Objective measurement technique for mitigating the augmented-reality geometric waveguide double-image problem

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a method for using angle offset measurements of an augmented-reality (AR) geometric waveguide partially reflective mirrors array (PRMA), to inform the design and manufacture of future iterations. These offsets are the main cause of display defects such as the formation of double-images. Our design provides a method for quantitative measurement to support the solution of the AR geometric waveguide double-image problem. Our study is based on the principle of optical lever amplification, and PRMA high accuracy measurement is achieved. We also provide an analysis that determines the maximum permissible offset limit of the PRMA geometric waveguide module, without affecting the display quality. The technique is validated on virtual models made in SolidWorks that are synchronized with optical components whose parameters are changed in LightTools. This provides a powerful technique for speeding up the design and manufacturing cycle where until now this has been based on subjective innacurate and unreliable human observation. This paper provides the theoretical basis for the development of a rigorous and reliable measurement technique.