Near-eye display for augmented reality having holographic multi-configuration architecture of increasing eyebox and operating method of the same

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a near-eye display for augmented reality having a holographic multiple superposition optical system for increasing the eye box, and a method of operating the same. The near-eye display for augmented reality of the present disclosure comprises a display device that outputs image information divided into a plurality of image regions, and a pair of optical devices having a plurality of grid pairs corresponding to each of the image regions engraved thereon to provide each of the image regions across an eye box of a predetermined size, wherein the image regions overlap within the eye box, and the entire image information can be provided across the eye box.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a near-eye display (NED) for augmented reality (AR) having a holographic multi-configuration (HMC) optical system for increasing the eyebox and a method of operating the same. More specifically, it relates to a near-eye display for augmented reality having a holographic multi-configuration optical system for increasing the eyebox and eliminating noise caused therefrom by engraving multiple different diffraction gratings on a holographic optical element (HOE), and a method of operating the same. Background Technology

[0002] Augmented reality is a technology that overlays a three-dimensional virtual image onto a real-world image or background to display it as a single image. Near-eye displays have been developed to provide such augmented reality. In other words, users can experience augmented reality through near-eye displays. However, such near-eye displays have the problem of having a small field of view (FOV) and eye box. The problem to be solved

[0003] The present disclosure provides a near-eye display for augmented reality having a holographic multiple superposition optical system for increasing the eye box, and a method of operating the same. means of solving the problem

[0004] In the present disclosure, a near-eye display for augmented reality for increasing the eye box may include a display device that outputs image information divided into a plurality of image regions, and a pair of optical devices having a plurality of grid pairs corresponding to each of the image regions engraved thereon to provide each of the image regions across an eye box of a predetermined size.

[0005] In the present disclosure, a method of operation for a near-eye display for augmented reality for increasing the eye box may include the step of a display device outputting image information divided into a plurality of image regions, and the step of a pair of optical devices, each having a plurality of grid pairs corresponding to the image regions engraved thereon, each providing the image regions across an eye box of a predetermined size. Effects of the invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, optical devices can each provide image regions across an eyebox of a predetermined size through different grid pairs. As a result, the image regions overlap within the eyebox, allowing the entire image information to be provided across the eyebox. That is, a user can observe a virtual image based on the image information through an enlarged eyebox. At this time, crosstalk noise can be eliminated by attaching the optical device that ultimately provides the image information to the eyebox to a lens positioned on the front of the user's eye. Therefore, the user can clearly observe a virtual image based on the entire image information through an enlarged eyebox. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0007] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a holographic multi-overlay optical system for increasing the eye box of a near-eye display for augmented reality according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing multiple configurations implemented by each grid pair in FIG. 1 and multiple overlapping configurations from these. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the exposure conditions and operating principle for the holographic multiple superposition optical system of FIG. 1. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the results of a ray tracing simulation performed on the holographic multi-overlap optical system of the near-eye display of Figure 1 for comparison with other near-eye displays. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the results of a ray tracing simulation for the holographic multiple superposition optical system of the near-eye display of Figure 1 to verify changes in the multiple superposition configuration according to wavelength and angle of light. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the results of a ray tracing simulation for the holographic multiple superposition optical system of the near-eye display of Figure 1 according to the combination of diffraction gratings in Figure 5. FIGS. 7a, FIGS. 7b, and FIGS. 8 are drawings showing the test setup and results for the holographic multiple superposition optical system of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the removal of crosstalk noise as a second optical device is attached to an eyeglass lens in the holographic multiple superposition optical system of FIG. 1. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the results of measuring the eye box of a conventional near-eye display and the eye box of the near-eye display of Figure 1. FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a method of operation of a near-eye display for augmented reality according to various embodiments. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0008] In the following disclosure, the present disclosure provides a near-eye display for augmented reality having a holographic multi-superposition optical system for increasing the eyebox, and a method of operating the same. A near-eye display may collectively refer to glasses or a head-mount display (HMD) that can be worn on a user's face or head, or augmented reality glasses in the form of contact lenses that can make direct contact with a user's eyeball. The eyebox refers to the area where a virtual image can be viewed by the eye without clipping. When designing a near-eye display for augmented reality, the size of the eyebox is significantly important because, since the interpupillary distance (IPD) varies from person to person, a wide eyebox is necessary for everyone to view the virtual image without clipping. Accordingly, the ideal eyebox size generally required is approximately 20 mm.

