Multiple Waveguide Imaging Structure for Wearable AR Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional waveguide displays in wearable devices have limited field of view due to restricted light propagation angles and require bulky collimation optics, making them unsuitable for augmented and virtual reality applications.
Innovation Solution
A multiple waveguide imaging structure that combines the fields of view of multiple waveguides using a polarization switch to rotate light polarization, eliminating the need for collimation optics and enhancing the overall field of view by time-sequentially integrating light from different polarization angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional waveguide displays use fixed mechanisms for pushing light into and out of the waveguide, then the device structure is simple, but the field of view is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the polarization state switchable rather than fixed. The polarization switch dynamically changes the polarization orientation of light between different waveguides, enabling the system to adaptively direct light across different angular ranges and thereby expand the field of view without requiring multiple fixed optical mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the polarization switch that cyclically alternates between different polarization states. By time-sequentially switching the polarization orientation, the system periodically directs light into different waveguides, effectively combining their fields of view to achieve a wider overall field of view
2Area of stationary object
If two waveguides are stacked with an airspace between them, then the field of view is expanded, but collimation optics are required for each waveguide which adds bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple waveguides by using a shared polarization switch to control light distribution across them. Instead of treating each waveguide as an independent unit requiring its own collimation optics, the system combines their control through a single polarization switching mechanism, eliminating redundant optical components and reducing overall device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The polarization switch serves as a universal control mechanism for multiple waveguides simultaneously. This single component performs the function that would otherwise require separate collimation optics for each waveguide, making the system more compact while maintaining the ability to expand field of view through multiple waveguide channels
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 solution provides a wider field of view for near-eye display panels in wearable devices, enhancing the realism of virtual and augmented reality experiences without adding bulk, making them more practical for implementation in wearable displays.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second waveguides each include a polarizing beam splitter to reflect light into the waveguide that enters at a first polarization orientation angle in the respective first and second waveguides, and the polarizing beam splitters pass through the light that enters at a second polarization orientation angle
Implementation Method 2
the polarizing beam splitter to reflect light into the waveguide that enters at a first polarization orientation angle
Implementation Method 3
The polarization switch rotates the polarization of the light to time-sequentially create the wider field of view
Implementation Method 4
The imaging structure includes a half waveplate to change the light that passes through the first waveguide from the second polarization orientation angle back to the first polarization orientation angle
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of a multiple waveguide imaging structure, a wearable display device includes left and right imaging units of respective display lens systems to generate an augmented reality image that includes a virtual image. Each of the left and right imaging units include a first waveguide for see-through viewing at a first field of view, where the first waveguide includes a first polarizing beam splitter to reflect light that enters at a first polarization orientation angle and pass through the light that enters at a second polarization orientation angle. Each of the left and right imaging units also include at least a second waveguide for see-through viewing at a second field of view, where the second waveguide includes a second polarizing beam splitter to reflect the light that enters at the first polarization orientation angle and pass through the light that enters at the second polarization orientation angle.