An optical system includes a prism (36) having a planar input surface (38, 44a, 44b, 54) for injection of a laser beam, the prism integrated with a lightguide (10, 220). A fast-scanning mirror (32) is deployed in facing relation to a scanner interface surface (12) of the prism. A laser beam introduced via the input surface passes through the prism and the scanner interface surface, impinging on the fast-scanning mirror to generate a scanned reflected beam that scans an angular field of view, passing through the prism so as to enter the lightguide. One side of the lightguide entrance aperture has an optical cutoff edge (24a) that trims an edge of the scanned reflected beam for both a first beam direction (102) at a first extremity of the angular field of view and for a second beam direction (104) at a second extremity of the angular field of view.
An optical waveguide combiner having an output coupler comprising an array of embedded partially reflective dielectric mirrors expanding and coupling a virtual, optionally color, image generated by a laser display engine into a user EMB, wherein the dielectric mirrors are configured having a wavelength band for each lasing band of the laser display engine that includes wavelengths of light in the lasing band and in a range of wavelengths over which the lasing band is expected to drift, a reflectivity angular range exhibiting a first reflectivity, a transmittance angular range exhibiting a second reflectivity less than the first reflectivity, and a see-thru angular transmittance range having high transmittance for natural light incident on the facets.
A system generates images of seam-lines in an optical structure. The system includes an illumination arrangement with a light source and a collimating lens that outputs a collimated beam towards the optical structure. The illumination arrangement directs the output beam at non-normal angles, causing scattering by seam-lines formed at interfaces within the optical structure. An imaging arrangement is also included, and has an imaging lens and a detector. The imaging lens receives scattered light from the seam-lines while substantially excluding direct light from the light source from reaching the detector. This arrangement ensures that the scattered light from the seam-lines forms a visible image on the detector against a substantially dark background.
An optical system may include a light-guide having a light input and mutually-parallel first and second major external surfaces for guiding the light by internal reflection, a projector configured to project light corresponding to an image from an aperture, the light exiting the aperture with a chief ray defining an optical axis of the projector and with an angular field about the chief ray, and a prism disposed adjacent the light input and having an image injection surface and a partially reflective surface parallel to the first and second major external surfaces, the projector being associated with the image injection surface and oriented such that the chief ray and at least some of the angular field about the chief ray are injected through the image injection surface, some rays corresponding to the angular field partially reflected and some partially transmitted by the partially reflective surface prior to entering the light-guide.
According to an example, an optical device may include a light-guide optical element having a front surface and a rear surface that are parallel to each other, a reflector configured to receive a plurality of guided image beams and reflect a plurality of reflected guided image beams, the plurality of guided image beams and plurality of reflected guided image beam being propagated within the light-guide optical element between the front surface and the rear surface; a first aperture expander having a first plurality of partially reflecting parallel facets configured to expand the plurality of reflected guided image beams and provide a first plurality of expanded image beams; and a second aperture expander having a second plurality of partially reflecting parallel facets configured to expand the first plurality of expanded image beams and provide a second plurality of expanded image beams configured to exit from the rear surface.
Examining a light optical element (LOE) may include placing a first slit optically between a projector configured to emit light and the LOE's first major surface and placing a second slit optically between the LOE's second major surface and a detector. Facet parallelism between two facets may be deduced based on a shift of the image reflected from the first facet to the second facet relative to light transmitted normal to the first and second major surfaces through a portion of the substrate not including a facet. Facet refractive index homogeneity or deviation may be deduced based on the light transmitted through the facet relative to light transmitted normal to the first and second major surfaces through a portion of the substrate not including a facet.
An optical system employs a waveguide including a first set of partially-reflecting surfaces (“facets”) for progressively redirecting image illumination propagating from a coupling-in region towards a second region, and a second set of facets in the second region for progressively coupling-out the redirected image illumination towards the eye of a viewer. The first set of facets includes at least a first facet close to the coupling-in region, a third facet fare from the coupling-in region, and a second facet located on a medial plane between the first and the third facets. The second facet is located in a subregion of the medial plane such that image illumination propagating from the coupling-in region to the third facet passes through the medial plane without passing through the second facet.
An image projector includes a spatial light modulator (SLM) (320) illuminated by light from an illumination source (316) so as to reflect light corresponding to an image. A first optical arrangement (322) with positive optical power focuses light reflected from the SLM at an image plane (324). A second optical arrangement (328) with positive optical power collimates light from the image plane (324) as a collimated output image.
G03B 21/00 - Projecteurs ou visionneuses du type par projectionLeurs accessoires
G03B 21/14 - Projecteurs ou visionneuses du type par projectionLeurs accessoires Détails
G03B 33/12 - Enregistrement ou projection simultanés faisant usage de systèmes à division des rayons ou à combinaison des rayons, p. ex. de miroirs dichroïques
9.
IMAGE PROJECTOR FOR NEAR-EYE DISPLAY SYSTEM AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLY
An image projector (14) for a near-eye display includes a polarizing beam-splitter prism (72) having a first face (72a) adjacent to an image generator (70), a second face (72b) adjacent to a reflective lens arrangement (80), and a third face (72c) separated by an air gap (104) from a refractive lens arrangement (100). Collimating optical power is subdivided between the reflective and refractive lens arrangements, thereby relaxing the optical design requirements on each and enhancing performance. The width of the air gap (104) is selected during assembly to adjust image focus, enabling collimation of the output light for injection into a lightguide (12) while simplifying deployment of the image generator. A corresponding method of assembly is provided. The system allows compact integration and precise optical alignment using objective image quality metrics.
Described herein is a rotating cold plate assembly that includes a base configured to be mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) to at least partially surround an electronic circuit disposed on the PCB. The cold plate assembly further includes a cold plate having a heat transfer surface configured to transfer heat from the electronic circuit to a cooling medium. The cold plate assembly also includes a hinge coupling the base and the cold plate. The hinge is configured to move the heat transfer surface into and away from thermal contact with the electronic circuit.
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
11.
METHODS AND INTERMEDIATE STRUCTURES FOR PRODUCING LIGHTGUIDES WITH INTERNAL REFLECTORS FOR NEAR-EYE DISPLAYS
A method is provided for fabricating lightguide components (32) with internal partially-reflecting surfaces ("facets") for use in near-eye displays. A stack (10) is formed by bonding a plurality of optical plates (12) using optical adhesive, with at least one surface at each adhesive interface carrying a partially reflective coating. The inter-plate spacing is controlled using spacer components, which may include transparent, index- matched solid inclusions (20) dispersed within the adhesive, or peripheral spacer elements (22, 24) positioned at the plate margins. The adhesive is cured to form a bonded stack, which is sliced along planes non-parallel to the plates to form lightguide components (32) containing internal facets at controlled orientations. These components may be combined into an assembled lightguide structure (34) including a coupling-in region (38), a redirection region (32) for in-plane propagation (36), and a coupling-out region (33) directing light toward a viewer (40), enabling two-dimensional aperture expansion.
B32B 37/10 - Procédés ou dispositifs pour la stratification, p. ex. par polymérisation ou par liaison à l'aide d'ultrasons caractérisés par la technique de pressage, p. ex. faisant usage de l'action directe du vide ou d'un fluide sous pression
An optical system includes a lightguide and an image projecting arrangement. The image projecting arrangement includes a polarizing-beam-splitter prism having a diagonal polarizing beam splitter surface reflecting light from an image-generating matrix to reflective collimating optics. A coupling prism is deployed between the polarizing beam splitter surface and a lightguide entrance, providing a coupling surface that is coplanar with, or parallel to, one of the parallel major surfaces of the lightguide. A reference length RL is defined as a distance along the optical axis from a principal plane of the collimating optics to the polarizing beam splitter surface. Both a first light path from the image plane to the principal plane and a second light path from the principal plane to the lightguide entrance have a length less than 3×RL.
A waveguide system for a near-eye display may include a first waveguide section and a second waveguide section. The first waveguide section may include a first set of at least partially reflecting surfaces configured to couple light corresponding to the image out of the first waveguide section so as to expand the aperture in a first dimension. The second waveguide section may be disposed on a side of the first waveguide section and configured to receive light from the first waveguide section and including a second set of partially reflecting surfaces configured to couple out light corresponding to the image so as to expand the aperture in a second dimension nonparallel to the first dimension.
A display includes a lightguide arrangement in which at least part of the image light is not coupled-out from the lightguide during a first pass of a coupling-out arrangement, and is recirculated so as to pass repeatedly the coupling-out arrangement. In one set of embodiments, recirculation of light is performed via a separate lightguide. In another set of embodiments, light is recirculated within a single lightguide, employing polarization management to avoid unwanted interactions between the light and the coupling-out arrangement.
