MagicLeap Patent | Divided pupil spatial light modulator illumination visualization system - Nweon patent (2023)

Patent:Visualization system with spatial light modulator illumination for split pupils

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Publication number:20220413311

Publication date:2022-12-29

Assignee:magic jump

Resume

Illumination systems that separate different colors into laterally shifted beams can be used to direct different colored image content to an eyepiece to display images to the eye. This eyepiece can be used, for example, for an augmented reality head-mounted display. Lighting systems can be provided that use one or more waveguides to direct light from a light source to a spatial light modulator. The light from the spatial light modulator can be directed into an eyepiece. Certain aspects of the invention allow light of different colors to be decoupled at different angles from one or more waveguides and directed along different beam paths.

claim (is

1.1.-54. (canceled)

55. Display device comprising: one or more light emitters configured to emit light; a first waveguide arranged relative to said one or more light emitters to receive light from said one or more light emitters such that said light is guided by total internal reflection, said first waveguide configured to eject light guided into said first waveguide outside said waveguide; a first beamsplitter configured to selectively direct light of a first spectral distribution and a first colored light along a first direction and a second spectral distribution along a second direction, said first beamsplitter disposed relative to said first waveguide for receiving said light ejected from said waveguide such that light of said first and second spectral distributions of said first waveguide is incident on said first beamsplitter and said light having said first spectral distributions and second is directed along respective first and second optical paths, said light of said first spectral distribution and first color being directed to a respective first spatial location at a distance from said first waveguide; and a spatial light modulator disposed relative to said first waveguide for receiving said light ejected from said waveguide and modulating said light, said first beam splitter disposed relative to said spatial light modulator so that said modulated light is directed along said first and second optical paths and said light of said first color is directed to said first spatial location at a distance from said spatial light modulator, wherein said one or more light emitters light are configured to emit light having a spectral distribution that includes spectral components corresponding to said first and second spectral distributions directed along said respective first and second optical paths.

Display device according to claim 55, characterized in that the one or more light emitters comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs).

Display device according to claim 55, characterized in that the one or more light emitters comprise one or more white light emitting diodes (WLEDs).

Display device according to claim 55, characterized in that it further comprises a reflector for directing said light of said second spectral distribution emitted by said first beam splitter to a second spatial location at a distance from said light modulator space.

Display device according to claim 55, characterized in that said first beam splitter is disposed along said optical path between said spatial light modulator and said first spatial locations.

Display device according to claim 55, further comprising a second beam splitter configured to receive said light of said second spectral distribution emitted by said first beam splitter and selectively direct light of a second color to the along a second direction and light of a third color along a third direction, said second beamsplitter disposed relative to said first waveguide to receive said light ejected from said waveguide so that light of said second and third color from said first waveguide impinging on said second beamsplitter and said second and third color light, respectively, being directed along respective second and third light paths to respective second and third spatial locations at a distance from said first waveguide.

Display device according to claim 60, characterized in that said one or more light emitters are configured to emit light with a spectral distribution including spectral components corresponding to said second and third colors, wherein said second beam color splitter is disposed with respect to said spatial light modulator. such that said modulated light from said spatial light modulator having a second and third color is directed along said second and third respective optical paths to said second and third respective spatial locations at a distance from said spatial light modulator.

Display device according to claim 60, characterized in that said first and second beam splitters are disposed along said optical paths between said spatial light modulator and said first, second and third spatial locations.

Display device according to claim 60, characterized in that said first beam splitter is disposed along an optical path between said second beam splitter and said spatial light modulator.

Display device according to claim 60, characterized in that said second beam splitter is disposed along an optical path between said first beam splitter and said second and third spatial locations.

The display device of claim 60, further comprising: a second waveguide having associated an optical coupling element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said first path for receiving light from said first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator; and a third waveguide having associated an internally coupled optical element disposed relative to said first waveguide and said second path for receiving light from said first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator, a fourth waveguide waves having associated an internally coupled optical element optical element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said third path for receiving light from said first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator.

Display device according to claim 65, characterized in that said coupled optical elements associated with said second, third and fourth waveguides are configured to convert light into said second, third and fourth waveguides, respectively. , so that said light is guided to said waveguides by total internal reflection.

Display device according to claim 65, characterized in that said optical elements coupled to said second, third and fourth waveguides comprise rotating features configured to redirect light to said second, third and fourth waveguides , respectively, to be guided in them by total internal reflection.

Display device according to claim 65, characterized in that said coupled optical elements comprise one or more diffractive optical elements, diffraction gratings, holographic optical elements or metasurfaces.

Display device according to claim 65, characterized in that one or more of said coupled optical elements comprises a wavelength selective optical element.

Display device according to claim 55, characterized in that said first waveguide includes one or more rotatable elements configured to rotate guided light within said first waveguide by total internal reflection off said first guide. of waves.

Display device according to claim 70, characterized in that said one or more rotating elements comprise rotating features configured to redirect light guided within said waveguide by total internal reflection of said waveguide.

Display device according to claim 70, characterized in that the one or more rotating elements comprise one or more diffraction optics, diffraction gratings, holographic optics or metasurfaces.

Display device according to claim 70, characterized in that said one or more rotating elements comprise a wavelength selective optical element.

The display device of claim 55, further comprising: a second waveguide having associated an optical coupling member disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said first path for receiving light from said first waveguide after being modulated by said first waveguide spatial light modulator; and a third waveguide having associated an optical coupling member disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said second path for receiving light from said first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator, wherein said Optical input elements associated with said second and third waveguides, respectively, are located at said first and second spatial locations along said first and second paths, respectively, for receiving said first and second colored light, respectively.

Display device according to claim 74, characterized in that said coupled optical elements associated with said second and third waveguides are configured to convert light in said second and third waveguides, respectively, so that the said light is guided within said waveguides by total internal reflection. .

Display device according to claim 74, characterized in that said coupling optics for said second and third waveguides comprise rotatable features configured to redirect light to said second and third waveguides, respectively, to be guided by total internal reflection.

Display device according to claim 74, characterized in that said coupled optical elements comprise one or more diffractive optical elements, diffraction gratings, holographic optical elements or metasurfaces.

Display device according to claim 74, characterized in that one or more of said coupled optical elements comprises a wavelength selective optical element.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is a divisional application for U.S. Patent Application #15/928,015, filed March 21, 2018, entitled “SPACE LIGHT MODULATOR ILLUMINATION DISPLAY SYSTEM FOR DIVIDED STUDENTS”, which claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of US Interim Order No. 62/474568 (Attorney's Minutes No. MLEAP.084PR), filed March 21, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUNDcampo

This description relates to optical devices, including virtual reality and augmented reality imaging and display systems.

Description of Related Art

Modern computer and display technologies have facilitated the development of systems for so-called "virtual reality" or "augmented reality" experiences, in which digitally reproduced images or parts of them are presented to the user in a way that appears to be, or can be perceived. . like, true. A virtual reality, or "VR" scenario, usually involves presenting digital or virtual image information without transparency to other real world visual inputs; An augmented reality, or "AR" scenario typically involves presenting digital or virtual image information as an augmented view of the real world surrounding the user. A mixed reality, or "MR" scenario is a type of AR scenario and usually involves virtual objects that are integrated with and respond to the natural world. For example, in an MR scenario, AR image content may be blocked or perceived as interacting with objects in the real world.

Referring to fig.1, an augmented reality scene10is depicted in which a user of an AR technology views a real-world park-like environment20with people, trees, buildings in the background and a concrete platform30. In addition to these elements, the user of AR technology also realizes that he “sees” “virtual content” like a robot statue40standing on the platform of the real world30, and a cartoon avatar character50flying by what appears to be the embodiment of a bumblebee, although these elements40,50they don't exist in the real world. As the human visual perception system is complex, it is a challenge to produce an AR technology that facilitates a rich, comfortable and natural presentation of virtual image elements among other virtual or real world image elements.

The systems and methods described in this document address several challenges related to AR and VR technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGO.1Illustrates an augmented reality (AR) user's view through an AR device.

FIGO.2illustrates an example of a portable display system.

FIGO.3illustrates a conventional display system for simulating three-dimensional images for a user.

FIGO.4illustrates aspects of an approach to simulate three-dimensional images using various depth planes.

FIGURES.5AN-5C illustrate the relationships between the radius of curvature and the focal radius.

FIGO.6illustrates an example of a waveguide stack for sending image information to a user.

FIGO.7illustrates an example of output beams emitted by a waveguide.

FIGO.8illustrates an example of a stacked waveguide array in which each depth plane includes images formed using several different component colors.

FIGO.9A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an example of a stacked waveguide array, each including an optical coupling element.

FIGO.9B illustrates a perspective view of an example of the plurality of stacked waveguides of FIG.9AN.

FIGO.9C illustrates a top-down plan view of an example of the plurality of stacked waveguides of FIGS.9one and9B.

FIGO.9D illustrates a waveguide-based image source providing multiple input beams to a plurality of coupled optical elements integrated with a stack of waveguides forming part of an eyepiece.

FIGURES.10one and10B illustrates a waveguide-based image source comprising a single waveguide capable of receiving white light and including decoupling optics with scattering and directing light of different colors (e.g., red, green, blue) in different directions .

FIGURES.11AN-11C illustrates a waveguide-based image source comprising a plurality of waveguides, each optically coupled to a different color LED (e.g., red, green, blue) with decoupled optics that direct light onto respective waveguides. wave in different directions.

FIGO.11D shows a waveguide-based image source comprising three colored light emitters and two waveguides where two of the colors from two emitters are combined into a single waveguide.

FIGO.12A illustrates a waveguide-based image source comprising a single waveguide that can be coupled to a white LED and decouples light to a plurality of shutters with color matched filters to selectively pass different colors of light at different times.

FIGO.12B is a flowchart illustrating an example update process for a waveguide-based image source as shown in FIG.12A comprising a louver and a spatial light modulator.

FIGO.13illustrates a waveguide-based image source comprising a single waveguide that can be coupled to a white LED and that decouples light to a plurality of dichroic beamsplitters that split different color and produce different color beams that are in different lateral positions.

FIGURES.14one and14B illustrates a waveguide-based image source comprising a waveguide illuminated by a point light source and a linear light source, respectively.

FIGO.14C-14And it illustrates additional arrangements for coupling light into a waveguide.

FIGO.15A illustrates a waveguide based image source comprising a waveguide and an optical decoupling element comprising a mass phase diffraction element.

FIGO.15B illustrates a waveguide based light distribution device comprising a stack of volume phase grating (VPG) diffraction elements for different colors.

FIGO.15C illustrates a waveguide based light distribution device comprising a stack of volume phase grating (VPG) diffraction elements for different angles.

FIGO.sixteenillustrates a waveguide-based image source comprising a waveguide and an optical decoupling element comprising a cholesteric liquid crystal grid (CLCG).

FIGURES.17one and17B illustrates a waveguide-based light distribution device that can be configured to use off-axis lighting.

FIGO.18illustrates a waveguide-based image source comprising a wedge-shaped waveguide.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with some aspects, a display device may be provided comprising:

one or more light emitters configured to emit light;

a first waveguide arranged relative to said one or more light emitters to receive light from said one or more light emitters, said first waveguide configured to (i) eject light from said waveguide having a first color along a first path, and (ii) ejecting light from said first waveguide having a second color along a second path; y

a spatial light modulator disposed relative to said first waveguide for receiving said light ejected from said waveguide and modulating said light,

wherein said one or more light emitters are configured to emit light with a spectral distribution that includes spectral components corresponding to said first and second colors, and

wherein said display device is configured such that said first waveguide light of said first color and said second color after being modulated by said spatial light modulator are directed along said first and second respective paths in different angles and impinge on respective first and second spatial locations at a distance from said first waveguide and spatial light modulator.

In accordance with other aspects, a display device may be provided comprising:

one or more light emitters configured to emit light;

a first waveguide arranged relative to said one or more light emitters to receive light from said one or more light emitters such that said light is guided by total internal reflection, said first waveguide configured to eject light guided into said first waveguide outside said waveguide;

a shutter system comprising a first shutter and a second shutter and corresponding first and second color filters configured to selectively transmit first and second color light, respectively, said shutter system disposed relative to said first waveguide to receive the said light ejected from said waveguide such that light of said first and second color from said first waveguide passes through said first and second respective color filter, respectively, as well as through said first and second respective shutter along respective first and second light paths to respective first and second spatial locations at a distance from said first waveguide;

a spatial light modulator disposed relative to said first waveguide for receiving said light ejected from said waveguide and modulating said light, said shutter system disposed relative to said spatial light modulator such that said light modulated light is directed along said first and second optical paths to said first and second respective spatial locations at a distance from said spatial light modulator; y

electronics in communication with said shutter system and said spatial light modulator for (i) opening said shutter associated with said first color a first time and closing said shutter associated with said second color when said spatial light modulator is configured to display an image corresponding to said first color and (ii) open said shutter associated with said second color and close said shutter associated with said first color at a second time when said spatial light modulator is configured to display a image corresponding to said second color,

wherein said one or more light emitters are configured to emit light with a spectral distribution that includes spectral components corresponding to said first and second colors.

According to other embodiments, a display device can be provided comprising:

one or more light emitters configured to emit light;

a first waveguide arranged relative to said one or more light emitters to receive light from said one or more light emitters such that said light is guided by total internal reflection, said first waveguide configured to eject light guided into said first waveguide outside said waveguide;

a first beamsplitter configured to selectively direct light of a first spectral distribution and a first colored light along a first direction and a second spectral distribution along a second direction, said first beamsplitter disposed relative to said first waveguide for receiving said light ejected from said waveguide such that light of said first and second spectral distributions of said first waveguide is incident on said first beamsplitter and said light having said first spectral distributions and second is directed along respective first and second optical paths, said light of said first spectral distribution and first color being directed to a respective first spatial location at a distance from said first waveguide; y

a spatial light modulator disposed relative to said first waveguide for receiving said light ejected from said waveguide and modulating said light, said first beam splitter disposed relative to said spatial light modulator such that the said modulated light is directed along said first and second optical paths and said light of said first color is directed to said first spatial location at a distance from said spatial light modulator,

wherein said one or more light emitters are configured to emit light having a spectral distribution including spectral components corresponding to said first and second spectral distribution directed along said first and second respective optical paths.

