DLP-OMM-SEARCH: DLP optical module for ar glasses

Ekagra Gupta

Part Number: DLP-OMM-SEARCH
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: DLPM2000EVM, DLPDLCR2000EVM, DLP2000

Hello all,

I am working on a wearable device for the consumer electronics market and I am stuck on the display section. I wish to have an optical module capable enough to project content in RGB format on the waveguide display. The reference product has a very large size, can you all suggest something compact in size and powerful enough. The rough dimensions are 20x10x10 mm. I hope I could get some answers.
THank you!

over 2 years ago

0 Philippe Dollo over 2 years ago

TI__Mastermind 28005 points

Ekagra Gupta,

Welcome to the E2E forums, and thanks for your interest in our DLP technology.

If you are looking for different AR optical engine designs, you will probably have the most luck contacting some of the waveguide manufacturers directly to inquire about optical engine solutions that fit your requirements. Here are a couple examples of waveguide manufacturers you could contact:

Coretronic: https://vsbg.coretronic.com/en/product-applications/wearable-display-solutions/sub-products-platforms/optical-engine-module

Dispelix: https://www.dispelix.com/dispelix-announces-strategic-projector-partnership-with-coretronic-corporation/

Digilens: https://www.digilens.com/design-v1-developer-smartglasses-accelerate-head-worn-ecosystem/

WaveOptics: https://enhancedworld.com/products/modules/

The OMM Search Tool on TI.com does not currently feature AR solutions so I recommend starting here. I hope that helps!

Regards,

Philippe Dollo

+1 Ekagra Gupta over 2 years ago in reply to Philippe Dollo

Prodigy 30 points

Philippe Dollo,

Can I use DLPM2000EVM for my AR glasses without any problem?
Are they compact enough? And will they be successful without using DLPDLCR2000EVM board?

0 Arthur Brown over 2 years ago in reply to Ekagra Gupta

TI__Genius 16940 points

Hello Ekagara,

The DLPM2000EVM optical module Size, and brightness is suitable for a wearable application.

you can look at the DLPM2000EVM users guide for exact detail on its dimensions.https://www.ti.com/lit/ug/dlpu089/dlpu089.pdf?ts=1625056548237&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.ti.com%252Ftool%252FDLPM2000EVM

However you cannot use the optical module without the DLPDLCR2000EVM Driver board, this driver board has the power IC and the DMD controller. We share the Schematic and Design files for this EVM, most customers designing their own boards will copy this reference design exactly. So, you can create a compact driver board for AR glasses.

Regards,

Arthur Brown

0 Ekagra Gupta over 2 years ago in reply to Arthur Brown

Prodigy 30 points

Arthur Brown, Thank you so much for the information. Furthermore, will I be needing waveguide glasses for DPLM2000EVM or it will be retina-projected?

0 Ekagra Gupta over 2 years ago in reply to Arthur Brown

Prodigy 30 points

Arthur Brown, Thank you so much for the information. Furthermore, will I be needing waveguide glasses for DPLM2000EVM or it will be retina-projected?

0 Philippe Dollo over 2 years ago in reply to Ekagra Gupta

TI__Mastermind 28005 points

Ekagra,

You will need to consult with optical module providers as to what AR solutions are available for the DLP2000 chipset. Waveguide solutions are not provided by TI directly.

Regards,

Philippe

0 Ekagra Gupta over 2 years ago in reply to Philippe Dollo

Prodigy 30 points

Respected Sir,
Since it is just a start-up cum Project, AR solution providers might not help with the waveguide. Furthermore, who are proving help are too heavy for the budget of project

+1 Philippe Dollo over 2 years ago in reply to Ekagra Gupta

TI__Mastermind 28005 points

Ekagra,

Can you elaborate? I'm not sure I follow. We do provide some information on waveguides, but detailed design information is owned by the respective manufacturers listed above. You will either need to work with them or design your own waveguide optics for your particular application.

Did I misunderstand the question?