[0009] A holographic optical element (HOE) is used by interfering an object beam with a reference beam to engrave an interference pattern onto a polymer, which is then exposed to an optical element such as an off-axis lens or mirror. In the case of conventional mirrors, when light is incident, the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are equal; however, when an object beam is recorded on an HOE, the light diffracts in the direction of the object beam. Utilizing this phenomenon, it is used as a core component in augmented reality applications.

[0010] A diffractive optical element (DOE) is a device that induces diffraction by erecting micro-scale structures on a flat surface to cause light to diffract. Depending on the shape of the structures, they can be classified into binary grating, chevron grating, and blazed grating structures, and the diffraction efficiency varies accordingly. Due to this principle, DOEs are also used as core components in augmented reality applications.

[0011] Metasurfaces are designed with nanoscale structures and utilized in forms such as off-axis prisms, lenses, and single-focus lenses; they demonstrate significantly higher efficiency compared to HOEs or DOEs that perform the same functions. However, finding and optimally designing a structure suited to these functions is difficult, and manufacturing is challenging due to the small size of the current structures. Like HOEs and DOEs, metasurfaces are also used as core components in augmented reality applications.

[0013] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a holographic multiple superposition optical system for increasing the eye box (103) of a near-eye display (100) for augmented reality according to various embodiments. FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating multiple configurations and multiple superposition configurations therefrom, each implemented by grid pairs in FIG. 1.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1, a near-eye display (100) for augmented reality may be configured so that a user (10) observes a virtual image (109) according to image information (105) through an enlarged eye box (103). To this end, the near-eye display (100) may include a display device (110), a projector (120), a first optical device (130), a mirror (140), and a second optical device (150). Here, the first optical device (130) and the second optical device (150) are configured as a pair and may be of the same type.

[0016] A display device (110) can output image information (105). The display device (110) may be a small multi-wavelength display device, for example, a micro organic light-emitting diode. The display device (110) has a plurality of display areas, and the display areas can each output different image regions of image information. At this time, the display areas may be separated from the upper side to the lower side in the display device (110). For example, the display device (110) includes two display areas, namely a first display area and a second display area arranged from the upper side to the lower side, and correspondingly, the image information (105) may include a first image region (106) and a second image region (107). In this case, the first display area may output the first image region (106), and the second display area may output the second image region (107).

[0017] The projector (120) can enlarge image information (105) from the display device (110) and provide it to the first optical device (130). Specifically, the projector (120) can enlarge each image area and project it onto the first optical device (130). For example, the projector (120) may include at least one optical lens.

[0018] The first optical device (130) can provide image information (105) from the projector (120) to the mirror (140). Specifically, the first optical device (130) can transmit image regions to the mirror (140) respectively. At this time, the first optical device (130) can act as a compensator. Here, the first optical device (130) may be a HOE, but is not limited thereto. That is, the first optical device (130) may be replaced by a DOE or a metasurface. Also, the first optical device (130) may be implemented as a transmissive or reflective optical device.

[0019] The mirror (140) can transmit image information (105) from the first optical device (130) to the second optical device (150). At this time, the mirror (140) can reflect the image information (105) from the first optical device (130) to the second optical device (150).

[0020] The second optical device (150) can provide image information (105) from the mirror (140) to the eyebox (103). Specifically, the second optical device (150) can transmit image regions to the eyebox (103) respectively. At this time, the second optical device (150) can function as a windshield. Here, the second optical device (150) may be a HOE, but is not limited thereto. That is, the second optical device (150) may be replaced by a DOE or a metasurface. Also, the second optical device (150) may be implemented as a transmissive or reflective optical device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second optical device (150) may be attached to a lens placed on the front of the user's (10) eyeball to eliminate crosstalk noise. Here, the lens may be a flat lens or a curved lens. For example, if the near-eye display (100) is implemented as eyeglasses or a head-mounted display, the second optical device (150) may be attached to the eyeglass lens. In this case, other components of the near-eye display (100) may be placed on the temples of the eyeglasses. For another example, if the near-eye display (100) is implemented in the form of a contact lens, the second optical device (150) may be attached to the contact lens.