According to further aspects, there can be provided a display device for a head-mounted display, comprising:

a waveguide based image source comprising: one or more light emitters configured to emit light;

one or more waveguides disposed relative to said one or more light emitters to receive light from said one or more light emitters such that light is guided to said one or more light guides by total internal reflection said one or more waveguides configured to eject light from said waveguides; y

a spatial light modulator disposed relative to one or more waveguides for receiving said light ejected from said one or more waveguides and modulating said light,

wherein said one or more light emitters are configured to emit light with a spectral distribution that includes spectral components corresponding to the first and second colors, and

said waveguide-based image source is configured such that said light of said first and second color, after being modulated by said spatial light modulator, is directed along said first and second respective paths and impinges on said waveguide-based image source. first and second respective spatial locations at a distance from said one or more waveguides and said spatial light modulator, and

an ocular element comprising a waveguide-based light distribution system comprising: a first waveguide having associated an optical coupling element disposed relative to one or more first waveguides and said first path for receiving light from said one or more waveguides after being modulated by said spatial light modulator; y

a second waveguide having associated an optical coupling element disposed relative to said one or more waveguides and said second path for receiving light from said one or more waveguides after being modulated by said spatial light modulator,

wherein said optical input elements associated with said first and second waveguides, respectively, are located at said first and second spatial locations along said first and second paths, respectively, for receiving said light from said first and second colors, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts. It will be appreciated that embodiments described herein include optical systems, including display systems in general. In some embodiments, the display systems are portable, which can advantageously provide a more immersive virtual reality or augmented reality experience. For example, monitors containing one or more waveguides (eg a stack of waveguides) can be configured to be placed in front of a user's or viewer's eyes. In some embodiments, two waveguide stacks, one for each eye of a viewer, can be used to provide different images for each eye.

Examples of display systems

FIGO.2illustrates an example of a portable display system60. display system60includes a screen70, and various mechanical and electronic modules and systems to support the operation of this display70. And bodies70can be attached to a frame80, which can be used by a display system user or viewer90and that is configured to position the screen70in the eyes of the user90. And bodies70they may be considered glasses in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a loudspeaker100is stuck to the frame80and configured to be placed close to the user's ear canal90(In some embodiments, another speaker, not shown, is positioned adjacent to the user's other ear canal to provide stereo/modeling sound control.) In some embodiments, the display system may also include one or more microphones.110or other devices to detect sound. In some embodiments, the microphone is configured to allow the user to provide input or commands to the system.60(eg, voice menu command selection, natural language questions, etc.) and/or may allow audio communication with others (eg, with other users of similar display systems). The microphone can also be configured as a peripheral sensor to collect audio data (eg user and/or ambient sounds). In some embodiments, the display system may also include a peripheral sensor.120an,which can be detached from the frame80and attached to the user's body90(e.g. head, trunk, limb, etc.90). peripheral sensor120ancan be configured to acquire data characterizing the physiological state of the user90In some modes. For example, the sensor120ancould be an electrode.

With continued reference to FIG.2, and bodies70is operatively coupled by communication link130for example via cable or wireless connectivity to a local data processing module140that can be mounted in a variety of configurations, such as fixed to the frame80, fixedly attached to a helmet or hat worn by the wearer, embedded in headphones, or attached detachably to the wearer90(e.g. in a backpack-style configuration, in a belt-style configuration). Likewise, the sensor120ancan be operationally coupled via a communication link120b,pg. for example, a wired cable or wireless connectivity, for the local processor and data module140. Local Processing and the Data Module140may include a hardware processor as well as digital memory such as non-volatile memory (e.g. flash memory or hard disks), both of which may be used to assist with data processing, caching and storage. Data includes data a) captured from sensors (which may be, for example, operationally coupled to the structure80or otherwise attached to the user90), such as image capture devices (such as cameras), microphones, inertial measurement units, accelerometers, compasses, GPS units, radio devices, gyroscopes and/or other sensors described in this document; and/or b) acquired and/or processed using a remote processing module150and/or remote data repository160(including data related to virtual content), possibly for transition to screen70after such processing or retrieval. Local Processing and the Data Module140can be operationally coupled via communication links170,180such as through wired or wireless communication links, to the remote processing module150and remote data repository160so that these remote modules150,160they are operationally coupled to each other and available as resources for local processing and the data module140. In some embodiments, local processing and data module140may include one or more imaging devices, microphones, inertial measurement units, accelerometers, compasses, GPS units, radio devices and/or gyroscopes. In some other embodiments, one or more of these sensors may be attached to the frame.80, or they can be independent structures that communicate with local processing and the data module140via wired or wireless communication.

With continued reference to FIG.2, in some embodiments, the remote processing module150may comprise one or more processors configured to analyze and process data and/or image information. In some embodiments, the remote data repository160may include a digital data storage facility, which may be available via the Internet or other network configuration in a "cloud" resource configuration. In some embodiments, the remote data repository160may include one or more remote servers, which provide information, for example information to generate augmented reality content, for local processing and data module140and/or the remote processing module150. In some embodiments, all data is stored and all calculations are performed in the local data and processing module, allowing fully autonomous use of a remote module.

The perception of an image as "three-dimensional" or "3-D" can be achieved by providing slightly different presentations of the image to the eyes of each observer. FIG.3illustrates a conventional display system for simulating three-dimensional images for a user. two different images190,200- one for each eye210,220— are sent to the user. The images190,200are separated from the eyes210,220for a distance230along an optical or z axis that is parallel to the observer's line of sight. The images190,200they are flat and the eyes210,220You can focus on the images by assuming a single accommodated state. These 3D visualization systems rely on the human visual system to match the images190,200to provide a sense of depth and/or scale to the combined image.

However, it will be appreciated that the human visual system is more complicated and providing realistic depth perception is more challenging. For example, many viewers of conventional "3-D" display systems find these systems uncomfortable or may not perceive the sense of depth. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that observers of an object may perceive it as "three-dimensional" due to a combination of convergence and accommodation. Convergence movements (i.e., rotation of the eyes so that the pupils move closer or further apart to converge the eyes' lines of sight to fix on an object) of the two eyes relative to each other are closely related to focus (or " accommodation") of the lens and pupils of the eye. Under normal conditions, changing the focus of the lens of the eye or accommodating the eyes to shift focus from one object to another at a different distance will automatically cause a coincident change in convergence at the same distance, under a relationship known as the "accommodation-vergence reflex". ”, as well as the dilation or constriction of the pupil. Likewise, a change in vergence will trigger a coincidental change in lens shape accommodation and pupil size under normal conditions. As noted in this document, many stereoscopic or "3-D" display systems display a scene using slightly different presentations (and therefore slightly different images) for each eye, so that the human visual system perceives a different perspective. However, such systems are uncomfortable for many viewers as, among other things, they simply provide a different presentation of a scene, but with the eye seeing all of the image information in a single, organized state and working against "glare." of accommodation -vergence". .” Visualization systems that provide a better match between accommodation and vergence can form more realistic and comfortable simulations of three-dimensional images that contribute to longer duration of wear and, in turn, adherence to diagnostic and therapy protocols.

FIGO.4illustrates aspects of an approach to simulate three-dimensional images using various depth planes. With reference to fig.4, objects at various distances from the eyes210,220on the z axis they are accommodated by the eyes210,220so that these objects are in focus. Eyes210,220assume particular accommodated states to focus on objects at different distances along the z-axis. Consequently, it can be said that a given accommodated state is associated with a given depth plane.240, has an associated focal length so that objects or parts of objects in a given depth plane are in focus when the eye is in the accommodated state for that depth plane. In some embodiments, three-dimensional images can be simulated by providing different presentations of an image to each eye.210,220, in addition to providing different presentations of the image corresponding to each of the depth planes. Although shown separately for clarity of illustration, it will be appreciated that the fields of view of the eyes210,220they can overlap, for example, as the distance along the z-axis increases. Furthermore, while shown flat for ease of illustration, it will be appreciated that the contours of a depth plane can be curved in physical space so that all features in a depth plane are in focus with the eye in a particular accommodated state.

The distance between an object and the eye.210o220you can also change the amount of light divergence from that object as seen by that eye. FIGURES.5AN-5C illustrate the relationships between distance and divergence of light rays. The distance between the object and the eye.210is represented by, in decreasing order of distance, R1, R2and R.S3. As shown in FIGS.5AN-5C, Light rays become more divergent as the distance to the object decreases. As the distance increases, the light rays become more collimated. In other words, it can be said that the light field produced by a point (the object or part of the object) has a spherical wavefront curvature, which is a function of the distance of the point from the user's eye. The curvature increases with decreasing distance between the object and the eye.210. Consequently, in different depth planes, the degree of divergence of light rays is also different, and the degree of divergence increases with decreasing distance between the depth planes and the observer's eye.210. while one eye210is shown for clarity of illustration in FIGS.5AN-5C and other figures here, it will be appreciated that discussions of the eye210can be applied to both eyes210y220of a spectator.

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the human eye can normally interpret a finite number of depth planes to provide depth perception. Consequently, a highly reliable simulation of perceived depth can be achieved by providing the eye with different presentations of an image corresponding to each of these limited depth planes. The different views can be focused separately by the viewer's eyes, helping to provide the user with depth cues based on ocular accommodation needed to focus on different image features for the scene located at different depth planes and/or based on observation. different image features at different depth planes are out of focus.

FIGO.6illustrates an example of a waveguide stack for sending image information to a user. a display system250includes a stack of waveguides or a set of stacked waveguides,260which can be used to provide three-dimensional perception to the eye/brain using a plurality of waveguides270,280,290,300,310. In some embodiments, the display system250is the system60from fig.2, com fig.6schematically showing some parts of this system60in greater detail. For example, waveguide assembly260may be part of the screen70from fig.2. It will be appreciated that the display system250may be considered a light field screen in some embodiments.

With continued reference to FIG.6, waveguide assembly260may also include a plurality of features320,330,340,350between the waveguides. In some modalities, the resources320,330,340,350they can be one or more lenses. waveguides270,280,290,300,310and/or the plurality of lenses320,330,340,350it can be configured to send image information to the eye with varying levels of wavefront curvature or light ray divergence. Each waveguide level can be associated with a specific depth plane and can be configured to generate image information corresponding to that depth plane. image injection devices360,370,380,390,400can function as a light source for waveguides and can be used to inject image information into waveguides270,280,290,300,310, each of which can be configured, as described in this document, to distribute incoming light through each respective waveguide, for output to the eye210. Light exits an output surface410,420,430,440,450image injection devices360,370,380,390,400and is injected into a corresponding input surface460,470,480,490,500of the waveguides270,280,290,300,310. In some embodiments, each of the inlet surfaces460,470,480,490,500it may be an edge of a corresponding waveguide, or it may be part of a major surface of the corresponding waveguide (that is, one of the waveguide surfaces facing directly into the world).510or the eye of the beholder210). In some embodiments, a single beam of light (e.g., a collimated beam) can be injected into each waveguide to generate an entire field of cloned collimated beams aimed at the eye.210at specific angles (and divergence amounts) corresponding to the depth plane associated with a specific waveguide. In some embodiments, only one of the image injection devices360,370,380,390,400can associate and inject light into a plurality (e.g. three) of waveguides270,280,290,300,310.

In some embodiments, image injection devices360,370,380,390,400are discrete displays that produce image information to be injected into a corresponding waveguide270,280,290,300,310, respectively. In some other embodiments, image injection devices360,370,380,390,400are the output ends of a single multiplexed display that may, for example, pipe image information through one or more optical conduits (such as fiber optic cables) to each of the image injection devices360,370,380,390,400. It will be appreciated that the image information provided by the image injection devices360,370,380,390,400may include light of different wavelengths or colors (for example, different component colors as described here).

In some embodiments, light injected into the waveguides270,280,290,300,310is provided by a light projector system520, comprising a light module530, which may include a light emitter, such as a light-emitting diode (LED). light module light530can be directed and modified by a light modulator540for example, a spatial light modulator, via a beam splitter550. The Light Modulator540can be configured to change the perceived intensity of the light injected into the waveguides270,280,290,300,310. Examples of spatial light modulators include liquid crystal displays (LCDs), including liquid crystal displays on silicon (LCOS).

In some embodiments, the display system250can be a raster fiber display comprising one or more raster fibers configured to project light in various patterns (eg raster raster, spiral raster, Lissajous patterns, etc.) onto one or more waveguides270,280,290,300,310and finally in sight210Viewer In some embodiments, image injection devices illustrated360,370,380,390,400may schematically represent a single scan fiber or a bundle of scan fibers configured to inject light into one or a plurality of waveguides270,280,290,300,310. In certain other embodiments, the illustrated image injection devices360,370,380,390,400may schematically represent a plurality of raster fibers or a plurality of raster fiber bundles, each configured to inject light into one of the associated waveguides270,280,290,300,310. It will be appreciated that one or more optical fibers may be configured to transmit light from the light module.530to one or more waveguides270,280,290,300,310. It will be appreciated that one or more intermediate optical structures can be provided between the scanning fiber(s) and one or more waveguides.270,280,290,300,310to, for example, redirect light leaving the raster fiber to one or more waveguides270,280,290,300,310.

a controller560controls the operation of one or more of the stacked waveguide assemblies260, including operation of image injection devices360,370,380,390,400, the light emitter530, and the light modulator540. In some embodiments, the controller560is part of the local data processing module140. the controller560includes programming (e.g., instructions in a non-transient medium) that regulate the timing and delivery of image information to the waveguides270,280,290,300,310according to, for example, any of the various schemes described herein. In some embodiments, the controller may be a single integral device or a distributed system connected by wired or wireless communication channels. the controller560can be part of processing modules140o150(FIG.2) In some modalities.

With continued reference to FIG.6the waveguides270,280,290,300,310it can be configured to propagate light within each respective waveguide by total internal reflection (TIR). waveguides270,280,290,300,310each can be flat or otherwise (eg, curved), with top and bottom main surfaces and edges extending between the top and bottom main surfaces. In the illustrated configuration, the waveguides270,280,290,300,310each can include decoupling optics570,580,590,600,610that are configured to extract light from a waveguide by redirecting light, propagating within each respective waveguide, out of the waveguide to provide image information to the eye210. Extracted light can also be referred to as decoupled light and light from decoupled optics can also be referred to as light extraction optics. The waveguide can emit an extracted light beam at locations where light propagating in the waveguide collides with a light-extracting optical element. Decoupling of optical elements570,580,590,600,610they can be, for example, gratings, including diffraction optics, as discussed later in this document. Although illustrated as disposed on the underside of the main surfaces of waveguides270,280,290,300,310, for ease of description and clarity of design, in some embodiments, optical decoupling elements570,580,590,600,610can be placed on the top and/or bottom main surfaces and/or can be placed directly on the volume of the waveguides270,280,290,300,310, as discussed later in this document. In some embodiments, the decoupling optics570,580,590,600,610can be formed into a layer of material that is bonded to a transparent substrate to form the waveguides270,280,290,300,310. In some other embodiments, the waveguides270,280,290,300,310can be a monolithic piece of material and the decoupling optics570,580,590,600,610can be formed on a surface and/or within that piece of material.

With continued reference to FIG.6, as discussed here, each waveguide270,280,290,300,310it is configured to emit light to form an image corresponding to a certain depth plane. For example, the waveguide270closest to the eye can be configured to provide collimated light (which was injected into said waveguide270), in sight210. Collimated light can be representative of the optical infinite focal plane. The next waveguide up280can be configured to send collimated light passing through the first lens350(e.g. a negative lens) before reaching the eye210; that first lens350can be configured to create a slight convex wavefront curvature for the eye/brain to interpret light coming from the next waveguide280as if coming from a closer foreground focal plane into the eye210of optical infinity. Likewise, the third waveguide290passes its exit light through the first350and secondly340lenses before reaching the eye210; the combined optical power of the first350and secondly340lenses can be configured to create another incremental amount of wavefront curvature for the eye/brain to interpret the light coming from the third waveguide290as coming from a second focal plane that is even closer to the person of optical infinity than the light from the next waveguide above280.

