Waveguide Prisms for Independent Virtual Image and Leakage Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing augmented reality technologies face challenges in balancing the field of view (FOV) and world leakage angles, which affect user comfort and privacy.
Innovation Solution
The use of eye-side and world-side prisms in optical devices to adjust the projection angles of images and light leakage relative to the horizontal plane of the waveguide, enhancing user comfort and privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional waveguide designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the field of view and world leakage angles cannot be independently controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The waveguide is divided into two functional sections: an eye-side waveguide portion with an eye-side prism for controlling the field of view angle, and a world-side waveguide portion with a world-side prism for controlling the world leakage angle. This segmentation allows independent control of each angle while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Prisms are introduced as intermediary optical elements between the light source and the two different directions (eye and world). The eye-side prism mediates the light path to achieve desired FOV, while the world-side prism mediates to control leakage, enabling independent control without complex system redesign.
2Ease of operation
If the field of view angle is increased, then user comfort is improved, but world leakage angle also increases reducing privacy
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the waveguide into eye-side and world-side portions with separate prisms, the system can independently optimize the field of view angle for user comfort while simultaneously controlling the world leakage angle for privacy, eliminating the trade-off between these two parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
Different optical properties are applied to different parts of the waveguide system. The eye-side prism has specific refractive properties optimized for user comfort and FOV, while the world-side prism has different properties optimized for minimizing leakage, allowing each region to have the quality needed for its specific function.
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 provides a balanced FOV and reduced world leakage angle, improving user comfort and privacy in augmented reality experiences.
Implementation Method 1
The first prism is operable to increase a first projection angle of an image relative to a horizontal plane of the waveguide
Implementation Method 2
The second prism is operable to increase the second projection angle of light leakage relative to the horizontal plane of the waveguide
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an optical device includes a waveguide having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. The waveguide further includes an input coupler and an output coupler disposed over the first surface or the second surface. The optical device further includes a first prism disposed over at least the output coupler and over the first surface. The first prism is operable to increase a first projection angle of an image relative to a horizontal plane of the waveguide. The optical device further includes a second prism disposed under at least the output coupler and under the second surface. The second prism is operable to increase the second projection angle of light leakage relative to the horizontal plane of the waveguide.