Multi-degree of freedom articulation system and eyewear device comprising such an articulation system

Abstract

Multi-degree of freedom articulation systems are provided, particularly suitable for eyewear such as spatial computing headsets. In the case of such spatial computing headsets having optical assemblies supported by opposing temples, the articulation systems provide protection against overextension or extreme deflection of the temples, potentially caused by unwanted torsional loading of the temples. The articulation systems also allow the temples to splay outward to achieve proper fit and improve user comfort.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 978,076, filed February 18, 2020, entitled "MULTIPLE DEGREE OF FREEDOM HINGE SYSTEMS and EYEWEAR DEVICES COMPRISING SUCH HINGE SYSTEMS". The entire contents of the aforementioned U.S. Provisional Patent Application are hereby expressly incorporated by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to hinge systems, and more specifically, to multi-degree-of-freedom hinge systems particularly suitable for supporting the temples of eyeglasses including spatial computing head-mounted devices. This disclosure also relates to eyeglasses including such hinge systems. Background Technology

[0004] Spatial computing head-mounted displays, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and extended reality (XR) headsets, have proven invaluable for numerous applications across fields such as scientific visualization, medical and military training, engineering and prototyping, teleoperation and telepresence, and personal entertainment systems. In spatial computing head-mounted displays, virtual or augmented scenes are displayed to the user via optical components that can be positioned and fixed to the user's head, in front of their eyes. Many different systems and technologies exist for supporting such head-mounted displays on the user's head, including various structures with articulated temples. However, such systems and technologies can have various drawbacks. For example, known systems may be overly complex, bulky, lack precision, and / or include a limited range of motion. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The embodiments described herein provide a multi-degree-of-freedom hinge system particularly suitable for supporting the temples of eyeglass devices including space computing head-mounted devices. In the case of a space computing head-mounted device having optical components supported by opposing temples, the multi-degree-of-freedom hinge system can provide protection against overstretching or extreme deflection of the temples that may be caused by undesirable torsional loads on the temples (e.g., one temple twisting upwards and the other temple twisting downwards). For example, the multi-degree-of-freedom hinge system can allow the temples of the eyeglass device (e.g., a space computing head-mounted device) to rotate about at least two different axes of rotation (i.e., pitch and yaw axes) to decouple forces applied to the temples, for example, from the structure of the eyeglass device in front of the hinge components (e.g., optical components), for operating the eyeglass device, etc.

[0006] According to one embodiment, an eyeglass device may be generally defined as including: an optical component; a pair of opposing temples; and a pair of hinge systems, each hinge system coupling a corresponding temple of the pair of opposing temples to the optical component. Each hinge system may include: a hinge base fixedly coupled to the optical component; an intermediate hinge member rotatably coupled to the hinge base for rotation about a pitch axis; and a distal hinge member rotatably coupled to the intermediate hinge member for rotation about a yaw axis and fixedly coupled to a corresponding temple of the pair of temples.

[0007] The articulated base may include a biasing member configured to rotatably bias the intermediate articulated member toward the neutral configuration about a pitch axis as the intermediate articulated member is displaced from a neutral configuration. The articulated base may include a generally planar structure having an inner cavity for receiving the biasing member. The articulated base may include a generally planar base element having the biasing member integrally formed therein. The articulated base may also include opposing covers fixedly attached to the generally planar base element to substantially conceal the biasing member within the inner cavity of the articulated base. At least one of the opposing covers may include an arcuate guide to aid in guiding the intermediate articulated member as it rotates relative to the articulated base about a pitch axis.

[0008] The hinge base may include a bushing aligned with the pitch axis, and an intermediate hinge member may be pivotally mounted about the bushing to pitch up and down about the pitch axis. A gap may be provided between the bushing and the intermediate hinge member to allow the intermediate hinge member to make some translational displacement relative to the hinge base. For example, the cover gap may be a circumferential gap with a gap distance of at least 0.25 mm.

[0009] The articulated base and intermediate articulated member of the articulated system may include one or more stop devices to limit the rotational travel of the intermediate articulated member relative to the articulated base about the pitch axis.

[0010] In some cases, one or more stopping devices may include: a first rotational stop disposed on the hinge base, the first rotational stop being configured to block the path of the intermediate hinge member when it is pitched upward to an upper limit; and a second rotational stop disposed on the hinge base, the second rotational stop being configured to block the path of the intermediate hinge member when it is pitched downward to a lower limit. The first and second rotational stops may be provided by portions of an arcuate groove disposed in the hinge base, the portions of which block the path of the intermediate hinge member or structure from extending from the arcuate groove when the intermediate hinge member is pitched upward or downward to the upper and lower limits, respectively.

[0011] In some cases, one or more stopping devices may include: a first rotational stop disposed on an intermediate hinge member, the first rotational stop being configured to abut against a hinge base when the intermediate hinge member is pitched upward to an upper limit; and a second rotational stop disposed on the intermediate hinge member, the second rotational stop being configured to abut against a hinge base when the intermediate hinge member is pitched downward to a lower limit. The first and second rotational stops may be provided by the peripheral edge of the intermediate hinge member. In the event of failure of the primary rotational stop hinged at the base, the first and second rotational stops may serve as backup stops.

[0012] The articulated base may include an arcuate guide, and the intermediate articulated member may include a corresponding guide pin or otherwise interact with the corresponding guide pin, which bridging the arcuate guide of the articulated base as the intermediate articulated member rotates relative to the articulated base about a pitch axis. A gap may be provided between the profile of the arcuate guide and the corresponding guide pin to allow the intermediate articulated member to make some translational displacement relative to the articulated base. For example, this gap may be a circumferential gap having a gap distance of at least 0.25 mm.

[0013] The hinge system can be configured to allow a pair of temples to tilt up or down at least five degrees, or at least ten degrees or more, from a neutral configuration in each rotational direction about the pitch axis.

[0014] A biasing member (e.g., a cantilever spring) can be positioned between the distal hinge member and the intermediate hinge member to bias the distal hinge member toward the neutral configuration, wherein a pair of temples are biased toward the retracted configuration.

[0015] The intermediate and distal articulation members of the articulated system may include one or more stop devices to limit the rotational travel of the distal articulation member relative to the intermediate articulation member about the yaw axis.

[0016] In some cases, one or more stopping devices may include: a first rotary stop disposed on an intermediate hinge member, the first rotary stop being configured to block the path of the distal hinge member when it yaws to an outer limit; and a second rotary stop disposed on the intermediate hinge member, the second rotary stop being configured to block the path of the distal hinge member when it yaws to an inner limit. The first and second rotary stops may be provided by opposing portions of a plate-like structure of the intermediate hinge member, which block the path of the distal hinge member when it yaws to the outer and inner limits, respectively.

[0017] In some cases, one or more stopping devices may include: a first rotational stop disposed on the distal articulated member, the first rotational stop being configured to abut against an intermediate articulated member when the distal articulated member yaws to its outer limit; and a second rotational stop disposed on the distal articulated member, the second rotational stop being configured to abut against the intermediate articulated member when the distal articulated member yaws to its inner limit. The first and second rotational stops may be provided by different portions of the distal articulated member, these different portions being configured to abut against opposite sides of the intermediate articulated member.

[0018] The articulation system can be configured to allow a pair of temples to yaw outward at least 15 degrees, or at least 20 degrees or more.

[0019] Each hinge system can be substantially concealed within the optical components and temple assembly of the eyeglasses. The hinge system can be configured to maintain a flexible circuit path from the front end to the rear end of the hinge system within the corresponding joint area of ​​the eyeglasses throughout the entire operation of the hinge system. This flexible circuit path can be a gap between the hinge system and the eyeglass housing, extending along the length of the hinge system from front to rear.

[0020] Although the foregoing embodiments are disclosed in the context of eyeglasses, it should be understood that embodiments of the articulation system disclosed herein, or aspects or features thereof, are well adaptable to various other devices including one or more articulated connections. Thus, an articulation system can be generalized to include: an articulation base that is fixedly coupled to a first member; an intermediate articulation member that is rotatably coupled to the articulation base for rotation about a pitch axis; and a distal articulation member that is rotatably coupled to the intermediate articulation member for rotation about a yaw axis and fixedly coupled to a second member, wherein the articulation system enables the second member to pitch and yaw relative to the first member. The first and second members can be of various different structures, where a multi-degree-of-freedom articulation connection is required. The articulation system may include some or all of the features described above in conjunction with the foregoing eyeglasses embodiments.

[0021] Overview of some embodiments of this disclosure

[0022] 1. An eyeglass device comprising: an optical component; a pair of opposing temples; a pair of hinge systems, each hinge system coupling a corresponding temple of the pair of opposing temples to the optical component, and each hinge system comprising: a hinge base fixedly coupled to the optical component; an intermediate hinge member rotatably coupled to the hinge base for rotation about a pitch axis; and a distal hinge member rotatably coupled to the intermediate hinge member for rotation about a yaw axis and fixedly coupled to the corresponding temple of the pair of temples.

[0023] 2. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 1, wherein the hinge base includes a biasing member configured to rotatably bias the intermediate hinge member toward the neutral configuration about the pitch axis when the intermediate hinge member is displaced from the neutral configuration.

[0024] 3. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 2, wherein the hinge base includes a generally planar structure having an inner cavity for accommodating the biasing member.

[0025] 4. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 2, wherein the hinge base comprises: a generally planar base element having the biasing element integrally formed therein.

[0026] 5. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 4, wherein the hinge base further includes an opposing cover fixedly attached to a generally planar base element to substantially conceal the biasing member within the cavity of the hinge base.

[0027] 6. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 5, wherein at least one of the opposing covers includes an arcuate guide to help guide the intermediate hinge member as it rotates relative to the hinge base about the pitch axis.

[0028] 7. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 1, wherein the hinge base includes a bushing aligned with the pitch axis, and the intermediate hinge member is pivotally mounted about the bushing to pitch up and down about the pitch axis.

[0029] 8. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 7, wherein a gap is provided between the bushing and the intermediate hinge member to allow the intermediate hinge member to undergo some translational displacement relative to the hinge base.

[0030] 9. The eyeglasses device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the hinge base and the intermediate hinge member of the hinge system include one or more stop devices to limit the rotational travel of the intermediate hinge member relative to the hinge base about the pitch axis.

[0031] 10. The eyeglass device according to embodiment 9, wherein the one or more stopping devices include: a first rotation stop disposed on the hinge base, the first rotation stop being configured to block the path of the intermediate hinge member when the intermediate hinge member is tilted upward to an upper limit; and a second rotation stop disposed on the hinge base, the second rotation stop being configured to block the path of the intermediate hinge member when the intermediate hinge member is tilted downward to a lower limit.

[0032] 11. The eyeglass device according to embodiment 10, wherein the first rotation stop and the second rotation stop are provided by portions of an arcuate groove disposed in the hinge base, which blocks the path of the intermediate hinge member when the intermediate hinge member is pitched up and down to the upper limit and the lower limit, respectively.

[0033] 12. The eyeglass device according to embodiment 9, wherein the one or more stopping devices include: a first rotation stop disposed on the intermediate hinge member, the first rotation stop being configured to abut against the hinge base when the intermediate hinge member is tilted upward to an upper limit; and a second rotation stop disposed on the intermediate hinge member, the second rotation stop being configured to abut against the hinge base when the intermediate hinge member is tilted downward to a lower limit.

[0034] 13. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 12, wherein the first rotation stop and the second rotation stop are provided by the peripheral edge of the intermediate hinge member.

[0035] 14. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 13, wherein, in the event of failure of the main rotation stop hinged to the base, the first rotation stop and the second rotation stop serve as backup stops.

[0036] 15. The eyeglasses device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the hinge base includes an arcuate guide, and the intermediate hinge member includes a corresponding guide pin or interacts with the guide pin, wherein the guide pin spans the arcuate guide of the hinge base when the intermediate hinge member rotates relative to the hinge base about the pitch axis.

[0037] 16. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 15, wherein a gap is provided between the contour of the arcuate guide and the corresponding guide pin, so that the intermediate hinge member can be translated relative to the hinge base.

[0038] 17. The eyeglasses device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the hinge system is configured to allow the pair of temples to tilt up and down at least five degrees from a neutral configuration in each rotational direction about the pitch axis.