A lightguide-based display system includes a lightguide (82). An image projector (50, 50', 52, 58, 60, 62, 64, 130, 150) is coupled to the lightguide (82) and includes: at least one active¬ pixel array (70); a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) (76); first reflective back-collimating optics (80a); and second reflective back-collimating optics (80b). The PBS (76) splits the unpolarized image light from the active-pixel array (70) and recombines reflected polarized images from the back-collimating optics (80a, 80b) to inject a superposition of the images into the lightguide (82) as a mixed polarization image.
G03B 21/00 - Projecteurs ou visionneuses du type par projectionLeurs accessoires
G02B 27/00 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes ,
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
16.
CHARACTERIZING OPTICAL SYSTEM PERFORMANCE WITH A COLOR CAMERA
A device, system, and method are provided for processing an output of a color camera, such that the color camera may be used to measure color uniformity and resolution of an optical system. The processing includes converting an output of the color camera into an XYZ color space using a conversion matrix. The conversion matrix is generated by capturing color images and colorimeter measurements of three different wavelength ranges of light. The processing also includes overcoming the deBayering effect of the color camera to measure a resolution of the optical system using an optical test target displayed by the optical system. The optical test target has a uniform appearance along a direction of homogeneity. The resolution is determined based on a one-dimension image generated by performing a mathematical operation along the direction of homogeneity.
Based on a rotational axis of symmetry for an output of a lightpipe coinciding with an input axis for projection optics, the lightpipe can be rotated around the rotational axis, in order to align the lightpipe with a frame of associated glasses, or correspondingly the temple of a wearer of the glasses. Thus, an improved or optimal aesthetic look of a display system can be approached. The lightpipe of the display system can be aligned with the frame of the glasses, or even hidden within the frame, depending on implementation details and requirements for image projection components. If a pantoscopic tilt of the lens (waveguide) changes, a rotation of the lightpipe can be applied to the lightpipe to bring the lightpipe in a position aligned with the temple again, thus avoiding the need for a lightpipe redesign.
Optical systems including an optical structure, and methods for forming the optical structure, are described. The optical structure can include a lightguide having two major surfaces. The optical structure can further include a transparent plate, a first polymer later, and a second polymer layer. The first polymer layer can be arranged on one of the two major surfaces of the lightguide. A material of the first polymer layer can maintain total internal reflectance at the lightguide, and a refractive index of the first polymer layer can be less than a refractive index of the lightguide. The second polymer layer can be arranged between the first polymer layer and the transparent plate. A material of the second polymer layer can have a Young's modulus lower than a Young's modulus of the first polymer layer, and can have a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the first polymer layer.
Optical Systems and Methods for Eye Tracking Based on Redirecting Light from Eye Using an Optical Arrangement Associated with a Light-Guide Optical Element
A light-transmitting substrate has at least two major surfaces and is deployed with a first of the major surfaces in facing relation to an eye of a viewer. A light redirecting arrangement is associated with the light-transmitting substrate and deflects light from the eye toward an optical sensor that senses light, such that the light deflection occurs at the light-transmitting substrate and the deflected light that reaches the optical sensor is unguided by the light-transmitting substrate. A processor derives current gaze direction of the eye by processing signals from the optical sensor.
An optical device may include a first waveguide to receive and expand in a first dimension a first portion of guided image beams based on a first image field and provide a first plurality of expanded image beams; a second waveguide to receive and expand in the first dimension one of a second portion of guided image beams and a transmitted second portion of guided image beams corresponding to a second image field that is different from the first image field and to provide a second plurality of expanded image beams, the second waveguide to receive the first plurality of expanded image beams and provide a transmitted first plurality of expanded image beams; and a third waveguide to receive and expand in a second dimension the transmitted first plurality of expanded image beams and the second plurality of expanded image beams to provide a third plurality of expanded image beams.
An optical system includes a partial-internal-reflection rectangular light guide (PRLG) (10) having three surfaces supporting internal reflection and a partially-reflecting fourth surface (34) with which a second light guide portion (30) is associated. A light beam redirecting arrangement, typically including a set of embedded partially-reflecting surfaces (12), in light guide portion (30) redirects light emerging from the PRLG towards a third light guide portion (20) that includes a coupling-out configuration (122), such as a further set of partially-reflecting surfaces (28), coupling-out light beams of an image towards the eye of a user.
A waveguide system for a near-eye display may include a first waveguide section and a second waveguide section, with the waveguide sections overlapping. The waveguide sections may be substantially parallel to each other or may be at some nonzero angle relative to one another. The waveguide sections may include a pair of sets of partially reflecting surfaces configured to expand light in a pair of different dimensions. One or more reflecting surfaces, possibly in combination with a prism, may be used to direct light from the first waveguide section to the second waveguide section.
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
23.
DISPLAY WITH CHROMATIC DISPERSION COMPENSATION IN A LIGHTGUIDE ARCHITECTURE
A display includes a lightguide (12) formed from a transparent material having parallel major surfaces for supporting propagation of collimated image light by internal reflection. An image generator (30) forms an image at an image plane, and a collimating optical arrangement includes a reflective lens and a quarter-wave plate. A polarizing beam splitter arrangement includes a PBS surface (36) at an interface between a first PBS prism component (38) and a second PBS prism component (40), the latter being optically bonded to the lightguide (12). The image light follows a folded path through the PBS and collimating optics before entering the lightguide (12). The lightguide and at least one of the PBS prism components are formed from materials with different Abbe numbers, introducing a compensatory chromatic dispersion that at least partially offsets linear chromatic aberration caused by the geometry of the lightguide with respect to the viewing direction.
G02B 27/28 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes , pour polariser
G02B 30/60 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques pour produire des effets tridimensionnels [3D], p. ex. des effets stéréoscopiques comprenant uniquement des prismes réflecteurs et des miroirs
In some implementations, the device may include a first optical system corresponding to a first eye of the user and a second optical system corresponding to a second eye of the user, each of the first and second optical systems having: a projection unit configured to project light corresponding to an image; a lens operably including an optical element configured to direct the light from the projection unit to a respective eye motion box of the user. In addition, the device may include where the lens of the first optical system and the lens of the second optical system are symmetrically disposed about a mid-sagittal plane corresponding to a center of the nose bridge of the user, and where the first and second optical systems are geometrically asymmetric about the mid-sagittal plane.
A near-eye display (NED) system is provided with ghost image suppression using quarter-wave plates (QWPs). The system includes a projector (1) that generates an image and directs light through a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) prism (10). The image light exits the projector and passes through an intermediate optical element (2) before entering a lightguide (3), where it is guided toward the user's eye. Unwanted reflections from the intermediate optical element (2) can re-enter the projector (1), causing ghost images. A first QWP (41) is positioned between the projector exit (16) and the intermediate optical element (2) to alter the polarization state of these reflections, preventing them from retracing the original image path. A second QWP (42) may be positioned between the intermediate optical element (2) and the lightguide entrance aperture (17) to maintain or adjust polarization. This approach effectively reduces ghost artifacts while preserving image quality.
An optical device includes a first waveguide, having parallel first and second faces and parallel third and fourth faces forming a rectangular cross-section, that guides light by four-fold internal reflection and is associated with a coupling-out configuration that couples light out of the first waveguide into a second waveguide. The first or second face is subdivided into first and second regions having different optical characteristics. The optical device also includes a coupling-in configuration having a surface that transmits light into the first waveguide. The surface is deployed in association with a portion of the third or fourth face adjoining the second region such that an edge associated with the surface trims an input collimated image in a first dimension, and a boundary between the first and second regions trims the input collimated image in a second dimension to produce a trimmed collimated image that advances by four-fold internal reflection.
Examining a light optical element (LOE) may include placing a first slit optically between a projector configured to emit light and the LOE's first major surface and placing a second slit optically between the LOE's second major surface and a detector. Facet parallelism between two facets may be deduced based on a shift of the image reflected from the first facet to the second facet relative to light transmitted normal to the first and second major surfaces through a portion of the substrate not including a facet. Facet refractive index homogeneity or deviation may be deduced based on the light transmitted through the facet relative to light transmitted normal to the first and second major surfaces through a portion of the substrate not including a facet.
A near eye display optical system may include a lens extending along an arrangement axis and having (a) an input plane and (b) first and second major surfaces generally extending along the arrangement axis, the lens may be configured to receive collimated light to an image via the input plane, the lens comprising a set of partially reflective internal surfaces disposed along the arrangement axis at angles relative to the arrangement axis, a first partially reflective internal surface from the set having partial reflectance such that at least some of the collimated light is reflected out of the lens by the first partially reflective internal surface without previously having reflected off the first or second major surfaces.
