Waveguide Display Couplers for Expanded AR Viewing Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) display apparatuses face limitations in providing an expanded viewing window, often requiring bulky lens systems and limiting the field of view.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus utilizing a light guide plate with input and output couplers, combined with a spatial light modulator and coherent light source, allows for the propagation and diffraction of images at various angles without the need for separate lens systems, enabling an expanded viewing angle through multiple sub-couplers and diffraction elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lens systems are used to expand viewing angle, then viewing angle is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple lens systems into a single integrated light guide plate structure. The light guide plate combines input couplers, output couplers, and diffraction elements into one component that simultaneously performs beam steering and viewing angle expansion, eliminating the need for separate lens assemblies and reducing overall device weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lens systems with an optical waveguide-based solution. Instead of using physical lenses to redirect light, the invention uses diffraction gratings and total internal reflection within the light guide plate to achieve the same beam steering and viewing angle expansion effects, resulting in a lighter and more compact design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lens systems are used to expand viewing angle, then viewing angle is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single light guide plate structure. The input couplers, output couplers, and diffraction elements are integrated into one component, eliminating the need for multiple separate lens systems and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a beam steering element, an image transport medium, and a viewing angle expansion component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate lens systems are used for each color channel, then color display quality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical paths for multiple color channels into a single light guide plate. Instead of using separate lens systems for each color, the invention uses a unified diffraction-based approach that handles all colors simultaneously, significantly reducing device volume while maintaining color display quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional arrangement of multiple lens systems to a two-dimensional planar structure within the light guide plate. The diffraction elements are arranged in layers within the plate, allowing multiple color channels to be processed in parallel without increasing the overall device volume.
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 a compact AR/MR display with an enlarged viewing window, allowing simultaneous perception of external reality and virtual content without the bulkiness of traditional lens systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one waveguide layer configured to propagate light in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
at least one grating lamina configured to extract the light from the first substrate along the first direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A display apparatus capable of providing an expanded viewing window includes a light guide plate including an input coupler and an output coupler; and an image providing apparatus facing the input coupler to provide an image to the input coupler. The input coupler may include a plurality of sub input couplers configured to propagate the image provided from the image providing apparatus at different angles in the light guide plate.