[0022] Thus, the near-eye display (100) for augmented reality may have a pair of optical devices (130, 150) composed of a first optical device (130) and a second optical device (150). Here, the first optical device (130) is depicted as a reflective optical device and the second optical device (150) is depicted as a transmissive optical device, but is not limited thereto. That is, the optical devices (130, 150) may all be implemented as reflective optical devices or as transmissive optical devices, and the first optical device (130) may be implemented as a transmissive optical device and the second optical device (150) may be implemented as a reflective optical device.

[0023] Optical devices (130, 150) may have a plurality of grating pairs ({(G11, G12), ..., (Gn1, Gn2)}) corresponding to each image region engraved thereon. Each of the grating pairs ({(G11, G12), ..., (Gn1, Gn2)}) may include a first diffraction grating (G11, ..., Gn1) engraved on the first optical device (130) and a second diffraction grating (G12, ..., Gn2) engraved on the second optical device (150). In other words, different first diffraction gratings ({G11, ..., Gn1}) may be engraved on the first optical device (130), and different second diffraction gratings ({G12, ..., Gn2}) may be engraved on the second optical device (150). At this time, each of the grid pairs ({(G11, G12), ..., (Gn1, Gn2)}) can be formed to provide image regions across an eyebox (103) of a predetermined size (e.g., approximately 20 mm).

[0024] Accordingly, optical devices (130, 150) can each provide image regions across a predetermined size eyebox (103) through different grid pairs ({(G11, G12), ..., (Gn1, Gn2)}). Thus, as the image regions overlap within the eyebox (103), the entire image information (105) can be provided across the eyebox (103). That is, the user (10) can observe a virtual image (109) corresponding to the entire image information (105) through the enlarged eyebox (103).

[0025] For example, grid pairs ({(G11, G12), ..., (Gn1, Gn2)}) may include a first grid pair ((G11, G12)) for a first image area (106) and a second grid pair ((G21, G22)) for a second image area (107). Here, the first grid pair ((G11, G12)) may be formed to provide the first image area (106) across an eyebox (103) of a predetermined size (e.g., approximately 20 mm), and the second grid pair ((G21, G22)) may be formed to provide the second image area (107) across an eyebox (103) of a predetermined size (e.g., approximately 20 mm).

[0026] In this case, the first grating pair ((G11, G12)) can implement a first multi-configuration as shown in the upper left of FIG. 2, and the second grating pair ((G21, G22)) can implement a second multi-configuration as shown in the upper right of FIG. 2. Specifically, in the first multi-configuration, the first optical device (130) can transmit a first image area (106) through the first diffraction grating (G11) of the first grating pair ((G11, G12)), and the second optical device (150) can transmit a first image area (106) through the second diffraction grating (G12) of the first grating pair ((G11, G12)). In addition, in the second multi-configuration, the first optical device (130) can transmit the second image area (107) through the first diffraction grating (G21) of the second grating pair ((G21, G22)), and the second optical device (150) can transmit the second image area (107) through the second diffraction grating (G22) of the second grating pair ((G21, G22)). Thus, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 2, as the first multi-configuration and the second multi-configuration are superimposed as a multi-superposition configuration, the first image area (106) and the second image area (107) are superimposed within the eyebox (103), and the entire image information (105) can be provided across the eyebox (103). That is, the user (10) can observe a virtual image (109) based on image information (105) through an increased eye box (103).

