IMAGE DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH BEAM MULTIPLICATION

An optical system for displaying an image includes a light-guide optical element (LOE) having a coupling-in region and a propagation region, a coupling-out configuration associated with the propagation region of the LOE, an image projector for generating image illumination corresponding to a collimated image, and a beam-multiplication configuration external to the LOE. The beam-multiplier is a transparent plate bonded to the LOE adjacent to the coupling-in region. The transparent plate has a partially-reflective surface between the LOE and the plate, and a reflector at the opposite surface. The partially-reflective surface and the reflector multiply the beam from the projector so as to fully illuminate the propagation region of the LOE with both the collimated image and a conjugate of the collimated image. 1. An optical system for displaying an image to an eye of a user comprising:(a) a light-guide optical element (LOE) having two planar major external surfaces that are parallel so as to support propagation of image illumination within the LOE by internal reflection at the major external surfaces, the LOE having a thickness h between the major external surfaces, the LOE having a coupling-in region and a propagation region;(b) a coupling-out configuration associated with the propagation region of the LOE and configured for coupling out at least part of the image illumination from the LOE towards the eye of the user;(c) an image projector for generating image illumination corresponding to a collimated image, the image projector being optically coupled to the LOE so as to introduce the image illumination into the coupling-in region of the LOE so as to propagate within the propagation region of the LOE by internal reflection;(d) a beam-multiplication configuration associated with the LOE and configured for beam multiplication of the image illumination introduced into the coupling-in region of the LOE, the beam-multiplication configuration comprising m partially ...

Optical Sample Characterization

Optical sample characterization facilitates measurement and testing such as transmittance or reflectance at any discrete angle in a full range of angles of light propagation through a coated glass plate having a higher than air index of refraction. A rotatable assembly includes a cylinder having a hollow, and a receptacle including the hollow. The receptacle also contains a fluid having a refractive index matching the refractive index of the cylinder and coated plate. An optical light beam is input normal to the surface of the cylinder, travels through the cylinder, then via the index matching fluid through the coating, the coated glass plate, the fluid, the other side of the cylinder, and is collected for analysis. Due at least in part to the index matching fluid surrounding the coated plate, the plate can be rotated through a full range of angles (±90°, etc.) for full range testing of the coating.

Projector configuration with subdivided optical aperture for near-eye displays, and corresponding optical systems

An optical system for displaying a projected image to an observer includes a light-guide optical element having two major parallel surfaces and configured for guiding illumination corresponding to a projected image collimated to infinity by internal reflection at the major parallel surfaces from a coupling-in region to a coupling-out region where at least part of the illumination is coupled out towards an eye of the observer, and a projector configuration associated with the coupling-in region of the light-guide optical element. The projector configuration includes a number of adjacent optical arrangements, each including collimating optics deployed for projecting a subset of the illumination. The adjacent optical arrangements cooperate to provide an entirety of the projected image to the coupling-out region.

Optical Systems including Light-Guide Optical Elements with Two-Dimensional Expansion

An optical system provides two-stage expansion of an input optical aperture for a display based on a light-guide optical element. A first expansion is achieved using two distinct sets of mutually-parallel partially-reflecting surfaces, each set handing a different part of an overall field-of-view presented to the eye. In some cases, a single image projector provides image illumination to two sets of facets that are integrated into the LOE. In other cases, two separate projectors deliver image illumination corresponding to two different parts of the field-of-view to their respective sets of facets. 2. The optical system of claim 1 , wherein said first set of partially-reflecting surfaces deflects a first part of a field of view of the image towards said second region and said second set of partially-reflecting surfaces deflects a second part of the field of view of the image towards said second region claim 1 , said first and second parts of the field of view combining to provide a continuous combined field of view larger than each of said first and second parts.3. The optical system of claim 1 , wherein each of said first and second sets of partially-reflecting surfaces includes a deflection surface configured to reflect a majority of the image illumination incident on said deflection surface claim 1 , said deflection surface being deployed to be the first partially-reflecting surface of each of said first and second sets of partially-reflecting surfaces reached by the image illumination injected into the at least one coupling-in region.4. The optical system of claim 3 , wherein said deflection surface of said first set of partially-reflecting surfaces and said deflection surface of said second set of partially-reflecting surfaces meet at a line.5. The optical system of claim 3 , wherein each of said first and second sets of partially-reflecting surfaces includes a filler surface adjacent to said deflection surface claim 3 , said filler surface having a length ...

Optical Sample Characterization

Optical sample characterization facilitates measurement and testing such as transmittance or reflectance at any discrete angle in a full range of angles of light propagation through a coated glass plate having a higher than air index of refraction. A rotatable assembly includes a cylinder having a hollow, and a receptacle including the hollow. The receptacle also contains a fluid having a refractive index matching the refractive index of the cylinder and coated plate. An optical light beam is input normal to the surface of the cylinder, travels through the cylinder, then via the index matching fluid through the coating, the coated glass plate, the fluid, the other side of the cylinder, and is collected for analysis. Due at least in part to the index matching fluid surrounding the coated plate, the plate can be rotated through a full range of angles (±90°, etc.) for full range testing of the coating.

Displays employing astigmatic optics and aberration compensation

A display for providing an image to an eye of an observer is disclosed. An image generator provides image illumination corresponding to the image to a substrate having mutually-parallel major external surfaces for propagation within the substrate. An intermediate optical arrangement including at least one astigmatic optical element directs the image illumination from the image generator so as to propagate within the substrate in a first in-plane direction by internal reflection. A reflective optical arrangement having cylindrical optical power reflects the image illumination so as to propagate in a second in-plane direction by internal reflection. A coupling-out arrangement couples out the collimated image illumination towards an eye of an observer. The intermediate optical arrangement includes an element deployed to generate a corrective optical aberration that at least partially cancels out with a characteristic aberration introduced by the reflective optical arrangement.

OVERLAPPING FACETS

Specific management of configuration of overlap of facets reduces non-uniformity in an image outcoupled toward a nominal point of observation. A waveguide including at least two parallel surfaces, first, middle, and last partially reflecting facets are configured such that in a geometrical projection of the facets onto one of the surfaces the facets overlap, preferably with adjacent facets overlapping and non-adjacent facets starts and ends coinciding along at least a portion of the waveguide. 1. An optical device comprising: (i) a first of at least one pair of surfaces parallel to each other;', '(ii) a first region at which light is coupled into said waveguide; and', [ (I) located proximally to said first region; and', '(II) having a first width in a direction between said first pair of surfaces;, '(A) a first facet, (I) at a distal end of said first sequence of facets from said first region; and', '(II) having a third width in a direction between said first pair of surfaces; and, '(B) a last facet, (I) between said first facet and said last facet; and', '(II) having a second width in a direction between said first pair of surfaces;, '(C) one or more middle facets], '(iii) a first sequence of facets including], '(a) a waveguide having (i) width is in a plane of said facet;', '(ii) is an at least partially reflecting surface;', '(iii) is at an oblique angle to said first pair of surfaces;', '(iv) has a facet-start on a proximal side of said facet width; and', '(v) has a facet-end on a distal side of said facet width; and, '(b) wherein each of said facets(c) wherein a geometrical projection is onto one of said first pair of surfaces in a direction of a nominal ray outcoupled from said waveguide, said nominal ray being a central ray of the light being coupled out of said waveguide, and(d) said geometrical projection of said last facet and each of said one or more middle facets overlaps a respective said geometrical projection of an adjacent said one or more middle ...