An apparatus for delivering an image to a human eye (30) and deriving a gaze direction includes an image-output lightguide (20), visible and non-visible illumination coupling-out arrangements (22V, 24V), a receiving lightguide (50), and a filter layer (56, 56a, 56b). The image-output lightguide guides light by internal reflection. The visible-image coupling-out arrangement couples out visible light corresponding to a visible image, while the non-visible-illumination coupling-out arrangement couples out non-visible illumination of at least one wavelength. The receiving lightguide (50) has a coupling-in configuration (52V) for non-visible illumination reflected from the eye. The filter layer (56, 56a, 56b) blocks non-visible light from passing to the eye except in the non-visible-light coupling-out area (57a, 57b), which is smaller than an image coupling-out area (53).
An optical device may include a coupling assembly configured to receive a collimated image beam and provide a first output image beam and a second output image beam; an image pipe configured to receive the first output image beam at an image pipe input and provide at least one propagated image beam at an image pipe output; a first waveguide having a first waveguide rear surface, the first waveguide configured to receive the second output image beam and emit a first expanded output image beam from the first waveguide rear surface; and a second waveguide having a second waveguide rear surface, the second waveguide configured to receive the at least one propagated image beam and emit a second expanded output image beam from the second waveguide rear surface.
A device, system, and method are provided for processing an output of a color camera, such that the color camera may be used to measure color uniformity and resolution of an optical system. The processing includes converting an output of the color camera into an XYZ color space using a conversion matrix. The conversion matrix is generated by capturing color images and colorimeter measurements of three different wavelength ranges of light. The processing also includes overcoming the deBayering effect of the color camera to measure a resolution of the optical system using an optical test target displayed by the optical system. The optical test target has a uniform appearance along a direction of homogeneity. The resolution is determined based on a one-dimension image generated by performing a mathematical operation along the direction of homogeneity.
An optical device may include a first waveguide to receive and expand in a first dimension a first portion of guided image beams based on a first image field and provide a first plurality of expanded image beams; a second waveguide to receive and expand in the first dimension one of a second portion of guided image beams and a transmitted second portion of guided image beams corresponding to a second image field that is different from the first image field and to provide a second plurality of expanded image beams, the second waveguide to receive the first plurality of expanded image beams and provide a transmitted first plurality of expanded image beams; and a third waveguide to receive and expand in a second dimension the transmitted first plurality of expanded image beams and the second plurality of expanded image beams to provide a third plurality of expanded image beams.
In an embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes at least one processor configured to determine a target portion of an eye motion box and to identify a facet of a light-guide optical element that is configured to direct a light beam comprising at least a portion of an image field of view toward the target portion of the eye motion box. The at least one processor is configured to identify a display region of an image generator that is configured to inject the light beam into the light-guide optical element at an angle that, in conjunction with the identified facet, is configured to direct the light beam toward the target portion of the eye motion box. The at least one processor is configured to selectively activate the identified facet and the identified display region to direct the light beam toward the target portion of the eye motion box.
G09G 3/00 - Dispositions ou circuits de commande présentant un intérêt uniquement pour l'affichage utilisant des moyens de visualisation autres que les tubes à rayons cathodiques
G02F 1/01 - Dispositifs ou dispositions pour la commande de l'intensité, de la couleur, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la direction de la lumière arrivant d'une source lumineuse indépendante, p. ex. commutation, ouverture de porte ou modulationOptique non linéaire pour la commande de l'intensité, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la couleur
An image projector includes a spatial light modulator (SLM) with a two dimensional array of pixel elements controllable to modulate a property of light transmitted or reflected by the pixel elements. An illumination arrangement delivers illumination to the SLM. A collimating arrangement collimates illumination from the SLM to generate a collimated image directed to an exit stop. The illumination arrangement is configured to sequentially illuminate regions of the SLM, each corresponding to a multiple pixel elements. A controller synchronously controls the pixel elements and the illumination arrangement so as to project a collimated image with pixel intensities corresponding to a digital image.
Methods for bonding parallel-faced transparent plates are provided. The plates are arranged in a stack with a lateral offset between one or more pairs of adjacent plates to define plate steps. Adhesive is provided at the interfaces between adjacent plates of the stack, and a coating is provided at one face at each of the interfaces. In one set of methods, the stack is placed between a pair of pressing members, and compensation members are provided in a stepped configuration that corresponds to the plate steps. Pressure is then applied to the plates via the pressing members. In another set of methods, the stack is placed in a flexible container that has an opening, and gas is removed from the container via the opening to cause the container to deform around the stack which applies pressure on sides of the stack and causes redistribution of excess adhesive from the interfaces.
B32B 37/10 - Procédés ou dispositifs pour la stratification, p. ex. par polymérisation ou par liaison à l'aide d'ultrasons caractérisés par la technique de pressage, p. ex. faisant usage de l'action directe du vide ou d'un fluide sous pression
B32B 17/00 - Produits stratifiés composés essentiellement d'une feuille de verre ou de fibres de verre, de scorie ou d'une substance similaire
B32B 37/12 - Procédés ou dispositifs pour la stratification, p. ex. par polymérisation ou par liaison à l'aide d'ultrasons caractérisés par l'usage d'adhésifs
An optical system may include (a) a light-guide optical element (LOE) formed from transparent material and having at least first and second mutually-parallel major external surfaces for supporting propagation of an image by internal reflection at the first and second major external surfaces, the LOE having a coupling-out arrangement for coupling out the image towards an eye of the user, the LOE having a coupling-in arrangement; and (b) an image projector comprising an image generator for generating an image and an image conjugate generator for generating a conjugate image.
G02B 27/18 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes , pour projection optique, p. ex. combinaison de miroir, de condensateur et d'objectif
G02B 27/28 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes , pour polariser
37.
METHODS FOR FABRICATING LIGHT-GUIDE OPTICAL ELEMENTS
Methods for fabricating light-guide optical elements (LOEs) are provided. The methods involve obtaining first and second optical structures, each with a set of mutually-parallel partially reflective surfaces. These structures are bonded together such that their reflective surfaces are non-parallel, forming a third optical structure. At least one of the first or second optical structure is cut along a specific line, prior to bonding or after bonding, and the third optical structure is sliced along parallel planes to create one or more LOEs. Each LOE features parallel major external surfaces and regions with mutually-parallel partially reflective surfaces from both original sets. The specific line can include a contoured section and/or a typically straight section. The contoured section defines a contoured profile of the LOE, and the typically straight section defines a coupling-in surface of the LOE.
G02B 6/00 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage
B29D 11/00 - Fabrication d'éléments optiques, p. ex. lentilles ou prismes
An apparatus includes a waveguide and one or more partially reflective surfaces embedded inside the waveguide, wherein each of the one or more partially reflective surfaces includes a multi-layer coating structure, wherein a first portion of the multi-layer coating structure induces an overall phase shift of light propagating through the first portion of the multi-layer coating structure and wherein a second portion of the multi-layer coating structure is selected to decrease the overall phase shift.
Disclosed herein is an optical assembly for generating a color image using white light as source. The optical assembly includes a broadband white light source array, a color filter assembly configured to allow selectively filtering therethrough light in each of three additive primary colors, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to actuate light sources in the light source array according to three intensity maps. Each of the intensity maps corresponds to one of the three additive primary colors. The control unit is further configured to synchronize operations of the light source array and the color filter arrangement such that, when light sources in the light source array are actuated according to one of the three intensity maps, the color filter arrangement filters therethrough light at the additive primary color to which the intensity map corresponds.
F21V 8/00 - Utilisation de guides de lumière, p. ex. dispositifs à fibres optiques, dans les dispositifs ou systèmes d'éclairage
G09G 3/00 - Dispositions ou circuits de commande présentant un intérêt uniquement pour l'affichage utilisant des moyens de visualisation autres que les tubes à rayons cathodiques
G09G 3/34 - Dispositions ou circuits de commande présentant un intérêt uniquement pour l'affichage utilisant des moyens de visualisation autres que les tubes à rayons cathodiques pour la présentation d'un ensemble de plusieurs caractères, p. ex. d'une page, en composant l'ensemble par combinaison d'éléments individuels disposés en matrice en commandant la lumière provenant d'une source indépendante
40.
COLOR SHIFTED OPTICAL SYSTEM FOR NEAR-EYE DISPLAYS
A method for generating an image in a near-eye display may include operating a light source to emit the image as incident light. The light source may be configured such that incident light as received by the light reflecting elements compensates for the chromatic reflectance of the light reflecting elements. The method may include coupling the incident light into a light-transmitting substrate, thereby trapping the light between first and second major surfaces of the light-transmitting substrate by total internal reflection and coupling the light out of the substrate by the light reflecting elements having chromatic reflectance.