[0027] Additionally, the near-eye display (100) may further include a rotation control device capable of rotating the eye-tracker and the display device (110) to avoid a convergence-accommodation conflict (VAC). Here, the eye-tracker may be attached to a lens placed on the front of the user's (10) eye.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the exposure conditions and operating principles for the holographic multiple superposition optical system of FIG. 1. Here, the left side of FIG. 3 (a) represents a single multiple configuration, and the right side of FIG. 3 (a) represents a multiple superposition configuration of two multiple configurations.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, a single multi-configuration has a single collimation optical system and forms a small eyebox, whereas a multi-superposition configuration can duplicate the collimation optical system to form an enlarged eyebox (eyebox (103) of FIG. 1). Specifically, regarding the exposure conditions for the multi-superposition configuration, all multi-configurations use the same reference beam, and only the angle of the object beam changes. Here, the angle of exposure to the HOE (optical devices (130, 150) of FIG. 1) refers to the angle between the reference beam and the object beam. Also, a pair of HOEs (optical devices (130, 150) of FIG. 1) are used in the multi-superposition configuration, and two diffraction gratings (CF1, CF2) are engraved on each HOE. Specifically, two pairs of gratings are engraved on the HOEs, and CF1 and CF2 represent diffraction gratings of different grating pairs, respectively. In this case, a total of four combinations of CF1-CF1, CF2-CF2, CF1-CF2, and CF2-CF2 appear in the HOEs. Here, CF1-CF1 and CF2-CF2 appear as the desired virtual image (109), and CF1-CF2 and CF2-CF1 appear as crosstalk noise, so that a triple image finally appears.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the results of a ray tracing simulation for a holographic multi-superposition optical system of the near-eye display (100) of FIG. 1 for comparison with another near-eye display (400). Here, FIG. 4 (a) is a diagram of another near-eye display (400) having optical devices (430, 450) with a single grating pair engraved thereon, and FIG. 4 (b) is a diagram of the near-eye display (100) of FIG. 1 having optical devices (130, 150) with two grating pairs engraved thereon.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 4, since the entire image information is physically entered into the user's eye when both image regions at both ends of the display device (110, 410) are in the user's eye, the simulation was performed only with the image regions at both ends of the display device (110, 410). In the case of the other near-eye display (400), each of the optical devices (430, 450) transmitted different image regions of the image information output from the display device (410) through the same diffraction grating. Thus, in the other near-eye display (400), the image regions overlapped within a small space of approximately 6 mm, which indicates that the eyebox (403) is small. Here, even if a multi-wavelength display device is used as the display device (410), the eyebox (403) was not increased to an ideal size (approximately 20 mm). In contrast, in the case of the near-eye display (100) of FIG. 1, each of the optical devices (130, 150) transmitted different image regions of image information output from the display device (110) through different diffraction gratings. Thus, in the near-eye display (100) of FIG. 1, image regions overlapped within an increased space of approximately 20 mm, which indicates that the eye box (103) has been increased.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the results of a ray tracing simulation for the holographic multiple superposition optical system of the near-eye display (100) of FIG. 1 to verify changes in the multiple superposition configuration according to wavelength and angle of light. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the results of a ray tracing simulation for the holographic multiple superposition optical system of the near-eye display (100) of FIG. 1 according to the combination of diffraction gratings in FIG. 5.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 5, the exposure wavelength was recorded at 640 nm, and light ray tracing results according to 600 nm, 610 nm, 620 nm, 630 nm, and 640 nm are shown. Here, the eyebox (103) was designed to have a size of 20 mm.

[0034] When viewed from a top view, CF1 is designed to target the image area (indicated in blue) of the lower (right) display area of ​​the display device (110). For the image area of ​​the lower (right) display area of ​​the display device (110), each wavelength corresponds to a part of the eyebox (103), and more specifically, 600 nm forms the lower (farthest right) part of the eyebox (103), and the larger the wavelength, the more it forms the upper (lefter) part of the eyebox (103). Meanwhile, for the image area (indicated in red) of the central display area of ​​the display device (100), each wavelength forms the lower half of the eyebox (103).

[0035] Likewise, when viewed from the top view, CF2 is designed to target the image area (indicated in green) of the upper (left) display area of ​​the display device (110). For the image area of ​​the upper (left) display area of ​​the display device (110), each wavelength corresponds to a part of the eyebox (103), and more specifically, 600 nm forms the lower (right) part of the eyebox (103), and the larger the wavelength, the more it forms the upper (left) part of the eyebox (103). Meanwhile, for the image area (indicated in red) of the central display area of ​​the display device (100), each wavelength forms the upper half of the eyebox (103).