TRANSPARENT LIGHTGUIDE FOR VIEWING A SCENE AND A NEAR-EYE DISPLAY

A light-guide optical element (LOE) for simultaneous viewing, of a real scene and of a projected image introduced into the LOE, having a transparent block along which light conveying a projected image propagates by internal reflection, and a plurality of internal partially reflecting surfaces obliquely oriented and configured so as to couple-out a part of said light, wherein the reflectance of each of the partially reflecting surfaces is such that the total power of the light that is coupled out is less than one third of the total power of the light that is introduced into the LOE. In some embodiments, the light of the projected image is polarized and the reflectance of the partially reflecting surfaces for light polarized in an orthogonal orientation is substantially reduced. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the partially reflecting surfaces for light not reaching the viewer is substantially reduced. 1. A light-guide optical element (LOE) for simultaneous viewing , by an eye of a viewer , of a real scene and of a projected image introduced into the LOE , the LOE comprising:a block of transparent material having a first major surface and a second major surface, parallel to said first major surface, so that light conveying a projected image introduced into the LOE propagates within the LOE by internal reflection at said first and second major surfaces, anda plurality of mutually-parallel partially reflecting surfaces internal to said block and obliquely oriented relative to said first major surface, said partially reflecting surfaces being configured so as to couple-out a part of said light through said second major surface, wherein the reflectance of each of said partially reflecting surfaces is such that the total power of the light that is coupled out is less than one third of the total power of the light conveying the projected image that is introduced into the LOE.2. The LOE of claim 1 , wherein the reflectance of each of said partially reflecting ...

OPTICAL ILLUMINATOR DEVICE

An illuminator device includes a diffuser and a light collecting and concentrating element. The diffuser receives light rays from a light source as input and distributes light rays as output. The light collecting and concentrating element includes an input optical aperture formed on a base surface, an output optical aperture formed on an opposing surface to the base surface, and at least two sidewalls. The sidewalls extend substantially between the input and output optical apertures. The diffuser optically attaches to the base surface such that light rays from the diffuser output couple into the light collecting and concentrating element through the input optical aperture. 1. An illuminator device , comprising:a diffuser for receiving light rays from a light source as input and distributing light rays as output; anda light collecting and concentrating element including an input optical aperture formed on a base surface, an output optical aperture formed on an opposing surface to the base surface, and at least two planar tapered sidewall surfaces extending substantially between the input and output optical apertures, wherein the diffuser is optically attached to the base surface such that light rays from the diffuser output are coupled into the light collecting and concentrating element through the input optical aperture at a range of angles, and wherein a subset of the coupled-in light rays, corresponding to a sub-range of the range of angles, are trapped between the planar tapered sidewall surfaces by total internal reflection, so as to produce a spatially uniform output optical beam with narrow angular distribution at the output optical aperture.2. The illuminator device of claim 1 , further comprising:the light source for transmitting the light rays as input into the diffuser.3. The illuminator device of claim 2 , wherein each of the base surface and the light source has an associated width claim 2 , and wherein the width of the light source is less than the ...

OPTICAL SYSTEMS INCLUDING LIGHT-GUIDE OPTICAL ELEMENTS WITH TWO-DIMENSIONAL EXPANSION

An optical system including a light-guide optical element (LOE) with a first set of mutually-parallel, partially-reflecting surfaces and a second set of mutually-parallel, partially-reflecting surfaces at a different orientation from the first set. Both sets of partially-reflecting surfaces are located between a set of mutually-parallel major external surfaces. Image illumination introduced at a coupling-in location propagates along the LOE, is redirected by the first set of partially-reflecting surfaces towards the second set of partially-reflecting surfaces, where it is coupled out towards the eye of the user. The first set of partially-reflecting surfaces are implemented as partial surfaces located where needed for filling an eye-motion box with the required image. Additionally, or alternatively, spacing of the first set of partially-reflecting surfaces is varied across a first region of the LOE. Additional features relate to relative orientations of the projector and partially reflecting surfaces to improve compactness and achieve various adjustments. 2. The optical system of claim 1 , wherein the eye-motion box is delimited by at least one straight line parallel to the X axis.3. The optical system of claim 1 , wherein the projected image is a rectangular image having edges parallel to the X axis and the Y axis.4. The optical system of claim 1 , further comprising a support arrangement configured for supporting said LOE relative to the head of the user with one of said major external surfaces in facing relation to the eye of the user and in an orientation relative to the eye of the user such that said X axis is oriented horizontally.5. The optical system of claim 1 , wherein said first region and said second region are separated by a boundary that extends parallel to the X axis.7. The optical system of claim 6 , wherein an in-plane component of one extremity of said field of view of said propagating image is substantially parallel to the X axis.8. The optical ...

OVERLAPPING FACETS

Specific management of configuration of overlap of facets reduces non-uniformity in an image outcoupled toward a nominal point of observation. A waveguide including at least two parallel surfaces, first, middle, and last partially reflecting facets are configured such that in a geometrical projection of the facets onto one of the surfaces the facets overlap, preferably with adjacent facets overlapping and non-adjacent facets starts and ends coinciding along at least a portion of the waveguide. 1. An optical device comprising: (i) a first of at least one pair of surfaces parallel to each other;', '(ii) a first region at which light is coupled into said waveguide; and', [ (I) located proximally to said first region; and', '(II) having a first width in a direction between said first pair of surfaces;, '(A) a first facet, (I) at a distal end of said first sequence of facets from said first region; and', '(II) having a third width in a direction between said first pair of surfaces; and, '(B) a last facet, (I) between said first facet and said last facet; and', '(II) having a second width in a direction between said first pair of surfaces;, '(C) one or more middle facets], '(iii) a first sequence of facets including], '(a) a waveguide having (i) width is in a plane of said facet;', '(ii) is an at least partially reflecting surface;', '(iii) is at an oblique angle to said first pair of surfaces;', '(iv) has a facet-start on a proximal side of said facet width; and', '(v) has a facet-end on a distal side of said facet width; and, '(b) wherein each of said facets(c) wherein a geometrical projection is onto one of said first pair of surfaces in a direction of a nominal ray outcoupled from said waveguide, said nominal ray being a central ray of the light being coupled out of said waveguide,(d) said geometrical projection of said last facet and each of said one or more middle facets overlaps a respective said geometrical projection of an adjacent said one or more middle facets ...

Optical Systems including Light-Guide Optical Elements with Two-Dimensional Expansion

An optical system including a light-guide optical element (LOE) with a first set of mutually-parallel, partially-reflecting surfaces and a second set of mutually-parallel, partially-reflecting surfaces at a different orientation from the first set. Both sets of partially-reflecting surfaces are located between a set of mutually-parallel major external surfaces. Image illumination introduced at a coupling-in location propagates along the LOE, is redirected by the first set of partially-reflecting surfaces towards the second set of partially-reflecting surfaces, where it is coupled out towards the eye of the user. The first set of partially-reflecting surfaces are implemented as partial surfaces located where needed for filling an eye-motion box with the required image. Additionally, or alternatively, spacing of the first set of partially-reflecting surfaces is varied across a first region of the LOE. Additional features relate to relative orientations of the projector and partially reflecting surfaces to improve compactness and achieve various adjustments.