The other waveguide layers300,310and glasses330,320they are configured similarly, with the waveguide higher310in the stack that sends its output through all lenses between it and the eye to an aggregate focal power representative of the person's closest focal plane. To compensate for the lens stack320,330,340,350see/interpret the light that comes from the world510on the other side of the stacked waveguide assembly260, a layer of compensation lens620can be placed on top of the stack to compensate for the added power of the lens stack320,330,340,350below. This setting provides as many perceived focal planes as there are available waveguide/lens pairs. Both the optical waveguide decoupling elements and the focusing aspects of the lens can be static (ie, not dynamic or electroactive). In some alternative embodiments, one or both can be dynamic using electroactive characteristics.

In some embodiments, two or more of the waveguides270,280,290,300,310can have the same associated depth plane. For example, multiple waveguides270,280,290,300,310can be configured to generate images set to the same depth plane or multiple subsets of the waveguides270,280,290,300,310it can be configured to generate images configured in the same plurality of depth planes, with one set for each depth plane. This can provide advantages for mosaicking an image to provide an expanded field of view in these depth planes.

With continued reference to FIG.6, the optical elements uncoupled570,580,590,600,610they can be configured to redirect light away from their respective waveguides and to emit that light with the appropriate amount of divergence or collimation for a given depth plane associated with the waveguide. As a result, waveguides with different associated depth planes can have different configurations of decoupled optical elements.570,580,590,600,610, which emit light with a different divergence depending on the associated depth plane. In some embodiments, the light extraction optics570,580,590,600,610they can be volumetric or surface features, which can be configured to emit light at specific angles. For example, light extraction optics570,580,590,600,610they can be volume holograms, surface holograms and/or diffraction gratings. In some modalities, the resources320,330,340,350they cannot be lenses; instead, they may simply be spacers (eg, layers of skin and/or structures to form air gaps).

In some embodiments, the decoupling optics570,580,590,600,610are diffraction features that form a diffraction pattern, or "diffraction optical element" (also referred to herein as "DOE"). Preferably, DOEs have a sufficiently low diffraction efficiency that only a portion of the light in the beam is bent toward the eye.210with each DOE intersection, while the rest continue to move through a waveguide via TIR. The light carrying the image information is thus divided into several related output beams which exit the waveguide at a multitude of locations and the result is a very uniform output emission pattern to the eye.210for this particular collimated ray bouncing off a waveguide.

In some embodiments, one or more DOEs may be switched between "on" states where they actively diffract and "off" states where they do not diffract significantly. For example, a switchable DOE may comprise a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer in which the droplets comprise a diffraction pattern in a host medium, and the refractive index of the droplets may be changed to substantially match the refractive index of the material. host (in which case the pattern does not significantly diffract incident light) or the droplet may be shifted to an index that does not match that of the host medium (in which case the pattern actively diffracts incident light).

In some embodiments, a camera set630(for example, a digital camera, including visible light and infrared cameras) to capture images of the eye210and/or tissue around the eye210to, for example, detect user input and/or monitor the user's physiological state. As used here, a camera can be any image capturing device. In some embodiments, the chamber assembly630it may include an image capture device and a light emitter for projecting light (eg, infrared light) into the eye, which can then be reflected by the eye and detected by the image capture device. In some embodiments, the chamber assembly630can be attached to the frame80(FIG.2) and may be in electrical communication with processing modules140EU150, which can process image information from the camera array630to make various determinations regarding, for example, the physiological state of the user, as described in this document. It will be appreciated that information relating to the user's physiological state can be used to determine the user's behavioral or emotional state. Examples of such information include user movements and/or user facial expressions. The user's behavioral or emotional state can then be triangulated with the collected virtual and/or environmental content data to determine the relationships between the emotional or behavioral state, the physiological state and the virtual or environmental content data. In some embodiments, a camera set630can be used for each eye, to control each eye separately.

Referring now to FIG.7, an example of output beams emitted by a waveguide is shown. One waveguide is illustrated, but it will be appreciated that other waveguides in the waveguide set260(FIG.6) can work similarly, where mounting the waveguide260includes several waveguides. clear640is injected into the waveguide270on the entrance surface460waveguide270and propagates inside the waveguide270by TIR. At the points where the light640affects the DOE570, a part of the light leaves the waveguide as outgoing beams650. output rays650they are illustrated as being substantially parallel, but as discussed here, they can also be redirected to propagate to the eye210at an angle (e.g. forming diverging output beams), according to the depth plane associated with the waveguide270. It will be appreciated that substantially parallel output beams can be indicative of a waveguide without coupling optics that decouples light to form images that appear to be positioned in a depth plane at a great distance (e.g., optical infinity) from the eye.210. Other waveguides or other sets of decoupled optical elements may generate a more divergent output beam pattern, which would require the eye to210accommodate a closer distance to focus on the retina and be interpreted by the brain as light from a closer distance to the eye210than optical infinity.

In some embodiments, a full color image can be formed in each depth plane by superimposing images in each of the component colors, for example, three or more component colors. FIG.8illustrates an example of a stacked waveguide array in which each depth plane includes images formed using several different component colors. The illustrated modality shows depth planes240an–240F,although more or less depths are also contemplated. Each depth plane can have three or more associated color component images, including: a first image of a first color, G; a second image of a second color, R; and a third image of a third color, B. The different depth planes are indicated in the figure with different numbers of diopters (dpt) after the letters G, R and B. Just as examples, the numbers that follow each of these letters indicate diopters (1/m), or the inverse distance of a viewer's depth plane, and each box in the figures represents an individual component color image. In some embodiments, to account for differences in the eye's focus of light of different wavelengths, the exact location of the depth planes for different component colors may vary. For example, different color images of components for a given depth plane can be placed in depth planes corresponding to different distances from the user. Such an arrangement may increase visual acuity and wearer comfort and/or may decrease chromatic aberrations.

In some embodiments, light of each component color may be emitted by a single dedicated waveguide, and accordingly, each depth plane may have multiple associated waveguides. In such embodiments, each frame in the figures, including the letters G, R or B, can be understood to represent an individual waveguide and three waveguides can be provided per depth plane where three-component color images are provided. per depth plane. Although the waveguides associated with each depth plane are shown adjacent to each other in this drawing for ease of description, it will be appreciated that in a physical device the waveguides can be arranged in a stack with one waveguide per level. . In some other embodiments, the same waveguide can generate several component colors, so that, for example, only a single waveguide can be provided per depth plane.

With continued reference to FIG.8, in some embodiments, G is the green color, R is the red color, and B is the blue color. In some other embodiments, other colors associated with other wavelengths of light, including magenta and cyan, may be used in addition to or may replace one or more of red, green, or blue. In some modalities, the resources320,330,340, you350they can be active or passive optical filters configured to block or select ambient light for the viewer's eyes.

It will be appreciated that references to a particular color of light throughout this disclosure are to be understood to encompass light of one or more wavelengths within a range of wavelengths of light that are perceived by an observer to be of that wavelength. wave, certain color. For example, red light can include light of one or more wavelengths in the range of approximately 620-780 nm, green light can include light of one or more wavelengths in the range of approximately 492-577 nm, and blue light may include light of one or more wavelengths in the range of about 435-493 nm.

In some embodiments, the light emitter530(FIG.6) can be configured to emit light of one or more wavelengths outside the range of visual perception of the observer, for example, infrared and/or ultraviolet wavelengths. In addition, input coupling, output coupling and other light redirection structures of display waveguides250can be configured to direct and emit this light from the screen to the user's eye210, for example, for imaging and/or user stimulation applications.

Referring now to FIG.9A, in some embodiments, it may be necessary to redirect incident light into a waveguide to fit that light to the waveguide. A coupled optical element can be used to redirect and couple the light into its corresponding waveguide. FIG.9A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an example of one or more stacked waveguides or an array thereof.660each including an optical coupling element. Each of the waveguides can be configured to emit light of one or more different wavelengths or one or more different ranges of wavelengths. It will be appreciated that the stacked waveguide array660can match stack260(FIG.6) and the illustrated waveguides from the array of stacked waveguides660may correspond to part of one or more waveguides270,280,290,300,310, except that light from one or more of the image injection devices360,370,380,390,400it is injected into the waveguides from a position that requires the light to be redirected into the internal coupling.

The stacked waveguide array660includes waveguides670,680, you690. Each waveguide includes an associated internally coupled optical element (which may also be referred to as the waveguide light entry area), with an internally coupled optical element700disposed on a major surface (e.g., an upper major surface) of the waveguide670, an optical coupling element710disposed on a major surface (e.g., an upper major surface) of the waveguide680, and an optical coupling element720disposed on a major surface (e.g., an upper major surface) of the waveguide690. In some embodiments, one or more of the optical coupling elements700,710,720can be arranged on the lower main surface of the respective waveguide670,680,690(particularly when one or more coupled optics are reflective optics). As illustrated, the coupling optics700,710,720can be arranged on the upper main surface of their respective waveguides670,680,690(or the top of the next lower waveguide), particularly when such coupled optical elements are transmissive and deflecting optical elements. In some embodiments, the optically coupled elements700,710,720can be arranged in the respective waveguide body670,680,690. In some embodiments, as discussed herein, the optical coupling elements700,710,720they are wavelength selective, so they selectively redirect one or more wavelengths of light while transmitting other wavelengths of light. While illustrated on one side or corner of its respective waveguide670,680,690, it will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the optical coupling elements700,710,720can be arranged in other areas of their respective waveguides670,680,690.

Optical Coupling Elements700,710,720They can be shifted sideways from each other. In some embodiments, each coupled optical element can be displaced so that it receives light without the light passing through another coupled optical element. For example, each optical coupling element700,710,720can be configured to receive light from a different imaging device (for example, imaging devices360,370,380,390, you400as shown in fig.6) and can be separated (e.g. spaced laterally) from other attached optics700,710,720so that it receives substantially no light from the other coupled optical elements700,710,720.

Each waveguide also includes light distribution elements associated with light distribution elements730disposed on a major surface (e.g., an upper major surface) of the waveguide670, light distribution elements740disposed on a major surface (e.g., an upper major surface) of the waveguide680and light distribution elements750disposed on a major surface (e.g., an upper major surface) of the waveguide690. In some other embodiments, the light distribution elements730,740,750, may be arranged on a major bottom surface of associated waveguides670,680,690, respectively. In some other embodiments, the light distribution elements730,740,750, can be arranged on the upper and lower major surface of the associated waveguides670,680,690, respectively; or the light distribution elements730,740,750, can be arranged on different top and bottom main surfaces in different associated waveguides670,680,690, respectively.

waveguides670,680,690they may be spaced and separated by gaseous, liquid and/or solid layers of material. For example, as illustrated, the layer760ancan separate waveguides670y680; and cover760bcan separate waveguides680y690. In some embodiments, the layers760any760bare made of low refractive index materials (i.e., materials that have a lower refractive index than the immediately adjacent waveguide-forming material)670,680,690). Preferably, the refractive index of the material forming the layers760an,760bis 0.05 or more, or 0.10 or less, than the refractive index of the material forming the waveguides670,680,690. Advantageously, lower refractive index layers760an,760bcan function as coating layers that facilitate the IRR of light through waveguides670,680,690(for example, TIR between the top and bottom major surfaces of each waveguide). In some embodiments, the layers760an,760bThey are made of air. Although not illustrated, the top and bottom of the stacked waveguide assembly660may include immediately adjacent layers of skin.

Preferably, for ease of fabrication and other considerations, the material that forms the waveguides670,680,690are similar or the same, and the material forming the layers760an,760bare similar or the same. In some embodiments, the material forming the waveguides670,680,690may differ between one or more waveguides and/or the material forming the layers760an,760bmay be different while maintaining the various refractive index ratios mentioned above.

With continued reference to FIG.9Oh rays of light770,780,790are incident on the set of stacked waveguides660. light rays770,780,790can be injected into waveguides670,680,690by one or more image injection devices360,370,380,390,400.

In some embodiments, the light rays770,780,790they have different properties, for example different wavelengths or different ranges of wavelengths, which can correspond to different colors. light rays770,780,790it can also be moved laterally to different locations corresponding to the side locations of the docking optics700,710,720. Optical Coupling Elements700,710,720each deflects incident light so that light propagates through a respective waveguide670,680,690by TIR.

For example, the optical coupling element700can be configured to deflect the beam770, which has a first wavelength or range of wavelengths. Likewise, the optical coupling element710can be configured to deflect the beam780, which has a second wavelength or range of wavelengths. Likewise, the optical coupling element720can be configured to deflect the beam790, which has a third wavelength or range of wavelengths.

deflected light rays770,780,790are deflected to propagate through a corresponding waveguide670,680,690; that is, the optical coupling elements700,710,720from each waveguide diverts light to the corresponding waveguide670,680,690to couple the light to the corresponding waveguide670,680,690. light rays770,780,790they deviate at angles that cause light to propagate through the respective waveguide670,680,690by the TIR, and thus be guided by it. For example, the deflection of light rays.770,780,790may be caused by one or more reflective, diffractive and/or holographic optical elements, such as a holographic, diffractive and/or reflective mirror, reflector or rotating feature. In some cases the deflection may be caused by a microstructure such as diffraction features in one or more gratings and/or diffraction and/or holographic optical elements configured to rotate or redirect light, for example to be guided with light. Waveguide. light rays770,780,790propagate through the respective waveguide670,680,690by TIR, being guided in it until reaching the corresponding light-distributing elements of the waveguide730,740,750.

Referring now to FIG.9B, A perspective view of an example stacked waveguide array660from fig.9A is illustrated. As noted above, light rays coupled770,780,790, are deflected by the optical elements attached700,710,720, respectively, and are then propagated by TIR and guided within the waveguides670,680,690, respectively. guided light rays770,780,790then hit the light distribution elements730,740,750, respectively. Light distribution elements730,740,750may include one or more reflective, diffractive and/or holographic optical elements, such as a holographic, diffractive and/or reflective mirror, reflector or swivel. In some cases the deflection can be caused by microstructures such as diffraction elements in one or more gratings and/or diffraction and/or holographic optical elements configured to rotate or redirect light, for example to be guided with the waveguide of light. . light rays770,780,790propagate through the respective waveguide670,680,690TIR being guided in it until it reaches the corresponding light distribution elements of the waveguide730,740,750, where they are deflected, however, so that light rays770,780,790they continue to be guided within the waveguide. Light distribution elements730,740,750deflect the rays of light770,780,790to propagate to uncoupled optical elements800,810,820, respectively.

