Transparent Waveguide Light Collection for Compact AR Eye Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality (AR) technologies face challenges in providing a comfortable and natural-feeling presentation of virtual image elements amidst real-world imagery due to the complexity of the human visual system, and there is a demand to reduce the size of display systems, including components like polarizing beam splitters.
Innovation Solution
A head-mounted display system with a frame, image projector, waveguide, coupling and out-coupling optical elements, and a camera is designed to project and capture light, enabling realistic AR image content while reducing system size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If polarizing beam splitters are used to direct polarized light in AR display systems, then the light direction control is improved, but the system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the polarizing beam splitter component from the optical system. Instead of using a polarizing beam splitter to direct light, the invention uses a different optical architecture that achieves the same light direction control function without requiring this bulky component, thereby reducing overall system size while maintaining operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements optical elements that perform multiple functions within a compact structure. The optical system is designed so that single components can handle both light direction and polarization control that previously required separate dedicated components, reducing the overall system volume while maintaining full functionality
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional AR display components are used, then the light projection function is achieved, but the device size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested optical architecture where multiple optical functions are integrated into hierarchical structures. Components are arranged in nested configurations where smaller optical elements are positioned within or alongside larger structural elements, achieving compact integration of light projection functionality while maintaining manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional planar optical layouts to three-dimensional optical path arrangements. By utilizing vertical stacking and angular light paths, the system achieves compact form factor in the horizontal plane while maintaining full light projection capability through spatial optimization in multiple dimensions
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 system provides a comfortable and realistic AR experience by accurately projecting and capturing light, allowing for natural integration of virtual elements with the real world, while minimizing the size of the display components.
Implementation Method 1
at least one waveguide, at least one coupling optical element that is configured such that light is coupled into said waveguide and guided therein
Implementation Method 2
at least one out-coupling element. The at least one out-coupling element can be configured to couple light that is guided within said waveguide out of said waveguide and direct said light to said camera
Data Source
AI summary
A thin transparent layer can be integrated in a head mounted display device and disposed in front of the eye of a wearer. The thin transparent layer may be configured to output light such that light is directed onto the eye to create reflections therefrom that can be used, for example, for glint based tracking. The thin transparent layer can be configured to reduced obstructions in the field of the view of the user.