PROJECTOR CONFIGURATION WITH SUBDIVIDED OPTICAL APERTURE FOR NEAR-EYE DISPLAYS, AND CORRESPONDING OPTICAL SYSTEMS

An optical system for displaying a projected image to an observer includes a light-guide optical element having two major parallel surfaces and configured for guiding illumination corresponding to a projected image collimated to infinity by internal reflection at the major parallel surfaces from a coupling-in region to a coupling-out region where at least part of the illumination is coupled out towards an eye of the observer, and a projector configuration associated with the coupling-in region of the light-guide optical element. The projector configuration includes a number of adjacent optical arrangements, each including collimating optics deployed for projecting a subset of the illumination. The adjacent optical arrangements cooperate to provide an entirety of the projected image to the coupling-out region. 1. An optical system for displaying a projected image to an observer , the optical system comprising:(a) a light-guide optical element having two major parallel surfaces and configured for guiding illumination corresponding to a projected image collimated to infinity by internal reflection at said major parallel surfaces from a coupling-in region to a coupling-out region where at least part of said illumination is coupled out towards an eye of the observer; and(b) a projector configuration associated with said coupling-in region of said light-guide optical element, said projector configuration comprising a plurality of adjacent optical arrangements, each optical arrangement comprising collimating optics deployed for projecting a subset of said illumination, said adjacent optical arrangements cooperating to provide an entirety of said projected image to said coupling-out region.2. The optical system of claim 1 , wherein each of said optical arrangements further comprises a spatial light modulator component generating a partial image corresponding to a part of the image.3. The optical system of claim 2 , wherein said spatial light modulator components of said ...

Overlapping facets

Specific management of configuration of overlap of facets reduces non-uniformity in an image outcoupled toward a nominal point of observation. A waveguide including at least two parallel surfaces, first, middle, and last partially reflecting facets are configured such that in a geometrical projection of the facets onto one of the surfaces the facets overlap, preferably with adjacent facets overlapping and non-adjacent facets starts and ends coinciding along at least a portion of the waveguide.

Overlapping facets

Specific management of configuration of overlap of facets reduces non-uniformity in an image outcoupled toward a nominal point of observation. A waveguide including at least two parallel surfaces, first, middle, and last partially reflecting facets are configured such that in a geometrical projection of the facets onto one of the surfaces the facets overlap, preferably with adjacent facets overlapping and non-adjacent facets starts and ends coinciding along at least a portion of the waveguide.

OPTICAL SYSTEMS WITH COMPACT IMAGE PROJECTOR

An optical system has a hollow mechanical body having first and second ends. An optical assembly has a plurality of optical components arranged in a stack configuration. Each of the optical components has a set of engagement configurations. For each pair of adjacent optical components in the stack configuration, at least some of the engagement configurations of a first optical component in the pair engage with at least some of the engagement configurations of a second optical component in the pair. Some of the engagement configurations of the optical component at a first end of the stack configuration engage with corresponding engagement configurations of the hollow mechanical body at the first end of the hollow mechanical body to position the other optical components of the stack configuration within the hollow mechanical body. An emissive display device is deployed at the second end of the hollow mechanical body. 1. An optical system , comprising:a hollow mechanical body including first and second ends;an optical assembly including a plurality of optical components arranged in a stack configuration, each of the optical components including a set of engagement configurations, wherein for each pair of adjacent optical components in the stack configuration at least some of the engagement configurations of a first optical component in the pair are configured to engage with at least some of the engagement configurations of a second optical component in the pair, and wherein some of the engagement configurations of the optical component at a first end of the stack configuration are configured to engage with corresponding engagement configurations of the hollow mechanical body at the first end of the hollow mechanical body so as to position the other optical components of the stack configuration within the hollow mechanical body; andan emissive display device deployed at the second end of the hollow mechanical body.2. The optical system of claim 1 , wherein the ...

Optical systems with compact image projector

An optical system has a hollow mechanical body having first and second ends. An optical assembly has a plurality of optical components arranged in a stack configuration. Each of the optical components has a set of engagement configurations. For each pair of adjacent optical components in the stack configuration, at least some of the engagement configurations of a first optical component in the pair engage with at least some of the engagement configurations of a second optical component in the pair. Some of the engagement configurations of the optical component at a first end of the stack configuration engage with corresponding engagement configurations of the hollow mechanical body at the first end of the hollow mechanical body to position the other optical components of the stack configuration within the hollow mechanical body. An emissive display device is deployed at the second end of the hollow mechanical body.

Overlapping facets

Specific management of configuration of overlap of facets reduces non-uniformity in an image outcoupled toward a nominal point of observation. A waveguide including at least two parallel surfaces, first, middle, and last partially reflecting facets are configured such that in a geometrical projection of the facets onto one of the surfaces the facets overlap, preferably with adjacent facets overlapping and non-adjacent facets starts and ends coinciding along at least a portion of the waveguide.

Image display system with beam multiplication

Method of fabrication of compound light-guide optical elements

A method of fabricating a compound light-guide optical element (LOE) is provided. A bonded stack of a plurality of LOE precursors and a plurality of transparent spacer plates alternating therebetween is bonded to a first optical block having a plurality of mutually parallel obliquely angled internal surfaces. The block is joined to the stack such that first plurality of partially reflective internal surfaces of the block is non-parallel to the internal surfaces of the LOE precursor. After bonding, a second optical is thereby formed. At least one compound LOE is sliced-out of the second optical block by cutting the second block through at least two consecutive spacer plates having a LOE precursor sandwiched therebetween.

Lightguide optical element for polarization scrambling

A lightguide optical element (LOE) configured for polarization scrambling is provided. The LOE includes a transparent substrate having a first refractive index, the substrate having a pair of parallel external surfaces configured to propagate light within the LOE through total internal reflection (T!R), and a plurality of mutually parallel partially reflective internal surfaces, those being non-parallel to the pair of parallel external surfaces and configured to couple out said light to a viewer. The LOE further includes a first coating on at least one external surface of the substrate, the first coating being of a coating material having a second refractive index higher than the first refractive index; The LOE further includes an antireflective (AR) coating on at least one external surface of the substrate over the first coating.

Overlapping facets

Specific management of configuration of overlap of facets reduces non-uniformity in an image outcoupled toward a nominal point of observation. A waveguide including at least two parallel surfaces, first, middle, and last partially reflecting facets are configured such that in a geometrical projection of the facets onto one of the surfaces the facets overlap, preferably with adjacent facets overlapping and non-adjacent facets starts and ends coinciding along at least a portion of the waveguide.

Overlapping facets

Optical systems including light-guide optical elements with two-dimensional expansion

Projector configuration with subdivided optical aperture for near-eye displays, and corresponding optical systems

An optical system for displaying a projected image to an observer includes a light-guide optical element having two major parallel surfaces and configured for guiding illumination corresponding to a projected image collimated to infinity by internal reflection at the major parallel surfaces from a coupling-in region to a coupling-out region where at least part of the illumination is coupled out towards an eye of the observer, and a projector configuration associated with the coupling-in region of the light-guide optical element. The projector configuration includes a number of adjacent optical arrangements, each including collimating optics deployed for projecting a subset of the illumination. The adjacent optical arrangements cooperate to provide an entirety of the projected image to the coupling-out region.

