Patent Application
20230027493
The present invention generally relates to waveguide-based displays and, more specifically, to modular waveguide displays.
Waveguides can be referred to as structures with the capability of confining and guiding waves (i.e., restricting the spatial region in which waves can propagate). One subclass includes optical waveguides, which are structures that can guide electromagnetic waves, typically those in the visible spectrum. Waveguide structures can be designed to control the propagation path of waves using a number of different mechanisms. For example, planar waveguides can be designed to utilize diffraction gratings to diffract and couple incident light into the waveguide structure such that the in-coupled light can proceed to travel within the planar structure via total internal reflection (“TIR”).
Fabrication of waveguides can include the use of material systems that allow for the recording of holographic optical elements within the waveguides. One class of such material includes polymer dispersed liquid crystal (“PDLC”) mixtures, which are mixtures containing photopolymerizable monomers and liquid crystals. A further subclass of such mixtures includes holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (“HPDLC”) mixtures. Holographic optical elements, such as volume phase gratings, can be recorded in such a liquid mixture by illuminating the material with two mutually coherent laser beams. During the recording process, the monomers polymerize, and the mixture undergoes a photopolymerization-induced phase separation, creating regions densely populated by liquid crystal micro-droplets, interspersed with regions of clear polymer. The alternating liquid crystal-rich and liquid crystal-depleted regions form the fringe planes of the grating. The resulting grating, which is commonly referred to as a switchable Bragg grating (SBG), has all the properties normally associated with volume or Bragg gratings but with much higher refractive index modulation ranges combined with the ability to electrically tune the grating over a continuous range of diffraction efficiency (the proportion of incident light diffracted into a desired direction). The latter can extend from non-diffracting (cleared) to diffracting with close to 100% efficiency.
Waveguide optics, such as those described above, can be considered for a range of display and sensor applications. In many applications, waveguides containing one or more grating layers encoding multiple optical functions can be realized using various waveguide architectures and material systems, enabling new innovations in near-eye displays for augmented reality (“AR”) and virtual reality (“VR”), compact head-up displays (“HUDs”) and helmet-mounted displays or head-mounted displays (HMDs) for road transport, aviation, and military applications, and sensors for biometric and laser radar (“LIDAR”) applications.
Many embodiments are directed to modular waveguide display devices, their design, and their methods of use.
Various embodiments are directed to a modular waveguide display device including:
In various other embodiments, the front side of the one or more waveguides is the side opposite to a user's eye.
In still various other embodiments, the one or more waveguides include incoupling optical elements and outcoupling optical elements, and where, the optical engine is further configured to inject modulated light into the one or more waveguides through the incoupling optical elements.
In still various other embodiments, the outcoupling optical elements are configured to output the image containing light into a user's eye.
In still various other embodiments, the incoupling optical elements are configured to receive modulated light coming from the same direction as modulated light outputted by the outcoupling optical element.
In still various other embodiments, the modular frame includes at least one of one or more cameras, one or more speakers, one or more microphones, and one or more batteries.
In still various other embodiments, the one or more cameras includes stereo cameras integrated at opposite sides of the modular frame.
In still various other embodiments, the stereo cameras are configured to perform tracking.
In still various other embodiments, the tracking includes six degrees of freedom tracking.
In still various other embodiments, the one or more cameras includes a center camera mounted integrated in the center of the modular frame.
In still various other embodiments, the modular frame is adapted to accept another optical engine which is attachable to and removable from the waveguide lens, wherein, when the other optical engine is attached to the waveguide lens, the other optical engine is configured to inject light containing image information into the one or more waveguides.
In still various other embodiments, the optical engine is configured to be removable from the modular frame and the modular frame is capable of operating without the optical engine installed.
In still various other embodiments, the modular frame is configured to take images, take videos, operate as a virtual assistant, record sound, or play sound when the optical engine is removed.
In still various other embodiments, the waveguide lens is configured to be removable from the modular frame and the modular frame is capable of operating without the waveguide lens installed.
Further, various embodiments are directed to a modular waveguide display device including:
In various other embodiments, the optical engine is removable from the modular frame.