Regards,

Philippe

+1 Ekagra Gupta over 2 years ago in reply to Philippe Dollo

Prodigy 30 points

Philippe Dollo.
Yes sure, so I am working on a project which could be a start-up and therefore to get the waveguide display for that is either pretty expensive (>800$) or the providers are not interested. Therefore, I am in an abyss of helplessness in this scenario of getting the waveguide on my hands.. Furthermore, making own waveguide is pretty difficult because I do not have that infrastructure or machinery. I hope you understand and looking at that, can you help me out either getting a provider for waveguide which are pocket friendly or sample-ready?
Regards
Ekagra Gupta

+1 Arthur Brown over 2 years ago in reply to Ekagra Gupta

TI__Genius 16940 points

Hi Ekagra,

I totally understand that a lot of these big optical manufactures only like to do business with big opportunities. I know you are in a tough situation.

For the sake of prototyping I think that the $800+ option may be your best route. We outsource all of our optics to large optics manufactures, and we don't have any EVMs/reference designs for waveguide AR applications.

We do have an emerging optics team, but nothing that is able to serve the "sample-ready" request you have. We could share some theory on AR eyepiece design, but we are just as in the dark as you when it comes to low-price, low-volume waveguides.

Perhaps you could buy a commercial AR product and take the waveguide out of it? just an idea.

Best Regards,

Arthur Brown

0 Ekagra Gupta over 2 years ago in reply to Arthur Brown

Prodigy 30 points

Can you provide with all the material related to waveguide which might be helpful for me and also the names of companies which can potentially help me out with waveguides?

+1 Mayank Khandelwal over 2 years ago in reply to Ekagra Gupta

TI__Genius 9971 points

Ekagra,

The team is looking into your request and will get back to you by end of this week.

Regards,

Mayank

+1 Philippe Dollo over 2 years ago in reply to Mayank Khandelwal

TI__Mastermind 28005 points

Ekagra,

Did you check the list I sent above for list of waveguide manufacturers you can get started with? See it again here:

Coretronic: https://vsbg.coretronic.com/en/product-applications/wearable-display-solutions/sub-products-platforms/optical-engine-module

Dispelix: https://www.dispelix.com/dispelix-announces-strategic-projector-partnership-with-coretronic-corporation/

Digilens: https://www.digilens.com/design-v1-developer-smartglasses-accelerate-head-worn-ecosystem/

WaveOptics: https://enhancedworld.com/products/modules/

Best Regards,

Philippe Dollo

0 Ekagra Gupta over 2 years ago in reply to Philippe Dollo

Prodigy 30 points

Philippe Dollo, I saw your presentation video and I have a couple of doubts:
1. Can I use DLPDLCR2000EVM without buying BBB board?
2. Can I project an image directly onto retina rather than obstructing it with a projecting lens?

0 Vivek Thakur over 2 years ago in reply to Ekagra Gupta

TI__Mastermind 22840 points

Helllo Ekagra,

Ekagra Gupta said:
1. Can I use DLPDLCR2000EVM without buying BBB board?

You can use the DLPDLCR2000EVM without BBB board. It will display the splash screen loaded in the flash upon power up. However ,to display your content to need drive the video signal over parallel RBG interface in the EVM. One of the simplest and low cost approach is to sue BBB board for drive the content.

Ekagra Gupta said:
2. Can I project an image directly onto retina rather than obstructing it with a projecting lens?

You will need an optical subsystem which can create a virtual image in front of the eye. One of the most common methods is to use a waveguide. The Projection system creates a pupil at the entrance of waveguide and waveguide replicates this pupil in front of the eye.

For such near eye display applications, the projection module and pupil replication subsystem (ex. waveguide) are purpose built to couple with each other.

In order to design such optics, you will need detailed design parameters of the optical engine. This information is proprietary data of optical engine manufacturers. TI does not have access to it.

In absence of that information, you have to find location of pupil plane of the optical engine with experiment, it can be very difficult and challenging.

It is very important to work with waveguide manufacturers. They can provide the required modules - waveguide and matching optical engine.

regards,

Vivek

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DLP-OMM-SEARCH: DLP optical module for ar glasses