[0039] 18. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 1, wherein the hinge system is configured such that the pair of temples can tilt up and down at least ten degrees from a neutral configuration in each rotational direction about the pitch axis.

[0040] 19. The eyeglass device according to Embodiment 1, wherein a biasing member is positioned between the distal hinge member and the intermediate hinge member such that the distal hinge member is biased toward a neutral configuration in which the pair of temples are biased toward a retracted configuration.

[0041] 20. The eyeglass device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the intermediate hinge member and the distal hinge member of the hinge system include one or more stop devices to limit the rotational travel of the distal hinge member relative to the intermediate hinge member about the yaw axis.

[0042] 21. The eyeglass device according to embodiment 20, wherein the one or more stopping devices include: a first rotational stop disposed on the intermediate hinge member, the first rotational stop being configured to block the path of the distal hinge member when the distal hinge member yaws to an outer limit; and a second rotational stop disposed on the intermediate hinge member, the second rotational stop being configured to block the path of the intermediate hinge member when the intermediate hinge member yaws to an inner limit.

[0043] 22. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 21, wherein the first rotation stop and the second rotation stop are provided by opposite portions of the plate-like structure of the intermediate hinge member, and when the intermediate hinge member yaws to the outer limit and the inner limit respectively, the opposite portions of the plate-like structure block the path of the distal hinge member.

[0044] 23. The eyeglass device according to embodiment 20, wherein the one or more stopping devices include: a first rotational stop disposed on the distal hinge member, the first rotational stop being configured to abut against the intermediate hinge member when the distal hinge member yaws to an outer limit; and a second rotational stop disposed on the distal hinge member, the second rotational stop being configured to abut against the intermediate hinge member when the distal hinge member yaws to an inner limit.

[0045] 24. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 23, wherein the first rotation stop and the second rotation stop are provided by different portions of the distal hinge member, the different portions being configured to abut against opposite sides of the intermediate hinge member.

[0046] 25. The eyeglasses device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the hinge system is configured to allow the pair of temples to deflect outward at least fifteen degrees.

[0047] 26. The eyeglasses device according to Embodiment 1, wherein the hinge system is configured to allow the pair of temples to yaw outward by at least twenty degrees.

[0048] 27. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 1, wherein each hinge system is substantially concealed within the optical components and temple members of the eyeglasses device.

[0049] 28. The eyeglasses device according to embodiment 27, wherein the hinge system is configured to maintain a flexible circuit path from the front end to the rear end of the hinge system in a corresponding joint area of ​​the eyeglasses device throughout the operation of the hinge system.

[0050] 29. The eyeglass device according to embodiment 28, wherein the flexible circuit channel is a gap between the hinge system and the eyeglass housing, the gap extending along the length of the hinge system from the front end to the rear end.

[0051] 30. A hinge system comprising: a hinge base that can be fixedly coupled to a first member; an intermediate hinge member that is rotatably coupled to the hinge base for rotation about a pitch axis; and a distal hinge member that is rotatably coupled to the intermediate hinge member for rotation about a yaw axis and can be fixedly coupled to a second member, wherein the hinge system enables the second member to pitch and yaw relative to the first member.

[0052] 31. The articulation system according to embodiment 30, wherein the articulation base includes a biasing member configured to rotatably bias the intermediate articulation member toward the neutral configuration about the pitch axis when the intermediate articulation member is displaced from the neutral configuration.

[0053] 32. The hinge system according to embodiment 31, wherein the hinge base includes a generally planar structure having an inner cavity for accommodating the biasing member.

[0054] 33. The hinge system according to embodiment 31, wherein the hinge base includes a generally planar base element having the biasing member integrally formed therein.

[0055] 34. The hinge system according to embodiment 33, wherein the hinge base further includes an opposing cover fixedly attached to the generally planar base element to substantially conceal the biasing member within the cavity of the hinge base.

[0056] 35. The hinge system according to embodiment 34, wherein at least one of the opposing covers includes an arcuate guide to help guide the intermediate hinge member as it rotates relative to the hinge base about the pitch axis.

[0057] 36. The articulated system according to embodiment 30, wherein the articulated base includes a bushing aligned with the pitch axis, and the intermediate articulated member is pivotally mounted around the bushing to pitch up and down about the pitch axis.

[0058] 37. The hinge system according to embodiment 36, wherein a gap is provided between the bushing and the intermediate hinge member to allow the intermediate hinge member to undergo some translational displacement relative to the hinge base.

[0059] 38. The articulation system according to embodiment 30, wherein the articulation base and the intermediate articulation member of the articulation system include one or more stop devices to limit the rotational travel of the intermediate articulation member relative to the articulation base about the pitch axis.

[0060] 39. The articulation system according to embodiment 38, wherein the one or more stopping devices include: a first rotation stop disposed on the articulation base, the first rotation stop being configured to block the path of the intermediate articulation member when the intermediate articulation member is pitched to an upper limit; and a second rotation stop disposed on the articulation base, the second rotation stop being configured to block the path of the intermediate articulation member when the intermediate articulation member is pitched downward to a lower limit.

[0061] 40. The articulation system according to embodiment 39, wherein the first rotation stop and the second rotation stop are provided by portions of an arcuate groove disposed in the articulation base, which block the path of the intermediate articulation member when the intermediate articulation member is pitched up and down to the upper limit and the lower limit, respectively.

[0062] 41. The articulation system according to embodiment 38, wherein the one or more stopping devices include: a first rotation stop disposed on the intermediate articulation member, the first rotation stop being configured to abut against the articulation base when the intermediate articulation member is pitched upward to an upper limit; and a second rotation stop disposed on the intermediate articulation member, the second rotation stop being configured to abut against the articulation base when the intermediate articulation member is pitched downward to a lower limit.

[0063] 42. The hinge system according to embodiment 41, wherein the first rotation stop and the second rotation stop are provided by the outer periphery of the intermediate hinge member.

[0064] 43. The articulated system according to embodiment 42, wherein, in the event that the main rotation stop provided by the base hinge fails, the first rotation stop and the second rotation stop serve as backup stops.

[0065] 44. The articulation system according to embodiment 30, wherein the articulation base includes an arcuate guide, and the intermediate articulation member includes or interacts with a corresponding guide pin, wherein the guide pin spans the arcuate guide of the articulation base when the intermediate articulation member rotates relative to the articulation base about the pitch axis.

[0066] 45. The articulation system according to embodiment 44, wherein a gap is provided between the contour of the arcuate guide and the corresponding guide pin, so that the intermediate articulation member can be translated relative to the articulation base.

[0067] 46. ​​The articulation system according to embodiment 30, wherein the articulation system is configured such that the second member can pitch up and down at least five degrees from a neutral configuration in each rotational direction about the pitch axis.

[0068] 47. The articulated system according to embodiment 30, wherein the articulated system is configured such that the second member can pitch up and down at least ten degrees from a neutral configuration in each rotational direction about the pitch axis.

[0069] 48. The articulation system according to embodiment 30, wherein a biasing member is positioned between the distal articulation member and the intermediate articulation member such that the distal articulation member is biased toward a neutral configuration.

[0070] 49. The articulation system according to embodiment 30, wherein the intermediate articulation member and the distal articulation member of the articulation system include one or more stop devices to limit the rotational travel of the distal articulation member relative to the intermediate articulation member about the yaw axis.

[0071] 50. The articulated system according to embodiment 49, wherein the one or more stopping devices include: a first rotational stop disposed on the intermediate articulated member, the first rotational stop being configured to block the path of the distal articulated member when the distal articulated member yaws to an outer limit; and a second rotational stop disposed on the intermediate articulated member, the second rotational stop being configured to block the path of the distal articulated member when the distal articulated member yaws to an inner limit.

[0072] 51. The articulated system according to embodiment 50, wherein the first rotation stop and the second rotation stop are provided by opposite portions of the plate-like structure of the intermediate articulated member, and when the distal articulated member yaws to the outer limit and the inner limit respectively, the opposite portions of the plate-like structure block the path of the distal articulated member.

[0073] 52. The articulated system according to embodiment 49, wherein the one or more stopping devices include: a first rotational stop disposed on the distal articulated member, the first rotational stop being configured to abut against the intermediate articulated member when the distal articulated member yaws to an outer limit; and a second rotational stop disposed on the distal articulated member, the second rotational stop being configured to abut against the intermediate articulated member when the distal articulated member yaws to an inner limit.

[0074] 53. The articulation system according to embodiment 52, wherein the first rotation stop and the second rotation stop are provided by different portions of the distal articulation member, the different portions being configured to abut against opposite sides of the intermediate articulation member.

[0075] 54. The articulated system according to embodiment 30, wherein the articulated system is configured to allow the second member to yaw at least fifteen degrees.

[0076] 55. The articulated system according to embodiment 30, wherein the articulated system is configured to allow the second member to yaw outward at least twenty degrees. Attached Figure Description

[0077] Figure 1 It is an isometric view of a pair of eyeglasses in the form of a head-mounted device, according to an exemplary embodiment, including a pair of temples connected by a hinge system, wherein the temples of the head-mounted device are shown in a retracted configuration.

[0078] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An isometric view of a spatially computed head-mounted device, wherein the temples of the head-mounted device are shown in an outwardly flared or extended configuration.

[0079] Figure 3 It is shown as with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The remaining parts of the spatial computing head-mounted device are shown in a front isometric view of one of the hinge systems, which is displayed in a neutral configuration. A portion of the hinge system is shown transparently to reveal the components below.

[0080] Figure 4 This is a rear isometric view of a hinged system in a neutral configuration.

[0081] Figure 5 It is a front isometric view of a hinged system in an elastic deformation configuration.

[0082] Figure 6 Is in the position of with Figure 5 Rear isometric view of the same hinge system with the same elastic deformation configuration.

[0083] Figure 7A This is a front view of a hinged system in a neutral configuration.

[0084] Figure 7B This is a front view of a hinged system in an upward tilt configuration.

[0085] Figure 7C This is a front view of a hinged system in a downward tilt configuration.

[0086] Figure 8A This is a top view of a hinged system in a neutral configuration.

[0087] Figure 8B This is a top view of a hinged system in an outward-opening configuration.

[0088] Figure 9 It is an exploded isometric view of the hinged system.

[0089] Figure 10 One or more embodiments of various internal processing components of a wearable AR device are shown.

[0090] Figure 11A -I illustrates a microprojector array in one or more embodiments and an example configuration of coupling the microprojector array with an optical system.

[0091] Figure 12 An example architecture 2500 of an electronic device operatively coupled to an optical system in one or more embodiments is shown.

[0092] Figure 13A A top view of some example components of an optical system in one or more embodiments is shown.

[0093] Figure 13B Example embodiments illustrating schematic representations of optical systems in one or more embodiments are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0094] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments can be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with eyeglasses, including spatial computing head-mounted devices and hinge systems for the temples of eyeglasses, are not shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

[0095] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and subsequent claims, the word “comparise” and its variations, such as “comprises” and “comprising”, shall be interpreted in an open, inclusive sense as “including but not limited to”.

[0096] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" appearing in various places throughout the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0097] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and extended reality (XR) systems are not shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments. It should be noted that the terms virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and extended reality (XR) are used interchangeably in this disclosure to refer to a method or system for displaying at least virtual content to a user, at least via the wearable optical component 12 described herein.

[0098] Unless the context otherwise requires, in the following description and claims, the word “comparise” and its variations, such as “comprises” and “comprising”, shall be interpreted in an open and inclusive sense as “including but not limited to”.

[0099] Figures 1 to 9 An example embodiment of a hinge system 100 particularly suitable for eyeglasses is shown. For example, refer to... Figure 1 and 2 The hinge system 100 is particularly suitable for the space computing head-mounted device 10. The space computing head-mounted device 10 includes an optical assembly 12 supported by a pair of temples 14, 16 connected together by a pair of hinge systems 100. Well-known structures and devices associated with space computing head-mounted devices (e.g., optical components and internal electronic circuitry) are not shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 1 and Figure 2The example glasses shown are non-limiting, and the embodiments can be used for other suitable glasses, other wearable devices, or other devices employing articulated connections.