In still various other embodiments, the modular frame includes at least one of a mono-camera, a stereo-camera, audio speakers, or a microphone.
In still various other embodiments, the modular frame is configured to continue operating the at least one of mono-camera, stereo-camera, audio speakers, or microphone when the optical engine is removed from the modular frame.
In still various other embodiments, the modular frame includes a battery which is configured to power both the modular frame and the optical engine.
In still various other embodiments, the second mechanical connector and the electrical connector of the modular frame is configured to accept another optical engine.
In still various other embodiments, the optical engine and the other optical engine have different features from one another.
In still various other embodiments, the first mechanical connector is configured to accept another waveguide lens.
In still various other embodiments, the waveguide lens and the other waveguide lens have different features from one another.
In still various other embodiments, the waveguide lens includes incoupling optical elements and outcoupling optical elements.
In still various other embodiments, the incoupling optical elements are configured to incouple the light containing image data from the optical engine and the outcoupling optical elements are configured to outcouple the light containing image data into a user's eye.
In still various other embodiments, the optical engine is configured to inject light into the incoupling optical elements from a side of the waveguide lens opposite to the side where the outcoupling optical elements are configured to outcouple the light containing image data into the user's eye.
In still various other embodiments, the waveguide lens is configured to be substantially optically transparent to light from the surround environment.
Further, various embodiments are directed to a modular waveguide display device including:
In various other embodiments, the optical engine is removable from the modular frame.
In still various other embodiments, the modular frame includes at least one of a mono-camera, a stereo-camera, audio speakers, or a microphone.
In still various other embodiments, the modular frame is configured to continue operating the at least one of mono-camera, stereo-camera, audio speakers, or microphone when the optical engine is removed from the modular frame.
In still various other embodiments, the modular frame includes a battery which is configured to power both the modular frame and the optical engine.
In still various other embodiments, the second mechanical connector and the electrical connector of the modular frame is configured to accept another optical engine.
In still various other embodiments, the optical engine and the other optical engine have different features from one another.
In still various other embodiments, the first mechanical connector is configured to accept another waveguide lens.
In still various other embodiments, the waveguide lens and the other waveguide lens have different features from one another.
In still various other embodiments, the waveguide lens includes incoupling optical elements and outcoupling optical elements.
In still various other embodiments, the incoupling optical elements are configured to incouple the light containing image data from the optical engine and the outcoupling optical elements are configured to outcouple the light containing image data into a user's eye.
In still various other embodiments, the optical engine is configured to inject light into the incoupling optical elements from a side of the waveguide lens opposite to the side where the outcoupling optical elements are configured to outcouple the light containing image data into the user's eye.
In still various other embodiments, the waveguide lens is configured to be substantially optically transparent to light from the surround environment.
The description will be more fully understood with reference to the following figures and data graphs, which are presented as exemplary embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as a complete recitation of the scope of the invention.
For the purposes of describing embodiments, some well-known features of optical technology known to those skilled in the art of optical design and visual displays have been omitted or simplified in order to not obscure the basic principles of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, the term “on-axis” in relation to a ray or a beam direction refers to propagation parallel to an axis normal to the surfaces of the optical components described in relation to the invention. In the following description the terms light, ray, beam, and direction may be used interchangeably and in association with each other to indicate the direction of propagation of electromagnetic radiation along rectilinear trajectories. The term light and illumination may be used in relation to the visible and infrared bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. Parts of the following description will be presented using terminology commonly employed by those skilled in the art of optical design. As used herein, the term grating may encompass a grating including a set of gratings in some embodiments. For illustrative purposes, it is to be understood that the drawings are not drawn to scale unless stated otherwise.
