Imaging Waveguide Non-Diffractive Nanostructure Camouflage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented and mixed reality devices suffer from visible diffractive elements that detract from their aesthetic appearance, making them less appealing to onlookers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating non-diffractive arrays of nanostructures on the surface of imaging waveguides that modulate visible reflectance to camouflage the diffractive gratings, ensuring uniform surface reflectance and masking the presence of diffractive structures when the projector is off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If diffractive gratings are used in waveguide surfaces, then optical coupling function is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible surface patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different surface properties to different regions: diffractive gratings are placed in input and output regions for optical coupling, while non-diffractive regions with matched reflectance are placed in intermediate regions to maintain aesthetic appearance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing functional regions to have diffractive structures while aesthetic regions maintain uniform appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary non-diffractive region between the diffractive input and output regions. This intermediary region acts as a visual buffer that masks the transition between diffractive areas, preventing onlookers from detecting the presence of diffractive gratings while allowing the optical system to function properly.
2Shape
If uniform surface reflectance is achieved to camouflage diffractive elements, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but optical performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating regions with different reflectance properties: non-diffractive regions have uniform reflectance matched to the waveguide substrate for aesthetic camouflage, while diffractive regions have controlled reflectance for optical coupling. This ensures that aesthetic regions maintain uniform appearance without interfering with the optical function of diffractive regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide surface is segmented into distinct functional zones: input diffractive region, intermediate non-diffractive region, and output diffractive region. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, allowing the overall system to achieve both aesthetic uniformity and optical performance through proper zonal design.
3Shape
If non-diffractive regions are added to camouflage diffractive gratings, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the camouflage function with the existing waveguide structure by integrating non-diffractive regions directly into the waveguide substrate. This eliminates the need for separate camouflage components, as the aesthetic regions are formed as integral parts of the waveguide, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving the camouflage effect.
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 enhances the aesthetic appearance of AR and MR devices by making the diffractive gratings less visible, while maintaining functional performance when the projector is on.
Implementation Method 1
having minimal impact on total internal reflection of image bearing light
Implementation Method 2
comprises a first region patterned with a linear surface relief grating and a second region patterned with a two dimensional surface relief grating
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical waveguide combiner includes an optical waveguide substrate and an optical input region. The optical input region includes an optical input diffractive grating integrated in, or disposed on, the optical waveguide substrate. An optical output region includes an optical output diffractive grating integrated in, or disposed on, the optical waveguide substrate, At least one non-diffractive region includes at least one optical non-diffractive array of nanostructures, wherein said at least one optical non- diffractive array of nanostructures is integrated in, or disposed on, the object side of said optical waveguide substrate and at least partially surrounds at least said optical output grating; wherein the external visible reflectance of said at least one non- diffractive array of nanostructures is substantially equal to the external visible reflectance of said optical output grating.