[0100] It should be noted that the temples 14, 16 of the example spatial computing head-mounted device 10 are movably coupled to the optical assembly 12 at joints 18, 20. Each joint 18, 20 includes a corresponding hinge system 100 that enables the temples 14, 16 to move relative to the optical assembly 12 in multiple directions about multiple degrees of freedom. As will be described in more detail below, the example spatial computing head-mounted device 10 includes hinge systems 100 located at joints 18, 20 that enable the temples 14, 16 to move from... Figure 1 The retraction configuration R shown is shown. Figure 2 The unfolded configuration E shown opens outward (i.e., away from the user's sagittal plane) by approximately 20 degrees. The hinge system 100 also includes at least one biasing member 109. Figures 3 to 6 It uses torsional force or torque to orient temples 14 and 16 towards Figure 2 The retractable configuration R shown is pushed back. The hinge system 100 of the example embodiment further enables each temple 14, 16 to... Figure 1 The neutral configuration shown tilts up and down by approximately ten degrees, such as in response to applied forces labeled F1 and F2. The hinge system 100 also includes at least one biasing member 108. Figure 3 ), which points temples 14 and 16 towards Figure 1 The neutral configuration shown is pushed back.

[0101] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and 2 According to an exemplary embodiment, each hinge system 100 is coupled to and spans between the front end of a corresponding one of the temples 14, 16 and the optical component 12. As will be described in more detail elsewhere herein, the hinge system 100 allows the temples 14, 16 to pitch up and down about the pitch axis P from a neutral configuration or position (e.g., in which the temples do not exhibit any movement from their designed position due to external loads generated by operations such as manually operating the temples, wearing the spatial computing head-mounted device 10 on the user's head, etc.), and from... Figure 1 The retracted configuration R shown yaws outward to the deployed configuration E as shown in Figure 2. Therefore, the articulation system 100 provides multiple degrees of freedom for the temples 14 and 16, namely the ability to pitch up and down about the pitch axis P and to yaw laterally about the yaw axis Y.

[0102] Conveniently, during operation, the user can unfold the temples 14 and 16 of the spatial computing head-mounted device 10 within the constraints of the hinge system 100. Figure 2The unfolded configuration E is shown. The user can then position the spatially computed head-mounted device 10 for use with the optical components 12 located in front of the user's eyes and the temples 14, 16 extending across the user's temples, and then allow the temples 14, 16 to be biased towards the hinge system 100 under the biasing force provided by the hinge system 100. Figure 1 The retractable configuration R shown retracts until the temples 14, 16 contact the user's head and apply a holding force to the head to help secure the spatial computing headband 10 in place. In this way, the hinge system 100 is configured to at least partially help to offset or twist the temples 14, 16 toward each other about their respective axes. In some cases, the hinge system 100 provides the only way to offset the temples 14, 16 toward each other.

[0103] Advantageously, the hinge system 100 is also configured to resist excessive extension and extreme deflection of the temples 14, 16 by providing considerable resistance and / or a hard stop (e.g., a hard stop as a primary stop) to prevent undesirable movement of the temples 14, 16. For example, the hinge system 100 can reduce and / or counteract the torsional load otherwise transmitted to the optical assembly 12 via the joints 18, 20 when one temple 14 is twisted upward and one temple 16 is twisted downward, such as... Figure 1 The torsional loads are represented by the forces labeled F1 and F2. This can be advantageous because the hinge system 100 can thus help prevent damage to the vulnerable parts of the optical assembly 12 that might otherwise be caused by such torsional loads.

[0104] Now refer to Figures 3 to 9 More details describing each articulation system 100, wherein: Figure 3 The hinge system 100 in a neutral configuration or position N is shown in a front isometric perspective view; Figure 4 The hinge system 100 in neutral configuration N is shown in a rear isometric perspective view; Figure 5 The hinge system 100 in an elastic deformation configuration is shown through a front isometric perspective view; Figure 6 The hinge system 100, in the same elastic deformation configuration, is shown through a rear isometric perspective view; Figure 7A A front view of the hinge system 100 in a neutral configuration N is shown; Figure 7B A front view of the hinge system 100 in an upward pitch configuration U is shown; Figure 7C A front view of the hinge system 100 in a downward pitch configuration D is shown; Figure 8A A top view of the hinge system 100 in a neutral configuration N is shown; Figure 8B A top view of the hinge system 100 in an outwardly flared configuration O is shown; Figure 9 An exploded isometric view of the hinge system 100 is shown.

[0105] refer to Figures 3 to 6 An example embodiment of the hinge system 100 includes a hinge base 102 that can be fixedly coupled to a first component, such as the optical component 12 of a spatial computing head-mounted device 10. The hinge base 102 can be fixedly coupled to the first component, for example, by one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets). For example, the illustrated hinge system 100 includes an arrangement of four threaded screws 110 for this purpose.

[0106] An exemplary embodiment of the hinge system 100 further includes: an intermediate hinge member 104 rotatably coupled to a hinge base 102 for rotation about a pitch axis P extending through the hinge base 102; and a distal hinge member 106 rotatably coupled to the intermediate hinge member 104 for rotation about a yaw axis Y. The distal hinge member 106 may in turn be fixedly coupled to a second member, such as the temples 14, 16 of the spatial computing head-mounted device 10. In some embodiments, the temples correspond to the direction in which the temples are typically positioned along their length; however, it should be noted that in some embodiments, the temples may have a straight linear profile along their length, or in some other embodiments, they may have one or more bends instead of a straight linear profile. In some embodiments, the temples (14 or 16) are fixedly attached to a distal hinge member 106, which is rotatably coupled to an intermediate hinge member 104, such that the temples (14 or 16) can not only fold about a yaw axis Y toward the center of the spatial computing head-mounted device 10 (e.g., for storage), but also yaw about the yaw axis Y and pitch about a pitch axis P, wherein the yaw axis Y is substantially orthogonal to the length direction of the temples (e.g., the length direction and the yaw axis Y are designed to be orthogonal to each other and are manufactured to be offset relative to each other due to manufacturing tolerances), and the pitch axis P is substantially orthogonal to the yaw axis Y (e.g., the length direction and the yaw axis Y are designed to be orthogonal to each other and are manufactured to be offset relative to each other due to manufacturing tolerances). The distal hinge member 106 can be fixedly coupled to the second member, for example, by one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets). For example, the illustrated hinge system 100 includes an arrangement of two threaded screws 112 for this purpose. When installed and used, the example embodiment of the articulated system 100 provides an articulated connection that allows the second member to pitch and yaw relative to the first member. The pitch axis P and the yaw axis Y can be orthogonal to each other, for example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment. In other cases, the pitch axis P and the yaw axis Y can be non-orthogonal. In any case, it should be understood that the articulated system includes at least two rotational degrees of freedom, namely rotation about the pitch axis P and rotation about the yaw axis Y.

[0107] like Figure 3As shown, the hinge base 102 includes a biasing member 108, which is configured to rotatably bias the intermediate hinge member 104 about the pitch axis P toward the intermediate configuration N (e.g., in a free state where no torque or load is applied) when the intermediate hinge member 104 is displaced from the intermediate configuration N. Figure 3 As shown in the example embodiment, the hinge base 102 may include a generally planar structure having an inner cavity for receiving a biasing member 108. For example, the hinge base 102 may include a generally planar base element 120 having a biasing member 108 integrally formed therein. Furthermore, the opposing covers 122, 124 may be, for example, through adhesive layers 123, 125 (… Figure 9 It is fixedly attached to the generally planar base element 120 so that the biasing member 108 is substantially concealed within the cavity of the hinged base 102. Figure 3 As shown, the bias member 108 may include a plurality of zigzag spring members that provide rotational restoring force as the central hub of the bias member 108 rotates about the pitch axis P. The specific configuration of the bias member 108 is not limiting, and an example configuration is shown that is well-suited for providing rotational restoring force with a relatively elongated or thin form factor.

[0108] The opposing caps 122, 124 of the hinge base 102 may each include an arcuate guide 130 (e.g., an arcuate groove) to aid in guiding the intermediate hinge member 104 as it rotates relative to the hinge base 102 about the pitch axis P. More specifically, one or more guide pins 132 may extend between the intermediate hinge member 104 and the bias member 108 of the hinge base 102, and bridging the arcuate guide 130 as the intermediate hinge member 104 pitches up and down about the pitch axis P. A gap may be provided between the profile of the arcuate guide 130 and the corresponding guide pin 132 to allow the intermediate hinge member 104 to make some translational displacement relative to the hinge base 102. In this way, in addition to the rotational degrees of freedom described above, the intermediate hinge member 104 can be suspended on the bias member 108 and have some gap in all translational directions perpendicular to the pivot P, thereby providing a particularly versatile hinge structure.

[0109] The hinge base 102 may also include a bushing 136 aligned with the pitch axis P, and an intermediate hinge member 104 may be pivotally mounted about the bushing 136 to pitch up and down about the pitch axis P. In some instances, a gap (e.g., a spacer) may be provided between the bushing 136 and the intermediate hinge member 104 to allow the intermediate hinge member 104 to make some translational displacement relative to the hinge base 102. In this way, in addition to the rotational degrees of freedom described above, the hinge system 100 may provide some gap in all translational directions perpendicular to the pivot P, thereby providing a particularly versatile hinge structure. The intermediate hinge member 104 may be coupled to the hinge base 102 by a suitable fastener (e.g., a threaded screw 111, which engages the bushing 136 by threads). A shim 117 may be provided between the intermediate hinge member 104 and the hinge base 102 to facilitate rotation of the intermediate hinge member 104 relative to the hinge base 102.

[0110] The hinge base 102 and the intermediate hinge member 104 preferably include one or more stop devices or mechanisms to limit the rotational travel of the intermediate hinge member 104 relative to the hinge base 102 about the pitch axis P. One or more stop devices may, for example, include: a first rotation stop 130a disposed on the hinge base 102. Figure 6 The first rotation stop is configured to tilt upward at the intermediate hinge member 104 to the upper limit U (e.g., Figure 7B When shown, it blocks the path of the intermediate hinge member 104; and the second rotation stop 130b (as shown) is provided on the hinge base 102. Figure 6 The second rotation stop is configured to tilt downward at the intermediate hinge member 104 to a lower limit D (e.g., Figure 7C (As shown) when blocking the path of the intermediate hinge member 104. For example, the first rotation stop 130a and the second rotation stop 130b may be provided by a portion (e.g., an arcuate groove) of the aforementioned arcuate guide 130 provided in the hinge base 102, which blocks the path of the intermediate hinge member 104 (via a guide pin 132 extending between the intermediate hinge member 104 and the arcuate guide 130) when the intermediate hinge member 104 pitches up and down to the upper limit U and the lower limit D, respectively.

[0111] In some cases, one or more stopping devices may include: a first rotational stop disposed on the intermediate hinge member 104, the first rotational stop being configured to tilt upward on the intermediate hinge member 104 to an upper limit U (e.g., Figure 7B When (as shown), it abuts against the hinge base 102; and a second rotation stop is provided on the intermediate hinge member 104, the second rotation stop being configured to tilt the intermediate hinge member 104 downward to a lower limit D (as shown). Figure 7C(As shown) when abutting against the hinge base 102. For example, the first and second rotation stops can be provided by the peripheral edges 140, 142 of the intermediate hinge member 104, which can abut against the corresponding fastener 110 or other components of the hinge base 102 when the intermediate hinge member 104 is pitched up and down to the upper limit U and lower limit D, respectively. Such rotation stops serve as backup stops in the event of failure of the main rotation stop provided by the base hinge 102.

[0112] refer to Figures 7A-7C As shown, the articulation system 100 of the exemplary embodiment is configured such that the intermediate articulation member 104 can pitch up or down at least about five degrees from the neutral configuration N in each rotational direction about the pitch axis P, in the upward range α and the downward range β, and more specifically, at least about ten degrees. Figure 7A An intermediate hinge member 104 is shown in a neutral configuration N, wherein the intermediate hinge member 104 is substantially horizontally aligned. Figure 7B The intermediate hinge member 104 is shown to pitch to an upper limit U at an angle of approximately positive 10 degrees from the horizontal plane; Figure 7C The intermediate hinge member 104 is shown pitching to a lower limit D at an angle of approximately -10 degrees from the horizontal plane. Although the hinge system 100 of the example embodiment is shown with substantially equal upward and downward ranges α and β, it should be understood that the hinge system 100 can be configured to pitch more in one direction than in the other. Furthermore, although the range of the example embodiment is approximately 10 degrees in each rotational direction about the pitch axis P, it should be understood that the hinge system 100 can be configured to have a greater or smaller range of motion. It should also be understood that the neutral configuration N can be limited by the intermediate hinge member 104 being in a non-horizontal angular orientation.