Waveguides and waveguide displays in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can be configured and implemented in many different ways. Conventionally, implementations of waveguide displays typically include bulky housing and components to accommodate various features. The components of these conventional waveguide displays are typically static and not easily changed. However, depending on the application, some features within the waveguide display may not be required or desired. This leads to unnecessary bulk that can affect the device's aesthetic and/or the user's comfort. As such, many embodiments of the invention are directed towards modular waveguide displays of which the solutions and implementations can keep bulk to a minimum for a specific application. A user is able to include only portions of the functionality which the user deems advantageous when the device is in use. Additionally, such designs can allow for the devices to be configurable by the end user to his or her aesthetic preference. Further, portions of the waveguide display may be changed based on a user's desires or based on new technology which may be released.
Further, modular waveguide displays have separate components which perform separate functions which are joined when the device is to be used. Having separate components allows for these separate components to be easily improved upon without having to adjust the entire display at any given time. This can speed up innovation within the given components which can decrease the ultimate cost and throughput of manufacture of the device. Also, the modularity of the display allows for separate components to be innovated upon by separate component manufacturers and then easily integrated into the overall device.
Referring now to the drawings, modular waveguide displays in accordance with various embodiments of the invention are illustrated. Modular waveguide displays can be implemented in many different devices, including but not limited to monocular and binocular eyewear.
With continued reference to
In a number of embodiments, the modular frame 102 may include a proximity sensor, which can allow for power saving operation. For example, the proximity sensor can determine whether a user is currently wearing the device. In cases where a user is not detected, the optical engine 104 may be turned off to conserve power. The modular frame 102 may include various features such as cameras, speakers, and microphones for various features and/or to enable other applications, such as but not limited to telepresence applications. These features may be included in the modular frame 102 or be provided through a series of attachments. The modular waveguide display 100 may further include one or more waveguides 106 which may be attached to the modular frame 102. When the optical engine 104 is attached to the modular frame 102, the optical engine 104 may be configured to inject light including image data into the one or more waveguides 106. The one or more waveguides 106 may be mounted in a waveguide frame 108. As illustrated, the optical engine 104 may be configured to inject light into the front of the one or more waveguides 106 in the same side as the environment and opposite to the viewer's eyes. The waveguide frame 108 may have a center camera cover 110 or a hole which may be adapted to fit with a center camera described below.
The modular frame 102 may include connectors 202 which may electrically communicate with a corresponding electrical connectors 204 included on the optical engine 104. The modular frame 102 may also include stereo cameras 206 mounted on opposite sides of the modular frame 102. The stereo cameras 206 may provide for tracking such as six degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking. The modular frame 102 may also include a center camera 208 (seen in
The modular waveguide display 100 in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can incorporate other removable and/or swappable components, including but not limited to electronics, cameras, microphones, power delivery components, batteries, fail-safe mechanisms, frames, and waveguides. In many embodiments, the modular waveguide display 100 includes an eyetracker. In some embodiments, the modular waveguide display 100 includes a wired connection point for data and power delivery. For example, in a number of embodiments, one of the temples include an interface point for a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, such as but not limited to USB-C. In several embodiments, one of the temples includes an antenna interface. For various reasons, including safety concerns, the display can be configured to have a wired connection severed in response to accidental tugging of the wired connection. In such cases, the modular waveguide display 100 may be adapted to still function despite the lost in power. In many embodiments, the modular waveguide display includes a battery component, which can be removeable/swappable to allow operation of the device without a wired power delivery mechanism. In several embodiments, at least one supercapacitor is implemented to power the modular waveguide display 100.
Although
Optical structures recorded in waveguides can include many different types of optical elements, such as but not limited to diffraction gratings. In many embodiments, the grating implemented is a Bragg grating (also referred to as a volume grating). Bragg gratings can have high efficiency with little light being diffracted into higher orders. The relative amount of light in the diffracted and zero order can be varied by controlling the refractive index modulation of the grating, a property that is can be used to make lossy waveguide gratings for extracting light over a large pupil. One class of gratings used in holographic waveguide devices is the Switchable Bragg Grating (“SBG”). SBGs can be fabricated by first placing a thin film of a mixture of photopolymerizable monomers and liquid crystal material between glass plates or substrates. In many cases, the glass plates are in a parallel configuration. One or both glass plates can support electrodes, typically transparent tin oxide films, for applying an electric field across the film. The grating structure in an SBG can be recorded in the liquid material (often referred to as the syrup) through photopolymerization-induced phase separation using interferential exposure with a spatially periodic intensity modulation. Factors such as but not limited to control of the irradiation intensity, component volume fractions of the materials in the mixture, and exposure temperature can determine the resulting grating morphology and performance. As can readily be appreciated, a wide variety of materials and mixtures can be used depending on the specific requirements of a given application.