A light projecting system may include a discrete light source matrix for emitting light corresponding to an image. The system may also include a waveguide formed from transparent material and having a coupling-in interface for coupling in the light corresponding to the image into the waveguide, and a coupling-out interface for coupling out the image out of the waveguide. The system may include an inner partially reflective surface and one or more partial lenses for enhancing color uniformity of the light projecting system.
G02B 27/09 - Mise en forme du faisceau, p. ex. changement de la section transversale, non prévue ailleurs
G02B 27/14 - Systèmes divisant ou combinant des faisceaux fonctionnant uniquement par réflexion
G02B 27/18 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes , pour projection optique, p. ex. combinaison de miroir, de condensateur et d'objectif
42.
Image projector with polarizing catadioptric collimator
An image projector for injecting a collimated image into an entrance aperture of a lightguide employs collimating optics including a polarizing catadioptric arrangement to provide enhanced proximity of the principal plane of the collimating optics to the entrance aperture of the lightguide, thereby reducing the size of the optics or allowing an enlarged field of view for optics of a given size. Disclosed embodiments employ a front-lit polarization-modifying spatial light modulator (SLM) illuminated via a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) prism with a 30-degree or 45-degree PBS angle, laser scanning illumination arrangements, with or without an SLM, and active-matrix image generators combined via a dichroic combiner cube.
A display includes a lightguide (10, 110) with mutually-parallel major surfaces and at least two image projectors (2a, 2b, 2c) outputting collimated light of at least first and second colors, respectively. In one embodiment, the two image projectors introduce the collimated light so as to propagate within the lightguide along the same in-plane direction. Interference of one of the coupling-in arrangements with internal reflection of the other color is avoided by providing a dichroic reflector (9a1, 9b1, 9a2, 9b2, 9a3) coplanar with a major surface of the lightguide. Alternatively, or additionally, the two colors may be introduced so as to propagate in two non-parallel directions, and are combined by a dichroic reflector (12a, 12b) embedded within the lightguide. Also disclosed is a display with an optical relay (66a, 66b) for transferring images between two non-parallel lightguides (110a and 110b, 10).
A lightguide-based display with improved polarization control is disclosed. The display includes a lightguide and an image projector. The lightguide includes partially-reflecting surfaces configured to deflect an image injected into the lightguide by the image projector so that it propagates in a second direction within the lightguide and is then coupled out of the lightguide. The partially-reflecting surfaces may be implemented as multilayer dielectric coatings configured to have a partial reflectance to p-polarization at a range of angles of incidence greater than a Brewster angle and to have a reduced reflectance at a lower range of angles of incidence.
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
45.
LIGHTGUIDE-BASED OPTICAL SYSTEM FOR CONVEYING AN IMAGE
Specific management of configuration of overlap of facets reduces non-uniformity in an image outcoupled toward a nominal point of observation. A waveguide including at least two parallel surfaces, first, middle, and last partially reflecting facets are configured such that in a geometrical projection of the facets onto one of the surfaces the facets overlap, preferably with adjacent facets overlapping and non-adjacent facets starts and ends coinciding along at least a portion of the waveguide.
A light-guide device includes a light guiding element (13) with a number of faces, including two parallel faces (26), for guiding light by internal reflection. A transparent optical element (19) has an interface surface for attachment to a coupling surface (14) of the light guiding element, and is configured such that light propagating within the transparent optical element passes through the interface surface and the coupling surface (14) so as to propagate within the light guiding element (13). A non-transparent coating (15) is applied to at least part of one or more faces of the light guiding element (13), defining an edge (17) adjacent to, or overlapping, the coupling surface (14) of the light guiding element (13). A quantity of transparent adhesive is deployed between the coupling surface and the interface surface so as to form an optically transmissive interface. An overspill region 31 of the adhesive extends to, and overlaps, the edge (17).
An optical assembly for optical aperture expansion combines facet reflective technology with diffractive technology. At least two diffractive components having opposite optical power (matching) are used, so that chromatic dispersion introduced by the first diffractive component will then be cancelled by the second diffractive component. The two diffractive components are used in combination with a reflective optical component to achieve more efficient aperture expansion (for near eye display), reducing distortions and noise, while also reducing design constraints on the system and individual components, as compared to conventional techniques. The assembly eliminates and/or reduces the need for polarization management, while enabling wider field of view. In addition, embodiments can have reduced nonuniformity, as compared to conventional single technology implementations, since the distortion patterns of the two technologies do not correlate.
G02B 6/00 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage
G02B 6/34 - Moyens de couplage optique utilisant des prismes ou des réseaux
G02B 27/00 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes ,
An optical device includes a lightguide having a first pair of external surfaces parallel to each other, and at least two sets of facets. Each of the sets including a plurality of partially reflecting facets parallel to each other, and between the first pair of external surfaces. In each of the sets of facets, the respective facets are at an oblique angle relative to the first pair of external surfaces, and at a non-parallel angle relative to another of the sets of facets. The optical device is particularly suited for optical aperture expansion.
There is disclosed an optical device, including a light-transmitting substrate having an input aperture, an output aperture, at least two major surfaces and edges, an optical element for coupling light waves into the substrate by total internal reflection, at least one partially reflecting surface located between the two major surfaces of the light-transmitting substrate for partially reflecting light waves out of the substrate, a first transparent plate, having at least two major surfaces, one of the major surfaces of the transparent plate being optically attached to a major surface of the light-transmitting substrate defining an interface plane, and a beam-splitting coating applied at the interface plane between the substrate and the transparent plate, wherein light waves coupled inside the light-transmitting substrate are partially reflected from the interface plane and partially pass therethrough.
A near-eye display includes a light-guide optical element (LOE) (10) having first and second major external surfaces (11A, 11B) that are planar and mutually parallel. An image projector (2) introduces into the LOE illumination corresponding to an image so that the illumination propagates within said LOE by internal reflection at the major external surfaces. A coupling-out arrangement couples the illumination out of the LOE towards the eye of the observer. The coupling-out arrangement may be a set of mutually-parallel, partially-reflective surfaces (12A) deployed at an oblique angle within the LOE. Various arrangements for suppressing reflections of ambient light sources include obstructing baffles oriented so as to avoid reduction of peripheral field of view, various non-reflective coatings and various deployments of polarization filters.
An optical system has a homogenizing arrangement and a light-guide optical element (LOE) with a pair of parallel major external surfaces that support propagation of image illumination within the LOE by internal reflection at the external surfaces. The LOE has a first region with a first coupling configuration and a second region with a second coupling configuration. The homogenizing arrangement receives image illumination from an image projector via a coupling element, and injects the image illumination into the LOE so that the image illumination propagates within the LOE by internal reflection. The homogenizing arrangement has a block of transparent material, at least one beamsplitter between a pair of faces of the block, and a reflector generally opposite an interface between the LOE and block, and performs beam multiplication on the received image illumination prior to injection of the image illumination into the LOE.
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
G02B 27/10 - Systèmes divisant ou combinant des faisceaux
G02B 27/28 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes , pour polariser
An optical aperture multiplier includes a first optical waveguide (10) having a rectangular cross-section and including partially reflecting surfaces (40) at an oblique angle to a direction of elongation of the waveguide. A second optical waveguide (20), also including partially reflecting surfaces (45) at an oblique angle, is optically coupled with the first optical waveguide (10). An image coupled into the first optical waveguide with an initial direction of propagation at an oblique coupling angle advances by four-fold internal reflection along the first optical waveguide, with a proportion of intensity of the image reflected at the partially reflecting surfaces so as to be coupled into the second optical waveguide, and then propagates through two-fold reflection within the second optical waveguide, with a proportion of intensity of the image reflected at the partially reflecting surfaces so as to be directed outwards from one of the parallel faces as a visible image.
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
G02F 1/295 - Dispositifs ou dispositions pour la commande de l'intensité, de la couleur, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la direction de la lumière arrivant d'une source lumineuse indépendante, p. ex. commutation, ouverture de porte ou modulationOptique non linéaire pour la commande de la position ou de la direction des rayons lumineux, c.-à-d. déflexion dans une structure de guide d'ondes optique
H04N 5/74 - Dispositifs de projection pour reproduction d'image, p. ex. eidophor
53.