[0113] As previously described, an example embodiment of the articulated system 100 includes a distal articulated member 106 that is rotatably connected to an intermediate articulated member 104 for rotation about a yaw axis Y. For this purpose, each of the intermediate articulated member 104 and the distal articulated member 106 includes a corresponding feature for forming a rotary joint. Such features may include, for example, corresponding flanges 105, 107 that mate together to form a rotary joint and restrict the yaw axis Y extending therethrough. One or more joints may be provided with bushings 113 and may be held together by one or more suitable fasteners (e.g., rivets 115, only one shown).

[0114] Refer again Figures 3 to 6 The biasing member 109 is disposed between the distal hinge member 106 and the intermediate hinge member 104, so as to... Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, when the distal hinge member 106 rotates from the neutral configuration N about the yaw axis Y, the distal hinge member 104 is offset toward the neutral configuration N, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. According to Figure 5 and Figure 6 It can be understood that the biasing member 109 is arranged in the form of a cantilever spring arm, and the distal hinge member 106 rotates about the yaw axis Y to orient the distal hinge member 106 toward the neutral configuration N (e.g., Figure 3 and 4 (As shown) Elastic deformation when pushed back.

[0115] The intermediate hinge member 104 and the distal hinge member 106 of the articulation system 100 preferably include one or more stop devices to limit the rotational travel of the distal hinge member 106 relative to the intermediate hinge member 104 about the yaw axis Y. The one or more stop devices may, for example, include: a first rotational stop disposed on the intermediate hinge member, the first rotational stop being configured to yaw the distal hinge member 106 to an outer limit O (e.g., Figure 8B When the distal articulation member 106 is blocked (as shown); and a second rotation stop is provided on the intermediate articulation member 104, the second rotation stop being configured to block the path of the distal articulation member 106 when the distal articulation member yaws to the inner limit I (as shown). Figure 8A As shown (also a neutral configuration N according to the example embodiment), the path of the distal hinge member 106 is blocked. For example, the first rotation stop and the second rotation stop can be provided by the opposing portions 150, 152 of the plate-like structure of the intermediate hinge member 10, which block the path of the distal hinge member 106 when the distal hinge member 106 yaws to the outer limit O and the inner limit I, respectively.

[0116] In some cases, one or more stopping devices may include: a first rotational stop disposed on the distal articulation member 106, the first rotational stop being configured to yaw the distal articulation member to an outer limit O (e.g., Figure 8B When the distal hinge member 106 (as shown) abuts against the intermediate hinge member 104; and a second rotation stop is disposed on the distal hinge member 106, the second rotation stop being configured to abut against the distal hinge member 106 when it yaws to the inner limit I (as shown). Figure 8A (As shown) when abutting against the intermediate hinge member 104. For example, the first rotation stop and the second rotation stop may be provided by different portions 156, 158 of the distal hinge member 106, which are configured to abut against opposite sides of the intermediate hinge member 104.

[0117] refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8BThe articulation system 100 of the example embodiment is configured to enable the distal articulation member (and any components connected thereto, such as temples 14, 16) to yaw at least 15 degrees about the yaw axis Y, and more specifically, at least 20 degrees. Figure 8A A distal hinge member 106 in a neutral configuration N is shown, wherein the distal hinge member 106 is substantially parallel to the base hinge 102 and aligned with the intermediate hinge member 104. Figure 8B The distal articulation member 106 is shown rotating outward about the yaw axis Y to an outer limit O of approximately twenty degrees from the neutral configuration N. While the articulation system 100 of the example embodiment is shown with an outward range γ of approximately twenty degrees and no inward range, it should be understood that the articulation system 100 can be configured to yaw more or less in each rotational direction about the yaw axis Y. It should also be understood that the neutral configuration N can be limited by the distal articulation member 106, which is angularly oriented to and not substantially parallel to the base hinge 102 and the intermediate hinge member 104.

[0118] As previously described, the embodiments described herein provide a multi-degree-of-freedom hinge system 100, which is particularly suitable for supporting the temples 14, 16 of an eyeglass device including a spatial computing head-mounted device 10. In cases where the spatial computing head-mounted device 10 has an optical assembly 12 supported by opposing temples 14, 16, the multi-degree-of-freedom hinge system 100 can provide protection against overextension or extreme deflection of the temples 14, 16 (e.g., one temple twisting upwards and the other downwards) that may be caused by undesirable torsional loads on the temples. For example, the multi-degree-of-freedom hinge system 100 can allow the temples 14, 16 of the eyeglass device (e.g., the spatial computing head-mounted device 10) to rotate about at least two different axes of rotation (i.e., pitch axis P and yaw axis Y) to decouple forces applied to the temples 14, 16 from the structure of the eyeglass device in front of the hinged component (e.g., the optical assembly 12).

[0119] Furthermore, embodiments of the hinge system 100 are provided with a relatively compact and efficient form factor. For example, in the case of a spatial computing head-mounted device 10 having optical components 12 supported by opposing temples 14, 16, the multi-degree-of-freedom hinge system 100 is compact enough to be substantially concealed within the optical components 12 and temple members 14, 16 (which can be customized according to different requirements). Figure 1 and Figure 2 (Understanding). Furthermore, the articulation system 100 can be configured to maintain a flexible circuit channel 13a from the front end to the rear end of the articulation system 100 within the corresponding joints 18, 20 of the spatial computing head-mounted device 10 throughout the entire operation of the articulation system 100.

[0120] The flexible circuitry channel may include one or more interconnecting gaps between the hinge system 100 and the housing of the spatial computing head-mounted device 10, extending along the length of the hinge system 100 from the front end to the rear end to allow one or more wires, interconnects, etc. to pass through. This may be advantageous in allowing electrical pathways through the connectors 18, 20 to enable the optical components 12 to communicate with or otherwise operate with electronics stored in the temples 14, 16. Some or all of the one or more gaps may have sufficient volume to provide adequate space for one or more wires, interconnects, etc., so that manipulation of the temples (e.g., pitch and / or yaw) does not adversely affect one or more wires, interconnects, etc. (e.g., fatigue due to bending of one or more wires, interconnects, etc.).

[0121] In some embodiments, only one of the two opposing temple arms (14 or 16) is configured to receive a flexible circuit channel (13a). The flexible circuit channel (13a) can be positioned away from the temple (14 or 16) to connect the optical component 12 to external circuitry (e.g., Figure 10 The circuitry in 1070 (or an external charging source such as a battery or charging port) can be connected to it. In some of these embodiments, the flexible circuit channel 13a can be connected via one or more electrical connectors 13b. Figure 2 Only one is shown in the image. The electrical connector 13b, located away from the temple, can receive one or more electrical connections (e.g., via...). Figure 10 (Electrical connection of 1068 in the example). For example, flexible electrical channel 13a may include electrical connectors 13b that receive cables 13c to connect optical components 12 to an external waist pack (e.g., Figure 10 (1070 in the original text), the external waist pack can be removably attached to the user 1060 in a strap-coupled configuration, as shown in the original text. Figure 10 As shown in the embodiments.

[0122] The local processing and data module 1070 may include an energy-efficient processor or controller, and digital memory such as flash memory, both of which can be used to assist in data processing, caching, and storage. Data can be captured from sensors operatively coupled to the frame 1064, such as image capture devices (e.g., cameras), microphones, inertial measurement units, accelerometers, compasses, GPS units, radios, and / or gyroscopes, or any other data capture devices. Additionally or alternatively, remote processing module 1072 and / or remote data repository 1074 may be used to acquire and / or process data, which may be transmitted to the display 1062 after such processing or retrieval.

[0123] The local processing and data module 1070 can be operatively coupled (1076 and / or 1078) to the remote processing module 1072 and the remote data repository 1074, for example, via wired or wireless communication links, such that these remote modules (1072 or 1074) are operatively coupled to each other and can be used as resources for the local processing and data module 1070. The processing module 1070 can control the optical system and other systems of the optical system (12) and perform one or more computational tasks, including retrieving data from memory or one or more databases (e.g., cloud-based servers) to provide virtual content to a user.

[0124] In one embodiment, the remote processing module 1072 may include one or more relatively powerful processors or controllers configured to analyze and process data and / or image information. In one embodiment, the remote data repository 1074 may include a relatively large-scale digital data storage facility accessible via the Internet or other network configurations in a “cloud” resource configuration. In one embodiment, all data is stored and all computations are performed in a local processing and data module, thereby allowing for completely autonomous use from any remote module.

[0125] In some other embodiments, the flexible circuit channel 13a may include a cable release device that houses one or more wires or interconnects within the optical system (12) to exit the temple (14 or 16). In these embodiments, one or more wires or interconnects within the optical system (12) may pass through the cable release device and provide one or more corresponding connectors that can be connected to, for example, a waist bag ( Figure 10 1070 in the middle), an external charging device for charging the internal rechargeable battery (if any) of the optical system 12.

[0126] Although the embodiments disclosed herein are described primarily in the context of a spatial computing head-mounted device 10 having an articulated system 100, it should be understood that the articulated system 100 or its features and aspects can be incorporated into other eyeglasses, other wearable devices, or other devices with articulated connections. However, it should also be understood that the embodiments of the articulated system 100 disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use with eyeglasses including temples to limit undesirable displacement or deformation of such temples.

[0127] In some embodiments where the optical system (12) provides VR, AR, MR, and / or ER content to a user wearing the optical system, the optical system may include optical, electrical, and mechanical devices to facilitate the presentation of VR, AR, MR, and / or ER content to at least one eye of the user wearing the optical system (12). For example, the optical system (12) may include an array of microprojectors with associated electronic and optical components to project virtual content onto at least one or both eyes of the user while providing accommodation and / or convergence to the user. Accommodation is a reflexive action of the eye in response to focusing on a near target and then looking at a distant target (or vice versa), including coordinated changes in convergence, lens shape, and pupil size. Convergence is a convergence adduction movement that increases the field of view to allow monocular and binocular vision during near viewing. Convergence can be active but does not require near stimulation to induce convergence. It is also reflexive and is a co-movement in the near response.

[0128] Figure 11A -I illustrates some non-limiting example configurations of microprojector arrays in one or more embodiments, and a schematic diagram showing the coupling of the microprojector array with an optical system. References Figure 11G In a discrete wavefront display configuration, each of the plurality of incident sub-beams (11332) passes through a small exit pupil (11330) relative to the eye 1158. (See reference) Figure 11H A subset (11334) of the sub-beam group (11332) can be driven with matching color and intensity levels to be perceived as if they were part of the same larger ray (the bold subset (11334) can be considered a “converging beam”). In this case, the subsets of the sub-beams are parallel to each other, representing collimated converging beams from optical infinity (such as light from distant mountains). The eye is adjusted to infinity such that the subsets of the sub-beams are deflected by the cornea and lens of the eye, essentially all falling on the same location on the retina, and are perceived as comprising a single focusing pixel.

[0129] Figure 11I Another subset of the sub-beams is shown, representing a converging collimated beam (11336) entering from the right side of the user's eye 58's field of view, in a coronal plane view viewed from above by eye 1158. Additionally, the eye is shown as adjusted to infinity, so the sub-beams fall on the same point on the retina, and the pixels are perceived as focused. Conversely, if different subsets of the sub-beams are chosen as diverging ray fans reaching the eye, these sub-beams will not fall on the same location on the retina (and be perceived as focused) until the eye is displaced to a near point that matches the geometric origin of that ray fan.

[0130] Regarding the pattern of the intersection points of the sub-beams with the anatomical pupil of the eye (e.g., the pattern of the exit pupil), the intersection points can be organized into structures such as cross-sectionally effective hexagonal lattices or squares or other two-dimensional arrays. Furthermore, three-dimensional arrays of exit pupils, as well as time-varying arrays of exit pupils, can be created.