Decoupling of optical elements800,810,820are configured to direct light rays770,780,790guided within the respective waveguides670,680,690, of the respective waveguides670,680,690and for the eyes of the beholder. Decoupling of optical elements800,810,820therefore it can be configured to deflect and redirect light rays770,780,790guided within the respective waveguides670,680,690, at an angle more normal to the waveguide surfaces670,680,690to reduce the effects of IRR so that light rays770,780,790they are not guided within the respective waveguides670,680,690, but get out of there. In addition, these decoupled optical elements800,810,820can be configured to deflect and redirect light rays770,780,790towards the eye of the beholder. Consequently, the decoupling optics800,810,820may include one or more reflective, diffractive and/or holographic optical elements, such as a holographic, diffractive and/or reflective mirror, reflector or swivel. In some cases, the deflection can be caused by a microstructure, such as diffraction features in one or more gratings and/or diffraction and/or holographic optical elements configured to bend or redirect light rays.770,780,790be guided with the respective waveguide670,680,690. optical elements800,810,820can be configured to reflect, deflect and/or diffract light rays770,780,790so that they propagate outside their respective waveguides670,680,690towards the user's eye.

In some embodiments, the light distribution elements730,740,750are orthogonal pupil expanders (OPE). OPEs can bend or distribute light to decouple optics800,810,820and also replicate the beam or beams to form a larger number of beams that propagate to the decoupling optical elements800,810,820. As a beam travels along the OPEs, a portion of the beam may separate from the beam and travel in a direction orthogonal to the beam, in the direction of decoupling the optical elements.800,810,820. Orthogonal splitting of the beam into OPEs can occur repeatedly along the beam path through the OPEs. For example, OPEs can include a grating that has increasing reflectance along the beam path so as to produce a substantially uniform array of beams from a single beam. In some embodiments, the decoupling optics800,810,820are exit pupils (EP) or exit pupil expanders (EPE) that direct light into the viewer's eye210(FIG.7). OPEs can be configured to increase the dimensions of the eyebox, for example, along the x-direction, and EPEs can be configured to increase the eyebox along an axis that crosses, for example, orthogonal to the axis of the eyeboxes . , pg. , along the y direction.

Consequently, with reference to Figs.9one and9B, in some embodiments, the array of stacked waveguides660includes waveguides670,680,690, optical coupling elements700,710,720, light distribution elements (e.g. OPE),740,750, and optical decoupling elements (e.g. EPE)800,810,820for each color component. waveguides670,680,690they can be stacked with an air gap and/or a layer of liner between each. Optical Coupling Elements700,710,720redirect or deflect incident light (with different optics coupled receiving light of different wavelengths) into their respective waveguide670,680,690. The light is then propagated at an angle that will result in TIR within the respective waveguide670,680,690, and the light is guided to it. In the example shown, the light ray770(e.g. blue light) is deflected by the first optical element attached700, and then continues to propagate inside the waveguide670be guided in it, interacting with the light distribution element (e.g. OPE)730where it is replicated in one or more rays propagating to the decoupling optical element (e.g. EPE)800, as described above. the ray of light780(e.g. green light) will pass through the waveguide670with the ray of light780incident and being deflected by the optical coupling element710. the ray of light780then jumps down the waveguide680via TIR, going to your light distributing element (eg OPE)740where it is replicated in one or more rays propagating to the decoupling optical element (e.g. EPE)810. Finally, the ray of light790(e.g. red light) passes through waveguides670y680to foist on light coupling optical elements720waveguide690. Optical Coupling Elements720deflect the beam of light790so that the light ray propagates to the light distribution element (e.g. OPE)750by TIR, where it is replicated into one or more beams that propagate to the decoupling optical element (e.g. EPE)820by TIR. The optical decoupling element820then finally replicate and overcome the rays of light790to the viewer, who also receives the light uncoupled from the other waveguides670,680.

FIGO.9C illustrates a top-down plan view (or front view) of an example stacked waveguide array.660of figs.9one and9B. As illustrated, the waveguides670,680,690, along with the associated light distribution element of each waveguide730,740,750and associated optical decoupling element800,810,820, it can be aligned vertically (for example, along the x and y directions). However, as discussed here, optical coupling elements700,710,720they are not aligned vertically; instead, the optical coupling elements700,710,720they are preferably non-overlapping (eg, spaced sideways along the x-direction as seen in the top-down view of the front view in this example). Scrolling in other directions, such as the y direction, can also be used. This non-overlapping spatial arrangement facilitates the injection of light from different sources, such as different light emitters and/or screens, into different waveguides individually, allowing a specific light emitter to be uniquely coupled to a specific waveguide. In some embodiments, arrangements including non-overlapping laterally spaced coupling optics700,710,720can be referred to as a displaced pupil system, and the optical elements coupled within these arrangements can correspond to sub-pupils.

In addition to decoupling the light from the waveguides, decoupling the optics800,810,820can cause the light to be collimated or divergent as if the light originates from a near or far object, depth or depth plane. Collimated light, for example, is consistent with light from an object that is far from view. The increase in diverging light is consistent with light from an object that is closer, say 5 to 10 feet or 1 to 3 feet, in front of the observer. The eye's natural lens adapts when viewing an object closer to the eye, and the brain can sense this adaptation, which also serves as a depth cue. Likewise, by making the light diverge by a certain amount, the eye will adjust and perceive that the object is at a shorter distance. Consequently, the decoupling optics800,810,820It can be configured to cause the light to be collimated or divergent as if the light were emanating from a near or far distance, depth or depth plane. For this, optical decoupling elements800,810,820may include optical power. For example, optical decoupling elements800,810,820, may include holographic, diffractive and/or reflective optical elements which, in addition to deflecting or redirecting light away from the waveguides, these holographic, diffractive and/or reflective optical elements may further include optical power to cause light to be collimated or divergent. Decoupling of optical elements800,810,820it may alternatively or additionally include refracting surfaces that include optical powers that cause collimation or divergence of light. Decoupling of optical elements800,810,820therefore, it may include, for example, in addition to diffractive or holographic rotation features, a refractive surface that provides optical power. Said refractive surface can also be included in addition to the optical decoupling elements.800,810,820for example above the decoupling optics800,810,820. In certain embodiments, for example, optical elements such as diffractive optical elements, holographic optical elements, refractive lens surfaces or other structures may be arranged relative to the decoupling optical elements.800,810,820supplying optical power causes collimation or divergence of light. A layer with optical power, such as a layer with a refractive surface or a layer with diffractive and/or holographic characteristics, can, for example, be arranged relative to the optical decoupling elements.800,810,820to additionally provide optical power. A combination of contributions from both optical decoupling elements800,810,820it is also possible to have optical power and an additional layer with optical power such as a layer with refractive surface or a layer with diffractive and/or holographic characteristics.

As illustrated in FIG.9D, a specialized lighting system900can provide multiple input light beams770,780,790to one or more optical coupling elements700,710, you720. This lighting system900illuminates a space light modulator902and direct the rays of light770,780,790to separate spatial locations corresponding to the location of the coupling optics700,710, you720.

light system900can be waveguide based and include one or more light emitters904configured to emit light and one or more rotating optical light elements comprising waveguides906arranged in relation to one or more light emitters904receive light from one or more light emitters904. Incoming light is propagated within rotating optical light elements, for example guided within one or more waveguides.906by TIR on the sides of it.

The one or more waveguides906they are also configured to eject light from one or more light rotating optical elements comprising waveguides906. For example, one or more light rotating optical elements comprising waveguides906may include a diffraction optical element, a diffraction grating, a holographic optical element, and/or a metasurface configured to direct light away from the waveguide906light modulator in space902. The Spatial Light Modulator902is organized with respect to one or more waveguides906(for example, in front of or behind one or more waveguides906) to receive light ejected from one or more waveguides906and modulate incoming light. In the example shown in FIG.9D, the waveguide906it is a front light design which is configured to turn off the back light for the spatial light modulator902which is behind the waveguide906. This light ejected from the waveguide906hits the space light modulator902and is reflected from there, if the spatial light modulator902It is a reflective spatial light modulator. The Spatial Light Modulator902may include, for example, a reflective liquid crystal modulator (eg, liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS)), a digital light processing (DLP) micromirror system, or another type of spatial light modulator. The Spatial Light Modulator902includes one or more pixels that can be modulated independently to create, for example, an intensity pattern. For certain types of spatial light modulators902, the spatial light modulator902modulates the polarization state of light, and in some embodiments, a polarizer or other polarization-selective optical element translates the polarization modulation into an intensity modulation. The Spatial Light Modulator902may be in electrical communication with the electronics that drive the spatial light modulator902and controls the spatial light modulator902to form images. Electronics can also control one or more light emitters.904and coordinate the synchronization of emissions provided by one or more light emitters904like when a light of a certain color illuminates the spatial light modulator906(through the waveguide906), the spatial light modulator902it is directed to provide the proper pattern for that color. imaging optics908can be arranged in relation to spatial light modulator902receive light from it and view the intensity pattern (or image) formed by the spatial light modulator902. Although a single positive power biconvex lens is shown to represent imaging optics908, imaging optics908may include more than one lens and need not be limited to a biconvex lens, but may have other shapes, powers, configurations and optical characteristics.

FIGO.9D shows a waveguide-based image source910including spatial light modulator902, the one or more light emitters904and the one or more waveguides906and imaging optics908configured to provide lighting. The Spatial Light Modulator902is configured to modulate the light from the lighting system900to produce an image of image intensity and optics908is configured to project the images formed by the spatial light modulator902. As this waveguide-based image source910uses one or more waveguides906to light space light modulator902, the waveguide-based image source910it is thinner and therefore lighter and more compact. Also, as a result of the waveguide906being thin, the image optics908can be placed closer to the spatial light modulator902. This allows the image optics908also to be smaller.

The one or more light emitters904It can be configured to emit light with a spectral distribution that includes spectral components corresponding to different colors such as red, green and blue. The one or more light emitters904may include light emitting diodes (LEDs) such as colored LEDs such as red, green, and blue LEDs. The waveguide-based image source910can be configured so that light of different colors (eg red, green and blue) is modulated by the spatial light modulator902are directed along their respective paths (for example, paths corresponding to light rays770,780, you790) and are incident at their respective spatial locations (for example, locations corresponding to optical coupling elements700,710, you720) at a distance from one or more waveguides906and the spatial light modulator902.

The optics of the image908may, for example, a lens or lens system (e.g. convex lens) collimate or light image modulated by a spatial light modulator902.

As illustrated in FIG.9D, the stacked waveguide array660is willing to receive the rays of light770,780,790waveguide based image source910. Em particular, a fig.9D shows the first waveguide670and the optical coupling element700(for example, to receive red light from the image source910), the second waveguide680and the optical coupling element710(for example, to receive green light from the image source910) and the third waveguide690and the optical coupling element720(for example, to receive blue light from the image source910). Each of these optical elements coupled700,710,720are arranged with respect to the respective paths of the light rays770,710,720(for example, red, green, and blue light rays) and in the proper spatial location to receive the light modulated by the spatial light modulator902which forms the respective red, green and blue images.

Although red, green, and blue lights are used as examples, other colored lights can be used. Consequently, the one or more light emitters904can emit light of different colors and one or more waveguides906can propagate light of different colors. Also, although three colors, red, green, and blue, are described above as examples, more or less colors can be used. For example, if only two colors are used, possibly less light emitting904and less waveguides906can be employed.

In many designs, these systems and components are relatively compact for arrangement in a display device for a head-mounted display. The stacked waveguide array660may include a pupil expander as described above. In addition, the waveguides670,680,690can be optically transparent so a viewer can see through the waveguides670,680,690, por exemplo, no head-mounted display.

Various waveguide-based image source designs910it can be used to deliver light of different colors (eg red, green and blue) to the separate spatial locations where the respective coupling optics are located.700,710,720They are located. For example, a single waveguide, e.g. waveguide906, can receive white light and include a decoupling optical element that has dispersion and directs light of different colors (red, green, blue) in different directions. This can reduce the need to provide separate waveguides for transmitting different colors. In some embodiments, one or more waveguides, each optically coupled to a different color LED (red, green, blue), may have decoupled optical elements that direct light into the respective waveguides in different directions. In some embodiments, a single waveguide can be coupled to a white LED and decoupled light to one or more shutters with matching color filters to selectively pass different colors of light at different times. The blinds and filters are in different lateral positions to create beams of colors that are in different lateral positions. Alternatively, a single waveguide can be coupled to a white LED and decouple the light to one or more dichroic beamsplitters that split the different colors and produce beams of different colors that are in different lateral positions. Other designs are also possible.

FIGO.10A, for example, illustrates a display device1000that includes a single waveguide1010arranged relative to a white light source (or emitter)1002to receive white light and includes an optical decoupling element1014which has dispersion. The optical decoupling element1014may include a grating or diffraction optical element with dispersion. Dispersion can cause the optical element to become uncoupled1014to act differently for different wavelengths of light. Dispersion can cause the optical element to become uncoupled1014to redirect light of different colors at different angles. Consequently, dispersion can cause the uncoupled optical element to1014directing light of different colors (red, green, blue) in different directions and along different optical paths, so that light of different colors falls in different spatial locations.

In this example, the waveguide1010is configured to front-illuminate the spatial light modulator1018. the light source1002is disposed relative to an edge of the waveguide1010couple the light to the waveguide1010by that edge. A coupling lens1009is included among the light source1002and the edge of the waveguide1010to help match the light source light1002in the waveguide1010. In some embodiments, the coupling lens1009can be excluded, and the light source1002can be placed closer to the edge of the waveguide1010to attach the light on it.

this light source1002may have a spectral distribution that includes spectral components corresponding to one or more different colors. The spectral distribution, for example, might include multiple spectral peaks that separately correspond to colored light, such as red, green, or blue light, or it might include multiple spectral components that individually correspond to different colors. Consequently, the light emitted by the light source1002it can be polychromatic and possibly broadband, as in the case of white light. Dispersion in the uncoupling element1014can be used to separate these different spectral color components. In the embodiment illustrated in fig.10A, the white light source1002it could be a white LED.

the waveguide1010may include a sheet or film of material that is optically transmissive at the wavelength of light emitted by the light source1002, which may be visible light. In several designs, the waveguide1010it is transparent to visible light. As a result, the waveguide1010it can be used in an eyepiece of a head-mounted augmented reality display through which the viewer sees the world. Light injected into the edge of the waveguide.1010by the light source1002can be guided in the waveguide by TIR.

The optical decoupling element1014can be included in or in the waveguide1010for example, on one or more major surfaces of the waveguide1010. As illustrated in FIG.10A, the optical decoupling element1014is arranged on one side of the waveguide1010farthest from space light modulator1018although the decoupling optical element1014can be located on the side closest to the spatial light modulator1018. The optical decoupling element1014may include one or more diffractive and/or holographic optical elements that include diffractive or holographic characteristics. The optical decoupling element1014may include one or more grids or holograms. Consequently, the optical decoupling element1014may include rotation features such as diffraction features or microstructure configured to convert guided light within the waveguide1010outside the waveguide1010. The spin characteristics, the microstructure and/or the decoupling optical element1014may be reflective (although rotation characteristics and/or decoupling optics1014can operate in transmission, transforming the light that is transmitted through the decoupling optical element1014in some cases). In some embodiments, the optical decoupling element1014may include surface features that are smaller or similar in size to the wavelength light input into the waveguide1010by the light source1002. As discussed above, the optical decoupling element1014may have scattering that acts differently on light of different colors. In some cases, the optical decoupling element1014it may be a wavelength-selective optical element, advantageously allowing preferential decoupling of light of a given wavelength or color, thus allowing control of the position and/or angle of the decoupled light as a function of the wavelength or color. One or more of these optical decoupling elements1014can be included in the waveguide1010.