[0036] Therefore, two pairs of gratings, namely CF1-CF1 and CF2-CF2, operate independently, but in actual physical situations, they operate simultaneously. In other words, due to the holographic multiple superposition optical system, the user (10) can clearly observe a virtual image (109) corresponding to the entire image information (105) of the display device (110) in an eyebox (103) of approximately 20 mm. Meanwhile, when viewed from a top view, the ray tracing results of CF1-CF2 and CF2-CF1 do not appear, which means that crosstalk noise does not enter the eyebox (103). That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when the user (10) wears the near-eye display (100), the triple image described with reference to FIG. 3 does not appear, and only the desired target image can be seen, and crosstalk noise is vignetted.

[0037] FIGS. 7a, FIGS. 7b, and FIGS. 8 are drawings showing the test setup and results for the holographic multiple superposition optical system of FIG. 1. Here, FIG. 7a shows the test setup, which is a test bench optical system exposing the HOE, and FIG. 7b shows the test results.

[0038] Referring to Figures 7a and 7b, the test results were identical to the simulation results. The HOE is exposed using one reference beam and two object beams. A simple test bench optical system was assembled using the fabricated HOE to observe the imaging results. Two crosstalk noises and one virtual image were predicted, and when the experiment was conducted with a 157 m image, a triple image was observed as predicted.

[0039] Referring to Fig. 8, test results regarding the operating characteristics of the HOE according to exposure are illustrated. An experiment was conducted to observe changes in noise and the target while turning CF1 and CF2 on and off, respectively. When both CF1 and CF2 were turned on, a triple image—that is, one target image and two crosstalk noises—was observed, and when CF1 and CF2 were turned on individually, one target image and one crosstalk noise were observed. Meanwhile, changes in the distance between the crosstalk noise and the target image were observed when the object beam exposure conditions of CF1 and CF2 were changed. This demonstrates that the distance between the crosstalk noise and the target can be adjusted by changing the exposure conditions, and in other words, that the crosstalk noise can be vignetted to eliminate all crosstalk noise.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the removal of crosstalk noise as a second optical device (150) is attached to an eyeglass lens in the holographic multiple superposition optical system of FIG. 1.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 9, crosstalk noise can be removed by adjusting the size of the second optical device (150) attached to the eyeglass lens. As confirmed in FIG. 8, the distance between the crosstalk noise and the target image is sufficiently spaced, and when light travels from the first optical device (130) to the second optical device (150), only the information of the target image reaches the second optical device (150), and the remaining part is cut off. In other words, crosstalk noise is removed by using a method where only the information of the target image reaches the eyeglass lens and the remaining part is windowed.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the results of measuring the eye box of a conventional near-eye display and the eye box of the near-eye display (100) of FIG. 1.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 10, in a conventional near-eye display, a total eye box of 5 mm was measured from -0.3 cm to 0.2 cm relative to 0, and in the near-eye display (100) of FIG. 1, a total eye box of 18 mm was measured from -0.9 cm to 0.9 cm relative to 0. It was experimentally verified that the holographic multiple superposition optical system greatly expands the eye box.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating the operation method of a near-eye display (100) for augmented reality according to various embodiments.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 11, in step 1110, the display device (110) can output image information (105). The display device (110) may be a small multi-wavelength display device, for example, a micro organic light-emitting diode. The display device (110) has a plurality of display areas, and the display areas can each output different image regions of image information. At this time, the display areas may be separated from the upper side to the lower side in the display device (110). For example, the display device (110) includes two display areas, namely a first display area and a second display area arranged from the upper side to the lower side, and correspondingly, the image information (105) may include a first image region (106) and a second image region (107). In this case, the first display area can output the first image area (106), and the second display area can output the second image area (107).

[0046] Next, in step 1120, the first optical device (130) can provide image information to the second optical device (150) through the first diffraction gratings ({G11, ..., Gn1}) of a plurality of grating pairs ({(G11, G12), ..., (Gn1, Gn2)}). Specifically, the projector (120) can enlarge the image information (105) from the display device (110) and provide it to the first optical device (130). Specifically, the projector (120) can enlarge each image region and project it onto the first optical device (130). For example, the projector (120) may include at least one optical lens. Then, the first optical device (130) can provide the image information (105) from the projector (120) to the mirror (140). Specifically, the first optical device (130) can transmit image regions to the mirror (140) respectively. At this time, the first optical device (130) can act as a corrector. Here, the first optical device (130) may be one of a HOE, a DOE, or a metasurface. Also, the first optical device (130) may be implemented as a transmissive or reflective optical device.