[0131] Discrete-converged wavefronts can be created using several configurations, such as microdisplays or microprojector arrays placed optically conjugate to the exit pupil of the observation optics, or microdisplays or microprojector arrays coupled to a direct field-of-view substrate (such as eyeglass lenses), so that they project light directly onto the eye without the need for additional intermediate observation optics, continuous spatial light modulation array technology, or waveguide technology.

[0132] refer to Figure 11A In one embodiment, a stereoscopic (e.g., three-dimensional) or four-dimensional or five-dimensional light field can be created by bundling together a group of small projectors or display units (such as scanning fiber optic displays). Figure 11A A hexagonal lattice projection beam 11338 is shown, which, for example, can create a hexagonal array with a diameter of 7 mm, wherein each fiber optic display outputs a sub-image (11340). If such an array has an optical system, such as a lens, placed in front of it such that the array is optically conjugate with the entrance pupil of the eye, this will produce an image of the array at the pupil of the eye, such as... Figure 11B As shown, it basically provides the same... Figure 11G The same optical arrangement as the embodiment.

[0133] Each small exit pupil in the configuration is created by a dedicated small display, such as a scanning fiber optic display, within the bundle 11338. Optically, in some embodiments, it is as if the entire hexagonal array 11338 is precisely positioned within the anatomical pupil 1145. Such embodiments can be used to drive different sub-images to different small exit pupils within the larger anatomical entrance pupil 1145 of the eye, including supersets of sub-bundles with multiple angles of incidence and intersections with the eye's pupil. Each individual projector or display can be driven with a slightly different image, thereby enabling the creation of sub-images that extract different sets of light, driven with different light intensities and colors.

[0134] In one embodiment, strict image conjugation can be created, such as in Figure 11B In one embodiment, there is a direct one-to-one mapping between array 11338 and pupil 1145. In another variation, the display and optical system in the array can be changed. Figure 11BThe spacing between the lenses (11342) in the array is such that instead of receiving the conjugate map of the array into the eye's pupil, the pupil captures the light from the array at some other distance. Using this configuration, one can still obtain the angular diversity of the beams, from which discrete converging wavefront representations can be created, but the mathematical calculations regarding which ray to drive and with what power and intensity become more complex (although, on the other hand, this configuration may be considered simpler from the perspective of observing optics). Mathematical operations related to light field image capture can be used for these calculations.

[0135] refer to Figure 11C Another embodiment of light field creation is illustrated, in which an array 11346 of microdisplays or microprojectors can be coupled to a frame (11344), such as an eyeglass frame. This configuration can be positioned in front of an eye 1158. The depicted configuration is a non-conjugate arrangement, wherein no large optical element is inserted between the array display 11346 (e.g., a scanning fiber optic display) and the eye 1158. One can imagine a pair of eyeglasses, along with multiple displays, such as scanning fiber optic engines, coupled to these eyeglasses, the displays orthogonally positioned to the eyeglass surface and all tilted inward, thus pointing towards the user's pupil. Each display can be configured to create a set of rays representing different elements of a sub-beam superset.

[0136] Using this configuration, at the anatomical pupil 1145, the user can receive a reference... Figure 11G The results received in the discussed embodiments are similar to those in the following examples. Figure 11G In this system, each point at the user's pupil receives light from different displays with multiple incident angles and intersections. Figure 11D It shows something similar to Figure 11C The non-conjugate construction is just Figure 11D The embodiment features a reflective surface (11348) to facilitate removing the display array 11346 from the field of view of the eye 58, while also allowing the real world 11144 to be observed through the reflective surface (11348).

[0137] Another configuration for creating angular diversity for discrete aggregated wavefront displays is proposed. To optimize this configuration, the size of the display can be minimized. Scanning fiber displays that can be used as displays can have a baseline diameter in the range of 1 mm, but simplification of the housing and projection lens hardware can reduce the diameter of such displays to approximately 0.5 mm or less, thus reducing interference with the user. In the case of fiber scanning display arrays, another geometric refinement in size reduction can be achieved by directly coupling collimating lenses (e.g., which may include gradient refractive index or “GRIN” lenses, conventional curved lenses, or diffractive lenses) to the tip of the scanning fiber itself. For example, refer to... Figure 11E A GRIN (gradient refractive index) lens (11354) is shown fused to the end of a single-mode fiber. An actuator 11350, such as a piezoelectric actuator, can be coupled to the fiber 11352 and can be used to scan the fiber tip.

[0138] In another embodiment, the ends of the optical fibers can be shaped into a hemispherical form using a bending polishing process to create a lens effect. In another embodiment, a standard refractive lens can be coupled to the end of each optical fiber using an adhesive. In another embodiment, the lens can be made of a small amount of a transmissive polymer or glass, such as epoxy resin. In another embodiment, the ends of the optical fibers can be melted to create a curved surface for the lens effect.

[0139] Figure 11F One embodiment is shown, wherein the display is configured (e.g., a scanning fiber optic display with GRIN lenses). Figure 11E (As shown in the enlarged view) can be coupled together via a single transparent substrate 11356, which preferably has a refractive index closely matched to the cladding of the optical fiber 11352, such that the fiber itself is substantially invisible to observation of the external world through the depicted components. It should be understood that if the refractive index matching of the cladding is precisely achieved, larger cladding / shells become transparent, and only the small core, preferably about three (3) micrometers in diameter, will obstruct observation. In one embodiment, the display matrix 11358 can be tilted entirely inward, thus pointing towards the user's anatomical pupil (in another embodiment, they can remain parallel to each other, but such a configuration is less efficient).

[0140] Figure 12 An example architecture 2500 of electronics operatively coupled to an optical system in one or more embodiments is shown. The optical system (12) itself or external devices coupled to the optical system (e.g., Figure 10 The waist pack 1070 in the figure may include one or more printed circuit board components, such as the left (2502) and right (2504) printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). As shown, the left PCBA 2502 includes most of the active electronics, while the right PCBA 604 mainly supports display or projector components.

[0141] The right PCBA 2504 may include multiple projector drive structures that provide image information and control signals to the image generation unit. For example, the right PCBA 2504 may carry a first projector drive structure or a left projector drive structure 2506 and a second projector drive structure or a right projector drive structure 2508. The first projector drive structure or the left projector drive structure 2506 is connected to a first projector fiber or a left projector fiber 2510 and a set of signal lines (e.g., piezoelectric drive lines). The second projector drive structure or the right projector drive structure 2508 is connected to a second projector fiber or a right projector fiber 2512 and a set of signal lines (e.g., piezoelectric drive lines). The first projector drive structure or the left projector drive structure 2506 is communicatively coupled to a first image projector or a left image projector, while the second projector drive structure or the right projector drive structure 2508 is communicatively coupled to a second image projector or a right image projector.

[0142] In operation, the image projector renders virtual content to the user's left and right eyes (e.g., the retina) via appropriate optical components (e.g., waveguides and / or compensating lenses) to alter the light associated with the virtual image.

[0143] Image projectors may include, for example, a left projector assembly and a right projector assembly. The projector assemblies can use a variety of different image forming or production technologies, such as fiber optic scanning projectors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), LCOS displays, and digital light processing (DLP) displays. In the case of a fiber optic scanning projector, an image can be transmitted along an optical fiber to be projected from the fiber via its tip. This tip can be oriented as a feed waveguide (Figures 23 and 24). The tip of the optical fiber can project the image and can be supported to bend or oscillate. Multiple piezoelectric actuators can control the oscillation of the tip (e.g., frequency, amplitude). The projector drive structure provides the image to the respective optical fiber and provides control signals to control the piezoelectric actuators, thereby projecting the image onto the user's eye.

[0144] Continuing with the right PCBA 2504, the button panel connector 2514 provides communication and physical coupling to the button panel 2516 carrying various user-accessible buttons, keys, switches, or other input devices. The right PCBA 2504 may include a right earphone or speaker connector 2518 to communicatively couple audio signals to the right earphone 2520 or speaker of the headset. The right PCBA 2504 may also include a right microphone connector 2522 to communicatively couple audio signals from a microphone of the headset. The right PCBA 2504 may also include a right occlusion driver connector 2524 to communicatively couple occlusion information to the right occlusion display 2526 of the headset. The right PCBA 2504 may also include a board-to-board connector to provide communication with the left PCBA 2502 via a board-to-board connector 2534 of the left PCBA 2502.

[0145] The right PCBA 2504 may be communicatively coupled to one or more outward-facing or world-viewing right-side cameras 2528, worn on the body or head, and optionally coupled to a right-side camera visual indicator (e.g., an LED) that illuminates to indicate when an image of another person is captured. The right PCBA 2504 may also be communicatively coupled to one or more right-eye cameras 2532, carried by a head-mounted component, positioned and oriented to capture images of the right eye, allowing for tracking, detection, or monitoring of the right eye's orientation and / or movement. Optionally, the right PCBA 2504 may be communicatively coupled to one or more right-eye illumination sources 2530 (e.g., LEDs), which, as explained herein, illuminate the right eye in an illumination pattern (e.g., temporal, spatial) to facilitate tracking, detection, or monitoring of the right eye's orientation and / or movement.

[0146] The left PCBA 2502 may include a control subsystem, which may include one or more controllers (e.g., microcontrollers, microprocessors, digital signal processors, graphics processing units, central processing units, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) 2540, and / or programmable logic units (PLUs)). The control system may include one or more non-transitory computer- or processor-readable media storing executable logic or instructions and / or data or information. The non-transitory computer- or processor-readable media may take various forms, such as volatile and non-volatile forms, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM, DRAM, SD-RAM), flash memory, etc. The non-transitory computer- or processor-readable media may be formed as one or more registers, such as those of a microprocessor, FPGA, or ASIC.

[0147] The left PCBA 2502 may include a left earphone or speaker connector 2536 to communicatively couple audio signals to the left earphone or speaker 2538 of the headset. The left PCBA 2502 may include an audio signal amplifier (e.g., a stereo amplifier) ​​2542 communicatively coupled to drive the earphone or speaker. The left PCBA 2502 may also include a left microphone connector 2544 to communicatively couple audio signals from a microphone of the headset. The left PCBA 2502 may also include a left occlusion driver connector 2546 to communicatively couple occlusion information to the left occlusion display 2548 of the headset.

[0148] The left PCBA 2502 may also include one or more sensors or transducers that detect, measure, capture, or otherwise sense information about the surrounding environment and / or about the user. For example, an accelerometer transducer 2550 (e.g., a triaxial accelerometer) can detect acceleration on three axes, thereby detecting motion. A gyroscope sensor 2552 can detect orientation and / or magnetic or compass heading or orientation. Other sensors or transducers may be used similarly.

[0149] The left PCBA 2502 may be communicatively coupled to one or more outward-facing or world-viewing left-side cameras 2524, worn on the body or head, and optionally coupled to a left-side camera visual indicator (e.g., an LED) 2556, which illuminates to indicate when an image of another person is captured. The left PCBA may be communicatively coupled to one or more left-eye cameras 2558, carried by a head-mounted component, positioned and oriented to capture images of the left eye to allow tracking, detection, or monitoring of the orientation and / or movement of the left eye. Optionally, the left PCBA 2502 may be communicatively coupled to one or more left-eye illumination sources (e.g., LEDs) 2556, which, as explained herein, illuminate the left eye in an illumination pattern (e.g., temporal, spatial) to facilitate tracking, detection, or monitoring of the orientation and / or movement of the left eye.

[0150] PCBAs 2502 and 2504 are communicatively coupled to different computing units (e.g., a lap bag) via one or more ports, connectors, and / or paths. For example, the left PCBA 2502 may include one or more communication ports or connectors to provide communication with the lap bag (e.g., bidirectional communication). One or more communication ports or connectors may also supply power from the lap bag to the left PCBA 2502. The left PCBA 2502 may include power conditioning circuitry 2580 (e.g., a DC / DC power converter, input filter) electrically coupled to the communication ports or connectors and capable of operating under conditions (e.g., boost, buck, current smoothing, transient reduction).