Deflection can be caused by torsional characteristics in the decoupling optics1014that are configured to rotate or redirect the guided light within the waveguide1010. As illustrated by a ray of light.1006, the optical decoupling element1014can be configured to reflect, deflect and/or diffract the beam1006from the light source1002which is guided to the waveguide1010to propagate outside the waveguide1010toward space light modulator1018.

The Spatial Light Modulator1018may include a spatial light modulator of various types, such as a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS), a digital light processing (DLP) device (eg, a micromirror array), or an electronic paper device. Other types of spatial light modulators can also be used. As appropriate, the spatial light modulator1018can operate in reflective or transmitting mode and can be located in the path of light ejected from the waveguide1010as appropriate. On certain display devices, the spatial light modulator1018including an LCOS works in reflective mode. LCOS and various other light spatial modulators, such as certain liquid crystal based spatial modulators, modulate the polarization state of light. For example, a pixel in the spatial light modulator1018it may or may not rotate a polarized state, such as a linearly polarized state, depending on the state of the pixel. As a result, the linearly polarized light that has a state (e.g., a state s) can selectively rotate (e.g., a state p or vice versa) depending on the state of the pixel (e.g., on or off) or vice versa). An analyzer or polarizer1022can be used to filter light from one of the polarization states, transforming the polarization modulation into intensity modulation that forms an image.

Consequently, the display device1000may include a polarizer1008to make light from the light source1002which is injected into the waveguide1010be polarized (e.g. in the s state). In some cases, the polarizer1008can be excluded, for example, if the light source1002emits polarized light.

As mentioned above, a parser1022can be included in an optical path between the spatial light modulator1018and the output of the image source (e.g. light beam1006). the analyzer1022can be particularly useful if the spatial light modulator1018modulates the state of polarization of the light that falls on it. the analyzer1022It can be configured to dim light from one polarization state compared to another polarization state. Consequently, the analyzer1022can vary the light intensity depending on the polarization state of the light, which can depend on the polarization modulation produced by the spatial light modulator1018. . . . In Figs.10A, the parser1022shown arranged between the spatial light modulator1018and the waveguide1010and the optical decoupling element1014such that the light was out of coupling1016an,1016b1016Cpasses through the analyzer1022light modulator in space1018, which in the configuration shown in fig.10A runs in reflective mode and passes through the parser again1022after reflection of spatial light modulator1018. Coupled intensity modulated light1016an,1016b1016Cit can then propagate to an inner coupling element for an eyepiece (not shown), as an inner coupling element700,710,720as discussed herein with reference to FIG.9B.

FIGO.10A sample as an example, the ray of light1006light source output1002passing through the polarizer1008to provide a definite polarization state, such as a linear polarization state, such as s-polarization (or horizontally polarized light). the ray of light1006then it can be coupled to the waveguide1010via optical coupling element1009. the ray of light1006then it propagates inside the waveguide1010by TIR of the main surfaces (e.g. top and bottom surfaces or front and back surfaces) of the waveguide1010and focuses on the decoupling optical element1014one or more times. The optical decoupling element1014can be configured to deflect and redirect the light beam1006guided within the waveguide1010at a more normal angle to the main waveguide surfaces1010to reduce the effects of TIR so that light is not guided within the waveguide1010but it comes from there. In addition, the optical decoupling element1014can be configured to deflect and redirect this light to a spatial light modulator1018.

the ray of light1006is a representative example of a ray of light1006from the light source1002which is guided to the waveguide1010. For example, the light source can emit a cone of such rays.1002and propagates inside the waveguide1010. Similarly, each if the uncoupled light rays1016an,1016b1016Cis a representative example of a beam of a large number of beams that can be decoupled along the length of the decoupled optical element1014at various places in the waveguide1010and the optical decoupling element1014and at various angles, depending on the angle of the ray incident on it. The optical decoupling element1014can be configured to decouple the light beam1006at various locations along the waveguide1010, thus creating many uncoupled light rays, like uncoupled light rays1016an,1016b1016C

The angle of the beam uncoupled from the waveguide.1010may depend in part on the design of the decoupling optical element1014. . . . In Figs.10A, the angle between the uncoupled light ray1016and a normal waveguide surface1010is designated as angle β. In many cases, this angle β also corresponds to the angle at which the light ray is reflected from the spatial light modulator.1018and propagates back through the waveguide1010and away from the source of the image910. Based on display device design.1000and, for example, the optical decoupling element1014, this angle, β, can be affected by the wavelength of the light ray1016(as well as the characteristics of the optical decoupling element1014such as diffraction grating spacing for a diffraction grating). For example, for decoupled optical elements that include diffraction features, the decoupled optical element1014may present dispersion and the angle β may vary with the wavelength. In Fig.10A, this effect is shown by rays1016an,1016b,1016C,which are intended to correspond to different colors, such as red, green and blue or blue, green and red, and which diffract at different β angles.

Consequently, by properly controlling the angle β for different wavelengths, decoupled light of different wavelengths can be spatially separated. Therefore, light of various wavelengths or colors (eg red, green, and blue) can be introduced into the waveguide.1010and be directed along different paths (e.g. at different angles) to different spatial locations at a distance from the waveguide1010and spatial light modulator1018. Optical Coupling Elements700,710,720can be located at those respective spatial locations where the different wavelengths or colors are located (e.g. for red, green and blue light) such that the different colors couple in different coupled optical elements and different waveguides670,680,690in stacked waveguide array660in the eyepiece

As discussed above, the uncoupled light1016corresponds to a single ray of light emitted by the light source1002However, the emitter can emit a cone of similar rays. Likewise, a ray cone for each color can be decoupled from the waveguide.1010using decoupling optical element1014and directed to the spatial light modulator1018. These rays can be modulated by the spatial light modulator.1018and can propagate away from the source of the image910.

FIGO.10B shows one or more cones of light of different colors moving away from the image source.910. In various implementations, the light emitted by the light source1002will diverge and will have an angle of divergence. This light will propagate inside the waveguide.1010and be rotated by the optical decoupling element1014, interact with the spatial light modulator1018and propagate from there through the waveguide1010and the optical decoupling element1014, still divergent. As a result, FIG.10B shows diverging light, for example light ray cones,1016an,1016b,y1016C.the light source1002it can generate light that includes various spectral components (eg spectral peaks) associated with different colors. the light source1002this could be, for example, a broadband light source such as a white LED (WLED) including spectral peaks of red, green and blue. As a result of dispersion in the lighting system.900for example in the optical decoupling element1014, the different colored light emitted by the light source1002leaves the system as coupled light cones1016an,1016by1016Cmoving away from the waveguide1010in different directions. For example, the light attached1016an(e.g. red) may be moving away from the waveguide1010along a first path directed at a first angle (e.g. centered at a positive angle to normal), while the uncoupled light1016b(e.g. green) may be moving away from the waveguide1010along a second path directed at a second angle (e.g., centered at an angle normal to the waveguide) and uncoupled light1016Cmay be propagating away from the waveguide1010along a third path directed at a third angle (for example, centered at a negative angle to the normal). This dispersive effect of the lighting system900introduced, for example, through the use of a properly designed decoupling element1014can facilitate spatial separation of multiple colors or wavelengths of uncoupled light1016an,1016b,1016C.This particular arrangement of colors and exit angles is an example only and the color, order, and relative or particular angles may differ.

Another approach is to use one or more waveguides.1010each optically coupled to a different color emitter (e.g. a red LED, a green LED, and a blue LED) and includes externally coupled optics1014which direct the guided light in the respective waveguides in different directions. FIGURES.11AN-11C, for example, illustrates the first, second, and third light sources1102an,1102b,1102Coptically coupled to respective first, second and third waveguides1110an,1110b,1110Cthrough the respective first, second and third coupling elements1109an,1109b,1109C.polarizers1108an,1108b,1108Ccan be arranged in the beam path between the respective light sources1102an,1102b,1102Cand corresponding waveguide1110an,1110b,1110Cto provide a specific bias, such as the bias state s, and a parser1122can be placed between the first, second and third waveguides1110an,1110b,1110Cand spatial light modulator1118. multiple light sources1102an,1102b,1102Cit can have different spectral profiles and emit light of different colors, such as red, green, and blue. For example, the first light emitter.1102anyou can couple the blue colored light in the first waveguide1110an,the second light emitter1102byou can couple the green light in the second waveguide1110band the third light emitter1102Cyou can couple the red light to the third waveguide1110C.The first, second and third waveguides1110an,1110b,1110Cinclude the respective first, second and third decoupling elements1114an,1114b,1114Cconfigured to direct light along the respective first, second and third optical paths to the respective first, second and third spatial locations. The first, second and third decoupling optics1114an,114b,114Cmay include different diffraction gratings, holograms, diffractive optics, microstructure or other structures or features that operate in the propagation of light at different angles in different waveguides1110an,1110b,1110Cto direct the light in different directions. Decoupling of optical elements1114an,1114b,1114Ccan be configured to reflect, deflect and/or diffract light rays from the respective light sources1102an,1102b,1102Cthat are guided within the respective waveguides1110an,1110b,1110C,based on the polarization state of the light rays, so that the light rays propagate outward from the waveguides1110an,1110b,1110Ctoward a spatial light modulator1118. Decoupling of optical elements1114an,1114b,y1114Ccan be further configured to pass or transmit light rays from the spatial light modulator1118, based on the polarization state of light rays outside the image source910. FIGO.11An attached light shows1116ancorresponding to a first color1106an(e.g. blue) of the first waveguide1110andirected along the first direction/optical path. FIG.11B shows attached light1116bcorresponding to a second color1106b(e.g. green) of the second waveguide1110bdirected along the second direction/optical path, and fig.11C shows attached light1116Ccorresponding to a third color1106C(e.g. red) of the third waveguide1110Cdirected along the third direction/optical path. This configuration allows multiple waveguides1110an,1110by1110Cstack and spatially separate the different wavelengths of uncoupled light. The respective angles of the decoupled light cones1116an,1116by1116Ccan be negative, null or positive; however, angles, order, and colors may differ.

FIGO.11D shows another configuration, similar to the display shown in FIGS.11AN-11C, however, two of the colors are combined into a single waveguide. In Fig.11D, for example, first, second, and third light sources1102an,1102b,1102C,shown optically coupled to the first and second waveguides1110an,1110b.In particular, the first light source1102anthe light output of a first color is coupled to the first waveguide1110an,and the second and third light source1102by1102C,whose second and third colored light outputs, respectively, are coupled to the second waveguide1110b.The first and second waveguides.1110an,1110binclude the first and second decoupling element1114an,1114b,respectively configured to direct light along respective first and second optical paths to respective first and second spatial locations. The first and second decoupling elements1114an,1114bIt may include different diffraction gratings, holograms, diffraction optics, microstructure or other structures that operate in propagating light at different angles in different waveguides to direct light in different directions. Decoupling of optical elements1114an,1114bcan be configured to reflect, deflect and/or diffract light rays from light sources1102an,1102b,1102Cthat are guided within the respective waveguides1110an,1110b,based on the polarization state of the light rays, so that the light rays propagate outward from the waveguides1110an,1110btoward space light modulator1118. Decoupling of optical elements1114an,1114bcan be further configured to pass or transmit light rays from the spatial light modulator1118, based on the polarization state of light rays outside the image source910.

FIGO.11D, for example, shows coupled light1116bcorresponding to light with a different spectral distribution resulting from the combination of light from the second and third light sources1102b,1102C(for example, the combination of red and blue light from red and blue emitters) ejected from the second waveguide which is directed along the second direction/optical path. coupled light1116ancorresponding to the first color (e.g. green) of the first waveguide1110ancan be directed to an optical coupling element710located at the first spatial location. coupled light1116bcorresponding to light with a different spectral distribution resulting from the combination of light of different colors from the second and third light sources1102b,1102C(for example, the combination of red and blue light from red and blue light sources) ejected from the second waveguide1110bcan be directed to the respective optical coupling elements700y720located in the second spatial location laterally offset from the first location and optical element attached710. The optical coupling element720receive light that has a different spectral distribution resulting from the combination of light from the second and third light sources1102b,1102C(for example, the combination of red and blue light from red and blue light sources) may include a dichroic element that directs light with one spectral profile in one direction and directs light with another spectral profile in a different direction. Likewise, the light from the second light source1102bcan be separated from third source light1102C.The dichroic element can direct the light of the second and third colors (for example, the red and blue light from the red and blue emitters) into different waveguides. In another embodiment, the optical coupling element700y720can be combined into a dichroic signal pairs of input optical elements are activated in a waveguide (e.g. waveguide670) or another waveguide (e.g. one of the waveguides670,690) based on wavelength.

Other Approaches to Lighting the Spatial Light Modulator1018it's possible. FIG.12A illustrates another display device, such as the display device of FIGS.10one and10B, where a single waveguide1010is coupled to a light source (e.g. a white LED)1002emitting one or more color components. light source light1002is decoupled from the waveguide1010in a spatial light modulator1018by an optical decoupling element1014. After modulation, the light is directed to one or more blinds with matching color filters to selectively pass through different colors of light at different times.

FIGO.12A shows a blind unit1212that includes one or more electronically controlled blinds1216an,1216by1216Cand associated color filters1215an,1215b,1215C.FIGO.12A shows, for example, the first, second and third shutters1216an,1216by1216C,aligned with the first, second and third matching color filters1215an,1215b,1215C,forming respective first, second and third channels, which can selectively transmit first, second and third colors, respectively. shutter unit1212may include, for example, a color selective liquid crystal (LC) shutter unit. Filters can include a variety of filters, including absorption filters and/or interference filters. Although in FIG.12A, a display device1000it can include more channels or fewer channels.

the blinds1216an,1216by1216Cand filters1215an,1215b,1215Care arranged with respect to the waveguide1010and the spatial light modulator1018receive light1016waveguide output and modulated by spatial light modulator1018. FIGO.12A also shows the imaging optics1244that projects light from the spatial light modulator1018in the shutter unit1212.

shutter unit1212and the spatial light modulator1018may be in electrical communication with the control electronics1240, which can control the opening and closing of the shutters1216an,1216by1216C.in control electronics1240, which may include a clock circuit that can synchronize the opening and closing of the shutters1216an,1216by1216Cfor the operation (e.g. upgrade) of the spatial light modulator1018.

shutter unit1212can work in sync with spatial light modulator1018so that at any one time not more than one channel in the shutter unit1212It's open. The time during which a channel in the shutter1212stays open can be referred to as the stay time. In several examples, the shutter unit1212can include three channels corresponding to a tricolor stimulus (e.g. red color filter1215an,green color filter1215band blue color filter1215C). For example, the spatial light modulator1018can be set to an output pattern corresponding to the red component of an image, while the shutter unit1212it opens the red channel and keeps the green channel and blue channel closed, letting only red light through. The Spatial Light Modulator1018can be correspondingly set to an output pattern corresponding to the green component of an image, while simultaneously the shutter unit1212keeps the red channel and the blue channel closed and opens the green channel, letting only the green light through. The Spatial Light Modulator1018then it can be set to an output pattern corresponding to the blue component of an image, while the shutter1212keeps the green channel and the red channel closed and opens the blue channel, letting only blue light through.