Optical systems with compact image projector

An optical system has a hollow mechanical body having first and second ends. An optical assembly has a plurality of optical components arranged in a stack configuration. Each of the optical components has a set of engagement configurations. For each pair of adjacent optical components in the stack configuration, at least some of the engagement configurations of a first optical component in the pair engage with at least some of the engagement configurations of a second optical component in the pair. Some of the engagement configurations of the optical component at a first end of the stack configuration engage with corresponding engagement configurations of the hollow mechanical body at the first end of the hollow mechanical body to position the other optical components of the stack configuration within the hollow mechanical body. An emissive display device is deployed at the second end of the hollow mechanical body.

Reflection suppression in near eye displays

A near-eye display for projecting an image to an eye of an observer, the near-eye display comprising: a light-guide optical element (LOE) having first and second major external surfaces that are planar and mutually parallel; a support arrangement configured for supporting said LOE relative to the head of the observer with said second major external surface in facing relation to the eye of the observer; an image projector for projecting illumination corresponding to the image, said image projector being optically coupled to said LOE so as to introduce the illumination into said LOE so as to propagate within said LOE by internal reflection at said first and second major external surfaces; a coupling-out arrangement deployed for coupling the illumination out of said LOE towards the eye of the observer, said LOE and said coupling-out arrangement defining at least one high-incident-angle polarization-dependent optical path incident on one of said first and second major external surfaces at an angle of incidence greater than 60 degrees and exiting said LOE towards the eye of the observer, said polarization-dependent optical path having a favored orientation of polarization; and a polarization filter deployed to prevent external light advancing along said polarization-dependent optical path with said favored orientation of polarization from reaching the eye of the observer.

Device, method and computer-readable storage device for controlling active occlusion subsystem

A device having an active occlusion subsystem having a liquid crystal panel configured to operate in one of a normally on mode to pass light or a normally off mode to block light, and one or more processors configured to determine a direction of light rays from a light source, and control, based on the direction of light rays received, at least one specific portion of the liquid crystal panel to switch from the normally on mode to block light and/or the at least one specific portion to switch from the normally off mode to pass light.

Optical systems including light-guide optical elements with two-dimensional expansion

An optical system provides two-stage expansion of an input optical aperture for a display based on a light-guide optical element, A first expansion is achieved using two distinct sets of mutually-parallel partially-reflecting surfaces, each set handing a different part of an overall field- of-view presented to the eye. In some cases, a single image projector provides image illumination to two sets of facets that are integrated into the LOE. In other cases, two separate projectors deliver image illumination corresponding to two different parts of the field-of-view to their respective sets of facets.

Reflection suppression in near eye displays.

Una pantalla cercana al ojo que incluye un elemento óptico de guía de luz (LOE) (10) que tiene una primera y una segunda superficies externas principales (11A), (11B) planas y paralelas entre sí. Un proyector de imágenes (2) introduce en el LOE la iluminación correspondiente a una imagen, de forma que la iluminación se propaga dentro de dicho LOE por reflexión interna en las superficies externas principales. Una disposición de acoplamiento acopla la iluminación fuera de dicho LOE hacia el ojo del observador. La disposición de acoplamiento puede ser un conjunto de superficies parcialmente reflectantes paralelas entre sí (12A) que se despliegan en un ángulo oblicuo dentro del LOE. Entre las diversas disposiciones para suprimir los reflejos de las fuentes de luz ambiental se encuentran los deflectores de bloqueo orientados para evitar la reducción del campo visual periférico, diversos recubrimientos antirreflectantes y diversos despliegues de filtros de polarización.

Transversal light pipe

A light pipe includes at least two optical structures having different refractive indices. An interface between the two optical structures is oblique to a longitudinal axis of the light pipe such that an output ray from an output surface at a distal end of the light pipe is non-parallel to an input ray that is parallel to the longitudinal axis at an input surface at a proximal end of the light pipe. Light refracts inside the light pipe between the (at least) two optical structures altering the direction of an optical path of the light through the light pipe, thereby allowing higher degrees of freedom for the selection of the angle of deviation (folding angle) of the light pipe. By optimizing various parameters of the light pipe, a desired output optical axis angle (i.e., folding angle) can be achieved that suits the desired optical engine envelope.

Optical systems including light-guide optical elements with two-dimensional expansion

Optical systems including light-guide optical elements with two-dimensional expansion

Optical system with compact coupling from a projector into a waveguide

Method of fabrication of compound light-guide optical elements

A method of fabricating a compound light-guide optical element (LOE) is provided. A bonded stack of a plurality of LOE precursors and a plurality of transparent spacer plates alternating therebetween is bonded to a first optical block having a plurality of mutually parallel obliquely angled internal surfaces. The block is joined to the stack such that first plurality of partially reflective internal surfaces of the block is non-parallel to the internal surfaces of the LOE precursor. After bonding, a second optical is thereby formed. At least one compound LOE is sliced-out of the second optical block by cutting the second block through at least two consecutive spacer plates having a LOE precursor sandwiched therebetween.

Displays employing astigmatic optics and aberration compensation

A display for providing an image to an eye of an observer is disclosed. An image generator provides image illumination corresponding to the image to a substrate having mutually-parallel major external surfaces for propagation within the substrate. An intermediate optical arrangement including at least one astigmatic optical element directs the image illumination from the image generator so as to propagate within the substrate in a first in-plane direction by internal reflection. A reflective optical arrangement having cylindrical optical power reflects the image illumination so as to propagate in a second in-plane direction by internal reflection. A coupling-out arrangement couples out the collimated image illumination towards an eye of an observer. The intermediate optical arrangement includes an element deployed to generate a corrective optical aberration that at least partially cancels out with a characteristic aberration introduced by the reflective optical arrangement.

Displays employing astigmatic optics and aberration compensation

Virtual image delivery system for near eye displays

An image delivery system (IDS) comprising: a first waveguide comprising an input aperture for receiving an input virtual image provided by a display engine and a first plurality of first facets positioned to reflect light from the received input virtual image out from the first waveguide; a second waveguide configured to receive the light reflected out from the first waveguide and comprising a second plurality of second facets positioned to reflect the received light out from the second waveguide to project an output virtual image responsive to the input into an eye motion box (EMB); and a partially reflective coating formed on each facet selected from a number of different partially reflective coatings less than a total number of facets equal to a sum of the number of facets in the first and second pluralities; wherein the output virtual image exhibits a fidelity of 80% or better.

Optical sample characterization

Method of fabrication of compound light-guide optical elements

Optical systems with compact image projector

An optical system has a hollow mechanical body having first and second ends. An optical assembly has a plurality of optical components arranged in a stack configuration. Each of the optical components has a set of engagement configurations. For each pair of adjacent optical components in the stack configuration, at least some of the engagement configurations of a first optical component in the pair engage with at least some of the engagement configurations of a second optical component in the pair. Some of the engagement configurations of the optical component at a first end of the stack configuration engage with corresponding engagement configurations of the hollow mechanical body at the first end of the hollow mechanical body to position the other optical components of the stack configuration within the hollow mechanical body. An emissive display device is deployed at the second end of the hollow mechanical body.

