AR/VR Waveguide 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, often limiting augmented reality images to the center or specific angular limits, and interfere with peripheral vision and face obscuration.

Innovation Solution

The use of multiple projectors and waveguide assemblies with carefully angled input and output diffractive optical elements to create overlapping and partially overlapping angular fields of view, minimizing interference and enhancing the field of view through dedicated optical paths and waveguide stacks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a single projector and waveguide assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the field of view is limited to specific angular limits and cannot provide wide field-of-view polychromatic images

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the field of view coverage into multiple segments by using multiple projectors (first projector, second projector) each covering different angular ranges. The first projector covers a first range of angles and the second projector covers a second range of angles, with the ranges being different but partially overlapping, together providing a wider combined field of view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple waveguide assemblies (first waveguide assembly, second waveguide assembly) into a single integrated system. The waveguide assemblies are optically coupled to their respective projectors and work together to provide a unified enhanced field of view that stitches together the individual fields of view from multiple projectors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Area of stationary object

If projectors are positioned to cover wider angles, then the field of view is enhanced, but interference with peripheral vision and face obscuration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of viewVSAvoidinterference with peripheral vision

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each projector and waveguide assembly is optimized for specific local angular ranges. The first projector and first waveguide assembly handle a first range of angles while the second projector and second waveguide assembly handle a second range of angles. This local optimization allows wide overall field of view coverage while minimizing interference in any specific local region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If multiple projectors are used to expand field of view, then the angular coverage is increased, but the device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveangular field of viewVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple waveguide assemblies into a nested or closely coupled configuration where the first waveguide assembly and second waveguide assembly are positioned adjacent to each other and optically coupled. This nesting approach allows multiple optical paths to be combined in a compact form factor, reducing the overall device thickness compared to separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 allows for an enhanced, continuous field of view that includes overlapping ranges of angles, providing nearly full-range vision with minimal interference, reduced thickness, and improved image quality by stitching together individual fields of view.

Implementation Method 1

Light can be coupled into the waveguide by an input diffraction grating. Light then propagates within the waveguide by total internal reflection and an output diffraction grating couples light out of the waveguide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

Light then propagates within the waveguide by total internal reflection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS20260110910A1Display for augmented reality or virtual reality

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 SNAP INC

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.