths by introducing angular dimensionality, where each projector is positioned and angled to provide light at different angles to the waveguide normal vector. This angular separation creates distinct propagation paths within the waveguide, minimizing cross-channel interference while maintaining a unified waveguide structure.
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 configuration provides an enhanced field of view by stitching together overlapping angular fields, minimizing interference and obscuration, and enabling full-color augmented reality images without impairing peripheral vision.
Implementation Method 1
Light can be coupled into the waveguide by an input diffraction grating
Implementation Method 2
Light then propagates within the waveguide by total internal reflection
Implementation Method 3
an output diffraction grating couples light out of the waveguide and towards a viewer
Data Source
AI summary
An AR or VR display device. First and third input gratings receive light of a first color from first and second projectors, respectively, coupling the light into a first waveguide. Second and fourth input gratings receive light of a second color from the first and second projectors, respectively, coupling the light into a second waveguide. An output diffractive optical element couples light out of the waveguides towards a viewing position. The first and second projectors provide light to the input diffractive optical elements in directions that are at a first and second angle, respectively, to a waveguide normal vector. The output diffractive optical element couples light out of the waveguides in a first range of angles for light from the first projector and in a second range of angles for light from the second projector, the first range of angles and the second range of angles differing but partially overlapping.