[0151] The communication port or connector may be, for example, a data and power connector or a transceiver 2582 (e.g., port, The PCBA 2504 may include a port or connector to receive power from a waist pack. The image generating element may receive power from a portable power source (e.g., a chemical battery cell, a primary or secondary battery cell, a supercapacitor cell, a fuel cell), which may be located in a waist pack.

[0152] As shown, the left PCBA 2502 includes most of the active electronics, while the right PCBA 2504 primarily supports the display or projector and associated piezoelectric drive signals. Electrical and / or fiber optic connections are made to the front, rear, or top of the body or head-mounted component across the optical system (12). PCBAs 2502 and 2504 are coupled to the waist pack via a communication ground (e.g., electrical ground, optical ground). The left PCBA 2502 includes a power subsystem and a high-speed communication subsystem. The right PCBA 2504 processes the piezoelectric drive signals for the fiber optic display. In the illustrated embodiment, only the right PCBA 2504 requires an optical connection to the waist pack. In other embodiments, both the right and left PCBAs can be connected to the waist pack.

[0153] Although the illustration shows two PCBAs, 2502 and 2504, the electronics for the body or head-mounted device can employ other architectures. For example, some implementations may use fewer or more PCBAs. As another example, various components or subsystems may be designed differently. Figure 12 The arrangement is as shown. For example, in some alternative embodiments, Figure 12 It is shown that some components residing on one PCBA can be located on another PCBA without loss of generality.

[0154] For example, see the above reference. Figure 11A In some embodiments, the optical system (12) described herein can present virtual content to a user, such that the virtual content can be perceived as three-dimensional content. In some other embodiments, the optical system (12) can present virtual content in a four-dimensional or five-dimensional light field (or light field) to a user.

[0155] like Figure 13AAs shown in -B, the light field generation subsystems (e.g., 1300 and 1302, respectively) are preferably operable to generate light fields. For example, optical device 1360 or the subsystem can generate or project light to simulate a four-dimensional (4D) or five-dimensional (5D) light field generated by light reflected from a real three-dimensional object or scene. For example, in some embodiments, optical devices such as waveguide reflector array projector (WRAP) device 1310 or multi-depth plane three-dimensional (3D) display system can generate or project multiple virtual depth planes at corresponding radial focal lengths to simulate 4D or 5D light fields. In these embodiments, the optical system (12) is used as a near-eye light field generator and a display of 4D or 5D light fields by interpreting the input image as a two-dimensional (2D) patch representing a 4D function of the light field. It should be noted that Figure 13A -B illustrates an optical system that, in some embodiments, has a light field generation subsystem as described herein, or in some other embodiments, has a stereoscopic virtual content generation subsystem that projects light beams corresponding to multiple depth planes onto the user's eyes.

[0156] In some embodiments, the optical system (12) renders a stereoscopic representation of virtual content to the user using image-based rendering, which generates different views of the virtual content from a set of pre-acquired or pre-computed images. Virtual content can be blended into or placed within the environment of the user viewing the virtual content by using one or more of, for example, an environment map, a world map, or a topological map (e.g., a map with point nodes representing corresponding locations and / or features, as well as edges connecting the nodes, and representing one or more relationships between the connected nodes). In these embodiments, the optical system uses one or more display or rendering algorithms for image-based rendering, which requires relatively modest computational resources (e.g., compared to the light field that generates the same virtual content), especially in real-time implementations of the virtual content. Furthermore, the cost of interacting with the generated virtual content is independent of the complexity of the virtual content. Additionally, the image sources used to generate the virtual content can be real (e.g., photographs of physical objects or a series of videos) or virtual (e.g., from one or more models).

[0157] These image-based rendering and one or more map-based embodiments can be based on one or more fixed viewpoints (e.g., viewpoints from which a set of images is acquired to render image-based virtual content). Some of these embodiments relax the fixed viewpoint constraint by using depth values ​​(e.g., depth information acquired by a depth sensor or calculated via positioning techniques such as triangulation) through view interpolation. In these embodiments, the optical system (12) uses depth information (e.g., a small subset of pixels in an image or depth data for each pixel in an image) to interpret the view so as to reproject points relative to the user in, for example, an environment map (e.g., a geometric map with detailed geometric and / or geographic information of features, points, etc. in the map) based on the user's location, orientation, and / or gaze direction.

[0158] Some other embodiments using image-based rendering and one or more maps relax the fixed viewpoint constraint by determining corresponding points and / or correspondences in a pair of images for rendering virtual content, at least in part based on the positions of one or more image sensors that captured the pair of images. Both types of embodiments with image-based rendering effectively generate and present virtual content that can be perceived as stereoscopic by the viewing user, although there may be situations where, for example, the correspondences between one or more image pairs are not necessarily determined deterministically.

[0159] Therefore, some other embodiments utilize an optical system (12) to generate 4D or 5D light fields instead of the image-based rendering described above. The light field can be generated using a 5D function (e.g., a 5D all-light function) and includes radiation at a point in a given direction in three-dimensional space. Thus, a light field may include a 5D function that defines a set of spatial angle images. In these embodiments where the radiation R at a point A with coordinates (x,y,z) in space propagates along the direction D(φ,θ), it can have the form R(x,y,z,φ,θ), where φ has a range [0,π] including both endpoints, and θ has a range [0,2π], also including both endpoints. In this form, φ represents the angle with the horizontal plane defined by the x-axis and y-axis; θ represents the angle between the vector connecting the point in 3D space and the origin of the coordinate system and the reference unit vector (e.g., the unit vector along the x-axis).

[0160] In some embodiments, radiation is conserved in a medium (e.g., a transparent medium such as air). Due to radiation conservation, the aforementioned 5D function exhibits a certain amount of redundancy. In these embodiments, when the optical system creates a 5D function in a surface (e.g., a plane z = 0), the aforementioned 5D function representing the light field can be simplified to a 4D function R(x,y,φ,θ), thus effectively reducing the 5D function with three spatial dimensions (x,y,z) and two angular dimensions (φ,θ) to a 4D function with two spatial dimensions (x,y) and two angular dimensions (φ,θ). Simplifying the dimension of the light field function from a 5D function to a 4D function not only accelerates the generation of light fields for virtual content but also saves computational resources.

[0161] In these embodiments, the optical system (12) described herein generates a light field of the virtual content and presents it to the user by calculating the corresponding radiation of multiple points of the virtual content using the 4D function described above (or a 5D function in more general light field technology applications). The calculated radiation (or radiant flux) of a point includes data on the light emitted, reflected, transmitted, or received by that point and can be calculated based on per-projection area. The radiation of a point may also include frequency and / or wavelength information and is directional, since radiation represents what a point (e.g., a pixel or group of pixels) or a portion of the virtual content can be perceived by the user of the optical system (12). Radiation can be calculated using any technique, such as parameterizing a line (e.g., a line from the user's eye to a point in the virtual content) by point and direction, utilizing an orthographically projected image using homogeneous coordinates or an image using a fixed field of view. For example, the radiation of a point can be determined by using a light plate technique that confines the points of the virtual content and the points representing the user's eye within corresponding convex quadrilaterals, and by mapping between the points of the virtual content (e.g., image pixels of the virtual content) and the points representing the user's eye using a linear projection map (e.g., a 3x3 matrix).

[0162] For example, an optical system (12) or electronic device (e.g., the aforementioned waist bag) can generate a light plate by rendering an array of 2D images, wherein each image represents a small piece of a 4D light plate at a fixed plane, and is formed by performing a clipped perspective projection substantially similar to that used for generating stereoscopic image pairs, placing the projection center of the virtual camera at a sample location corresponding to a point of the virtual content. In some embodiments, the light plate can be formed from a 2D array of orthographic projection views.

[0163] In order to generate a light field representation of virtual content via the optical system (12) and present it to the user, the lenses of the optical system (12) (e.g., Figure 112a or 12b) may include a stack of one or more planar or freeform waveguides, wherein the waveguides may define one or more different focal planes, each corresponding to one or more different focal lengths. In some embodiments, the stack of one or more planar or freeform waveguides thus defines multiple focal planes located at corresponding focal lengths. 2D patches of an image can be rendered on focal planes at specific focal lengths, thus a set of 2D patches can be rendered on multiple focal planes to represent virtual content, which can then be perceived as stereoscopic by a user of the optical system.

[0164] In some embodiments, the waveguide may include: an orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) element associated with a first surface of the planar optical waveguide for splitting the coupled beam into a first set of orthogonal sub-beams; and a second orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) element associated with a second surface of the planar optical waveguide for splitting the coupled beam into a second set of orthogonal sub-beams. In some embodiments, the first OPE element is disposed on the first surface of the planar optical waveguide, and the second OPE element is disposed on the second surface of the planar optical waveguide. The coupling element may be configured to optically couple a collimated beam from an image projection assembly into a coupled beam for propagation within the planar optical waveguide via total internal reflection (TIR) ​​along a first optical path, which alternately intersects the first OPE element and the second OPE element, such that portions of the coupled beam are deflected into corresponding first and second sets of orthogonal sub-beams, which propagate within the planar optical waveguide via TIR along a second parallel optical path. In this case, the second parallel optical path may be orthogonal to the first optical path.

[0165] In some embodiments, the semi-reflective interface is configured to split the coupled beam into at least two coupled sub-beams. In this case, one or more DOEs include orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) elements configured to split the at least two coupled sub-beams into at least two sets of orthogonal sub-beams respectively, the semi-reflective interface is further configured to split the at least two sets of orthogonal sub-beams into at least four sets of orthogonal sub-beams, and the DOE includes an exit pupil expansion (EPE) element configured to split the at least four sets of orthogonal sub-beams into one set of output sub-beams. The OPE and EPE elements can be disposed on the surface of the optical planar waveguide.

[0166] In some embodiments, the waveguide may include an exit pupil expansion (EPE) element associated with the planar optical waveguide for splitting the orthogonal subbeams into an array of outgoing subbeams (e.g., a two-dimensional array of outgoing subbeams) emanating from the planar optical waveguide. The collimated beam may define an entrance pupil, and the array of outgoing subbeams may define an exit pupil larger than the entrance pupil, for example, at least ten times larger than the entrance pupil, or even at least one hundred times larger than the entrance pupil.

[0167] In some embodiments, the EPE element is disposed on one of a first surface and a second surface of the planar optical waveguide. A first set of orthogonal subbeams and a second set of orthogonal subbeams may intersect the EPE element such that portions of the first set of orthogonal subbeams and the second set of orthogonal subbeams are deflected into an array of coupled subbeams emanating from the planar optical waveguide. In some embodiments, the EPE element is configured to impart a convex wavefront profile on the array of coupled subbeams emanating from the planar optical waveguide. In this case, the convex wavefront profile may have a radial center at the focal point to produce an image at a given focal plane. In another embodiment, each of the IC element, the OPE element, and the EPE element is diffracted.

[0168] The virtual image generation system also includes one or more diffractive optical elements (DOEs) associated with the planar optical waveguide for further splitting a plurality of primary sub-beams into an array of coupled sub-beams (e.g., a two-dimensional coupled sub-beam array) emanating from one side of the planar optical waveguide. The collimated beam may define an entrance pupil, and the coupled sub-beam array may define an exit pupil larger than the entrance pupil, for example, at least ten times larger, or even at least one hundred times larger. In some embodiments, a first thickness of the primary substrate and a second thickness of the secondary substrate are selected such that the spacing between the centers of at least two adjacent sub-beams in the coupled sub-beams is equal to or less than the width of the collimated beam. In another embodiment, the first and second thicknesses are selected such that there are no gaps between the edges of more than half of the adjacent sub-beams in the coupled sub-beams.

[0169] In some embodiments, the semi-reflective interface is configured to split the coupled beam into at least two coupled sub-beams. In this case, one or more DOEs include orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) elements configured to split the at least two coupled sub-beams into at least two sets of orthogonal sub-beams, respectively; the semi-reflective interface is further configured to split the at least two sets of orthogonal sub-beams into at least four sets of orthogonal sub-beams; and one or more DOEs include exit pupil expansion (EPE) elements configured to split the at least four sets of orthogonal sub-beams into one set of exit sub-beams. The OPE and EPE elements may be disposed on the surface of the optical planar waveguide.