In many embodiments, the SBGs may include holographic polymer dispersed liquid crystal (HPDLC) material. During the recording process, the monomers polymerize and the mixture undergoes a phase separation. The LC molecules aggregate to form discrete or coalesced droplets that are periodically distributed in polymer networks on the scale of optical wavelengths. The alternating liquid crystal-rich and liquid crystal-depleted regions form the fringe planes of the grating, which can produce Bragg diffraction with a strong optical polarization resulting from the orientation ordering of the LC molecules in the droplets.
The resulting volume phase grating can exhibit very high diffraction efficiency, which can be controlled by the magnitude of the electric field applied across the film. When an electric field is applied to the grating via transparent electrodes, the natural orientation of the LC droplets can change, causing the refractive index modulation of the fringes to lower and the hologram diffraction efficiency to drop to very low levels. Typically, the electrodes are configured such that the applied electric field will be perpendicular to the substrates. In a number of embodiments, the electrodes are fabricated from indium tin oxide (“ITO”). In the OFF state with no electric field applied, the extraordinary axis of the liquid crystals generally aligns normal to the fringes. The grating thus exhibits high refractive index modulation and high diffraction efficiency for P-polarized light. When an electric field is applied to the HPDLC, the grating switches to the ON state wherein the extraordinary axes of the liquid crystal molecules align parallel to the applied field and hence perpendicular to the substrate. In the ON state, the grating exhibits lower refractive index modulation and lower diffraction efficiency for both S- and P-polarized light. Thus, the grating region no longer diffracts light. Each grating region can be divided into a multiplicity of grating elements such as for example a pixel matrix according to the function of the HPDLC device. Typically, the electrode on one substrate surface is uniform and continuous, while electrodes on the opposing substrate surface are patterned in accordance to the multiplicity of selectively switchable grating elements.
Typically, the SBG elements are switched clear in 30 μs with a longer relaxation time to switch ON. Note that the diffraction efficiency of the device can be adjusted, by means of the applied voltage, over a continuous range. In many cases, the device exhibits near 100% efficiency with no voltage applied and essentially zero efficiency with a sufficiently high voltage applied. In certain types of HPDLC devices, magnetic fields can be used to control the LC orientation. In some HPDLC applications, phase separation of the LC material from the polymer can be accomplished to such a degree that no discernible droplet structure results. An SBG can also be used as a passive grating. In this mode, its chief benefit is a uniquely high refractive index modulation. SBGs can be used to provide transmission or reflection gratings for free space applications. SBGs can be implemented as waveguide devices in which the HPDLC forms either the waveguide core or an evanescently coupled layer in proximity to the waveguide. The glass plates used to form the HPDLC cell provide a total internal reflection (“TIR”) light guiding structure. Light can be coupled out of the SBG when the switchable grating diffracts the light at an angle beyond the TIR condition.
Waveguides and waveguide displays can include protective layers in accordance with various embodiments of the invention. In many embodiments, the waveguide or waveguide display incorporates at least one protective layer. In further embodiments, the waveguide or waveguide display incorporates two protective layers, with one on each side of the device. As discussed in the sections above, waveguides and waveguide displays can be constructed with transparent substrates that, through their air interfaces, provide a TIR light guiding structure. In those cases, the protective layer can be implemented and incorporated such that there is minimal disruption to the substrates' air interfaces. In some embodiments, the protective layer can by virtue of its material properties and/or method of deposition onto a waveguide substrate, compensate for surface defects in the substrate, such as not limited to a surface ripple, scratches, and other nonuniformities that cause the surface geometry to deviate from perfect planarity (or other desired surface geometries). Protective layers can be implemented in various thicknesses, geometries, and sizes. For example, thicker protective layers can be utilized for applications that require more durable waveguides. In many embodiments, the protective layer is sized and shaped similar to the waveguide in which it is incorporated. For curved waveguides, the protective layer can also be curved. In further embodiments, the protective layer is curved with a similar curvature as the waveguide. Protective layers in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can be made of various materials. As can readily be appreciated, the properties of the protective layer, including but not limited to thicknesses, shapes, and material compositions, can be selected based on the specific requirements of a given application. For example, protective layers can be implemented to provide structural support for various applications. In such cases, the protective layer can be made of a robust material, such as but not limited to plastics and other polymers. Depending on the application, the protective layer can also be made of glass, silica, soda lime glass, polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polystyrene, polyethylene, and other plastics/polymers.