[0047] Next, in step 1130, the second optical device (150) can provide image information to the eyebox (103) through the second diffraction gratings ({G12, ..., Gn2}) of the plurality of grating pairs ({(G11, G12), ..., (Gn1, Gn2)}). Specifically, the mirror (140) can transmit image information (105) from the first optical device (130) to the second optical device (150). At this time, the mirror (140) can reflect the image information (105) from the first optical device (130) to the second optical device (150). Then, the second optical device (150) can provide the image information (105) from the mirror (140) to the eyebox (103). Specifically, the second optical device (150) can transmit image regions to the eyebox (103) respectively. At this time, the second optical device (150) can serve as a windshield. Here, the second optical device (150) may be one of a HOE, a DOE, or a metasurface. Also, the second optical device (150) may be implemented as a transmissive or reflective optical device.

[0048] In this way, a plurality of grating pairs ({(G11, G12), ..., (Gn1, Gn2)}) corresponding to each image region may be engraved on the optical devices (130, 150). Each of the grating pairs ({(G11, G12), ..., (Gn1, Gn2)}) may include a first diffraction grating (G11, ..., Gn1) engraved on the first optical device (130) and a second diffraction grating (G12, ..., Gn2) engraved on the second optical device (150). In other words, different first diffraction gratings ({G11, ..., Gn1}) may be engraved on the first optical device (130), and different second diffraction gratings ({G12, ..., Gn2}) may be engraved on the second optical device (150). At this time, each of the grid pairs ({(G11, G12), ..., (Gn1, Gn2)}) can be formed to provide image regions across an eyebox (103) of a predetermined size (e.g., approximately 20 mm).

[0049] Accordingly, optical devices (130, 150) can each provide image regions across a predetermined size eyebox (103) through different grid pairs ({(G11, G12), ..., (Gn1, Gn2)}). Thus, as the image regions overlap within the eyebox (103), the entire image information (105) can be provided across the eyebox (103). That is, the user (10) can observe a virtual image (109) based on the image information (105) through the enlarged eyebox (103). At this time, crosstalk noise can be eliminated by attaching a second optical device (150), which ultimately provides the image information (105) to the eyebox (103), to a lens placed on the front of the user's eye. As a result, the user can clearly observe a virtual image (109) based on the entire image information (105) through the enlarged eyebox (103).

[0051] In summary, the present disclosure provides a near-eye display (100) for augmented reality having a holographic multiple superposition optical system for increasing the eye box (103) and a method of operating the same.

[0052] The augmented reality near-eye display (100) of the present disclosure may include a display device (110) that outputs image information (105) (105) divided into a plurality of image regions, and a pair of optical devices (130, 150) on which a plurality of grid pairs ({(G11, G12), ..., (Gn1, Gn2)}) corresponding to each of the image regions are engraved to provide each of the image regions across an eye box (103) of a predetermined size.

[0053] In the present disclosure, each of the grating pairs ({(G11, G12), ..., (Gn1, Gn2)}) may include a first diffraction grating (G11, ..., Gn1) and a second diffraction grating (G12, ..., Gn2) which are respectively engraved on optical devices (130, 150).

[0054] In the present disclosure, the entire image information (105) can be provided across the eyebox (103) as the image regions overlap within the eyebox (103).

[0055] In the present disclosure, the display device (110) may be a multi-wavelength display device (110).

[0056] In the present disclosure, the optical devices (130, 150) may be holographic optical elements (HOE).

[0057] In the present disclosure, each of the optical devices (130, 150) may be a diffractive optical element (DOE) or a metasurface.

[0058] In the present disclosure, optical devices (130, 150) include a first optical device (130) and a second optical device (150), and the first optical device (130) can each transmit image regions from a display device (110) to the second optical device (150), and the second optical device (150) can each transmit image regions from the first optical device (130) to an eyebox (103).

