Geometric waveguide with partially covered beam splitter

Abstract

A waveguide may include a substrate and an array of beam splitters embedded within the substrate, where each beam splitter within the array of beam splitters does not completely transect the substrate. Various other apparatus, systems, and methods of manufacture are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 343,193, filed on May 18, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to the present invention, there is provided a device comprising: a substrate; and a beam splitter array embedded in the substrate, wherein each beam splitter in the beam splitter array does not completely cross the substrate.

[0004] Optionally, each beam splitter within the beam splitter array is configured to transmit a first proportion of radiation towards an output end of the device and reflect a second proportion of radiation.

[0005] Optionally, the device is configured to provide a plurality of ray paths from an input to the device to an output of the device.

[0006] Optionally, at least one ray path of the plurality of ray paths bypasses at least one beam splitter and intersects at least one subsequent beam splitter.

[0007] Optionally, each beam splitter within the beam splitter array becomes progressively more reflective in a direction towards an output end of the device.

[0008] Optionally, the average amount of light reflected from the device by each beam splitter in the beam splitter array is substantially uniform.

[0009] Optionally, the average amount of light reflected from the device by each beam splitter within the beam splitter array is approximately uniform based on at least: the proportion of ray paths that bypass each beam splitter within the beam splitter array; and the reflectivity of each beam splitter within the beam splitter array.

[0010] Optionally, each beam splitter within the beam splitter array gradually becomes longer in a direction towards the output end of the device.

[0011] Optionally, a first beam splitter within the beam splitter array is set within the device at a different angle than a second beam splitter within the beam splitter array.

[0012] According to the present invention, a manufacturing method is also provided, which comprises: removing material from a substrate so that the substrate defines a series of inclined grooves; applying a partially reflective coating on the slope of each of the inclined grooves; and overcasting the substrate with additional material so that the series of inclined grooves are filled and the partially reflective coating is completely surrounded by the substrate.

[0013] Optionally, the substrate comprises a polymer material.

[0014] Optionally, applying the partially reflective coating includes: applying a coating with a certain gradient of gradually increasing reflectivity, so that the reflectivity of the partially reflective coating of each groove in the series of inclined grooves gradually increases.

[0015] Optionally, the method further comprises removing the partially reflective coating from one or more portions of the surface of the substrate after applying the partially reflective coating and before covering the substrate.

[0016] Optionally, removing the material from the substrate so that the substrate defines the series of inclined grooves includes: removing material to different depths at different locations of the substrate so that the maximum depth of at least one inclined groove within the series of inclined grooves is different from the maximum depth of at least one other inclined groove within the series of inclined grooves.

[0017] According to the present invention, a system is also provided, which includes a head-mounted display, the head-mounted display includes a waveguide, the waveguide includes: a substrate; and a beam splitter array, the beam splitter array is embedded in the substrate, wherein each beam splitter in the beam splitter array does not completely cross the substrate.

[0018] Optionally, each beam splitter within the beam splitter array is configured to transmit a first proportion of the rays and reflect a second proportion of the rays towards an output end of the waveguide.

[0019] Optionally, the waveguide is configured to provide a plurality of ray paths from an input end of the waveguide to an output end of the waveguide.

[0020] Optionally, at least one ray path within the plurality of ray paths bypasses at least one beam splitter and intersects at least one subsequent beam splitter.

[0021] Optionally, each beam splitter within the beam splitter array becomes increasingly reflective in a direction towards the output end of the waveguide.

[0022] Optionally, the average amount of light reflected from the waveguide by each beamsplitter within the beamsplitter array is substantially uniform.

[0023] Optionally, the average amount of light reflected from the waveguide by each beam splitter within the beam splitter array is approximately uniform based on: the proportion of ray paths that bypass each beam splitter within the beam splitter array; and the reflectivity of each beam splitter within the beam splitter array.

[0024] Optionally, each beam splitter within the beam splitter array gradually becomes longer in a direction towards the output end of the waveguide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying drawings illustrate many exemplary embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, these drawings demonstrate and explain various principles of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an exemplary geometric waveguide with a fully covered beam splitter.

[0027] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an exemplary geometric waveguide with a partially covered beam splitter.

[0028] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a geometric waveguide showing an exemplary path of light.

[0029] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of an exemplary method for fabricating a geometric waveguide with a partially covered beam splitter.

[0030] Figure 5 is an illustration of an exemplary lens including a waveguide.