Optical Systems including Light-Guide Optical Elements with Two-Dimensional Expansion
An optical system including a light-guide optical element (LOE) with a first set of mutually-parallel, partially-reflecting surfaces and a second set of mutually-parallel, partially-reflecting surfaces at a different orientation from the first set. Both sets of partially-reflecting surfaces are located between a set of mutually-parallel major external surfaces. Image illumination introduced at a coupling-in location propagates along the LOE, is redirected by the first set of partially-reflecting surfaces towards the second set of partially-reflecting surfaces, where it is coupled out towards the eye of the user. The first set of partially-reflecting surfaces are implemented as partial surfaces located where needed for filling an eye-motion box with the required image. Additionally, or alternatively, spacing of the first set of partially-reflecting surfaces is varied across a first region of the LOE. Additional features relate to relative orientations of the projector and partially reflecting surfaces to improve compactness and achieve various adjustments.
A light-guide optical element (LOE) includes a transparent substrate having two parallel major external surfaces for guiding light within the substrate by total internal reflection (TIR). Mutually parallel internal surfaces within the LOE are provided with a structural polarizer which is transparent to light polarized parallel to a primary polarization transmission axis, and is partially or fully reflective to light polarized perpendicular to the primary polarization transmission axis. By suitable orientation of the polarization axis of successive internal surfaces together with the polarization mixing properties of TIR and/or use of birefringent materials, it is possible to achieve the desired proportion of coupling-out of the image illumination from each successive facet.
An apparatus includes a waveguide and one or more partially reflective surfaces embedded inside the waveguide, wherein each of the one or more partially reflective surfaces includes a multi-layer coating structure, wherein a first portion of the multi-layer coating structure induces an overall phase shift of light propagating through the first portion of the multi-layer coating structure and wherein a second portion of the multi-layer coating structure is selected to decrease the overall phase shift.
A near-eye display includes a light-guide optical element (LOE) (10) having first and second major external surfaces (11A, 11B) that are planar and mutually parallel. An image projector (2) introduces into the LOE illumination corresponding to an image so that the illumination propagates within said LOE by internal reflection at the major external surfaces. A coupling-out arrangement couples the illumination out of the LOE towards the eye of the observer. The coupling-out arrangement may be a set of mutually-parallel, partially-reflective surfaces (12A) deployed at an oblique angle within the LOE. Various arrangements for suppressing reflections of ambient light sources include obstructing baffles oriented so as to avoid reduction of peripheral field of view, various non-reflective coatings and various deployments of polarization filters.
The optical waveguide includes a first waveguide and a second waveguide that are facing each other (e.g., they are parallel or have an acute angle between them). The first waveguide has an aperture configured to receive an input beam. The first waveguide also has a first set of facets configured to receive the input beam and at least partially reflect the input beam as first beams. The first waveguide further has a coupling-out element configured to receive the first beams and reflect the first beams out of the first waveguide. The second waveguide has a coupling-in element configured to receive the first beams and reflect the first beams towards a second set of facets of the second waveguide that are configured to at least partially reflect the first beams as second beams and couple the second beams out of the second waveguide.
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
G02B 27/14 - Systèmes divisant ou combinant des faisceaux fonctionnant uniquement par réflexion
58.
Multi-layer coating structure to minimize phase shifts, method of manufacture, waveguide and head mount display
An apparatus includes a waveguide and one or more partially reflective surfaces embedded inside the waveguide, wherein each of the one or more partially reflective surfaces includes a multi-layer coating structure, wherein a first portion of the multi-layer coating structure induces an overall phase shift of light propagating through the first portion of the multi-layer coating structure and wherein a second portion of the multi-layer coating structure is selected to decrease the overall phase shift.
G02B 3/08 - Lentilles simples ou composées à surfaces non sphériques à surfaces discontinues, p. ex. lentille de Fresnel
G02B 6/00 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage
G02B 27/14 - Systèmes divisant ou combinant des faisceaux fonctionnant uniquement par réflexion
G02F 1/1335 - Association structurelle de cellules avec des dispositifs optiques, p. ex. des polariseurs ou des réflecteurs
59.
Optical Devices and Systems with Dichroic Beamsplitter Color Combiner
A first dichroic beamsplitter is deployed in a first prism on a plane oblique to a light-wave entrance surface. A second dichroic beamsplitter is deployed in a second prism on a plane oblique to a light-wave entrance surface such that polarized light in a first polarization state relative to the first dichroic beamsplitter is in a second polarization state relative to the second dichroic beamsplitter. The first dichroic beamsplitter transmits polarized light of a first color in the first polarization state relative to the first dichroic beamsplitter, and reflects polarized light of a second color in the first polarization state relative to the first dichroic beamsplitter. The second dichroic beamsplitter transmits polarized light of the first and second colors in a second polarization state relative to the second dichroic beamsplitter, and reflects polarized light of a third color in the first polarization state relative to the second dichroic beamsplitter.
A waveguide system for a near-eye display may include a first waveguide section and a second waveguide section optically coupled at a non-normal angle by a folding prism element. The waveguide sections may each include first side edges for receiving light beams corresponding to an image, mutually parallel major external surfaces extending lengthwise to support propagation of the image by internal reflection, and second side edges oriented nonparallel with respect to the first major external surface and configured to output light beams corresponding to the image. The folding prism element may be configured to direct light beams passing through the second side edge of the first waveguide section in a first propagation direction toward the folding prism element through the first side edge of the second waveguide section in a second propagation direction away from the folding prism element.
G02B 6/00 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
G02B 13/00 - Objectifs optiques spécialement conçus pour les emplois spécifiés ci-dessous
61.
DEVICE, METHOD AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING ACTIVE OCCLUSION SUBSYSTEM
A device having an active occlusion subsystem having a liquid crystal panel configured to operate in one of a normally on mode to pass light or a normally off mode to block light, and one or more processors configured to determine a direction of light rays from a light source, and control, based on the direction of light rays received, at least one specific portion of the liquid crystal panel to switch from the normally on mode to block light and/or the at least one specific portion to switch from the normally off mode to pass light.
Optical sample characterization facilitates measurement and testing at any angle in a full range of angles of light propagation through an optical sample, such as a coated glass plate, having a higher than air index of refraction. A rotatable assembly includes a cylinder having a hollow, and a receptacle including the hollow. The receptacle also contains a fluid with a known refractive index. An optical light beam is input normal to the surface of the cylinder, travels through the cylinder, then via the fluid, to the optical sample, where light beam is transmitted and/or reflected, then exits the cylinder and is collected for analysis. Due at least in part to the fluid surrounding the optical sample, the optical sample can be rotated through a full range of angles (±90°, etc.) for full range testing of the optical sample.
An optical system (100) for conveying light corresponding to an image to an eye of a viewer has a first lightguide portion (120) including a progressive redirection configuration (121) for progressively redirecting light propagating within the first lightguide portion, a polarization modifying element (131) and a second lightguide portion (110) including a progressive coupling-out configuration (111) for progressively coupling-out light propagating within the second lightguide portion towards the eye of the viewer. A pair of major surfaces (101b, 102b) of the second lightguide portion (110) are parallel to, but non-coplanar with, a corresponding pair of major surfaces (101a, 102a) of the first lightguide portion (120). A dimension (T3) of the polarization-modifying element (131) perpendicular to the first and second pairs of major surfaces overlaps an entirety of both an optical thickness of the first lightguide portion (T 1) and an optical thickness of the second lightguide portion (T2).
In an embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes at least one processor configured to determine a target coupling-out facet, identify an optical path to the target coupling-out facet, identify an active wave plate corresponding to the optical path, determine a target state of the active wave plate that corresponds to the optical path, set the active wave plate to the identified target state and cause a projection device to project a light beam comprising an image field of view component along the identified optical path.
A method for fabricating blanks for light-guide optical elements from a compound glass stack is disclosed. The compound glass stack is aligned to the cutting planes so that light reflecting layers arranged between the glass plates bonded together making up the compound glass stack have a defined orientation with respect to the side faces of the slices after cutting. The compound glass stack has a plane with a defined orientation, so that the light reflecting layers within the slices are correctly oriented when the cutting planes run parallel to the plane of the compound glass stack. The alignment of the compound glass stack to the cutting planes includes adjusting the tilt angles of the plane of the compound glass stack with respect to the cutting planes using an autocollimator, and adjusting the position of the compound glass stack in a direction obliquely to the cutting planes.