FIGO.12B is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system update cycle of a display device including a shutter unit. en bloc1250, the system initiates an update by closing all shutter channels. After all shutter channels have been closed, the spatial light modulator1018transitions to show the modulation pattern for the first color component, e.g. red block1254. When the spatial light modulator1018finished the switching process and thus established the appropriate modulation pattern for the first color component, the red shutter channel is open en bloc1258, thus allowing red light to pass into the eyepiece, but blocking green and blue light. en bloc1262, the system remains in this state during the waiting time corresponding to the red component. Once the waiting time has elapsed, the system proceeds to block1266, closing red shutter channel. When the red shutter channel closes, the spatial light modulator1018generates a pattern corresponding to the second color component, for example, green, block1270. When the spatial light modulator1018has completed its switching process, the green shutter channel opens en bloc1274, thus allowing green light to pass into the eyepiece, but blocking red and blue light. The system then remains in this state and waits in block1278until the residence time of the green component has elapsed. The system then closes the green blind channel en bloc1282. When the green shutter channel is closed, the spatial light modulator1018transitions to the modulation pattern corresponding to the third color component, e.g. blue, in block1286. After Spatial Light Modulator1018finished its switching process, the blue shutter channel1290open en bloc1290. Blue light is passed through while red and green light are blocked. en bloc1294, the system remains in this state until the blue wait time has elapsed. The system can then lock again1250, initiating the next update cycle. Other system configurations as well as process flows are possible.

FIGO.13represents another layout for a display device1000that as the display device1000shown in fig.12A, including a single waveguide1010that can be attached to a light source1002emit light that includes one or more spectral components that correspond to various colors. Instead of decoupling the waveguide light1010in a spatial light modulator1018and then to a blind drive1212, one or more dichroic beam splitters are used to split the different colors and produce different colored beams in different lateral positions.

the light source1002may include, for example, a white LED. The source1002is organized with respect to the waveguide1010to attach the light on it. the waveguide1010includes a decoupling element1414which extracts the light and causes the extracted light to fall on a spatial light modulator1018.

display device1000further includes a beam splitter assembly disposed relative to the waveguide1010and the spatial light modulator1018to receive her light. The beam splitter assembly includes a first dichroic beam splitter1412, a second dichroic beam splitter1408, and a third reflective surface1404. beam splitter assembly1402it is configured to separate individual color components. For example, if the incident beam includes the first, second, and third colors, for example red, green, and blue, the first beam splitter1412It may include a dichroic reflector that transmits the first color and reflects the second and third colors. The second beam splitter1408It can also include a dichroic reflector that reflects the second color and transmits the third color. reflective surface1404you can redirect the remaining third color so that the first, second and third color are radiated770,780,790are directed to optically coupled elements700,710, you720, respectively.

For example, as shown in FIG.13, a ray of light1006broadband light source1002, which may include a white LED, can be attached to the waveguide1010and decoupled by the decoupling element1414toward a spatial light modulator1018. The decoupling element1414can be configured to reduce scatter in the uncoupled beam1402. After being reflected by the spatial light modulator1018, the modulated beam is directed to the first beam splitter1412selectively passing or directing light of a specific color (e.g. blue light) into a specific optical path, while reflecting or directing light of a non-specific color along another optical path (e.g. blue light). remaining red and green components in the uncoupled beam1402). The beam transmitted through the first beam splitter.1412can form a ray of light770and may be directed towards a coupled optical element, such as a coupled optical element700, to another waveguide670in the ocular element, as explained with reference to fig.7. the reflected ray1410travels to the second beam splitter1408that selectively directs or reflects light of another specific wavelength or color (e.g., green light) along a specific optical path, while transmitting or directing light that is not of the specific wavelength (e.g., the blue component) remaining). The beam reflected from the second beam splitter.1408can form a ray of light780and may be directed towards a coupled optical element, such as a coupled optical element710, to another waveguide680in the ocular element, as explained with reference to fig.7. a bug1406transmitted through the beam splitter1408propagates towards the reflecting surface1404, where it can be reflected. the reflected ray790it can then travel to an optical coupling element720to another waveguide690in the eyepiece element, such as an optical element attached720, as discussed with reference to FIG.7. Other configurations are possible. For example, more or less beam splitters can be included in the beam splitter assembly and the arrangement can be different.

Although lighting systems can be described above as waveguide-based and comprising one or more waveguides, other types of rotating optical light elements can be employed in place of a waveguide. Such light twisting optics may include twisting features to eject light from the light twisting optic, for example in the spatial light modulator. Consequently, in any of the examples described in this document, as well as in any of the following claims, any reference to a waveguide may be replaced by a light rotating optical element instead of a waveguide. Said light converting optical element may comprise, for example, a polarizing beamsplitter such as a polarizing beamsplitter prism.

additional variations

The various devices, systems, configurations, methods and approaches above can be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, different types of optical decoupling elements can be used. In various implementations, for example, the optical decoupling element may include a volume phase grid or hologram. The volume reflective grating, for example, exhibits strong directional diffraction as well as high coupling efficiency (eg, up to about 100% efficiency). Furthermore, different schemes for introducing light into the waveguide are possible.

FIGURES.14one and14B illustrating different configurations for providing light from a light source1002to a waveguide1010for front lighting of a spatial light modulator. In Fig.14Oh, the light source1002is an approximately "point" light source (eg an LED) in which, at least to a reasonable approximation for the application, all rays diverge substantially from a single point. In Fig.14B, the light source1002is an "extended" light source that extends substantially along at least one spatial dimension, for example, as illustrated, along one side of the waveguide1010. the light source1002it can be a line light source or an area light source or part of it. For example, the light source1002may include a linear array of LEDs, for example micro-LEDs, which may have microlens arrays to shape the beam. In some embodiments, the light source1002can extend across the entire cross section of the interface between the waveguide1010and the surrounding medium, or the light source1002may span 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30% or less than 30% of the waveguide side cross-sectional area1010where the light from the light source1002is injected

In some embodiments, light coupling optics1011can be placed between the light source1002and the waveguide1010and can be used to facilitate the coupling of light from the light source1002in the waveguide1010. the waveguide1010it may include an optically transparent thin plate (e.g. glass or plastic) having, for example, a thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 5 mm.

FIGURES.14C-14And they illustrate the arrangements for coupling light from a light source1022in a waveguide1010, according to some modalities. In particular, FIGS.14C-14And they represent waveguides1010for front lighting of a spatial light modulator (SLM)1018having a side light distributor for coupling light from a light source1002in the waveguides1010. FIGO.14C illustrates an arrangement in which a separate side light distributor including a light guide1099andirects the light to the waveguide1010. An optical decoupling element, such as a grid, is disposed in or on the light guide.1099anand is configured to redirect propagated light within the light guide1099anso that the light comes out of the light guide1099an.An optional reflective element1099bcan be arranged relative to the light guide1099anand the grid to reflect light towards the waveguide1010. Consequently, the light emitted by the light source1002injected into a light guide1099anand directed out of the light guide into the waveguide1010for front lighting an SLM1018.

FIGO.14D illustrates a waveguide1010it has a side light distributor. At one end of the waveguide1010, a side light distributor is provided which includes a rotatable element. This rotating element rotates propagating a beam of light from the light source.1002which is attached to one edge of the waveguide1010. As illustrated, light from the light source1002propagates inside the waveguide1010along an edge or side thereof. The rotating element rotates this beam in some implementations 90° away from the waveguide side.1010and even more in the waveguide1010. The rotating element may, for example, include a diffraction grating. In some implementations, the diffraction grating may have a grating vector of 45° to the beam propagation direction along the side of the waveguide.1010. FIGO.14And it shows a cross-sectional side view of the side light distributor. light source light1002propagates inside the waveguide1010, for example, through total internal reflection from the top and bottom surfaces of the waveguide1010. Light incident on the rotating element including, for example, the diffraction grating is rotated, possibly approximately 90° from the beam propagation direction. This redirection of light is illustrated in FIG.14It's like light coming out of paper. Other configurations are possible.

An optical decoupling element1014can be used to couple propagation of light inside the waveguide1010outside the waveguide1010towards the MLS1018. Light can propagate inside the waveguide.1010through total internal reflection. When light interacts with the decoupling optical element1014, which may include, for example, a diffraction grating on a waveguide surface1010, the light leaves the waveguide1010towards the MLS1018. This grid can include a bulk phase grid. Likewise, volume phase holograms or other volume diffraction optics can be used in various implementations.

FIGO.15A shows a cross section of a waveguide.1010having an optical decoupling element1014including a volume phase grid therein, according to some embodiments. This volume phase grid includes a reflective volume phase grid. Consequently, light diffracted by the reflective volume phase grating is diffracted and reflected towards the SLM.1018to provide lighting.

In various implementations, the optical decoupling element1014may have a gradient in coupling efficiency (e.g. grating efficiency or diffraction efficiency) that increases with distance from the light source1002. This gradient is represented by an arrow.1075in Fig. 1 .15A. As light exits the waveguide.1010, the light inside the waveguide1010depletes As the coupling efficiency increases at locations further away from the light source, this depletion of light within the waveguide1010can be compensated. Consequently, a relatively lower coupling efficiency is provided closer to the light source.1002, while greater coupling efficiency is provided further away from the light source1002. Thus, a more even light distribution can be provided throughout the SLM.1018. Consequently, the coupling efficiency at different locations through the optical decoupling element1014can be optimized or modified to increase uniformity in light distribution throughout the SLM1018.

In some implementations, the optical decoupling element1014includes a grid where the grid has a variation, for example a gradient, in hue. For example, the grid pitch can increase with distance from the light source.1002. This hue variation will change the angles at which the light is coupled based on its location in the waveguide.1010and grid where the light is attached. Decoupling Optical Grid Areas1014closer to the light source1002you can flatten the light at lower angles while areas farther away from the light source1002, (e.g. at the other end of the waveguide1010) set the light at high angles; the pace can thus decrease along the direction indicated by the arrow1075Using such a gradient with high coupling efficiency, the illumination beam can be shaped as it propagates in the waveguide.1010.

Since volume phase gratings can exhibit narrow spectral and angular properties, one or more volume phase gratings or stack of volume phase gratings can be used in various embodiments. FIG.15B illustrates a waveguide-based light distribution device with a waveguide1010and a pile1087of volume phase grating (VPG) diffraction elements to couple light outside the waveguide1010. the pile1087It may include a plurality of bulk phase grating diffraction elements configured to diffract light of different wavelengths. Furthermore, the stack1087can include multiple VPG diffraction elements configured to diffract light with different colors. For example, the stack1087can include multiple (eg three) volume phase grids, different grids associated with wavelengths corresponding to different colors respectively (eg red, green and blue). The light can be detached in different places in the stack.1087, as exemplified in the drawing by a first uncoupled cone1088anand a second uncoupled cone1088boriginating from different locations in the stack1087.

Alternatively or additionally, as illustrated in FIG.15C, to archive1087You can include multiple volume phase grids for the same color but diffracting the light at different angles. For example, the stack1087may include a first volume phase grid associated with a wavelength corresponding to the red color, a second volume phase grid associated with the same or another wavelength corresponding to the green color, and a third volume phase grid associated with the same or another wavelength corresponding to the color blue. However, the different grids in the stack1087it can diffract light in such a way that the light is mismatched at a different angle. Since volume phase grids can exhibit narrow angular properties, different grids can be used in the stack for different angles. The light can be detached in different places in the stack.1087, as exemplified in the drawing by a first uncoupled cone1088anand a second uncoupled cone1088boriginating from different locations in the stack1087.

FIGO.sixteenillustrates a side view of a waveguide1010, in which a cholesteric liquid crystal grid (CLCG)1070used to decouple the light from the waveguide1010. A CLCG1070can be formed using cholesteric liquid crystal that diffracts polarized light.

In some implementations, CLCG1070diffracts circularly polarized light and the SLM1018(for example, an array of liquid crystal spatial light modulators) works with linear polarized light. In such implementations, retarders can be used to convert circular polarized light to linear polarized light and vice versa. A first quarter wave retarder1072can, for example, be arranged between the waveguide1010and or SLM1018, and a second quarter wave delay1074can be arranged on the opposite side of the waveguide1010. In some embodiments, CLCG can decouple light1070waveguide1010in the direction of SLM1018with circular polarization (for example, circular to the right). The First Trimester Wave Retarder1072you can rotate the polarization to linear polarization (eg linear vertical). Consequently, in some implementations where SLM1018operates with linearly polarized light (like a liquid crystal spatial light modulator), the use of CLCG1070and the first quarter-wave retarder1072can reduce the need for a linear polarizer, since linearly polarized light exits the first quarter-wave delay1072. Being reflected and transmitted with modulation by the SLM1018, the linearly polarized light passes through the first quarter-wave delay again1072, again assuming circular polarization (eg left circular). Passing through the second quarter-wave retarder1074, circularly polarized light can be converted back to linear polarization (eg linear horizontal). Other configurations are possible.

As discussed above in relation to FIG.15A and optical decoupling elements1014including volume phase grids, the CLCG1070may have a gradient in coupling and/or pitch efficiency. the GCLG1070can, for example, be configured to have a high diffraction efficiency further away from the light source1002, and lower diffraction efficiency closer to the light source1002. As discussed, the amount of light inside the waveguide1010may decrease with increasing distance from the light source1002. Choosing the right CLCG coupling efficiency profile1070along its length, the effect of light decay inside the waveguide1010can be at least partially offset by an increase in CLCG decoupling efficiency1070. This may allow for a more homogeneous intensity of decoupled light along the waveguide.1010. Likewise, the tone can be varied as explained in relation to fig.15A. The shadow can, for example, be smaller near the light source.1002and bigger farther from the light source1002. Other configurations are possible.

Furthermore, from the CLCG1070can exhibit narrow angular and spectral properties, one or more bulk phase gratings or stacks of bulk phase gratings can be used in various embodiments. For example, as illustrated in FIG.15B, the waveguide-based light distribution device may include a battery1087of cholesteric liquid crystal diffractive elements to couple light outside the waveguide1010. the pile1087it may include various cholesteric liquid diffractive elements associated with different wavelengths. Furthermore, the stack1087It may include multiple cholesteric liquid crystal diffraction elements configured to diffract light with different colors. For example, the stack1087can include multiple (eg three) volume phase grids, different grids associated with wavelengths corresponding to different colors respectively (eg red, green and blue). Narrow or modest bandwidth allows the light to be decoupled at the same angle for different colors, as individual color layers can be projected for each color.

The different variations described above can be used with any of the other devices, systems, configurations, methods and approaches discussed above. Other variations are still possible.