In some embodiments, the protective layer can be incorporated using spacers to provide and maintain an air gap between the waveguide's substrates and the protective layers. Such spacers can be implemented similarly to those described in the sections above. For instance, a suspension of spacers and acetone can be used to spray onto the outer surface of the waveguide. In many cases, it is desirable to uniformly spray the suspension. The acetone can evaporate, leaving behind the spacers. The protective layer (which has had glue/adhesive/sealant/etc. added at the edges) can then be placed and vacuumed down into contact with the spacers. Although in some applications the spacers may move a small amount, they generally stay in place due to van der Waals forces. The spacers can be made of any of a variety of materials, including but not limited to plastics (e.g., divinylbenzene), silica, and conductive materials. In several embodiments, the material of the spacers is selected such that its refractive index does not substantially affect the propagation of light within the waveguide cell. The spacers can take any suitable geometry, including but not limited to rods and spheres. Additionally, spacers of any suitable size can be utilized. For instance, in many cases, the sizes of the spacers range from 1 to 30 μm. As can readily be appreciated, the shape and size of the spacers utilized can depend on the specific requirements of a given application. In some cases, the protective layer may advantageously be disposed further away from the waveguide. In such embodiments, larger sized spacers can be utilized.
The incorporation of protective layers can be implemented with different waveguide configurations, including single and multi-layered waveguides. For example, multi-layered waveguides can incorporate two protective layers, one disposed near each of the outer surfaces. In addition to providing environmental isolation and structural support for the waveguide, the protective layers can also be implemented for a variety of other applications. In many embodiments, the protective layer allows for dimming and/or darkening. The protective layer can incorporate materials for photochromic or thermochromic capabilities. The protective layer can also be configured to allow for controllable dimming and/or darkening. In several embodiments, the protective layer implements electrochromic capabilities. The protective layer can also provide a surface for other films, including but not limited to anti-reflective coatings and absorption filters. Such films can be implemented to avoid seeing light from the outside. In many cases, such films cannot be directly placed onto the waveguide, which can be due to the required high temperature processes or disturbance to the waveguiding in general. In many embodiments, the protective layer includes a coating that creates a mirroring effect. In some embodiments, the protective layer includes a gradual tint that is darker near the top of the lens. In a number of embodiments, the protective layer provides optical power. In further embodiments, the protective layer provides variable, tunable optical power. Such focus tunable lenses can be implemented using fluidic lenses or SBGs. In some applications, a picture generation unit is implemented and, depending on the waveguide application and design, may require an unobstructed light path between the PGU and the waveguide as the protective layer could refract the input beam, leading to positional errors. In many cases, an incident beam will contain rays that are at an angle to the waveguiding substrates. These effects will be exacerbated as the incident ray angles increase. Even for an incident beam that will not be refracted, there are still potential issues as the material used in the protective layer can impact the polarization of the beam and introduce scatter. In such embodiments, the protective layer can be designed and shaped accordingly to prevent the protective layer's interference with the light path.
Modular waveguide displays in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can be configured in many different ways, including but not limited to incorporating different levels of modularity and the type and number of components to be implemented. In many embodiments, the choice of component and how such component is implemented can depend on the specific application and/or other components. For example, waveguides incorporating different gratings and grating designs can have different requirements of how and where the light from the optical engine is coupled. In a number of embodiments, the modular waveguide display is implemented as a monocular display, with only one lens being active and coupled to a projection system. The other lens may be a dummy lens or may include functionality such as correction of vision of the user.