B32B 43/00 - Opérations spécialement adaptées aux produits stratifiés et non prévues ailleurs, p. ex. réparationAppareils pour ces opérations
B32B 7/03 - Produits stratifiés caractérisés par la relation entre les couchesProduits stratifiés caractérisés par l’orientation relative des éléments caractéristiques entre les couches, ou par les valeurs relatives d’un paramètre mesurable entre les couches, c.-à-d. produits comprenant des couches ayant des propriétés physiques, chimiques ou physicochimiques différentes Produits stratifiés caractérisés par la jonction entre les couches concernant l’orientation des éléments caractéristiques
B32B 17/06 - Produits stratifiés composés essentiellement d'une feuille de verre ou de fibres de verre, de scorie ou d'une substance similaire comprenant du verre comme seul composant ou comme composant principal d'une couche adjacente à une autre couche d'une substance spécifique
F21V 8/00 - Utilisation de guides de lumière, p. ex. dispositifs à fibres optiques, dans les dispositifs ou systèmes d'éclairage
In an embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to select a light source from a plurality of lights sources based at least in part on a location of a pupil of an eye relative to an eye motion box. The selected light source is configured to illuminate a portion of the eye motion box that corresponds to the location of the pupil with a light beam. The at least one processor is further configured to activate the selected light source to illuminate the portion of the eye motion box.
G09G 5/00 - Dispositions ou circuits de commande de l'affichage communs à l'affichage utilisant des tubes à rayons cathodiques et à l'affichage utilisant d'autres moyens de visualisation
G02B 27/00 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes ,
G06F 3/01 - Dispositions d'entrée ou dispositions d'entrée et de sortie combinées pour l'interaction entre l'utilisateur et le calculateur
An optical system (1) includes a lightguide (100) and an image projector (200). A coupling-in configuration includes a first planar reflector (250) forming an acute angle [3 with a major surface (101) of the lightguide and extending across a thickness h of the lightguide, and a second planar reflector (271) external to the lightguide and inclined at an angle 2|3 thereto. Light rays passing through a first part (Di) of the projector exit aperture impinge directly on the first planar reflector (250) and are reflected to impinge on major surface (101) of the lightguide at a first angle of incidence and light rays passing through a second part (D2) of the projector exit aperture impinge on the second planar reflector (271), are reflected towards the first planar reflector (150) and impinge on the second major surface (102) at the same angle of incidence.
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
G02B 6/42 - Couplage de guides de lumière avec des éléments opto-électroniques
An optical system for directing image illumination injected at a coupling-in region towards a user for viewing includes a light-guide optical element (LOE) (12) with a pair of parallel major external surfaces (24). A first region (16) of the LOE contains a first set of partially-reflecting surfaces (17) oriented to redirect image illumination propagating within the LOE towards a second region of the LOE (18), which contains a second set of partially-reflecting surfaces (19) oriented to couple out the image illumination towards the user. The first set of partially-reflecting surfaces (17) extend across at least 95 percent of a thickness of the LOE, while the second set of partially-reflecting surfaces (19) are contained within a subsection of the thickness spanning less than 95 percent of the thickness, so that the second set of partially-reflecting surfaces (19) are excluded from one or both surface layers of the second region (18).
A display and method for providing an image to an eye of a viewer is provided. The display comprises at least two projector assemblies. Each projector assembly comprises a light-guide optical element (LOE), and an image projector arrangement for generating a partial image and being deployed to introduce the partial image into the LOE for coupling out towards the eye of the viewer. The at least two projector assemblies cooperate to display the image to the eye of the viewer with partial overlap. The display further comprises a controller associated with the image projector arrangements and configured to reduce a pixel intensity of selected pixels in a region of partial overlap between the first and second part of the image so as to enhance a perceived uniformity of the image.
A waveguide system for a near-eye display may include a first waveguide section and a second waveguide section. The first waveguide section may include a first set of at least partially reflecting surfaces configured to couple light corresponding to the image out of the first waveguide section so as to expand the aperture in a first dimension. The second waveguide section may be disposed on a side of the first waveguide section and configured to receive light from the first waveguide section and including a second set of partially reflecting surfaces configured to couple out light corresponding to the image so as to expand the aperture in a second dimension nonparallel to the first dimension.
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
G03B 21/28 - Réflecteurs dans le faisceau de projection
An optical system for displaying an image includes a light-guide optical element (LOE) having a coupling-in region and a propagation region, a coupling-out configuration associated with the propagation region of the LOE, an image projector for generating image illumination corresponding to a collimated image, and a beam-multiplication configuration external to the LOE. The beam-multiplier is a transparent plate bonded to the LOE adjacent to the coupling-in region. The transparent plate has a partially-reflective surface between the LOE and the plate, and a reflector at the opposite surface. The partially-reflective surface and the reflector multiply the beam from the projector so as to fully illuminate the propagation region of the LOE with both the collimated image and a conjugate of the collimated image.
A display (100) includes a lightguide optical element (102) with internal partially reflecting surfaces (106) for delivering an image from an image projector (100) to the eye of a viewer. Chromatic variations in the appearance of white pixels across the output image are reduced by using a bro ad- spectrum white light source (114W) to provide at least part of the illumination for the white pixels. Additionally, or alternatively, chromatic corrections for groups of white pixels, or for individual pixels, are provided by delivering corresponding white-balance corrective illumination from red, blue and/or green light sources (114R, 114G, 114B). The corrections are derived from maps of chromatic variations for the display when activated to deliver a uniform white image as calculated, or preferably measured, at one or more locations within an eye-motion box (108) from which the image is to be viewed.
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
G02B 27/18 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes , pour projection optique, p. ex. combinaison de miroir, de condensateur et d'objectif
73.
DISPLAYS EMPLOYING ASTIGMATIC OPTICS AND ABERRATION COMPENSATION
A display for providing an image to an eye of an observer is disclosed. An image generator provides image illumination corresponding to the image to a substrate having mutually-parallel major external surfaces for propagation within the substrate. An intermediate optical arrangement including at least one astigmatic optical element directs the image illumination from the image generator so as to propagate within the substrate in a first in-plane direction by internal reflection. A reflective optical arrangement having cylindrical optical power reflects the image illumination so as to propagate in a second in-plane direction by internal reflection. A coupling-out arrangement couples out the collimated image illumination towards an eye of an observer. The intermediate optical arrangement includes an element deployed to generate a corrective optical aberration that at least partially cancels out with a characteristic aberration introduced by the reflective optical arrangement.
An optical device is fabricated by obtaining at least one optical element and a frame. The at least one optical element is arranged within the frame according to a spatial configuration that defines a position of the at least one optical element in the frame and an orientation of the at least one optical element relative to the frame. The at least one optical element is bonded to the frame to fix the spatial configuration, and regions of the frame unoccupied by the at least one optical element are filled with a transparent optical material.
G02B 6/122 - Éléments optiques de base, p. ex. voies de guidage de la lumière
G02B 6/00 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage
A light-guide optical element (LOE) for simultaneous viewing, of a real scene and of a projected image introduced into the LOE, having a transparent block along which light conveying a projected image propagates by internal reflection, and a plurality of internal partially reflecting surfaces obliquely oriented and configured so as to couple-out a part of said light, wherein the reflectance of each of the partially reflecting surfaces is such that the total power of the light that is coupled out is less than one third of the total power of the light that is introduced into the LOE. In some embodiments, the light of the projected image is polarized and the reflectance of the partially reflecting surfaces for light polarized in an orthogonal orientation is substantially reduced. In some embodiments, the reflectance of the partially reflecting surfaces for light not reaching the viewer is substantially reduced.
An optical system (100, 111, 125, 126, 127, 128) includes an aperture-expanding lightguide optical element (LOE) (106) with major surfaces (103a, 103b) separated by a first thickness Tl. The LOE (106) includes redirecting configurations for progressively redirecting light within the LOE and coupling it out towards a viewer. A coupling-in arrangement includes a coupling lightguide element (CLE) (104) with mutually parallel surfaces separated by a second thickness T2 that is no more than half of the first thickness TL CLE (104) is bonded to major surface (103a) at an interface (105) provided with a beam splitter coating having a reflectivity of at least 50%. The coupling-in arrangement also includes an input coupler deployed to couple light corresponding to a collimated image into the CLE.
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
G02B 6/122 - Éléments optiques de base, p. ex. voies de guidage de la lumière
An optical system includes a light-guide optical element (LOE) formed from transparent material and having parallel major external surfaces. A projector is configured to project illumination corresponding to a collimated image into the LOE via a reflective coupling-in configuration that includes an image injection surface coplanar with the first major external surface, a reflector surface obliquely angled to the major external surfaces, and a partially-reflecting surface parallel to the reflector surface. A first part of the intensity of the illumination of the collimated image is reflected by the partially-reflecting surface and a second part of the intensity of the illumination of the collimated image is reflected by the reflector surface and transmitted by the partially-reflecting surface. Both parts of the intensity contribute to image illumination coupled into the LOE so as to propagate within the LOE by internal reflection at the major external surfaces.
