Apple inc. (20240184116). Optical Systems for Mitigating Waveguide Non-Uniformity simplified abstract

Optical Systems for Mitigating Waveguide Non-Uniformity

Organization Name

apple inc.

Inventor(s)

Di Hu of Mountain View CA (US)

Guolin Peng of Sunnyvale CA (US)

Vikrant Bhakta of Santa Clara CA (US)

Jose A Dominguez-caballero of San Jose CA (US)

Hyungryul Choi of San Jose CA (US)

Optical Systems for Mitigating Waveguide Non-Uniformity - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240184116 titled 'Optical Systems for Mitigating Waveguide Non-Uniformity

Simplified Explanation

An electronic device with a display system includes a module that produces image light and a waveguide that directs the image light towards an eye box. The module consists of a light source, spatial light modulator, and collimating lens, with the lens directing illumination from the light source to the modulator. The lens has a geometry that illuminates the modulator with a non-uniform pattern to mitigate subsequent brightness non-uniformity introduced by the waveguide. The light source includes one or more LEDs independently driven to help mitigate non-uniformity introduced by the waveguide and operate the display in a heads-up display mode.

• Module produces image light and directs it towards an eye box.
• Consists of a light source, spatial light modulator, and collimating lens.
• Lens directs illumination from the light source to the modulator.
• Lens geometry illuminates the modulator with a non-uniform pattern.
• Light source includes LEDs independently driven to mitigate non-uniformity and enable heads-up display mode.

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in augmented reality devices, heads-up displays in vehicles, and smart glasses for various industries.

Problems Solved

Mitigates brightness non-uniformity introduced by the waveguide, enhances image quality, and enables heads-up display functionality.

Benefits

Improved image quality, reduced glare, enhanced user experience, and increased functionality in various display applications.

Potential Commercial Applications

Augmented reality devices for gaming and entertainment, heads-up displays for automotive and aviation industries, and smart glasses for healthcare and industrial use.

Possible Prior Art

Prior art may include similar display systems with waveguides and light sources, but the specific combination of components and methods to mitigate brightness non-uniformity may be novel.

How does this technology impact energy consumption in electronic devices?

The abstract does not provide information on the energy efficiency of the display system and its impact on the overall energy consumption of the electronic device.

What are the potential challenges in implementing this technology on a large scale?

The abstract does not address the scalability of the technology or any challenges that may arise when implementing it in mass-produced electronic devices.

Original Abstract Submitted

an electronic device may have a display system with a module that produces image light and a waveguide that directs the image light towards an eye box. the module may include a light source, spatial light modulator, and collimating lens between the lens and modulator. the lens may direct illumination from the light source to the modulator, which modulates the illumination to produce the image light. the lens may have a geometry that illuminates the modulator with a non-uniform illumination pattern to mitigate subsequent brightness non-uniformity introduced by the waveguide. the light source may include one or more leds that are independently driven by control circuitry over one or more drive lines to help mitigate the non-uniformity introduced by the waveguide and/or to operate the display in a heads-up display mode.