XR Projection Lens with 1D Pupil Expansion for Wider Viewing Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional extended reality (XR) systems face issues of high system complexity, bulkiness, narrow viewing angle, and low light conversion efficiency due to their reliance on a two-dimensional (2D) architecture.
Innovation Solution
An XR system utilizing a one-dimensional pupil expansion projection lens with a light guide element, volume holographic elements, and a one-dimensional pupil expansion rectangular projection lens structure, incorporating plastic and glass lenses, to enhance image conversion and reduce system complexity and bulkiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a two-dimensional projection lens with four diffraction elements is used, then the XR system can achieve image projection, but the system complexity increases and the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the diffraction elements from the optical system, replacing them with a one-dimensional projection lens that achieves the same image projection function without the complex multi-element diffraction structure. This extraction of unnecessary components directly reduces system complexity while maintaining the core imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate optical elements (projection lens and diffraction elements) into a single integrated one-dimensional projection lens structure. This consolidation eliminates the need for four separate diffraction elements, thereby reducing system complexity and component count while preserving the image projection function.
2Volume of moving object
If a two-dimensional projection lens with four diffraction elements is used, then the XR system can achieve image projection, but the volume and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the projection lens and diffraction elements into a single one-dimensional projection lens unit, significantly reducing the overall optical system volume. This merging eliminates the space required for four separate diffraction elements and their mounting structures, achieving compactness without sacrificing imaging performance.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the four diffraction elements from the system, the patent extracts the essential imaging function and achieves it with a more compact one-dimensional lens structure, thereby reducing both volume and weight while maintaining reliable image projection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a two-dimensional projection lens with four diffraction elements is used, then the XR system can achieve image projection, but the viewing angle becomes narrow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the diffraction elements that limit the viewing angle, extracting only the essential projection function and implementing it through a one-dimensional lens design that inherently provides a wider viewing angle without the constraints of multi-element diffraction optics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental optical parameter from two-dimensional diffraction-based projection to one-dimensional lens-based projection. This parameter change in the optical architecture enables a wider viewing angle while reducing the complexity of the optical structure.
4Loss of energy
If a two-dimensional projection lens with four diffraction elements is used, then the XR system can achieve image projection, but the light conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the diffraction elements that cause light loss through multiple diffraction processes. By eliminating these intermediate optical elements, the system achieves direct light transmission through the one-dimensional projection lens, significantly improving light conversion efficiency while reducing optical structure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light transmission path by eliminating intermediate diffraction elements, creating a more direct and efficient optical path from the light source through the one-dimensional projection lens to the output. This consolidation reduces light loss and improves conversion efficiency.
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 system achieves reduced complexity and bulk, increased viewing angle, and improved light conversion efficiency, with a 10-fold improvement in light conversion efficiency compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first volume holographic element and/or the second volume holographic element is provided with an optical grating for converting the one-dimensional image input through the light input portion into a two-dimensional image
Data Source
AI summary
An extended reality system with a one-dimensional pupil expansion projection lens. The extended reality system includes: a light guide element having a first light-coupling portion, a second light-coupling portion, and a light input portion; a first volume holographic element optically coupled to the first light-coupling portion; a second volume holographic element optically coupled to the second light-coupling portion; and a one-dimensional pupil expansion rectangular projection lens through which light is projected into the light input portion. The first volume holographic element and/or the second volume holographic element is provided with an optical grating for converting a one-dimensional image into a two-dimensional one. Compared with the prior art, the extended reality system features a decrease in system complexity and volume and an increase in viewing angle and light conversion efficiency.