For example, efficiently coupling a source such as an LED with a narrow-angle emission cone may require some volume to adjust the optics for beamforming. FIG.17The illustrates a design with a light source that is spread across an SLM array so that the coupling optics can be more efficient and compact, as the coupling optics need to shape the beam to cover an area of ​​the array. SLM instead of a narrow angle cone. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG.17B, light is coupled from the waveguide1010when interacting with the optical decoupling element1014instead of propagating through total internal reflection in the waveguide1010. Volume phase grids or cholesteric liquid crystal grids can be used. In some embodiments, both the bulk phase grid and the cholesteric liquid crystal grid can exhibit 100% efficiency.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG.18, a wedge-shaped waveguide1010can be employed. the waveguide1010has an inclined or curved surface that produces a tapering of the waveguide1010. Consequently, one end of the waveguide1010it is thicker than the other end. In the implementation shown in FIG.18, the light source1002is on the thicker end and mounts the light on that thicker end. When the waveguide1010is wedge-shaped (or curved), the beam propagation angle can change as light propagates in the waveguide. This change in propagation angle is caused by reflections from the inclined surface. Consequently, the propagation angle can be adapted.

As discussed above, since both bulk phase gratings and cholesteric liquid crystal gratings can have narrow (or modest) angular responses (e.g., high efficiency within ± 2° or ± 10°, respectively), the light within these ranges is extracted by the optical decoupling element1014. Light propagating within this angular range within a planar waveguide can be exhausted as decoupled light from the planar waveguide. However, as light propagates through the wedge-shaped or conical (eg curved) waveguide, the angle of propagation of the light beam progressively changes. As a result, the angle of the light may change as it propagates until the angle reaches the proper angle for decoupling by the decoupling optical element.1014. Light uncoupled from wedge-shaped or conical waveguide1010can be distributed more evenly. This approach works when dealing with light sources that have a wide angle cone to the output.

EXAMPLES

1. Display device, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

one or more light emitters configured to emit light;

a first waveguide arranged relative to said one or more light emitters to receive light from said one or more light emitters, said first waveguide configured to (i) eject light from said waveguide having a first color along a first path, and (ii) ejecting light from said first waveguide having a second color along a second path; y

a spatial light modulator disposed relative to said first waveguide for receiving said light ejected from said waveguide and modulating said light,

wherein said one or more light emitters are configured to emit light with a spectral distribution that includes spectral components corresponding to said first and second colors, and

wherein said display device is configured such that said first waveguide light of said first color and said second color after being modulated by said spatial light modulator are directed along said first and second respective paths in different angles and impinge on respective first and second spatial locations at a distance from said first waveguide and spatial light modulator.

2. The display device of example 1, wherein one or more light emitters comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs).

3. The display device of Example 2, wherein the one or more light emitters comprise one or more white light emitting diodes (WLEDs).

4. The display device of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein said first waveguide is configured to (iii) eject light from said first waveguide with a third color along a third path.

5. The display device of Example 4, wherein said spatial light modulator is disposed relative to said first waveguide to receive said light of said third color ejected from said first waveguide and modulate said light, and said first waveguide is configured to direct said light. after being modulated by said spatial light modulator along said third path to impinge on a third spatial location other than said first and second spatial locations at a distance from said first waveguide and spatial light modulator.

6. The display device of any one of Examples 1-5, further comprising:

a second waveguide having associated an optical coupling element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said first path for receiving light from said first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator; y

a third waveguide having associated an optical coupling element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said second path for receiving light from said first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator,

wherein said optical input elements associated with said second and third waveguides, respectively, are located at said first and second spatial locations along said first and second paths, respectively, for receiving said light from said first and second colors, respectively.

7. The display device of example 6, wherein said coupled optical elements associated with said second and third waveguides are configured to convert light in said second and third waveguides, respectively, so that said light is guided inside said waveguides by total internal reflection. .

8. The display device of example 6 or 7, wherein said optical elements coupled to said second and third waveguides comprise rotatable elements configured to redirect light to said second and third waveguides, respectively, to be guided by total internal reflection.

9. The display device of any one of Examples 6-8, wherein said coupled optical elements comprise one or more diffractive optical elements, diffraction gratings, holographic optical elements or metasurfaces.

10. The display device of any one of Examples 6-9, wherein one or more of said coupled optical elements comprises a wavelength selective optical element.

11. The display device of any one of Examples 6-10, further comprising:

a fourth waveguide having associated a coupled optical element disposed relative to said first waveguide;

wherein said first waveguide is configured to (iii) eject light from said first waveguide with a third color along a third path,

wherein said spatial light modulator is disposed with respect to said first waveguide to receive said light of said third color ejected from said first waveguide and modulate said first waveguide, and said first waveguide is configured to direct said light of said third color after being modulated by said spatial light modulator along a third path to impinge on a third spatial location other than said first and second spatial locations at a distance from said first light guide waves and spatial light modulator, Y

wherein said input optical elements associated with said room, respectively, are located at said third spatial locations along said third path for receiving said light of said third color.

12. The display device of example 11, wherein said coupled optical element associated with said fourth waveguide is configured to convert light in said fourth waveguide so that said light is guided to said waveguide by total internal reflection.

13. The display device of example 11 or 12, wherein said optical element coupled to said fourth waveguide comprises rotating elements configured to redirect light to said fourth waveguide to be guided by total internal reflection.

14. The display device of any one of Examples 11-13, wherein said coupled optical element comprises one or more diffractive optical elements, diffraction gratings, holographic optical elements, or metasurfaces.

15. The display of any one of Examples 11-14, wherein said internally coupled optical element associated with said fourth waveguide comprises a wavelength selective optical element.

16. The display device of any one of the above examples, wherein said waveguide includes one or more rotatable elements configured to rotate guided light within said waveguide by total internal reflection off said waveguide.

17. The display device of Example 16, wherein said one or more rotatable elements comprise rotatable features configured to redirect light guided within said waveguide by total internal reflection of said waveguide.

18. The display device of Example 16 or 17, wherein said one or more rotating elements comprise one or more diffraction optics, diffraction gratings, holographic optics or metasurfaces.

19. The display of any one of Examples 16-18, wherein said one or more rotating elements have wavelength dispersion.

20. The display of any one of Examples 16-19, wherein said one or more rotating elements comprise a wavelength selective optical element.

21. Display device, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

one or more light emitters configured to emit light;

a first waveguide arranged relative to said one or more light emitters to receive light from said one or more light emitters such that said light is guided by total internal reflection, said first waveguide configured to eject light guided into said first waveguide outside said waveguide;

a shutter system comprising a first shutter and a second shutter and corresponding first and second color filters configured to selectively transmit first and second color light, respectively, said shutter system disposed relative to said first waveguide to receive the said light ejected from said waveguide such that light of said first and second color from said first waveguide passes through said first and second respective color filter, respectively, as well as through said first and second respective shutter along respective first and second light paths to respective first and second spatial locations at a distance from said first waveguide;

a spatial light modulator disposed relative to said first waveguide for receiving said light ejected from said waveguide and modulating said light, said shutter system disposed relative to said spatial light modulator such that said light modulated light is directed along said first and second optical paths to said first and second respective spatial locations at a distance from said spatial light modulator; y

electronics in communication with said shutter system and said spatial light modulator for (i) opening said shutter associated with said first color a first time and closing said shutter associated with said second color when said spatial light modulator is configured to display an image corresponding to said first color and (ii) open said shutter associated with said second color and close said shutter associated with said first color at a second time when said spatial light modulator is configured to display a image corresponding to said second color,

wherein said one or more light emitters are configured to emit light with a spectral distribution that includes spectral components corresponding to said first and second colors.

22. The display device of example 21, wherein the one or more light emitters comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs).

23. The display device of example 22, wherein the one or more light emitters comprise one or more white light emitting diodes (WLEDs).

24. The display device of any one of Examples 21-23, wherein said shutter system includes a third shutter and a corresponding third color filter configured to selectively transmit light of a third color, said shutter system disposed in with respect to said first waveguide for receiving said light ejected from said waveguide such that light of said third color from said first waveguide is selectively transmitted through said third color filter as well as through said third shutter along a respective third optical path to a third different spatial location spaced from said first and second spatial locations at a distance from said first waveguide.

25. The display device of example 24,

wherein said one or more light emitters are configured to emit light with a spectral distribution including spectral components corresponding to said third color,

wherein said shutter system is disposed relative to said spatial light modulator such that said modulated light from said spatial light modulator is directed along said third optical path to said third spatial location at a distance from said spatial light modulator, and

wherein said electronics are configured to (iii) open said shutter associated with said third color a third time and close said shutters associated with said first and second colors when said spatial light modulator is configured to display an image corresponding to said third color.

26. The display device of any one of Examples 21-25, wherein said shutters are disposed along said optical path between said color filters and said spatial locations.

27. The display device of any one of Examples 21-26, wherein said color filters are disposed along said optical path between said shutters and said spatial locations.

28. The display device of any one of Examples 21-25, further comprising:

a second waveguide having associated a coupled optical element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said first path for receiving light from the first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator; y

a third waveguide having associated an optical coupling element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said second path for receiving light from the first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator,

wherein said input optical elements associated with said second and third waveguides, respectively, are located at said first and second spatial locations along said first and second paths, respectively, for receiving said light from said first and second colors, respectively.

29. The display device of example 26, wherein said coupled optical elements associated with said second and third waveguides are configured to convert light in said second and third waveguides, respectively, so that said light is guided inside said waveguides by total internal reflection. .

30. The display device of example 26 or 27, wherein said optical elements coupled to said second and third waveguides comprise rotatable elements configured to redirect light to said second and third waveguides, respectively, to be guided by total internal reflection.

31. The display device of any one of Examples 26-28, wherein said coupled optical elements comprise one or more diffractive optical elements, diffraction gratings, holographic optical elements or metasurfaces.

32. The display device of any one of Examples 26-29, wherein one or more of said coupled optical elements comprises a wavelength selective optical element.

33. The display device of example 25, further comprising:

a second waveguide having associated a coupled optical element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said first path for receiving light from the first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator; y

a third waveguide having associated an optical coupling element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said second path for receiving light from the first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator,

a fourth waveguide having associated a coupled optical element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said third path for receiving light from the first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator.

34. The display device of Example 33, wherein said coupled optical elements associated with said second, third and fourth waveguides are configured to convert light in said second, third and fourth waveguides, respectively, in such a manner that said light is guided in said waveguides by total internal reflection.

35. The display device of Example 34 or 35, wherein said optical elements coupled to said second, third and fourth waveguides comprise rotatable features configured to redirect light to said second, third and fourth waveguides, respectively , to be guided in them. by total internal reflection.

36. The display device of any one of Examples 33-35, wherein said coupled optical elements comprise one or more diffractive optical elements, diffraction gratings, holographic optical elements or metasurfaces.

37. The display of any one of Examples 33-36, wherein one or more of said coupled optical elements comprises a wavelength selective optical element.

38. The display of any one of the above examples, wherein said waveguide includes one or more rotatable elements configured to rotate guided light within said waveguide by total internal reflection off said waveguide.

39. The display device of Example 38, wherein said one or more rotatable elements comprise rotatable features configured to redirect light guided within said waveguide by total internal reflection of said waveguide.

40. The display device of Example 38 or 39, wherein said one or more rotating elements comprise one or more diffraction optics, diffraction gratings, holographic optics or metasurfaces.

41. The display device of any one of Examples 38-40, wherein said one or more rotating elements comprise a wavelength selective optical element.

42. Display device, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

one or more light emitters configured to emit light;

a first waveguide arranged relative to said one or more light emitters to receive light from said one or more light emitters such that said light is guided by total internal reflection, said first waveguide configured to eject light guided into said first waveguide outside said waveguide;

a first beamsplitter configured to selectively direct light of a first spectral distribution and a first colored light along a first direction and a second spectral distribution along a second direction, said first beamsplitter disposed relative to said first waveguide for receiving said light ejected from said waveguide such that light of said first and second spectral distributions of said first waveguide is incident on said first beamsplitter and said light having said first spectral distributions and second is directed along respective first and second optical paths, said light of said first spectral distribution and first color being directed to a respective first spatial location at a distance from said first waveguide; y

a spatial light modulator disposed relative to said first waveguide for receiving said light ejected from said waveguide and modulating said light, said first beam splitter disposed relative to said spatial light modulator such that the said modulated light is directed along said first and second optical paths and said light of said first color is directed to said first spatial location at a distance from said spatial light modulator,

wherein said one or more light emitters are configured to emit light having a spectral distribution including spectral components corresponding to said first and second spectral distribution directed along said first and second respective optical paths.

43. The display device of example 42, wherein the one or more light emitters comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs).

44. The display device of example 43, wherein the one or more light emitters comprise one or more white light emitting diodes (WLEDs).

45. The display device of any one of Examples 42-44, further comprising a reflector for directing said light of said second spectral distribution emitted by said first beamsplitter to a second spatial location at a distance from said spatial light modulator .

46. ​​The display device of any one of Examples 42-45, further comprising a second beamsplitter configured to receive said light of said second spectral distribution emitted by said first beamsplitter and selectively direct light from said a second color along a second direction and light of a third color along a third direction, said second beamsplitter disposed relative to said first waveguide to receive said light ejected from said waveguide in such a manner manner that light from said second and third colors of said first waveguide strikes said second beamsplitter and said respective second and third colored light are directed along respective second and third optical paths to respective second and third spatial locations at a distance from said first waveguide.

47. The display device of Examples 46,

wherein said one or more light emitters are configured to emit light with a spectral distribution including spectral components corresponding to said second and third colors,

wherein said second beam splitter is disposed relative to said spatial light modulator in such a manner that said modulated light from said spatial light modulator having a second and a third color is directed along said second and third respective colors . third optical paths to said respective second and third spatial locations at a distance from said spatial light modulator.

48. The display of any one of Examples 42-47, wherein said first beamsplitter is disposed along said optical path between said spatial light modulator and said first spatial locations.

49. The display device of Examples 46 or 47, wherein said first and second beam splitters are disposed along said optical paths between said spatial light modulator and said first, second and third spatial locations.

50. The display device of any one of Examples 46, 47 or 49, wherein said first beam splitter is disposed along an optical path between said second beam splitter and said spatial light modulator.

51. The display of any one of Examples 46, 47, 49 or 50, wherein said second beamsplitter is disposed along an optical path between said first beamsplitter and said second and third spatial locations .

52. The display device of any one of Examples 42-51, further comprising:

a second waveguide having associated an optical coupling element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said first path for receiving light from said first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator; y

a third waveguide having associated an optical coupling element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said second path for receiving light from said first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator,

wherein said optical input elements associated with said second and third waveguides, respectively, are located at said first and second spatial locations along said first and second paths, respectively, for receiving said first and second colored light, respectively.

53. The display device of Example 52, wherein said coupled optical elements associated with said second and third waveguides are configured to convert light in said second and third waveguides, respectively, so that said light is guided inside said waveguides by total internal reflection. .

54. The display device of example 52 or 53, wherein said optical elements coupled to said second and third waveguides comprise rotatable elements configured to redirect light to said second and third waveguides, respectively, to be guided by total internal reflection.

55. The display device of any one of Examples 52-53, wherein said coupled optical elements comprise one or more diffractive optical elements, diffraction gratings, holographic optical elements or metasurfaces.

