Waveguide Eyepiece Grating Vectors for Depth Perception
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wearable display systems often struggle to provide a realistic and comfortable three-dimensional image experience due to mismatched accommodation and vergence cues, leading to discomfort and ineffective depth perception.
Innovation Solution
The use of a waveguide eyepiece with multiple regions of grating structures, each configured to diffract light according to distinct sets of grating vectors, allowing for the projection of images across different depth planes, thereby mimicking natural light field distribution and enhancing depth cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple eyepieces with different patterns are layered to project volumetric images, then three-dimensional image projection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple eyepieces into a single integrated eyepiece structure with multiple grating regions. Instead of layering separate eyepieces to achieve volumetric image projection, the invention integrates multiple grating patterns (first grating structures, second grating structures, third grating structures) within one eyepiece component, each responsible for different depth planes. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining the three-dimensional image projection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single eyepiece is segmented into multiple functional regions, each with distinct grating patterns. The eyepiece includes a first region with first grating structures for first depth planes, a second region with second grating structures for second depth planes, and a third region with third grating structures for third depth planes. This segmentation allows different depth information to be projected simultaneously through a unified component.
2Productivity
If conventional eyepieces are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but optical performance and field of view are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the eyepiece are assigned different grating patterns and properties optimized for their specific functions. The first grating structures have parameters optimized for first depth planes, the second grating structures for second depth planes, and the third grating structures for third depth planes. Each region's local quality (grating pattern, pitch, depth) is tailored to achieve optimal optical performance for its designated depth range while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes.
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 enables a more believable and comfortable three-dimensional image simulation by aligning image presentation with the user's accommodated states, improving depth perception and field of view in wearable display systems.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of first grating structures is configured to diffract light in the first region of the waveguide according to a first set of one or more grating vectors. The plurality of second grating structures is configured to diffract light in the second region of the waveguide according to a second set of one or more grating vectors different from the first set of one or more grating vectors.
Data Source
AI summary
An example a head-mounted display device includes a light projector and an eyepiece. The eyepiece is arranged to receive light from the light projector and direct the light to a user during use of the wearable display system. The eyepiece includes a waveguide having an edge positioned to receive light from the display light source module and couple the light into the waveguide. The waveguide includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The waveguide includes several different regions, each having different grating structures configured to diffract light according to different sets of grating vectors.