[0170] At least two coupled sub-beams can propagate within a planar optical waveguide via total internal reflection (TIR) ​​along a first optical path that intersects with an OPE element, such that portions of the at least two coupled sub-beams are deflected into at least two sets of orthogonal sub-beams that propagate within the planar optical waveguide via TIR along a second parallel optical path. The second parallel optical path may be orthogonal to the first optical path. The at least two sets of orthogonal sub-beams can intersect with an EPE element, such that portions of the at least two sets of orthogonal sub-beams are diffracted out of the plane of the optical waveguide as coupled sub-beam sets. In some embodiments, the EPE element may be configured to impart a convex wavefront profile on the array of coupled sub-beams emanating from the planar optical waveguide. In this case, the convex wavefront profile may have a radial center at the focal point to produce an image at a given focal plane.

[0171] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a virtual image generation system includes a planar optical waveguide comprising a plurality of substrates, the substrates including a main substrate having a first thickness, at least one secondary substrate having at least one second thickness, and at least one half-reflective interface disposed between the substrates.

[0172] The first thickness is at least twice each of at least one second thickness. In some embodiments, the first thickness is a non-multiple of each of the second thicknesses. In another embodiment, one or more sub-substrates comprise a plurality of sub-substrates. In this case, the second thicknesses may be equal to each other, or two or more sub-substrates may have second thicknesses that are not equal to each other. The first thickness may be a non-multiple of at least one second thickness. At least two of the unequal second thicknesses may not be multiples of each other.

[0173] In some embodiments, each of one or more semi-reflective interfaces includes a semi-reflective coating, which may be deposited between substrates, for example, via physical vapor deposition (PVD), ion-assisted deposition (IAD), and ion beam sputtering (IBS). Each coating may include, for example, one or more of a metal (Au, Al, Ag, Ni-Cr, Cr, etc.), a dielectric (oxide, fluoride, and sulfide), and a semiconductor (Si, Ge). In yet another embodiment, adjacent substrates among a plurality of substrates comprise materials with different refractive indices.

[0174] The virtual image generation system also includes a coupling (IC) element configured to optically couple a collimated beam from an image projection assembly to propagate as a coupled beam within a planar optical waveguide. The image projection assembly may include a scanning device configured to scan the collimated beam. One or more semi-reflective interfaces are configured to split the coupled beam into multiple master sub-beams propagating within a main substrate.

[0175] The virtual image generation system also includes one or more diffractive optical elements (DOEs) associated with the planar optical waveguide to further divide a plurality of master sub-beams into an array of coupled sub-beams (e.g., a two-dimensional coupled sub-beam array) emanating from the surface of the planar optical waveguide. The collimated beam may define an entrance pupil, and the coupled sub-beam array may define an exit pupil larger than the entrance pupil, for example, at least ten times larger, or even at least one hundred times larger. In some embodiments, a first thickness of the master substrate and one or more second thicknesses of one or more sub-substrates are selected such that the spacing between the centers of at least two adjacent sub-beams in the coupled sub-beams is equal to or less than the width of the collimated beam. In another embodiment, the first thickness and one or more second thicknesses are selected such that there are no gaps between the edges of more than half of the adjacent sub-beams in the coupled sub-beams.

[0176] In some embodiments, one or more semi-reflective interfaces are configured to split the coupled beam into at least two coupled sub-beams. In this case, one or more DOEs include orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) elements configured to split the at least two coupled sub-beams into at least two sets of orthogonal sub-beams, respectively; the one or more semi-reflective interfaces are also configured to split the at least two sets of orthogonal sub-beams into at least four sets of orthogonal sub-beams; and the one or more DOEs include exit pupil expansion (EPE) elements configured to split the at least four sets of orthogonal sub-beams into one set of exit sub-beams. The OPE and EPE elements may be disposed on the surface of the optical planar waveguide.

[0177] At least two coupled sub-beams can propagate within a planar optical waveguide via total internal reflection (TIR) ​​along a first optical path that intersects with an OPE element, such that portions of the at least two coupled sub-beams are deflected into at least two sets of orthogonal sub-beams that propagate within the planar optical waveguide via TIR along a second parallel optical path. The second parallel optical path may be orthogonal to the first optical path. The at least two sets of orthogonal sub-beams can intersect with an EPE element, such that portions of the at least two sets of orthogonal sub-beams are diffracted out of the plane of the optical waveguide as a set of coupled sub-beams. In some embodiments, the EPE element may be configured to impart a convex wavefront profile on the array of coupled sub-beams emanating from the planar optical waveguide. In this case, the convex wavefront profile may have a radial center at the focal point to produce an image at a given focal plane.

[0178] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a virtual image generation system includes a pre-pupil (PPE) element configured to receive a collimated beam from an imaging element and split the collimated beam into a set of initial coupled sub-beams. The virtual image generation system also includes a planar optical waveguide; an insertion (IC) element configured to optically couple the set of initial coupled sub-beams into the planar optical waveguide as a set of inserted sub-beams; and one or more diffraction elements associated with the planar optical waveguide for splitting the set of inserted sub-beams into a set of final coupled sub-beams exiting from one surface of the planar optical waveguide. The one or more diffraction elements may include an orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) element associated with the planar optical waveguide for further splitting the set of inserted sub-beams into a set of orthogonal sub-beams, and an exit pupil expansion (EPE) element associated with the planar optical waveguide for splitting the set of orthogonal sub-beams into the set of final coupled sub-beams.

[0179] In some embodiments, the collimated beam defines an entrance pupil, the set of initial coupled sub-beams defines a pre-dilation pupil larger than the entrance pupil, and the set of final coupled sub-beams defines an exit pupil larger than the pre-dilation pupil. In one example, the pre-dilation pupil is at least ten times larger than the entrance pupil, and the exit pupil is at least ten times larger than the pre-dilation pupil. In some embodiments, the set of initial coupled sub-beams is optically coupled into a planar waveguide as a two-dimensional sub-beam array, and the set of final coupled sub-beams exits from the surface of the planar waveguide as a two-dimensional sub-beam array. In another embodiment, the set of initial coupled sub-beams is optically coupled into a planar waveguide as a one-dimensional sub-beam array, and the set of initial coupled sub-beams exits from the surface of the planar waveguide as a two-dimensional sub-beam array.

[0180] In some embodiments, the PPE element includes a miniature planar optical waveguide, a miniature OPE element associated with the miniature planar optical waveguide for splitting the collimated beam into a set of initial orthogonal sub-beams, and a miniature EPE element associated with the miniature planar optical waveguide for splitting the set of initial orthogonal sub-beams into a set of initial coupled sub-beams emitted from the surface of the miniature planar optical waveguide. The PPE may also include a miniature IC element configured to optically couple the collimated beam into the planar optical waveguide.

[0181] In another embodiment, the PPE element includes: a diffraction beam splitter (e.g., a 1xN beam splitter or an MxN beam splitter) configured to split the collimated beam into a set of initial diverging sub-beams; and a lens (e.g., a diffraction lens) configured to recollimate the set of initial diverging sub-beams into the set of initial coupled sub-beams.

[0182] In another embodiment, the PPE element includes a prism (e.g., a solid prism or a cavity prism) configured to split a collimated beam into a set of coupled sub-beams. The prism may include a semi-reflective prism plane configured to split the collimated beam into the set of coupled sub-beams. The prism may include a plurality of parallel prism planes configured to split the collimated beam into the set of coupled sub-beams. In this case, the parallel prism planes may include semi-reflective prism planes. The plurality of parallel prism planes may include fully reflective prism planes, in which case a portion of the collimated beam may be reflected by at least one semi-reflective prism along a first direction, and a portion of the collimated beam may be transmitted to the fully reflective prism plane for reflection along the first direction. The prism may include: a first set of parallel prism planes configured to split the collimated beam into a set of initially orthogonal sub-beams reflected along the first direction; and a second set of parallel prism planes configured to split the set of initially orthogonal sub-beams into the set of coupled sub-beams, which are reflected along a second direction different from the first direction. The first and second directions may be orthogonal to each other.

[0183] In another embodiment, the PPE element includes: a first planar optical waveguide assembly configured to divide a collimated beam into a two-dimensional array of coupled sub-beams (e.g., an N x N sub-beam array), these coupled sub-beam arrays exiting from a surface of the first planar optical waveguide assembly; and a second planar optical waveguide assembly configured to divide the two-dimensional coupled sub-beam arrays into a plurality of two-dimensional coupled sub-beam arrays, these two-dimensional coupled sub-beam arrays exiting from a surface of the second planar optical waveguide assembly as the set of coupled sub-beams. The first planar optical waveguide assembly and the second planar optical waveguide assembly may each have unequal thicknesses.

[0184] The two-dimensional coupled subbeam array has an inter-beam spacing, and multiple two-dimensional coupled subbeam arrays are spatially offset from each other by an array spacing, which is different from the inter-beam spacing of the two-dimensional coupled subbeam array. In some embodiments, the inter-beam spacing of the multiple two-dimensional coupled subbeam arrays is not a multiple of the inter-beam spacing of the two-dimensional coupled subbeam arrays. The inter-beam spacing of the multiple two-dimensional coupled subbeam arrays can be greater than the inter-beam spacing of the two-dimensional coupled subbeam arrays.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first planar optical waveguide assembly includes: a first planar optical waveguide having opposing first and second surfaces; a first coupling (IC) element configured to optically couple a collimated beam to propagate within the first planar optical waveguide via total internal reflection (TIR) ​​along a first optical path; a first exit pupil expander (EPE) element associated with the first planar optical waveguide for splitting the collimated beam into a one-dimensional sub-beam array exiting from the second surface of the first planar optical waveguide; a second planar optical waveguide having opposing first and second surfaces; a second IC element configured to optically couple the one-dimensional sub-beam array to propagate within the second planar optical waveguide via TIR along a corresponding second optical path perpendicular to the first optical path; and a second exit pupil expander (EPE) element associated with the second planar optical waveguide for splitting the one-dimensional sub-beam array into a two-dimensional sub-beam array exiting from the second surface of the second planar optical waveguide. In this case, the first surface of the second planar optical waveguide may be attached to the second surface of the first planar optical waveguide. The first and second planar optical waveguides may each have substantially equal thicknesses.

[0186] The second planar optical waveguide assembly may include: a third planar optical waveguide having opposing first and second surfaces; a third IC element configured to optically couple a first two-dimensional sub-beam array to propagate within the third planar optical waveguide via a TIR along a corresponding third optical path; a third EPE element associated with the third planar optical waveguide for dividing the two-dimensional sub-beam array into a plurality of two-dimensional sub-beam arrays emanating from the second surface of the third planar optical waveguide; a fourth planar optical waveguide having opposing first and second surfaces; a fourth IC element configured to optically couple a plurality of two-dimensional sub-beam arrays to propagate within the fourth planar optical waveguide via a TIR along a corresponding fourth optical path perpendicular to the third optical path; and a fourth EPE element associated with the fourth planar optical waveguide for dividing the plurality of two-dimensional sub-beam arrays into a plurality of two-dimensional sub-beam arrays emanating from the second surface of the fourth planar optical waveguide as a set of sub-beams as input. In this configuration, the first surface of the fourth planar optical waveguide may be attached to the second surface of the third planar optical waveguide, and the first surface of the third planar optical waveguide may be attached to the second surface of the second planar optical waveguide. The first and second planar optical waveguides can each have substantially equal thicknesses, and the third and fourth planar optical waveguides can each have substantially equal thicknesses. However, the substantially equal thicknesses of the first and second planar optical waveguides can differ from the substantially equal thicknesses of the third and fourth planar optical waveguides. The substantially equal thicknesses of the third and fourth planar optical waveguides can be greater than the substantially equal thicknesses of the first and second planar optical waveguides.

[0187] An optical device 1360, in the form of a WRAP device 1310 or a multi-depth-plane 3D display system, can project an image directly or indirectly into each of the user's eyes. When the number and radial positions of the virtual depth planes are comparable to the depth resolution of the human visual system based on radial distance, a set of discrete projected depth planes simulates the psychophysical effects produced by a real, continuous 3D object or scene. In one or more embodiments, system 1300 may include a frame 1370 customized for each AR user. Additional components of system 1300 may include electronics 1330 (e.g., Figure 12 Some or all of the electronic devices shown are used to interconnect the various electrical and electronic sub-components of the AR system.

