Apple inc. (20240103272). Optical Systems Having Compact Display Modules simplified abstract

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Optical Systems Having Compact Display Modules

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Guolin Peng of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Vikrant Bhakta of Santa Clara CA (US)

Scott M. Delapp of San Diego CA (US)

Hyungryul Choi of San Jose CA (US)

Di Hu of Mountain View CA (US)

Optical Systems Having Compact Display Modules - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240103272 titled 'Optical Systems Having Compact Display Modules

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a display system that includes illumination optics, a spatial modulator, and a waveguide to direct image light towards an eye box. The illumination optics consist of light sources, an x-plate, and at least one Fresnel lens to minimize the size of the optics while maintaining optical performance. The spatial light modulator includes a reflective display panel and a powered prism with a reflective coating on a curved surface to optimize f-number and minimize volume. Collimating optics include a diffractive optical element to compensate for thermal effects and chromatic dispersion.

  • Illumination optics with light sources, x-plate, and Fresnel lenses to minimize size while maintaining optical performance.
  • Spatial light modulator with reflective display panel and powered prism to optimize f-number and minimize volume.
  • Collimating optics with diffractive optical element to compensate for thermal effects and chromatic dispersion.

Potential Applications

The technology described in the patent application could be applied in augmented reality (AR) devices, head-up displays (HUDs), and other wearable display systems.

Problems Solved

The technology addresses the challenge of minimizing the size of illumination optics while maintaining optical performance, optimizing the f-number of spatial light modulators, and compensating for thermal effects and chromatic dispersion in displays.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include improved optical performance, reduced size and volume of display components, and enhanced image quality in wearable display systems.

Potential Commercial Applications

The technology could find commercial applications in AR glasses, HUDs for automotive applications, and smart glasses for various industries.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be the use of diffractive optical elements in display systems to compensate for optical aberrations and improve image quality. Another could be the integration of Fresnel lenses in compact optical systems to reduce size and weight.

Unanswered Questions

How does the technology impact the overall cost of manufacturing wearable display systems?

The patent application does not provide information on the potential cost implications of implementing this technology in wearable display systems. Further research and analysis would be needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of the proposed display system.

What are the power consumption requirements of the display system compared to existing technologies?

The patent application does not discuss the power consumption requirements of the display system relative to current technologies. Understanding the energy efficiency of the proposed system would be crucial for assessing its practicality and sustainability in real-world applications.


Original Abstract Submitted

a display may include illumination optics (), a spatial modulator () and a waveguide (). the illumination optics may produce illumination that is modulated by the spatial modulator to produce image light. the waveguide may direct the image light towards an eye box. the illumination optics may include light sources () an x-plate (), and at least one fresnel lens () interposed between the light sources and the x-plate. the fresnel lenses may minimize the size of the illumination optics while still exhibiting satisfactory optical performance. the spatial light modulator may include a reflective display panel () and a powered prism () with a reflective coating on a curved reflective surface. the powered prism may optimize f-number while minimizing the volume of the spatial light modulator. the collimating optics may include a diffractive optical element () that compensates for thermal effects and chromatic dispersion in the display.