Virtual image delivery system for near eye displays

Optical systems including light-guide optical elements for two-dimensional expansion with retarder element

An optical system for directing image illumination injected at a coupling-in region to an eye-motion box for viewing by an eye of a user, including a light-guide optical element (LOE) formed from transparent material that includes: a first region containing a first set of planar, mutually-parallel, partially-reflecting surfaces having a first orientation; a second region containing a second set of planar, mutually-parallel, partially-reflecting surfaces having a second orientation non-parallel to the first orientation; a set of mutually-parallel major external surfaces extending across the first and second regions, and an optical retarder deployed between the first region and the second region so as to rotate a polarization of light deflected by the first set of partially-reflecting surfaces prior to reaching the second set of partially-reflecting surfaces.

Optical systems including light-guide optical elements for two-dimensional expansion with retarder element

An optical system for directing image illumination injected at a coupling-in region to an eye-motion box for viewing by an eye of a user, including a light-guide optical element (LOE) formed from transparent material that includes: a first region containing a first set of planar, mutually-parallel, partially-reflecting surfaces having a first orientation; a second region containing a second set of planar, mutually-parallel, partially-reflecting surfaces having a second orientation non-parallel to the first orientation; a set of mutually-parallel major external surfaces extending across the first and second regions, and an optical retarder deployed between the first region and the second region so as to rotate a polarization of light deflected by the first set of partially-reflecting surfaces prior to reaching the second set of partially-reflecting surfaces.

Method of fabrication of compound light-guide optical elements

A method of fabricating a compound light-guide optical element (LOE) is provided. A bonded stack of a plurality of LOE precursors and a plurality of transparent spacer plates alternating therebetween is bonded to a first optical block having a plurality of mutually parallel obliquely angled internal surfaces. The block is joined to the stack such that first plurality of partially reflective internal surfaces of the block is non-parallel to the internal surfaces of the LOE precursor. After bonding, a second optical is thereby formed. At least one compound LOE is sliced-out of the second optical block by cutting the second block through at least two consecutive spacer plates having a LOE precursor sandwiched therebetween.

Image projector using a phase image generator

An image projector with a high optical efficiency projects an image at an arbitrary distance from an observer. The image projector includes an illumination module having at least one spatially coherent light source; a phase image generator with an array of optical phase shifting elements; an electronic image controller connected electrically to the phase image generator; and a waveguide which includes at least one embedded partial reflector. The waveguide may be positioned either between the illumination module and the waveguide, or between the waveguide and the observer. The phase image generator may include phase shifts for canceling speckle, correcting optical aberrations, and/or compensating interference caused by light rays having different optical path lengths.

Optical aperture multipliers having a rectangular waveguide

Method for producing light-guide optical elements

Optical systems with compact image projector

An optical system has a hollow mechanical body having first and second ends. An optical assembly has a plurality of optical components arranged in a stack configuration. Each of the optical components has a set of engagement configurations. For each pair of adjacent optical components in the stack configuration, at least some of the engagement configurations of a first optical component in the pair engage with at least some of the engagement configurations of a second optical component in the pair. Some of the engagement configurations of the optical component at a first end of the stack configuration engage with corresponding engagement configurations of the hollow mechanical body at the first end of the hollow mechanical body to position the other optical components of the stack configuration within the hollow mechanical body. An emissive display device is deployed at the second end of the hollow mechanical body.

Optical systems with compact image projector

An optical system has a hollow mechanical body having first and second ends. An optical assembly has a plurality of optical components arranged in a stack configuration. Each of the optical components has a set of engagement configurations. For each pair of adjacent optical components in the stack configuration, at least some of the engagement configurations of a first optical component in the pair engage with at least some of the engagement configurations of a second optical component in the pair. Some of the engagement configurations of the optical component at a first end of the stack configuration engage with corresponding engagement configurations of the hollow mechanical body at the first end of the hollow mechanical body to position the other optical components of the stack configuration within the hollow mechanical body. An emissive display device is deployed at the second end of the hollow mechanical body.

Optical systems with compact image projector

An optical system has a hollow mechanical body having first and second ends. An optical assembly has a plurality of optical components arranged in a stack configuration. Each of the optical components has a set of engagement configurations. For each pair of adjacent optical components in the stack configuration, at least some of the engagement configurations of a first optical component in the pair engage with at least some of the engagement configurations of a second optical component in the pair. Some of the engagement configurations of the optical component at a first end of the stack configuration engage with corresponding engagement configurations of the hollow mechanical body at the first end of the hollow mechanical body to position the other optical components of the stack configuration within the hollow mechanical body. An emissive display device is deployed at the second end of the hollow mechanical body.

Reflection suppression in near eye displays

Method of fabrication of compound light-guide optical elements

Method of fabrication of compound light-guide optical elements

A method of fabricating a compound light-guide optical element (LOE) is provided. A bonded stack of a plurality of LOE precursors and a plurality of transparent spacer plates alternating therebetween is bonded to a first optical block having a plurality of mutually parallel obliquely angled internal surfaces. The block is joined to the stack such that first plurality of partially reflective internal surfaces of the block is non-parallel to the internal surfaces of the LOE precursor. After bonding, a second optical is thereby formed. At least one compound LOE is sliced-out of the second optical block by cutting the second block through at least two consecutive spacer plates having a LOE precursor sandwiched therebetween.

Optical system including selectively activatable facets

In an embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes at least one processor configured to determine a target portion of an eye motion box and to identify a facet of a light-guide optical element that is configured to direct a light beam comprising at least a portion of an image field of view toward the target portion of the eye motion box. The at least one processor is configured to identify a display region of an image generator that is configured to inject the light beam into the light-guide optical element at an angle that, in conjunction with the identified facet, is configured to direct the light beam toward the target portion of the eye motion box. The at least one processor is configured to selectively activate the identified facet and the identified display region to direct the light beam toward the target portion of the eye motion box.

Modified color and slope mediating layer

An optical system may include (1) a light-guide optical element formed from transparent material and having at least first and second mutually-parallel major external surfaces for supporting propagation of an image by internal reflection, and (2) a mediating layer adjacent at least one of the at least first and second mutually-parallel major external surfaces, the mediating layer configured such that (1) reflectivity, averaged over the visible spectrum, of light coupled into the LOE and transmitted between the at least first and second mutually-parallel major external surfaces at angles below the critical angle is higher than the reflectivity that would have been expected absent the mediating layer and (2) reflectivity of purely white light lies closer to a purely white color point for an angular range from angles below the critical angle to the critical angle than the reflectivity that would have been expected absent the mediating layer.

Optical system including selective illumination

In an embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to select a light source from a plurality of lights sources based at least in part on a location of a pupil of an eye relative to an eye motion box. The selected light source is configured to illuminate a portion of the eye motion box that corresponds to the location of the pupil with a light beam. The at least one processor is further configured to activate the selected light source to illuminate the portion of the eye motion box.