[0188] System 1300 may also include a microdisplay 1320 that projects light associated with one or more virtual images into waveguide prism 1310. For example... Figure 13A As shown, light generated from the microdisplay 1320 travels within the waveguide 1310, and some of the light reaches the user's eye 1390. In one or more embodiments, the system 1300 may also include one or more compensating lenses 1380 to alter the light associated with the virtual image. Figure 13B It shows the relationship with Figure 13A The same elements are shown, but this illustrates how light from the microdisplay 1320 travels through the waveguide 1310 to reach the user's eye 1390.

[0189] It should be understood that the optical device 1360 may include a plurality of linear waveguides, each having a corresponding series of deconstructed curved spherical reflectors or mirrors embedded, positioned, or formed within each linear waveguide. This series of deconstructed curved spherical reflectors or mirrors is designed to refocus light focused at infinity onto a specific radial distance. A convex spherical mirror may be used to generate an output spherical wave, representing a virtual point source located at a defined distance behind the convex spherical mirror.

[0190] By connecting a series of miniature reflectors with shapes (e.g., radii of curvature around two axes) and orientations together in linear or rectangular waveguides, a 3D image corresponding to a spherical wavefront generated by a virtual point source at specific x, y, z coordinates can be projected. Each 2D waveguide or layer provides an independent optical path relative to the others, shaping the wavefront and focusing the incident light to project a virtual depth plane corresponding to the corresponding radial distance. Using multiple 2D waveguides that provide focal planes at different depths of focus, users viewing the projected virtual depth plane can experience a 3D effect.

[0191] It should be understood that the features and aspects of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the embodiments based on the detailed description above. Generally, the terminology used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be interpreted to include all possible embodiments and equivalents of the full scope of those claims.

[0192] This document describes various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Reference is made to these examples in a non-limiting manner. They are provided to illustrate aspects of the broader applicability of this disclosure. Various changes may be made to the described disclosure and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, numerous modifications may be made to adapt particular circumstances, materials, material composition, processes, one or more processing actions, or one or more steps to the objectives, spirit, or scope of this disclosure. Moreover, as those skilled in the art will understand, each individual variant described and illustrated herein has discrete components and features that can be readily separated from or combined with features of other embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure. All such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the claims associated with this disclosure.

[0193] This disclosure includes methods that can be performed using the subject device. The method may include actions of providing such a suitable device. This provision may be performed by an end user. In other words, the "providing" action only requires the end user to obtain, access, approach, locate, set, activate, power on, or otherwise provide the necessary device in the subject method. The methods listed herein may be performed in any logically possible order of the listed events, as well as in the order of the listed events.

[0194] The exemplary aspects of this disclosure, along with details regarding material selection and manufacturing, have been set forth above. As for other details of this disclosure, they can be understood in conjunction with the patents and disclosures cited above, and may be ordinary or understandable to those skilled in the art. This also applies to the method-based aspects of this disclosure, as to the additional actions typically or logically employed.

[0195] Furthermore, while this disclosure has been described with reference to several examples that optionally incorporate various features, this disclosure is not limited to what is described or indicated with respect to each variation of this disclosure. Various changes may be made to the described disclosure and equivalents may be substituted (whether listed herein or not included for brevity) without departing from the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, where numerical ranges are provided, it should be understood that every intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range, as well as any other stated value or intermediate value within the range, is included within this disclosure.

[0196] Furthermore, it is conceivable that any optional features of the described variations of the invention may be set forth and claimed independently or in combination with any one or more features described herein. References to singular items include the possibility that multiple identical items exist. More specifically, as used herein and in the claims associated with it, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” include plural indicators unless expressly stated otherwise. In other words, the use of articles allows for “at least one” subject matter item in the foregoing description and in the claims associated with this disclosure. It should also be noted that such claims may be drafted to exclude any optional elements. Therefore, this statement is intended as a prior basis for using exclusive terms such as “unique,” ​​“only,” etc., or for using a negative limitation in conjunction with the elements of the claims.

[0197] Without using such exclusive terms, the term "comprising" in the claims associated with this disclosure shall allow for the inclusion of any additional elements—whether or not a given number of elements are enumerated in such claims, or the addition of a feature may be considered to change the nature of an element set forth in those claims. Unless specifically defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used herein shall be given the broadest possible meaning in a general sense, while maintaining the validity of the claims.

[0198] The breadth of this disclosure is not limited to the examples and / or subject matter descriptions provided, but is limited only to the scope of the language of the claims associated with this disclosure.

[0199] The above description of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific embodiments and examples have been described herein for illustrative purposes, as those skilled in the art will recognize, various equivalent modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. The teachings of the various embodiments provided herein can be applied to other devices implementing VR, AR, MR, XR, or hybrid systems and / or employing user interfaces, and are not necessarily the example optical systems (12) generally described above.

[0200] For example, the foregoing detailed description has illustrated various embodiments of the device and / or process using block diagrams, schematic diagrams, and examples. Those skilled in the art will understand that, with regard to the inclusion of one or more functions and / or operations in such block diagrams, schematic diagrams, and examples, each function and / or operation in such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented individually and / or collectively by various hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof.

[0201] In one embodiment, this subject matter may be implemented via an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). However, those skilled in the art will recognize that all or part of the embodiments disclosed herein can be equivalently implemented in a standard integrated circuit as one or more computer programs executed by one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), one or more programs executed by one or more controllers (e.g., microcontrollers), one or more programs executed by one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors), firmware, or virtually any combination of the foregoing, and will recognize that designing circuits and / or writing software and / or firmware code in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure will be entirely within the skill of those skilled in the art.

[0202] When logic is implemented as software and stored in memory, the logic or information can be stored on any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with any processor-related system or method. In the context of this disclosure, memory is a computer-readable medium, which is an electrical, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or apparatus that contains or stores computer and / or processor programs. Logic and / or information can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, a processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch instructions from an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute instructions associated with the logic and / or information.

[0203] In the context of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any element capable of storing a program associated with logic and / or information for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, and / or device. Computer-readable media can be, for example, but not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices. More specific examples (not an exhaustive list) of computer-readable media will include: portable computer floppy disks (disks, compact flash memory cards, secure digital drives, etc.), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory), portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM), digital magnetic tape, and other non-transitory media.

[0204] Many of the methods described herein can be performed in variations. For example, many methods may include additional actions, omission of some actions, and / or performance of actions in a different order than those shown or described.

[0205] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications are mentioned in this specification and / or listed in the application data sheet, unless otherwise specified in the specific teachings and definitions herein. If necessary, aspects of the embodiments can be modified to employ various patented, applied and published systems, circuits and concepts to provide further embodiments.

[0206] Based on the detailed description above, these and other changes can be made to the embodiments. Generally, the terminology used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be interpreted to include all possible embodiments and equivalents to the full scope of those claims. Therefore, the claims are not limited to this disclosure.

[0207] Furthermore, the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. If desired, aspects of the embodiments can be modified to incorporate concepts from various patents, applications, and disclosures to provide even more advanced embodiments.

[0208] Based on the detailed description above, these and other changes can be made to the embodiments. Generally, the terminology used in the following claims should not be construed as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be interpreted to include all possible embodiments and equivalents to the full scope of those claims. Therefore, the claims are not limited to this disclosure.

Claims

1. An optical system for presenting virtual content to a user, comprising: Optical components for projecting a light beam into at least one of a user's eyes; A first temple and a second temple opposite to the first temple; as well as A first hinge system and a second hinge system, wherein the first hinge system and the second hinge system respectively couple the first temple and the second temple to the optical component, and the first hinge system includes: A hinged base, which is fixedly coupled to the optical component; An intermediate hinge member, rotatably coupled to the hinge base for rotation about a first axis; and A distal hinge member, rotatably coupled to the intermediate hinge member for rotation about a second axis and fixedly coupled to the first temple, the first axis being different from the second axis. The hinge base includes an arc-shaped guide, and the intermediate hinge member includes a corresponding guide pin or interacts with the corresponding guide pin. When the intermediate hinge member rotates relative to the hinge base about the first axis, the corresponding guide pin spans the arc-shaped guide of the hinge base.

2. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein, The first articulation system includes one or more stop mechanisms to limit the rotational travel of the intermediate articulation member relative to the articulation base about the first axis, which serves as the pitch axis.

3. The optical system according to claim 2, wherein, The one or more stopping mechanisms include: a first rotational stop disposed on the hinge base, the first rotational stop being configured to restrict a first movement of the intermediate hinge member when the intermediate hinge member is pitched upward to an upper limit; and a second rotational stop disposed on the hinge base, the second rotational stop being configured to restrict the first movement of the intermediate hinge member when the intermediate hinge member is pitched downward to a lower limit.

4. The optical system according to claim 3, wherein, The first rotation stop and the second rotation stop are respectively provided by corresponding portions of the openings provided in the hinge base. When the intermediate hinge member pitches up or down to the upper limit or the lower limit, the corresponding portions of the openings constrain the first movement of the intermediate hinge member.

5. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein, The articulation system includes one or more stop mechanisms to limit the rotational travel of the distal articulation member relative to the intermediate articulation member about a second axis that serves as a yaw axis.

6. The optical system according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more stopping mechanisms include: a first rotational stop disposed on the intermediate hinge member, the first rotational stop being configured to prevent a second movement of the distal hinge member when the distal hinge member yaws to an outer limit; and a second rotational stop disposed on the intermediate hinge member, the second rotational stop being configured to prevent the second movement of the intermediate hinge member when the intermediate hinge member yaws to an inner limit.

7. The optical system according to claim 6, wherein, The first rotation stop and the second rotation stop are respectively provided by corresponding opposite portions of the plate-like structure of the intermediate hinge member. When the intermediate hinge member yaws to the outer limit and the inner limit, the opposite portions of the plate-like structure respectively restrict the second movement of the distal hinge member.

8. The optical system according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more stopping mechanisms include a first rotary stop and a second rotary stop, wherein the first rotary stop is disposed on the distal hinge member and configured to abut against the intermediate hinge member when the distal hinge member yaws to the outer limit, and the second rotary stop is disposed on the distal hinge member and configured to abut against the intermediate hinge member when the distal hinge member yaws to the inner limit.

9. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein, The hinge base includes a biasing member configured to, when the intermediate hinge member is deviated from its neutral position or configuration, rotatably bias or twist the intermediate hinge member about the first axis toward the neutral position or configuration.

10. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein, The optical components include a first lens, a second lens, a first plurality of projection fibers, and a second plurality of projection fibers, wherein the first plurality of projection fibers are configured to project at least one first beam onto the first lens, and the first lens then reflects the first beam onto the user's at least one eye.

11. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein, The first axis is the pitch axis.

12. The optical system according to claim 1, wherein, The first articulation system includes a main stop mechanism and a backup stop mechanism.

13. A hinge system, comprising: A hinged base that can be fixedly coupled to a first structural member; An intermediate hinge member is rotatably coupled to a hinge base to rotate about a pitch axis; as well as A distal articulated member, rotatably coupled to the intermediate articulated member for rotation about a yaw axis and fixedly coupled to the second structural member, wherein the articulation system enables the second structural member to pitch and yaw relative to the first structural member. The hinge base includes an arc-shaped guide, and the intermediate hinge member includes a corresponding guide pin or interacts with the corresponding guide pin. When the intermediate hinge member rotates relative to the hinge base about the pitch axis, the corresponding guide pin spans the arc-shaped guide of the hinge base.

14. The articulation system of claim 13, further comprising one or more stop mechanisms to limit the rotational travel of the intermediate articulation member relative to the articulation base about the pitch axis.

15. The articulated system according to claim 14, wherein, The one or more stopping mechanisms include a first rotational stop disposed on the hinge base, the first rotational stop being configured to restrict a first movement of the intermediate hinge member when the intermediate hinge member is pitched upward to an upper limit; and a second rotational stop disposed on the hinge base, the second rotational stop being configured to restrict the first movement of the intermediate hinge member when the intermediate hinge member is pitched downward to a lower limit.

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