3D Display Waveguide with Segmented Optical Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional three-dimensional image display technologies, such as light field and holographic displays, are bulky and require significant computational resources, making them unsuitable for small form-factor devices like head-worn and automotive head-up displays, and struggle with high brightness and image resolution in bright environments.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a light source, intensity modulator, mirror device, collimator, image waveguide with in-coupling and out-coupling structures, and a segmented optical structure to create multiple focal planes, allowing for efficient display of three-dimensional images with high brightness and resolution in compact formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light field displays or holographic displays are used to generate three-dimensional images, then image resolution and brightness can be improved, but the device becomes bulky and requires large processing power
Solution Approach 1:
The optical structure is segmented into multiple discrete elements including microlens arrays arranged in specific patterns, out-coupling structures at different positions, and segmented optical structures with multiple focal lengths. This segmentation allows the system to achieve light field display effects with reduced overall device footprint compared to conventional holistic approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where microlens arrays are positioned within and integrated with the waveguide structure, out-coupling structures are embedded at specific locations along the waveguide, and segmented optical structures are nested within the overall optical path. This nesting approach maximizes functional density while minimizing external device volume.
2Measurement precision
If light field displays or holographic displays are used to generate three-dimensional images, then image resolution and brightness can be improved, but computational resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces computationally intensive software-based light field generation with a hardware-based optical system using physical microlens arrays, waveguides, and segmented optical structures. This mechanical/optical substitution eliminates the need for complex real-time computational rendering while maintaining high image resolution through precise optical element positioning and design.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements including microlens arrays and segmented structures are pre-configured during manufacturing with specific geometries, positions, and focal lengths tailored for the desired light field effects. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for complex real-time computational processing during operation, reducing power requirements while maintaining high resolution.
3Volume of stationary object
If miniaturization is pursued for small form-factor display devices, then device footprint is reduced, but image resolution and brightness performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by positioning different types of microlens arrays (first and second types) at specific locations within the waveguide, using out-coupling structures at predetermined positions, and implementing segmented optical structures with different focal lengths in different regions. This localized optimization ensures high image resolution is maintained in critical viewing zones while keeping the overall device compact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional display planes to three-dimensional light field manipulation by incorporating microlens arrays that create multiple focal planes and depth layers. This dimensional transition enables high-resolution three-dimensional imaging within a compact form factor by utilizing the third dimension (depth/focal distance) rather than requiring larger two-dimensional pixel arrays.
4Measurement precision
If reflective spatial light modulators are used for generating multiple focal planes, then image resolution can be maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reflective spatial light modulators (which require active electrical control and generate heat) with passive optical elements including microlens arrays and segmented optical structures that manipulate light through refraction and reflection based on their physical geometries. This substitution maintains image resolution through precise optical design while eliminating continuous power consumption associated with active modulator control.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical elements are designed to automatically perform focal plane generation and light routing based on their inherent physical properties (refractive indices, lens curvatures, positions) without requiring external power or active control. The system self-regulates light paths and focal planes through the passive optical characteristics of its components, eliminating power consumption while maintaining resolution.
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 enables efficient display of three-dimensional images with high brightness and resolution in compact formats, addressing the limitations of conventional technologies by reducing the need for large processing power and physical footprint, while providing accurate focus cues and minimizing vergence-accommodation conflict.
Implementation Method 1
an image waveguide comprising an in-coupling structure employed to receive the collimated light beam, wherein the collimated light beam corresponds to a given coordinate representing a two-dimensional image information at a given time instant, an out-coupling structure comprising out-coupling sites, wherein the image waveguide is employed to direct the collimated light beam via total internal reflections within the image waveguide from the in-coupling structure to the out-coupling structure to form multiple reflections of the collimated light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for displaying a three-dimensional image. The apparatus includes a light source, an intensity modulator to modulate an intensity of a given light beam, a mirror device to modulate spatially the intensity-modulated light beam at a given time instant, a first optics to collimate the spatially-modulated light beam and an image waveguide comprising an in-coupling structure to receive the collimated light beam and an out-coupling structure comprising out-coupling sites. The image waveguide directs the collimated light to the out-coupling structure which selectively redirects multiple reflections towards a segmented optical structure comprising at least two types of segments to redirect a first part of the multiple reflections to form a first type image point P1 at a first focal distance d1, d1′ and a second part of the multiple reflections to form a second type image point P2 at a second focal distance d2, d2′.