G02B 27/18 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes , pour projection optique, p. ex. combinaison de miroir, de condensateur et d'objectif
H04N 9/31 - Dispositifs de projection pour la présentation d'images en couleurs
78.
LIGHT-GUIDE OPTICAL ELEMENTS WITH EMBEDDED BEAM SPLITTER OVERLAPPING COUPLING-OUT REGION
An optical system has a light-guide optical element (LOE) with a pair of parallel major external surfaces that support propagation of image illumination within the LOE by internal reflection at the major external surfaces. A plurality of mutually-parallel partially reflecting surfaces is deployed within a coupling-out region of the LOE obliquely to the major external surfaces, and couples out at least part of the image illumination from the LOE towards an eye- motion box. In an embodiment, a planar homogenizer is internal to the LOE and parallel to the major external surfaces, and at least partially extends into the coupling-out region so as to overlap with some but not all of the mutually-parallel partially reflecting surfaces. In another embodiment, the LOE includes a second plurality of mutually-parallel partially reflecting surfaces, and the homogenizer is alternatively deployed in overlapping relation with the second plurality of mutually-parallel partially reflecting surfaces.
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
A near-eye display includes a light-guide optical element (LOE) (10) having first and second major external surfaces (11A, 11B) that are planar and mutually parallel. An image projector (2) introduces into the LOE illumination corresponding to an image so that the illumination propagates within said LOE by internal reflection at the major external surfaces. A coupling-out arrangement couples the illumination out of the LOE towards the eye of the observer. The coupling-out arrangement may be a set of mutually-parallel, partially-reflective surfaces (12A) deployed at an oblique angle within the LOE. Various arrangements for suppressing reflections of ambient light sources include obstructing baffles oriented so as to avoid reduction of peripheral field of view, various non-reflective coatings and various deployments of polarization filters.
An optical waveguide is described herein that includes a pair of major surfaces and an aperture configured to receive an input beam. The waveguide also includes a first set of facets disposed along a first axis that are configured to reflect the input beam along a second axis. The waveguide further includes an iris matched to the aperture that is configured to block rays outside of the aperture from entering the optical waveguide. A first dimension of the aperture (and, thus, the iris) corresponds to a pitch of the first set of facets and a second dimension of the aperture (and, thus, the iris) corresponds to aspects of the waveguide corresponding to the second axis. By using the iris, overexposure of the waveguide and, thus, non-uniformity in a projected image, may be minimized.
An optical system includes a lightguide and an image projecting arrangement. The image projecting arrangement includes a polarizing-beam-splitter prism having a diagonal polarizing beam splitter surface reflecting light from an image-generating matrix to reflective collimating optics. A coupling prism is deployed between the polarizing beam splitter surface and a lightguide entrance, providing a coupling surface that is coplanar with, or parallel to, one of the parallel major surfaces of the lightguide. A reference length RL is defined as a distance along the optical axis from a principal plane of the collimating optics to the polarizing beam splitter surface. Both a first light path from the image plane to the principal plane and a second light path from the principal plane to the lightguide entrance have a length less than 3xRL.
An optical assembly for optical aperture expansion combines facet reflective technology with diffractive technology. At least two diffractive components having opposite optical power (matching) are used, so that chromatic dispersion introduced by the first diffractive component will then be cancelled by the second diffractive component. The two diffractive components are used in combination with a reflective optical component to achieve more efficient aperture expansion (for near eye display), reducing distortions and noise, while also reducing design constraints on the system and individual components, as compared to conventional techniques. The assembly eliminates and/or reduces the need for polarization management, while enabling wider field of view. In addition, embodiments can have reduced nonuniformity, as compared to conventional single technology implementations, since the distortion patterns of the two technologies do not correlate.
G02B 6/00 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage
G02B 6/34 - Moyens de couplage optique utilisant des prismes ou des réseaux
G02B 27/00 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes ,
Disclosed herein is a method including: providing a light guiding arrangement (LGA) configured to redirect light, incident thereon in a direction perpendicular to an external surface of the sample, into or onto the sample, such that light impinges on an internal facet of the sample nominally normally thereto; generating a first incident light beam (LB), directed at the external surface normally thereto, and a second incident LB, parallel to the first incident LB and directed at the LGA; obtaining a first returned LB by reflection of the first incident LB off the external surface, and a second returned LB by redirection by the LGA of the second incident LB into or onto the sample, reflection thereof off the internal facet, and inverse redirection by the LGA; measuring an angular deviation between the returned LBs and deducing therefrom an actual inclination angle of the internal facet relative to the external surface.
G01B 11/26 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer des angles ou des cônesDispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour tester l'alignement des axes
G01C 9/06 - Moyens d'indication ou de lecture électriques ou photo-électriques
A method for manufacturing lightguide optical elements (LOEs) having an embedded retarder inclined at an oblique angle includes forming a first stack (560) of a plurality of planar retarder elements interspaced with, and bonded to, a plurality of transparent plates (562). This first stack is then sliced along slicing planes (566) obliquely angled to the retarder elements to form a tilted retarder plate (569) containing obliquely angled portions (570) of the retarder elements. The tilted retarder plate (569) is then combined into a second stack (571) bonded between a first precursor block (572) and a second precursor block (574). This second stack is then sliced along slicing planes (578) to form LOEs (510) each containing an obliquely angled embedded retarder (526).
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
G02B 6/00 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage
G02B 27/28 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes , pour polariser
85.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR BONDING OF OPTICAL SURFACES BY ACTIVE ALIGNMENT
Disclosed herein is a system for producing a composite prism having a plurality of planar external surfaces by aligning and bonding two or more prism components along bonding surfaces thereof, the system includes: an infrastructure configured to bring the bonding surfaces of the first prism component and the second prism component into close proximity or contact; a controllably rotatable mechanical axis configured to align at least one first surface of the first prism component and at least one second surface of the second prism component; a light source configured to project at least one collimated incident light beam on the at least one first surface and the at least one second surface; one or more detectors configured to sense light beams reflected from the first and second surfaces; a computational module configured to determining an average actual relative orientation between the at least one first surface and the at least one second surface based on the sensed data and if a difference between the weighted average actual relative orientation and an intended relative orientation between the at least one first surface and the at least one second surface is below an accuracy threshold, determine a correction angle for the controllably rotatable mechanical axis, wherein one or more of the prism components are transparent or semi-transparent.
There is disclosed an optical device, including a light-transmitting substrate having an input aperture, an output aperture, at least two major surfaces and edges, an optical element for coupling light waves into the substrate by total internal reflection, at least one partially reflecting surface located between the two major surfaces of the light-transmitting substrate for partially reflecting light waves out of the substrate, a first transparent plate, having at least two major surfaces, one of the major surfaces of the transparent plate being optically attached to a major surface of the light-transmitting substrate defining an interface plane, and a beam-splitting coating applied at the interface plane between the substrate and the transparent plate, wherein light waves coupled inside the light-transmitting substrate are partially reflected from the interface plane and partially pass therethrough.
An optical system includes a prism (36) having a planar input surface (38, 44a, 44b, 54) for injection of a laser beam, the prism integrated with a lightguide (10, 220). A fast-scanning mirror (32) is deployed in facing relation to a scanner interface surface (12) of the prism. A laser beam introduced via the input surface passes through the prism and the scanner interface surface, impinging on the fast-scanning mirror to generate a scanned reflected beam that scans an angular field of view, passing through the prism so as to enter the lightguide. One side of the lightguide entrance aperture has an optical cutoff edge (24a) that trims an edge of the scanned reflected beam for both a first beam direction (102) at a first extremity of the angular field of view and for a second beam direction (104) at a second extremity of the angular field of view.
G02B 6/00 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage
Disclosed herein is a method for validating parallelism of internal facets of a sample. The method includes: (i) providing a sample including a light transmissive substrate and internal facets, nominally parallel and nominally inclined at an angle μnom relative to a flat surface of the sample; (ii) providing a prism having a substantially same refractive index as the substrate and including a flat, first surface and a flat, second surface, opposite to the first surface and inclined relative thereto at substantially the angle μnom; (iii) positioning the sample and the prism, such that the surface of the sample is parallel and adjacent to the second surface of the prism; (iv) projecting on the first surface of the prism, substantially normally thereto an incident light beam; (v) sensing light returned from the prism following reflection off the internal facets; and (vi) computing deviation from parallelism between the internal facets.
G01B 11/27 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer des angles ou des cônesDispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour tester l'alignement des axes pour tester l'alignement des axes
89.