[0059] In the present disclosure, each of the optical devices (130, 150) may be a transmissive or reflective optical device.

[0060] In the present disclosure, the first optical device (130) is a transmissive or reflective optical device, and the second optical device (150) may be a reflective optical device.

[0061] In the present disclosure, the second optical device (150) may be attached to a lens placed on the front of the user's eye.

[0062] The method of operation of a near-eye display for augmented reality of the present disclosure may include the step (step 1110) of a display device (110) outputting image information (105) divided into a plurality of image regions, and the step (steps 1120 and 1130) of a pair of optical devices (130, 150) each having a plurality of grid pairs corresponding to the image regions engraved thereon, each providing the image regions across an eye box (103) of a predetermined size.

[0063] Although the present disclosure has been described in relation to some embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as understood by a person skilled in the art to which the invention of the present disclosure pertains. Furthermore, such modifications and changes should be considered to fall within the scope of the claims appended to this specification.

[0064] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technology described in this document to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or substitutions of such embodiments. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, expressions such as "A or B," "at least one of A and / or B," "A, B or C," or "at least one of A, B and / or C" may include all possible combinations of items listed together. Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" may modify the components, regardless of order or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components. When it is mentioned that a certain (e.g., first) component is "(functionally or telecommunicationally) connected" or "connected" to another (e.g., second) component, said certain component may be directly connected to said other component or connected through another component (e.g., third component).

[0065] According to various embodiments, each of the described components may include a singular or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the aforementioned components or steps may be omitted, or one or more other components or steps may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding components among the multiple components prior to integration.

Claims

Claim 1 A near-eye display for augmented reality for increasing eye box, comprising: a display device for outputting image information divided into a plurality of image regions; and a pair of optical devices having a plurality of grid pairs corresponding to each of the image regions engraved thereon to provide each of the image regions across an eye box of a predetermined size, wherein the optical devices include a first optical device and a second optical device, wherein the first optical device transmits the image regions from the display device to the second optical device, and the second optical device transmits the image regions from the first optical device to the eye box. Claim 2 A near-eye display for augmented reality according to claim 1, wherein each of the grating pairs comprises a first diffraction grating and a second diffraction grating engraved on the optical devices, respectively. Claim 3 A near-eye display for augmented reality according to claim 1, wherein the image regions overlap within the eyebox, and the entire image information is provided across the eyebox. Claim 4 In claim 1, the display device is a multi-wavelength display device, a near-eye display for augmented reality. Claim 5 In claim 1, the optical devices are holographic optical elements (HOEs), for a near-eye display for augmented reality. Claim 6 In claim 1, each of the optical devices is a diffractive optical element (DOE) or a metasurface, a near-eye display for augmented reality. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 A near-eye display for augmented reality, wherein each of the optical devices is a transmissive or reflective optical device in claim 1. Claim 9 A near-eye display for augmented reality according to claim 1, wherein the first optical device is a transmissive or reflective optical device and the second optical device is a reflective optical device. Claim 10 In claim 1, the second optical device is a near-eye display for augmented reality attached to a lens positioned in front of the user's eyeball. Claim 11 A method of operation for a near-eye display for augmented reality for increasing the eye box, comprising: a step in which a display device outputs image information divided into a plurality of image regions; and a step in which a pair of optical devices, each having a plurality of grid pairs corresponding to the image regions engraved thereon, each provide the image regions across an eye box of a predetermined size, wherein the optical devices include a first optical device and a second optical device, wherein the first optical device transmits the image regions from the display device to the second optical device, and the second optical device transmits the image regions from the first optical device to the eye box. Claim 12 A method of operation for a near-eye display for augmented reality, wherein each of the grating pairs comprises a first diffraction grating and a second diffraction grating engraved on the optical devices, respectively. Claim 13 A method of operation for a near-eye display for augmented reality according to claim 11, wherein the image regions overlap within the eyebox, and the entire image information is provided across the eyebox. Claim 14 In claim 11, the method of operation of a near-eye display for augmented reality, wherein the display device is a multi-wavelength display device. Claim 15 A method of operation for a near-eye display for augmented reality, wherein each of the optical devices is one of a holographic optical element (HOE), a diffractive optical element (DOE), or a metasurface.

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