In some embodiments, the waveguide display is designed to have the optical engine introduce light to the front side of the waveguide (e.g. the side opposite the user's eyes).
Conversely, implementing the projector on the front side of the waveguide or on the side opposite the user's eyes allows for easier alignment of the projector and the waveguide. Without limitation to any particular theory, introducing light from the front side may cause the waveguide to act as a periscope which allows a less precisely aligned projector and waveguide to function properly. Thus, implementing the projector on the front side of the waveguide allows for easy alignment of the waveguide lens and the optical engine which is beneficial for situation where the waveguide lens and the optical engine frequently removed and swapped which is the case in a modular design.
Further, as can readily be appreciated, different types of optical engines 104 can be implemented as appropriate depending on the specific requirements of a given application. For example, the optical engine 104 may include projectors each including a waveguide integrated laser source. In other embodiments, an LED light source is utilized. As can readily be appreciated, various light sources and optical components, such as but not limited to prisms and collimating optics, can be utilized as appropriate depending on the specific requirements of a given application. The optical engine 104 may include projectors such as digital light processing (DLP) projectors, light-emitting diode (LED) projectors, liquid crystal display (LCD) projectors, or Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) projectors. The projectors may be one or more electrically switchable bragg grating (ESBG) devices which is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,224,133 entitled “LASER ILLUMINATION DEVICE” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the optical engine 104 can be implemented with two projectors in a single housing. Such configurations can ensure a set distance between the two projectors, which can be advantageous in many cases. In some embodiments, features are included to allow for the components to be implemented and attached to the device in a robust manner such that there are no alignment issues. In several embodiments, the components are designed to allow for a relatively high margin of misalignment. Specifically, in a number of embodiments, the waveguides are designed to still operate with a margin of misalignment to allow for robust incorporation into the device.
In some embodiments, the first pin 604a may be connected to ground, the second pin 604b may be connected to signal, and the third pin 604c may be connected to power. Thus, when the connector 204 is joined to the electrical connector 202, the optical engine 104 is first connected to ground which purges the circuits within the optical engine 104 of any residual charge that may damage the circuits if the optical engine 104 was connected to power first. Next, the optical engine 104 is connected to signal which allows the device to be fully ready to operate before the optical engine 104 is connected to power. Lastly, the optical engine 104 is connected to power which powers the up the device only after the ground and signal have been connected. While, only one pin is shown for each of the first pin 604a, the second pin 604b, and the third pin 604c, one of ordinary skill would recognize that there could be multiple pins of similar height corresponding to each of these pins. Further, while only three different heights are included in this example, one of ordinary skill would understand that more heights may be included to allow for sequential connection of more components. In some embodiments, the connector 204 may be a MIPI connector to provide adequate data bandwidth while being a standardized connector. The connector 204 may also be other connector types to adjust for various aspects such as bandwidth requirements.
In many embodiments, the electrical connectors 202 of the modular frame 102 allow for a variety of different components to be electrically connected to the modular waveguide display 100. As discussed in the sections above, the modular waveguide display 100 can also operate with the optical engine 104 removed for reduced size and increased aesthetics. For example, if a user does not contemplate using the optical engine 104 functionalities during a particular session, then the modular waveguide display 100 may be run without the optical engine 104 while retaining the remaining functionality of the modular frame 102 and waveguides 106. The modular frame 102 may also be run by itself without the waveguides 106 to further save weight when the user does not desire the functionality of the waveguides 106.
Modular components to be implemented with waveguide displays in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can be configured to be attached to the device in various ways. In many embodiments, the components are magnetically attached to the device. In some embodiments, the component is mechanically attached through latches or screws.
Modular components allow for the possibility of swappable modules that enable the end user to select and balance for aesthetic, comfort, and performance concerns. For example, waveguide modules can often be implemented in various shapes without altering the optical functions of the waveguide. As such, the waveguide modules can be implemented in various designs to allow for different aesthetical choices for the end user.