56. The display device of any one of Examples 52-55, wherein one or more of said coupled optical elements comprises a wavelength selective optical element.

57. The display device of Example 46, further comprising:

a second waveguide having associated an optical coupling element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said first path for receiving light from said first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator; y

a third waveguide having associated an optical coupling element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said second path for receiving light from said first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator,

a fourth waveguide having associated a coupled optical element disposed with respect to said first waveguide and said third path for receiving light from said first waveguide after being modulated by said spatial light modulator.

58. The display device of example 57, wherein said coupled optical elements associated with said second, third, and fourth waveguides are configured to convert light in said second, third, and fourth waveguides, respectively, so that said light is guided to said waveguides by total internal reflection.

59. The display device of example 57 or 58, wherein said optical elements coupled to said second, third and fourth waveguides comprise rotatable features configured to redirect light to said second, third and fourth waveguides, respectively, to be guided in them. by total internal reflection.

60. The display device of any one of Examples 57-59, wherein said coupled optical elements comprise one or more diffractive optical elements, diffraction gratings, holographic optical elements or metasurfaces.

61. The display of any one of Examples 57-60, wherein one or more of said coupled optical elements comprises a wavelength selective optical element.

62. The display device of any one of the above examples, wherein said waveguide includes one or more rotatable elements configured to rotate guided light within said waveguide by total internal reflection off said waveguide.

63. The display device of Example 62, wherein said one or more rotatable elements comprise rotatable features configured to redirect light guided within said waveguide by total internal reflection of said waveguide.

64. The display device of Example 62 or 63, wherein said one or more rotating elements comprise one or more diffraction optics, diffraction gratings, holographic optics or metasurfaces.

65. The display device of any one of Examples 62-64, wherein said one or more rotating elements comprise a wavelength selective optical element.

ANOTHER EXAMPLES

1. Display device for head-mounted display, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

a waveguide based image source comprising: one or more light emitters configured to emit light;

one or more waveguides disposed relative to said one or more light emitters to receive light from said one or more light emitters such that light is guided to said one or more light guides by total internal reflection said one or more waveguides configured to eject light from said waveguides; y

a spatial light modulator disposed relative to one or more waveguides for receiving said light ejected from said one or more waveguides and modulating said light,

wherein said one or more light emitters are configured to emit light with a spectral distribution that includes spectral components corresponding to the first and second colors, and

said waveguide-based image source is configured such that said light of said first and second color, after being modulated by said spatial light modulator, is directed along said first and second respective paths and impinges on said waveguide-based image source. first and second respective spatial locations at a distance from said one or more waveguides and said spatial light modulator, and

an ocular element comprising a waveguide-based light distribution system comprising: a first waveguide having associated an optical coupling element disposed relative to one or more first waveguides and said first path for receiving light from said one or more waveguides after being modulated by said spatial light modulator; y

a second waveguide having associated an optical coupling element disposed relative to said one or more waveguides and said second path for receiving light from said one or more waveguides after being modulated by said spatial light modulator,

wherein said optical input elements associated with said first and second waveguides, respectively, are located at said first and second spatial locations along said first and second paths, respectively, for receiving said light from said first and second colors, respectively.

42. The display system of Example 1, wherein one or more light emitters comprise one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs).

43. The display system of Example 2, wherein one or more light emitters comprise one or more white light emitting diodes (WLEDs).

44. The display system of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein said waveguide-based image source is configured to emit light of a third color along a third path.

45. The display system of any one of Examples 1-3, wherein said one or more light emitters are configured to emit light with a spectral distribution that includes spectral components corresponding to the third color.

46. ​​The display system of example 5, wherein said waveguide based image source is configured such that said light of said third color after being modulated by said spatial light modulator is directed along a respective third path other than said first and second paths. such that said first, second and third colored light strikes respective first, second and third spatial locations at a distance from said one or more waveguides and spatial light modulator.

47. The display system of any one of Examples 6, wherein said waveguide-based light distribution system comprises a third waveguide having associated one or more coupled optical elements disposed relative to said one or more guides of waves in said waveguide-based image source and said third path for receiving light from said one or more waveguides after being modulated by said spatial light modulator, said input optical element associated with said third guide being waves at said third spatial locations along said third path for receiving said light of said third color of light.

48. The display system of Example 7, wherein said coupled optical elements associated with said third waveguide are configured to convert light in said third waveguide so that said light is guided to said third waveguide. waves due to total internal reflection.

49. The display system of example 7 or 8, wherein said optical elements coupled to said third waveguide comprise rotatable means configured to redirect light to said third waveguide to be guided by total internal reflection.

50. The display system of any one of the above examples, wherein said coupled optical elements associated with said first and second waveguides are configured to convert light in said first and second waveguides, respectively, so that said light is guided to said first and second waveguides. second waveguides by total internal reflection.

51. The display system of any one of the above examples, wherein said optical elements coupled to said first and second waveguides comprise rotatable elements configured to redirect light to said first and second waveguides, respectively, to be guided by total internal reflection.

52. The display system of any of the above examples, wherein said coupled optical elements comprise one or more diffractive optical elements, diffraction gratings, holographic optical elements or metasurfaces.

53. The display system of any one of the above examples, wherein one or more of said coupled optical elements comprises a wavelength selective optical element.

54. The display system of any one of the above examples, wherein said one or more waveguides include one or more rotatable elements configured to rotate guided light within said waveguide by total internal reflection off of said waves from the wave guide.

55. The display system of Example 14, wherein said one or more rotatable elements comprise rotatable features configured to redirect light guided within said waveguide by total internal reflection of said waveguide.

56. The display system of Example 14 or 15, wherein said one or more rotating elements comprise one or more diffraction optics, diffraction gratings, holographic optics or metasurfaces.

57. The display system of any one of Examples 14-16, wherein said one or more rotating elements comprise a wavelength selective optical element.

58. The display system of any one of the above examples, wherein said waveguide based light distribution system comprises an exit pupil expander.

59. The display system of any one of the above examples, wherein said head-mounted display comprises an augmented reality head-mounted display system, said first and second waveguides being transparent in said ocular element.

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES

1. Display device, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

a light source;

a waveguide disposed relative to said light for receiving light from said light source, said waveguide including decoupling optics configured to eject light from said waveguide; y

a spatial light modulator disposed relative to said waveguide for receiving said light ejected from said waveguides and modulating said light,

wherein said optical decoupling element comprises a volumetric phase grating.

2. Display device, characterized by the fact that it comprises:

a light source having a first spectral distribution;

a waveguide disposed relative to said light for receiving light from said light source, said waveguide including decoupling optics configured to eject light from said waveguide; y

a spatial light modulator disposed relative to said waveguide for receiving said light ejected from said waveguides and modulating said light,

wherein said optical decoupling element comprises a liquid crystal.

3. The display device of Example 2, wherein said optical decoupling element comprises a cholesteric liquid crystal.

4. The display device of Example 2, wherein said optical decoupling element comprises a liquid crystal grid.

5. The display device of Example 2, wherein said optical decoupling element comprises a grid of cholesteric liquid crystal.

6. The display device of any of the preceding Examples, where the display device is included in an augmented reality head-mounted display to provide image content.

7. The display device of any one of the above Examples, wherein said light from said modulator is directed to an eyepiece of an augmented reality head mounted display.

OTHER ADDITIONAL VARIATIONS IN THE EXAMPLES

The following examples can depend on any of the previous examples in each of the sections (eg Section 1, Section 2, Section 3).

1. The display device of any of the above examples, wherein the one or more light emitters comprise a point light source.

2. The display device of any of the above Examples, wherein the one or more light emitters comprise a linear light source.

3. The display device of Example 3, wherein the one or more light emitters comprise a substantially linear array of LEDs.

4. The display device of Example 3, wherein the substantially linear array of LEDs is associated with an array of microlenses.

5. The display device of any of the above examples, comprising a light guide directing light onto the first waveguide.

6. The display device of Example 5, wherein the light guide is disposed at an boundary of the first waveguide and a reflective element is disposed along an boundary of the light guide.

7. The display device of any of the above examples, in which light is decoupled from the first waveguide via a first decoupling element.

8. The display of example 7, wherein the first decoupling element comprises a volume phase grid.

9. The display device of Example 7, wherein the first decoupling element comprises a cholesteric liquid crystal grid.

10. The display of any one of Examples 7-9, wherein the diffraction efficiency of the first decoupling element varies over distance from the first decoupling element to one or more light emitters.

11. The display of Example 10, in which the diffraction efficiency decreases monotonically with increasing distance from one or more light emitters.

12. The display of any one of Examples 7-11, wherein the pitch of the first decoupling element varies over the distance from the first decoupling element to one or more light emitters.

13. The display device according to Examples 8-12, wherein the first decoupling member comprises a multilayer stack.

14. The display of Example 13, wherein a first layer within the stack is configured to decouple light of a first color from the first waveguide and a second layer within the stack is configured to decouple light from a second color of the first. waveguide

15. The display of Example 13, wherein a first layer within the stack is configured to replace a first color and a second layer within the stack is configured to replace the first color.

16. The display device of Example 13, wherein a first layer within the stack is configured to overcome light that encounters a boundary of the first waveguide at a first angle and a second layer within the stack is configured to pass through light that encounters a boundary of the first waveguide at a second angle.

17. The display of example 9, wherein a first quarter-wave delay is disposed between the spatial light modulator and the first waveguide.

18. The display device of example 17, wherein a second quarter-wave delay is disposed in a waveguide boundary opposite the spatial light modulator.

19. The display device according to any one of the above examples, wherein light from one or more light emitters is directed substantially away from an axis of the first waveguide.

20. The display device of Example 19, wherein the display device comprises no optical focusing between one or more light emitters and the first waveguide.

21. The display of any one of the above Examples, wherein the first waveguide is substantially wedge-shaped.

22. The display of example 21, wherein the first wedge-shaped waveguide is configured to change the angle of reflected light at a boundary of the first waveguide.

It is contemplated that the innovative aspects may be implemented or associated with a variety of applications and therefore include a wide range of variations. Variations are contemplated, for example, in the shape, number and/or optical power of the EPEs. The structures, devices, and methods described here may find particular use in displays, such as portable displays (e.g., head-mounted displays) that can be used for augmented and/or virtual reality. More generally, the described embodiments can be implemented in any device, apparatus or system that can be configured to display an image, whether moving (such as video) or stationary (such as still images) and whether textual, graphic or pictorial. . It is contemplated, however, that the described embodiments may be included or associated with a variety of electronic devices, such as, but not limited to: cell phones, Internet-enabled multimedia cell phones, mobile television receivers, wireless devices, smartphones , Bluetooth ® electronics, Personal Data Assistants (PDAs), Wireless E-mail Receivers, Portable or Portable Computers, Netbooks, Notebooks, Smartbooks, Tablets, Printers, Copiers, Scanners, Fax Devices, Positioning System Receivers/Navigators Global (GPS), cameras, digital media players (such as MP3 players), camcorders, game consoles, wristwatches, calculators, television monitors, flat panel displays, electronic reading devices (such as e-readers), monitors computer screens, automatic displays (including odometer and speedometer displays, etc.), cockpit control and/or displays, camera displays (such as the display from a rear view camera on a vehicle), electronic photography, electronic billboards or ds signs, projectors, architectural structures, microwave ovens, refrigerators, stereo systems, cassette tape recorders or players, DVD players, CD players, VCRs, radios , portable memory chips, washers, dryers, washer/dryers, parking meters, head-mount displays and a variety of imaging systems. Therefore, the teachings are not intended to be limited to the embodiments represented in the figures only, but are of broad applicability, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, claims must not be limited to the embodiments shown here, but must have the broadest scope consistent with this description, principles and new features described herein. The word "exemplary" is used exclusively in this document to mean "serves as an example, instance or illustration". Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the terms "top" and "bottom", "top" and "bottom", etc., are sometimes used to facilitate the description of figures and indicate relative positions. . to the orientation of the figure on a correctly oriented page and may not reflect the proper orientation of the structures described in this document as those structures are implemented.

Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination within a single embodiment. On the other hand, multiple features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Furthermore, while features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially stated as such, one or more features of a claimed combination may in some cases be removed from the combination and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation. . of a subcombination.

Likewise, although operations are shown on the drawings in a specific order, this is not to be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown or in sequential order, or that all operations illustrated be performed, in order to achieve the desired results. In addition, the drawings may schematically represent another exemplary process in the form of a flowchart. However, other operations that are not shown can be incorporated into the example processes that are schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the illustrated operations. Under certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above is not to be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it is to be understood that the program components and systems described generally may be integrated into a single software product or packaged together in various software products. Furthermore, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions listed in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.

Various exemplary embodiments of the invention are described herein. Reference is made to these examples in a non-limiting sense. They are provided to illustrate more widely applicable aspects of the invention. Various changes can be made to the described invention and equivalents can be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s) to the object(s), spirit or scope of the present invention. Furthermore, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, each of the individual variations described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features that can easily be separated or combined with features from any of the various other embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the claims associated with this disclosure.

The invention includes methods that can be performed using the devices in question. The methods may comprise providing said suitable device. Such provision can be made by the end user. In other words, the act of "delivering" simply requires the end user to obtain, access, approach, place, configure, activate, turn on, or otherwise act to provide the required device in the method in question. The methods listed in this document can be executed in any order of the events listed that is logically possible, as well as the order of the events listed.

Examples of aspects of the invention, along with details relating to material selection and fabrication, have been presented above. As for other details of the present invention, these can be appreciated in relation to the aforementioned patents and publications, as well as generally known or appreciated by those skilled in the art. The same may be true of the method-based aspects of the invention in terms of additional acts as commonly or logically employed.

Furthermore, although the invention has been described with reference to various examples optionally incorporating various features, the invention is not to be limited to what is described or indicated as contemplated with respect to each variation of the invention. Various changes may be made to the described invention and equivalents may be substituted (whether mentioned here or not included for the sake of brevity) without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, when a range of values ​​is provided, it is understood that each intermediate value, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intermediate value in that specified range, is included in the invention.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that any optional features of the described inventive variations may be declared and claimed independently or in combination with one or more of the features described herein. The reference to a singular article includes the possibility that plurals of the same articles are present. More specifically, as used herein and in the associated claims, the singular forms "a", "an", "said" and "the" include plural referents, unless specifically noted otherwise. In other words, the use of articles permits "at least one" of the article referred to in the description above, as well as the claims associated with this disclosure. It is further noted that such claims may be worded to exclude any optional elements. As such, this statement is intended to serve as an antecedent basis for the use of proprietary terminology such as "only", "only" and the like in connection with the recitation of elements of the claim or the use of a "negative" limitation.

Without the use of such proprietary terminology, the term "comprising" in the claims associated with this disclosure will permit the inclusion of any additional elements, regardless of whether a certain number of elements are listed in those claims or whether the addition of a feature could be deemed to transform the nature of an element set out in such claims. Unless specifically defined in this document, all technical and scientific terms used in this document are intended to have as broad a common meaning as possible while maintaining the validity of the statement.

The breadth of the present invention should not be limited to the provided examples and/or subject matter specification, but only to the scope of the claim language associated with this disclosure.