Displays employing astigmatic optics and aberration compensation

Optical sample characterization

Optical sample characterization facilitates measurement and testing such as transmittance or reflectance at any discrete angle in a full range of angles of light propagation through a coated glass plate having a higher than air index of refraction. A rotatable assembly includes a cylinder having a hollow, and a receptacle including the hollow. The receptacle also contains a fluid having a refractive index matching the refractive index of the cylinder and coated plate. An optical light beam is input normal to the surface of the cylinder, travels through the cylinder, then via the index matching fluid through the coating, the coated glass plate, the fluid, the other side of the cylinder, and is collected for analysis. Due at least in part to the index matching fluid surrounding the coated plate, the plate can be rotated through a full range of angles (±90°, etc.) for full range testing of the coating.

Optical sample characterization

Optical system including selective illumination

Optical systems including light-guide optical elements with two-dimensional expansion

An optical system provides two-stage expansion of an input optical aperture for a display based on a light-guide optical element. A first expansion is achieved using two distinct sets of mutually-parallel partially-reflecting surfaces, each set handing a different part of an overall field-of-view presented to the eye. In some cases, a single image projector provides image illumination to two sets of facets that are integrated into the LOE. In other cases, two separate projectors deliver image illumination corresponding to two different parts of the field-of-view to their respective sets of facets.

Optical Systems including Light-Guide Optical Elements with Two-Dimensional Expansion

An optical system provides two-stage expansion of an input optical aperture for a display based on a light-guide optical element. A first expansion is achieved using two distinct sets of mutually-parallel partially-reflecting surfaces, each set handing a different part of an overall field-of-view presented to the eye. In some cases, a single image projector provides image illumination to two sets of facets that are integrated into the LOE. In other cases, two separate projectors deliver image illumination corresponding to two different parts of the field-of-view to their respective sets of facets.

Optical aperture multipliers having a rectangular waveguide

An optical device includes a first waveguide, having parallel first and second faces and parallel third and fourth faces forming a rectangular cross-section, that guides light by four-fold internal reflection and is associated with a coupling-out configuration that couples light out of the first waveguide into a second waveguide. The first or second face is subdivided into first and second regions having different optical characteristics. The optical device also includes a coupling-in configuration having a surface that transmits light into the first waveguide. The surface is deployed in association with a portion of the third or fourth face adjoining the second region such that an edge associated with the surface trims an input collimated image in a first dimension, and a boundary between the first and second regions trims the input collimated image in a second dimension to produce a trimmed collimated image that advances by four-fold internal reflection.

Optical system with compact coupling from a projector into a waveguide

An optical system includes a light-guide optical element (LOE) (10) having mutually-parallel first and second major external surfaces (11, 12) for guiding light by internal reflection, and a projector (100) that projects illumination corresponding to a collimated image from an aperture (101). The projector injects light in to the LOE via a coupling prism (30) attached to the first major external surface (11) that projects an image injection surface. A reflective polarizing beam splitter (51) is deployed at an interface between the major external surface (11) and the coupling prism (30) parallel to the major external surfaces, to selectively transmit illumination from the coupling prism into the LOE while trapping light already within the LOE so as to propagate within the LOE by internal reflection.

Optical system with compact coupling from a projector into a waveguide

Optical aperture multipliers having a rectangular waveguide

An optical device includes a first waveguide, having parallel first and second faces and parallel third and fourth faces forming a rectangular cross-section, that guides light by four-fold internal reflection and is associated with a coupling-out configuration that couples light out of the first waveguide into a second waveguide. The first or second face is subdivided into first and second regions having different optical characteristics. The optical device also includes a coupling-in configuration having a surface that transmits light into the first waveguide. The surface is deployed in association with a portion of the third or fourth face adjoining the second region such that an edge associated with the surface trims an input collimated image in a first dimension, and a boundary between the first and second regions trims the input collimated image in a second dimension to produce a trimmed collimated image that advances by four-fold internal reflection.

Optical systems with compact image projector

Sistema de visualizacion de imagenes con multiplicacion de haz.

Un sistema óptico para mostrar una imagen que incluye un elemento óptico de guía de luz (LOE) que tiene una región de recepción y una región de propagación, una configuración de emisión asociada con la región de propagación del LOE, un proyector de imágenes para generar la iluminación de imagen correspondiente a una imagen colimada, y una configuración de multiplicación de haz externa al LOE. El multiplicador de haz es una placa transparente unida al LOE adyacente a la región de recepción. La placa transparente tiene una superficie parcialmente reflectante entre el LOE y la placa, y un reflector en la superficie opuesta. La superficie parcialmente reflectante y el reflector multiplican el haz del proyector para iluminar completamente la región de propagación del LOE con la imagen colimada y un conjugado de la imagen colimada.

Reflection suppression in near eye displays

A near-eye display includes a light- guide optical element (LOE) (10) having first and second major external surfaces (11A, 11B) that are planar and mutually parallel. An image projector (2) introduces into the LOE illumination corresponding to an image so that the illumination propagates within said LOE by internal reflection at the major external surfaces. A coupling-out arrangement couples the illumination out of the LOE towards the eye of the observer. The coupling-out arrangement may be a set of mutually-parallel, partially-reflective surfaces (12A) deployed at an oblique angle within the LOE. Various arrangements for suppressing reflections of ambient light sources include obstructing baffles oriented so as to avoid reduction of peripheral field of view, various non-reflective coatings and various deployments of polarization filters.

選択的に活性化可能なファセットを含む光学系

【課題】眼全体又は瞳孔全体の照明が非効率的である場合があり、また、ゴースト像が望ましくない場合がある。【解決手段】一実施形態では、アイモーションボックスのターゲット部分を判定して、画像視野の少なくとも一部分を含む光線をアイモーションボックスのターゲット部分に向かって方向付けるように構成される導光光学素子のファセットを識別するように構成された少なくとも１つのプロセッサを含む装置が開示される。少なくとも１つのプロセッサは、識別されたファセットと連動して光線をアイモーションボックスのターゲット部分に向かって方向付けるように構成される角度で、光線を導光光学素子に注入するように構成される画像生成器の表示領域を識別するように構成されている。少なくとも１つのプロセッサは、識別されたファセット及び識別された表示領域を選択的に活性化させて、光線をアイモーションボックスのターゲット部分に向かって方向付けるように構成されている。【選択図】なし

Displays including light-guide optical elements with two-dimensional expansion

A display (10) includes a flat light-guide optical element (LOE) (100) having first and second progressive deflection arrangements associated with first and second regions (110, 120) of the LOE. A support arrangement (106), such as a glasses frame, supports the LOE in facing relation to the eye of the user. An image projector (200) injects a collimated image into the LOE via a reflective coupling-in surface (131). The reflective coupling-in surface is preferably obliquely oriented to both the major horizontal and vertical axes of the LOE. A multi-component wedge (132) is preferably used to compensate for chromatic aberration.

Method of fabrication of compound light-guide optical elements

A method of fabricating a compound light-guide optical element (LOE) is provided. A bonded stack of a plurality of LOE precursors and a plurality of transparent spacer plates alternating therebetween is bonded to a first optical block having a plurality of mutually parallel obliquely angled internal surfaces. The block is joined to the stack such that first plurality of partially reflective internal surfaces of the block is non-parallel to the internal surfaces of the LOE precursor. After bonding, a second optical is thereby formed. At least one compound LOE is sliced-out of the second optical block by cutting the second block through at least two consecutive spacer plates having a LOE precursor sandwiched therebetween.

