Waveguide Retinal Projection for Wider Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing viewing apparatuses fail to provide a large enough field of view while maintaining comfort and safety, particularly due to excessive heat and insufficient light intensity, and are not suitable for daily wear.
Innovation Solution
A viewing apparatus with a first optical line projecting a light signal on a specific area of the retina using a light signal generator, waveguide, and a second optical line for environmental light, utilizing a total internal reflection prism and digital micromirror device to enhance field of view and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a conventional projector is used to project light signal on the retina, then the field of view can be increased, but the device becomes too large for daily wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional 2D projection to 3D volumetric light field generation within the eye. By creating a three-dimensional light distribution pattern that fills the visual space, the system achieves a wide field of view without requiring a large external projector, thus resolving the contradiction between field of view and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system that couples light into the eye through the cornea and utilizes the eye's own optical components (lens, retina) to project the image. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for a large external projector by using the eye's existing optical pathway as the projection medium.
2Illumination intensity
If high intensity light is used to stimulate retinal ganglion cells, then optogenetics therapy effectiveness is improved, but heat exposure and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed or modulated light delivery rather than continuous high-intensity illumination. By delivering light in periodic pulses synchronized with the optogenetic response requirements, the system achieves effective neuronal stimulation while allowing thermal dissipation between pulses, thereby reducing cumulative heat exposure and safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent delivers light selectively to specific retinal regions where optogenetically modified ganglion cells are located, rather than illuminating the entire retina uniformly. This localized light delivery concentrates the necessary intensity where needed while minimizing exposure to other retinal areas, thereby reducing overall heat generation and potential damage risks.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional projection systems are used, then light signal can be projected on the retina, but the light source must be placed close to the eye causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the eye's cornea and aqueous humor as intermediary media to transport light from a remote source to the retina. By coupling light into these natural optical pathways, the system eliminates the need for a light source positioned near the eye, thereby avoiding discomfort while maintaining effective retinal illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically positioning a light source near the eye with an optical coupling approach that uses the eye's own refractive interfaces (cornea, lens) to guide light to the retina. This substitution eliminates mechanical proximity requirements and associated discomfort.
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 apparatus achieves a wider field of view of 20°×30°, reduces heat exposure, and maintains comfort by using a compact design with a waveguide that keeps the light source away from the eye, ensuring sufficient light intensity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide comprising an input coupler and an exit coupler, the waveguide being adapted to convey light from the input coupler to the exit coupler
Implementation Method 2
a light signal generator generating the said first light signal to be projected
Data Source
AI summary
A viewing apparatus is provided that has a first optical line having:a projecting system adapted to project a light signal on a first area of the retina of an eye of a wearer of the viewing apparatus,a light signal generator generating the light signal to be projected, anda waveguide having an input coupler and an exit coupler, the waveguide being adapted to convey light from the input coupler to the exit coupler, and optionally a second optical line having an optical system adapted to project a light signal of the environment on a second area of the retina of the eye of the wearer, the optical system comprising a part of the waveguide.