Optical aperture multipliers having a rectangular waveguide
An optical device includes a first waveguide, having parallel first and second faces and parallel third and fourth faces forming a rectangular cross-section, that guides light by four-fold internal reflection and is associated with a coupling-out configuration that couples light out of the first waveguide into a second waveguide. The first or second face is subdivided into first and second regions having different optical characteristics. The optical device also includes a coupling-in configuration having a surface that transmits light into the first waveguide. The surface is deployed in association with a portion of the third or fourth face adjoining the second region such that an edge associated with the surface trims an input collimated image in a first dimension, and a boundary between the first and second regions trims the input collimated image in a second dimension to produce a trimmed collimated image that advances by four-fold internal reflection.
In an embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed that includes at least one processor configured to determine a target portion of an eye motion box and to identify a facet of a light-guide optical element that is configured to direct a light beam comprising at least a portion of an image field of view toward the target portion of the eye motion box. The at least one processor is configured to identify a display region of an image generator that is configured to inject the light beam into the light-guide optical element at an angle that, in conjunction with the identified facet, is configured to direct the light beam toward the target portion of the eye motion box. The at least one processor is configured to selectively activate the identified facet and the identified display region to direct the light beam toward the target portion of the eye motion box.
G02F 1/01 - Dispositifs ou dispositions pour la commande de l'intensité, de la couleur, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la direction de la lumière arrivant d'une source lumineuse indépendante, p. ex. commutation, ouverture de porte ou modulationOptique non linéaire pour la commande de l'intensité, de la phase, de la polarisation ou de la couleur
G09G 3/00 - Dispositions ou circuits de commande présentant un intérêt uniquement pour l'affichage utilisant des moyens de visualisation autres que les tubes à rayons cathodiques
An optical device may include a waveguide having a front surface and a parallel rear surface; a first aperture expander configured to receive an input image beam and provide a first plurality of expanded image beams, the first plurality of expanded image beams configured to propagate and reflect between the front and rear surfaces; a leaky image pipe configured to receive a first portion of the first plurality of expanded image beams and provide a plurality of transmitted image beams, the first portion of the first plurality of expanded image beams configured to partially reflect within the leaky image pipe; and a second aperture expander within the waveguide and configured to receive a second portion of the first plurality of expanded image beams and the plurality of transmitted image beams, the second aperture expander configured to provide a second plurality of expanded image beams configured to exit through the rear surface.
G02B 6/00 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage
92.
METHODS OF FABRICATION OF OPTICAL APERTURE MULTIPLIERS HAVING RECTANGULAR WAVEGUIDE
A method of fabricating an optical aperture multiplier is provided. A slice and a first optical structure are obtained. The slice has external faces including a pair of parallel faces, and a first plurality of partially reflective internal surfaces oblique to the pair of parallel faces. The first optical structure has external surfaces including a planar coupling surface, and a second plurality of partially reflective internal surfaces oblique to the coupling surface. The slice is optically coupled with the first optical structure such that one of the faces of the pair of parallel faces is in facing relation with the coupling surface to form a second optical structure. At least one optical aperture multiplier is sliced from the second optical structure by cutting the second optical structure through at least two cutting planes perpendicular to the coupling surface. The optical aperture multiplier is preferably part of a near eye display augmented reality system.
Systems and methods test optical plates for blemishes. An optical plate has first and second end surfaces and a pair of mutually-parallel major external surfaces that support propagation of light through the optical plate by internal reflection at the major external surfaces. A light source generates light and is deployed proximate the optical plate such that the light generated by the light source enters the optical plate proximate the first end surface and propagates through the optical plate toward the second end surface by internal reflection at the major external surfaces. A detector arrangement has at least a first detector that is deployed in association with the first of the major external surfaces and detects light generated by the light source that exits the optical plate through the first of the major external surfaces due to blemish induced scattering of the light propagating through the optical plate by internal reflection.
G02B 5/00 - Éléments optiques autres que les lentilles
94.
Optical systems and methods for eye tracking based on redirecting light from eye using an optical arrangement associated with a light-guide optical element
A light-transmitting substrate has at least two major surfaces and is deployed with a first of the major surfaces in facing relation to an eye of a viewer. A light redirecting arrangement is associated with the light-transmitting substrate and deflects light from the eye toward an optical sensor that senses light, such that the light deflection occurs at the light-transmitting substrate and the deflected light that reaches the optical sensor is unguided by the light-transmitting substrate. A processor derives current gaze direction of the eye by processing signals from the optical sensor.
A method of fabricating a light-guide optical element having a plurality of partially reflecting surfaces is disclosed. The method includes providing a plurality of transparent plates, each plate polished on two opposite surfaces such that the surfaces are parallel to each other, coating a first of the surfaces of a subset of plates with a first coating, coating a second of the surfaces of the subset of plates with a second coating; bonding together the plurality of transparent plates to form a stack, and cutting the stack along parallel planes obliquely angled to the faces of the transparent plates so as to form the optical element, wherein the first coating is a partially reflective coating have a first set of mechanical properties, and the second coating is selected from the group consisting of: a coating similar to the first coating and a non-reflective coating having a second set of mechanical properties substantially similar to the first set of mechanical properties.
An optical system may include (a) a light-guide optical element (LOE) formed from transparent material and having at least first and second mutually-parallel major external surfaces for supporting propagation of an image by internal reflection at the first and second major external surfaces, the LOE having a coupling-out arrangement for coupling out the image towards an eye of the user, the LOE having a coupling-in arrangement; and (b) an image projector comprising an image generator for generating an image and an image conjugate generator for generating a conjugate image, the image generator and the image conjugate generator disposed such as to project the image and the conjugate image, respectively, from directions not directly in front of the LOE.
G02B 27/18 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes , pour projection optique, p. ex. combinaison de miroir, de condensateur et d'objectif
G02B 27/28 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques non prévus dans aucun des groupes , pour polariser
97.
Light-guide optical element employing polarized internal reflectors
A light-guide optical element (LOE) includes a transparent substrate having two parallel major external surfaces for guiding light within the substrate by total internal reflection (TIR). Mutually parallel internal surfaces within the LOE are provided with a structural polarizer which is transparent to light polarized parallel to a primary polarization transmission axis, and is partially or fully reflective to light polarized perpendicular to the primary polarization transmission axis. By suitable orientation of the polarization axis of successive internal surfaces together with the polarization mixing properties of TIR and/or use of birefringent materials, it is possible to achieve the desired proportion of coupling-out of the image illumination from each successive facet.
The waveguide includes a pair of major surfaces that are parallel to one another and an aperture configured to receive a plurality of beams. The aperture includes a pair of sub-apertures that are co-planar and offset in one dimension. The waveguide also includes a first set of facets that are configured to receive the beams from the aperture and at least partially reflect the beams towards a second set of facets. The second set of facets are configured to receive the beams from the first set of facets and at least partially reflect the beams out of the lightguide. The sub-apertures are offset in the one dimension by an offset distance that corresponds to a projected distance along the one dimension that the beams travel while the beams traverse one trip between the major surfaces between the first set of facets and the second set of facets.
G02B 6/10 - Guides de lumièreDétails de structure de dispositions comprenant des guides de lumière et d'autres éléments optiques, p. ex. des moyens de couplage du type guide d'ondes optiques
G02B 30/60 - Systèmes ou appareils optiques pour produire des effets tridimensionnels [3D], p. ex. des effets stéréoscopiques comprenant uniquement des prismes réflecteurs et des miroirs
99.
Light-guide optical element employing complementary coated partial reflectors, and light-guide optical element having reduced light scattering
A transparent substrate has two parallel faces and guides collimated image light by internal reflection. A first set of internal surfaces is deployed within the substrate oblique to the parallel faces. A second set of internal surfaces is deployed within the substrate parallel to, interleaved and in overlapping relation with the first set of internal surfaces. Each of the internal surfaces of the first set includes a first coating having a first reflection characteristic to be at least partially reflective to at least a first subset of components of incident light. Each of the internal surfaces of the second set includes a second coating having a second reflection characteristic complementary to the first reflection characteristic to be at least partially reflective to at least a second subset of components of incident light. The sets of internal surfaces cooperate to reflect all components of light from the first and second subsets.
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for optical testing, the apparatus includes an assembly including: a first portion having a solid cylinder section, a second portion including a receptacle, wherein the first portion and the second portion are aligned forming a cylinder or a cylinder-like configuration and defining a void therebetween, the void is configured to be filled with fluid and to retain the sample in proximity to the first portion; and an optical arrangement including an optical source configured to emit an optical light beam normal to a surface area of the first portion of the assembly, and an optical detector configured to detect an output signal from the assembly, the output signal including reflection and/or transmission of the light beam emitted from the sample; wherein the reflection detected by the optical detector is deducted or devoid of signals emitted from a first or a second sample/liquid interface.