Projector configuration with subdivided optical aperture for near-eye displays, and corresponding optical systems

Projector configuration with subdivided optical aperture for near-eye displays, and corresponding optical systems

A projector configuration for delivering illumination corresponding to an image from an effective aperture of length L and width W via a light-guide optical element to an eye of a user, the projector configuration comprising: at least three adjacent optical arrangements, each optical arrangement comprising: (a) a spatial light modulator component generating an output image corresponding to at least a part of the image; and (b) collimating optics deployed for projecting said output image as a collimated image having a central ray direction via the light-guide optical element to an eye of the user, said collimating optics having an exit aperture, wherein said exit apertures of said optical arrangements cooperate to span the length L of the effective aperture, and to deliver into the light-guide optical element an entirety of the illumination required for displaying the image to the observer, and wherein said collimating optics of said at least three adjacent optical arrangements have parallel central axes, the projector configuration further comprising a plurality of beam deflecting optical elements deployed to deflect said output image from a plurality of said adjacent optical arrangements to that said central ray directions converge.

Optical systems with compact image projector

An optical system has a hollow mechanical body having first and second ends. An optical assembly has a plurality of optical components arranged in a stack configuration. Each of the optical components has a set of engagement configurations. For each pair of adjacent optical components in the stack configuration, at least some of the engagement configurations of a first optical component in the pair engage with at least some of the engagement configurations of a second optical component in the pair. Some of the engagement configurations of the optical component at a first end of the stack configuration engage with corresponding engagement configurations of the hollow mechanical body at the first end of the hollow mechanical body to position the other optical components of the stack configuration within the hollow mechanical body. An emissive display device is deployed at the second end of the hollow mechanical body.

Image projector using a phase image generator

An image projector with a high optical efficiency projects an image at an arbitrary distance from an observer. The image projector includes an illumination module having at least one spatially coherent light source; a phase image generator with an array of optical phase shifting elements; an electronic image controller connected electrically to the phase image generator; and a waveguide which includes at least one embedded partial reflector. The waveguide may be positioned either between the illumination module and the waveguide, or between the waveguide and the observer. The phase image generator may include phase shifts for canceling speckle, correcting optical aberrations, and/or compensating interference caused by light rays having different optical path lengths.

Optical aperture multipliers having a rectangular waveguide

An optical device includes a first waveguide, having parallel first and second faces and parallel third and fourth faces forming a rectangular cross-section, that guides light by four-fold internal reflection and is associated with a coupling-out configuration that couples light out of the first waveguide into a second waveguide. The first or second face is subdivided into first and second regions having different optical characteristics. The optical device also includes a coupling-in configuration having a surface that transmits light into the first waveguide. The surface is deployed in association with a portion of the third or fourth face adjoining the second region such that an edge associated with the surface trims an input collimated image in a first dimension, and a boundary between the first and second regions trims the input collimated image in a second dimension to produce a trimmed collimated image that advances by four-fold internal reflection.

Virtual image delivery system for near eye displays

An image delivery system (IDS) comprising: a first waveguide comprising an input aperture for receiving an input virtual image provided by a display engine and a first plurality of first facets positioned to reflect light from the received input virtual image out from the first waveguide; a second waveguide configured to receive the light reflected out from the first waveguide and comprising a second plurality of second facets positioned to reflect the received light out from the second waveguide to project an output virtual image responsive to the input into an eye motion box (EMB); and a partially reflective coating formed on each facet selected from a number of different partially reflective coatings less than a total number of facets equal to a sum of the number of facets in the first and second pluralities; wherein the output virtual image exhibits a fidelity of 80% or better.

ニアアイ表示装置における反射抑制

【課題】現実世界の望まれない「ゴースト」画像（反射）を抑制するニアアイ表示装置を提供する。【解決手段】ニアアイ表示装置は、第１及び第２の主外表面（１１Ａ、１１Ｂ）を有する導光光学要素（ＬＯＥ）（１０）を含んでいる。第１及び第２の主外表面は、面状であり、かつ相互に平行である。画像プロジェクター（２）は画像に対応するＬＯＥ照明へ導入する。その結果、主外表面における内部反射によって前記ＬＯＥ内で照明が伝播する。外方連結構成は、観察者の目に向かうＬＯＥの外方で照明を連結する。外方連結構成は、ＬＯＥ内に斜角で展開された１セットの互に平行な部分反射面（１２Ａ）であり得る。周辺視界の減少を回避するように配向されたバッフルを妨害すること、様々な非抗反射コーティングおよび様々な偏光フィルターを含む。【選択図】図２A

Reflection suppression in near eye displays

A near-eye display includes a light- guide optical element (LOE) (10) having first and second major external surfaces (11A, 11B) that are planar and mutually parallel. An image projector (2) introduces into the LOE illumination corresponding to an image so that the illumination propagates within said LOE by internal reflection at the major external surfaces. A coupling-out arrangement couples the illumination out of the LOE towards the eye of the observer. The coupling-out arrangement may be a set of mutually-parallel, partially-reflective surfaces (12A) deployed at an oblique angle within the LOE. Various arrangements for suppressing reflections of ambient light sources include obstructing baffles oriented so as to avoid reduction of peripheral field of view, various non-reflective coatings and various deployments of polarization filters.

Rotatable lightpipe

Based on a rotational axis of symmetry for an output of a lightpipe coinciding with an input axis for projection optics, the lightpipe can be rotated around the rotational axis, in order to align the lightpipe with a frame of associated glasses, or correspondingly the temple of a wearer of the glasses. Thus, an improved or optimal aesthetic look of a display system can be approached. The lightpipe of the display system can be aligned with the frame of the glasses, or even hidden within the frame, depending on implementation details and requirements for image projection components. If a pantoscopic tilt of the lens (waveguide) changes, a rotation of the lightpipe can be applied to the lightpipe to bring the lightpipe in a position aligned with the temple again, thus avoiding the need for a lightpipe redesign.

Method for producing light-guide optical elements

A method for producing light-guide optical elements (LOEs) (16, 18, 56, 58) each having a set of mutually-parallel partially -reflecting surfaces (17) located between, and oriented non-parallel to, a pair of major external surfaces, and at least one region (30a, 30 b, 30c) without partially-reflecting surfaces. The method includes bonding together parallel-faced plates (4) at interfaces to form a stack (42) of plates with partially- reflecting coatings between them. The stack is cut and polished to form a boundary plane (48, 48a, 48 b) intersecting the interfaces, and a block (50, 50a, 50 b) of transparent material is bonded to the stack. The resulting precursor structure (52, 52') is sliced along parallel planes to form slices, each containing a part of the stack for the active region of the LOE and a part of the block.

Optical aperture multipliers having a rectangular waveguide

An optical device includes a first waveguide, having parallel first and second faces and parallel third and fourth faces forming a rectangular cross-section, that guides light by four-fold internal reflection and is associated with a coupling-out configuration that couples light out of the first waveguide into a second waveguide. The first or second face is subdivided into first and second regions having different optical characteristics. The optical device also includes a coupling-in configuration having a surface that transmits light into the first waveguide. The surface is deployed in association with a portion of the third or fourth face adjoining the second region such that an edge associated with the surface trims an input collimated image in a first dimension, and a boundary between the first and second regions trims the input collimated image in a second dimension to produce a trimmed collimated image that advances by four-fold internal reflection.

