Optical Waveguide Planar Reflective Structure for Uniform Light Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical waveguide devices in head-mounted displays (HMDs) for augmented reality limit viewing angles due to uneven image light distribution, resulting in poor display quality with bright and dark strips.
Innovation Solution
An optical waveguide device with a light entering surface, first and second side surfaces, and at least one planar reflective structure, where the image light is divided into sub-image lights to evenly distribute the image light, using beam splitters and planar reflective structures to adjust the light distribution and prevent dark strips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a beam splitter array waveguide structure is used to achieve wide viewing angle, then the viewing angle is improved, but the image light cannot effectively fill the cross-sectional area of the beam splitters, resulting in bright and dark strips and poor display quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the waveguide structure into multiple sections with different beam splitter arrangements. Specifically, it uses a first waveguide portion with a first beam splitter and a second waveguide portion with a second beam splitter, where the beam splitters are positioned at different locations and orientations to systematically fill the cross-sectional area and eliminate uniformity issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different beam splitter configurations to different regions of the waveguide. The first and second beam splitters are positioned at specific locations with different orientations relative to the light entering surface, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific function in achieving uniform light distribution across the entire cross-section
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 ensures even image light distribution, eliminating dark strips and enhancing the display quality of HMDs by maintaining consistent light intensity and proper brightness across the display area.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one planar reflective structure is disposed between the first side surface and the second side surface, and the planar reflective structure is parallel to the first side surface
Implementation Method 2
The first side surface is connected to the light entering surface. The second side surface is connected to the light entering surface
Data Source
AI summary
An optical waveguide device and a head-mounted display apparatus using the same are provided. The optical waveguide device used for transmitting an image light includes a light entering surface, a first side surface, a second side surface, and at least one planar reflective structure. The image light enters the optical waveguide device through the light entering surface. The first side surface is parallel to the second side surface. The at least one planar reflective structure is disposed between the first side surface and the second side surface, and the planar reflective structure is parallel to the first side surface. The planar reflective structure and the light entering surface have a distance therebetween.