In addition to providing flexibility in aesthetics and functionality, modular waveguide displays in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can provide a better fit for a wide variety of users. In many embodiments, the modular waveguide display includes various removeable and swappable components for customizing the fit for the user. For example, in some embodiments, the waveguide display includes swappable nose pads that varies in height, size, and/or shape. Such implementations can allow for a better fit across for users that may have nose features that deviates from the typical average. In several embodiments, the nose pad component is designed to mechanically attached to the modular waveguide display. In further embodiments, the nose pad components provide a further mechanical connection to a removeable nose pad frame.
Another customization option can include removable and/or swappable ear hooks.
Depending on the application, weight distribution of the modular waveguide display can be a concern. For example, in some applications, the modular waveguide display is front-heavy. In such cases, it can be advantageous for the temples of the modular frame 102 to provide a greater hold on the user's head. As such, the modular frame 102 may include temple components with movable joints having a preload. In a number of embodiments, the temples are weighted to counteract the weight of any front components, providing adequate weight distribution for a more comfortable fit. In some embodiments, the temple can open wider than 90 degrees relative to the waveguide lens 106 and waveguide frame 108. Such implementations can also allow for compatibility with larger head sizes.
In addition to customized fit, many modular waveguide displays are designed with various safety features. For example, as discussed above, such modular waveguide displays can include one or more batteries for providing power, or uninterrupted power as a secondary backup power source. In such embodiments, the battery(s) can be incorporated within one or both of the temple component of the modular frame 102.
With reference back to
Turning back to
The tracking cameras 206 can be implemented in many different ways. In a number of embodiments, the cameras 206 are each coupled together with a speaker to form a module. In many implementations, the camera 206 forms a pocket of air behind the lens. By coupling the camera 206 together with a speaker, the pocket can be utilized as an internal resonance cavity for the speaker. Such configurations can allow for smaller footprints compared to traditional implementations. In some embodiments, the modular frame 102 includes two camera/speaker modules, each positioned near a corner at which a temple connects to a main frame body. Due to the round shape of a typical user's head and the angular corners formed by the main frame body and the temples, there exist spaces in which the modules can be disposed without affecting the fit of the modular waveguide display 100. By positioning the cameras 206 on either side of the user's head, the required distance for some applications, such as but not limited to depth perception, can be satisfied. Additionally, similarly placement for the cameras 206 can allow for stereo sound. In further embodiments, the waveguide display further includes an additional set of speakers disposed within the temples.
In addition to the passive usage of heatsinks, the modular waveguide display 100 can include perforations in the modular frame 102 or a housing of the optical engine 104. The perforations can allow for better air flow, which increases the dissipation of thermal energy due to the circulation of the ambient air. In some embodiments, perforations are placed to allow external air to flow inside the housing of the optical engine 104 and over one or more heat generating component, such as the central processor. This airflow path can allow for heightened cooling when the user is currently in motion, which can force more airflow over the heat generating component. In several embodiments, performance of the components can be controlled, or throttled, depending on the current operating condition. For example, the modular waveguide display 100 can be configured to determine, using sensors such as but not limited to inertial measurement unit sensors, whether a user is in motion and how much motion in order to throttle the performance of any electronic component as necessary (e.g. the faster the user is in motion, the more airflow and cooling is provided to the components, allowing for higher levels of performance).
Turning back to
As discussed previously, all the additional features discussed in connection with
While the above description contains many specific embodiments of the invention, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an example of one embodiment thereof. It is therefore to be understood that the present invention may be practiced in ways other than specifically described, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but by the appended claims and their equivalents.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/957,094 filed on Jan. 3, 2020, U.S. Provisional Application 63/030,256 filed on May 26, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Application 63/063,155 filed on Aug. 7, 2020, the disclosures of which is included herein by reference in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US20/67737 | 12/31/2020 | WO |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63063155 | Aug 2020 | US | |
| 63030256 | May 2020 | US | |
| 62957094 | Jan 2020 | US |