Optical system with compact coupling from a projector into a waveguide

An optical system includes a light-guide optical element (LOE) (10) having mutually-parallel first and second major external surfaces (11, 12) for guiding light by internal reflection, and a projector (100) that projects illumination corresponding to a collimated image from an aperture (101). The projector injects light in to the LOE via a coupling prism (30) attached to the first major external surface (11) that projects an image injection surface. A reflective polarizing beam splitter (51) is deployed at an interface between the major external surface (11) and the coupling prism (30) parallel to the major external surfaces, to selectively transmit illumination from the coupling prism into the LOE while trapping light already within the LOE so as to propagate within the LOE by internal reflection.

Optical system with compact coupling from a projector into a waveguide

An optical system includes a light-guide optical element (LOE) ( 10 ) having mutually-parallel first and second major external surfaces ( 11, 12 ) for guiding light by internal reflection, and a projector ( 100 ) that projects illumination corresponding to a collimated image from an aperture ( 101 ). The projector injects light in to the LOE via a coupling prism ( 30 ) attached to the first major external surface ( 11 ) that projects an image injection surface. A reflective polarizing beam splitter ( 51 ) is deployed at an interface between the major external surface ( 11 ) and the coupling prism ( 30 ) parallel to the major external surfaces, to selectively transmit illumination from the coupling prism into the LOE while trapping light already within the LOE so as to propagate within the LOE by internal reflection.

複合導光光学素子の作製の方法

【課題】ＬＯＥの製造方法の更なる改良が求められている。【解決手段】複合導光光学素子（ＬＯＥ）を作製する方法が提供される。複数のＬＯＥ前駆体と、間に交互に配置された複数の透明なスペーサプレートと、の接合されたスタックは、複数の相互に平行な傾斜した内部面を有する第１の光学ブロックに接合される。このブロックは、ブロックの第１の複数の部分反射性内部面が、ＬＯＥ前駆体の内部面に非平行となるように、スタックに連結される。接合の後、これにより第２の光学が形成される。ＬＯＥ前駆体が間に挟持された少なくとも２つの連続するスペーサプレートを通して第２のブロックを切断することにより、第２の光学ブロックから少なくとも１つの複合ＬＯＥがスライス状に切り出される。【選択図】図７（ａ）

Modified color and slope mediating layer

An optical system may include (1) a light-guide optical element formed from transparent material and having at least first and second mutually-parallel major external surfaces for supporting propagation of an image by internal reflection, and (2) a mediating layer adjacent at least one of the at least first and second mutually-parallel major external surfaces, the mediating layer configured such that (1) reflectivity, averaged over the visible spectrum, of light coupled into the LOE and transmitted between the at least first and second mutually-parallel major external surfaces at angles below the critical angle is higher than the reflectivity that would have been expected absent the mediating layer and (2) reflectivity of purely white light lies closer to a purely white color point for an angular range from angles below the critical angle to the critical angle than the reflectivity that would have been expected absent the mediating layer.

Optical systems including light-guide optical elements for two-dimensional expansion with retarder element

Image projector using a phase image generator

An image projector with a high optical efficiency projects an image at an arbitrary distance from an observer. The image projector includes an illumination module having at least one spatially coherent light source; a phase image generator with an array of optical phase shifting elements; an electronic image controller connected electrically to the phase image generator; and a waveguide which includes at least one embedded partial reflector. The waveguide may be positioned either between the illumination module and the waveguide, or between the waveguide and the observer. The phase image generator may include phase shifts for canceling speckle, correcting optical aberrations, and/or compensating interference caused by light rays having different optical path lengths.

Displays including light-guide optical elements with two-dimensional expansion

A display ( 10 ) includes a flat light-guide optical element (LOE) ( 100 ) having first and second progressive deflection arrangements associated with first and second regions ( 110, 120 ) of the LOE. A support arrangement ( 106 ), such as a glasses frame, supports the LOE in facing relation to the eye of the user. An image projector ( 200 ) injects a collimated image into the LOE via a reflective coupling-in surface ( 131 ). The reflective coupling-in surface is preferably obliquely oriented to both the major horizontal and vertical axes of the LOE. A multi-component wedge ( 132 ) is preferably used to compensate for chromatic aberration.

Displays including light-guide optical elements with two-dimensional expansion

選択的に活性化可能なファセットを含む光学系

【課題】眼又は瞳孔全体の照明が非効率的である場合があり、またゴースト像が望ましくない場合がある。【解決手段】アイモーションボックスのターゲット部分を判定して、画像視野の少なくとも一部分を含む光線をアイモーションボックスのターゲット部分に向かって方向付けるように構成される導光光学素子のファセットを識別するように構成された少なくとも１つのプロセッサを含む装置が開示される。少なくとも１つのプロセッサは、識別されたファセットと連動して光線をアイモーションボックスのターゲット部分に向かって方向付けるように構成される角度で、光線を導光光学素子に注入するように構成される画像生成器の表示領域を識別するように構成されている。少なくとも１つのプロセッサは、識別されたファセット及び識別された表示領域を選択的に活性化させて、光線をアイモーションボックスのターゲット部分に向かって方向付けるように構成されている。【選択図】図１Ａ

Optical system including selectively activatable facets

In an embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes at least one processor configured to determine a target portion of an eye motion box and to identify a facet of a light-guide optical element that is configured to direct a light beam comprising at least a portion of an image field of view toward the target portion of the eye motion box. The at least one processor is configured to identify a display region of an image generator that is configured to inject the light beam into the light-guide optical element at an angle that, in conjunction with the identified facet, is configured to direct the light beam toward the target portion of the eye motion box. The at least one processor is configured to selectively activate the identified facet and the identified display region to direct the light beam toward the target portion of the eye motion box.

Optical system including selectively activatable facets

Optical system including selectively activatable facets

In an embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes at least one processor configured to determine a target portion of an eye motion box and to identify a facet of a light-guide optical element that is configured to direct a light beam comprising at least a portion of an image field of view toward the target portion of the eye motion box. The at least one processor is configured to identify a display region of an image generator that is configured to inject the light beam into the light-guide optical element at an angle that, in conjunction with the identified facet, is configured to direct the light beam toward the target portion of the eye motion box. The at least one processor is configured to selectively activate the identified facet and the identified display region to direct the light beam toward the target portion of the eye motion box.

Projector configuration with subdivided optical aperture for near-eye displays, and corresponding optical systems

A projector configuration for delivering illumination corresponding to an image from an effective aperture of length L and width W via a light-guide optical element to an eye of a user, the projector configuration comprising: at least three adjacent optical arrangements, each optical arrangement comprising: (a) a spatial light modulator component generating an output image corresponding to at least a part of the image; and (b) collimating optics deployed for projecting said output image as a collimated image having a central ray direction via the light-guide optical element to an eye of the user, said collimating optics having an exit aperture, wherein said exit apertures of said optical arrangements cooperate to span the length L of the effective aperture, and to deliver into the light-guide optical element an entirety of the illumination required for displaying the image to the observer, and wherein said collimating optics of said at least three adjacent optical arrangements have parallel central axes, the projector configuration further comprising a plurality of beam deflecting optical elements deployed to deflect said output image from a plurality of said adjacent optical arrangements to that said central ray directions converge.

Optical system for near-eye displays

Optical systems including light-guide optical elements with two-dimensional expansion