[0031] Figure 6 is an illustration of an exemplary lens including an integral waveguide device.

[0032] Figure 7 is an illustration of exemplary augmented reality glasses that may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 8 is an illustration of an exemplary virtual reality head mounted device that may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] In all drawings, the same reference numerals and descriptions represent similar but not necessarily identical elements. Although the exemplary embodiments described herein allow for various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. Instead, the present disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Geometric waveguides can have beamsplitters that transverse the entire thickness of the waveguide substrate. However, beamsplitters that completely transverse the substrate can limit design possibilities because traveling beyond any given beamsplitter may require the beam to pass through the beamsplitter (and be affected by the reflectivity of the beamsplitter). In addition, manufacturing waveguides can be procedurally complex and expensive.

[0036] The present disclosure describes geometric waveguides with beam splitters that do not transverse the entire thickness of a substrate and methods for making the same. Geometric waveguides with shorter beam splitters can allow designs in which some light can bypass the beam splitter, for example, thereby improving the efficiency and uniformity of light entering the eye box. In addition, by providing custom grooves (of any depth and orientation) in a one-piece polymer before applying a reflective coating to the grooves, the manufacturing method can be simpler and more flexible. In addition, by using a polymer material instead of, for example, glass, the resulting waveguide can be lightweight.

[0037] According to the general principles described herein, the features of any of the embodiments described herein can be used in combination with each other. After reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, these and other embodiments, features and advantages will be more fully understood.

[0038] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 3 A detailed description of the waveguide is provided; reference will be made below to Figure 4 A detailed description of a method for manufacturing a waveguide having a partially covered beam splitter is provided; reference will be made to Figures 5 to 8 A detailed description is provided of devices and systems that may include one or more of the waveguides described herein.

[0039] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an exemplary geometric waveguide with a fully covered beam splitter. Figure 1 As shown, the geometric waveguide 100 may include a substrate 110 and beam splitters 120(1) to 120(3). The beam splitters 120(1) to 120(3) may partially transmit and partially reflect the light beam 130. The waveguide 100 may thereby guide some of the light beam 130 to the eye region 140.

[0040] Substrate 110 (and other waveguide substrates described herein) can include any suitable material. In some examples, substrate 110 can include a transparent polymer. By way of example, but not limitation, substrate 110 can include polycarbonate, polystyrene, and / or polymethyl methacrylate. In other examples, substrate 110 can include glass or silicon dioxide. In general, substrate 110 can include any material that is transparent to the wavelength used by waveguide 100.

[0041] Beam splitters 120(1) to 120(3) (as well as other beam splitters discussed herein) can be any suitable type of beam splitter. Examples of beam splitters include, for example, mirror beam splitters, non-polarizing beam splitters, and polarizing beam splitters. As previously described, a beam splitter can transmit or reflect light. Thus, in some examples, one or more of the beam splitters described herein can transmit light, thereby allowing the light to propagate further along the waveguide, or can reflect the light, thereby directing the light toward an output end of the device (e.g., an output coupler). Light that leaves the waveguide can reach the eye region or another system or device (e.g., another waveguide) in a variety of ways. The beam splitters can have any of a variety of reflection / transmission ratios. For example, some beam splitters can reflect approximately half of all the rays and transmit approximately half of all the rays. Some beam splitters can reflect a greater proportion of the rays, while some beam splitters can transmit a greater proportion of the rays. As will be described in more detail below, in some examples, one or more of the waveguides described herein can include beam splitters having different reflection / transmission ratios.

[0042] like Figure 1 As can be seen in FIG. 1 , beam splitters 120 ( 1 ) to 120 ( 3 ) can extend through the entire substrate 110 so that when light beam 130 advances through waveguide 100 , light beam 130 is partially reflected by each of beam splitters 120 ( 1 ) to 120 ( 3 ).

[0043] although Figure 1 Although not depicted in the drawings, the waveguide 100 may include an input coupler (e.g., the input coupler is attached to the waveguide 100 at the location where the light beam 130 enters the waveguide 100). Additionally or alternatively, the waveguide 100 may include an output coupler (e.g., the output coupler is attached to the waveguide 100 at the area where some portion of the light beam 130 exits the waveguide 100). Other waveguides depicted and described herein may also include an input coupler and / or an output coupler.

[0044] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an exemplary geometric waveguide with a partially covered beam splitter. Figure 2 As shown, the geometric waveguide 200 may include a substrate 210 and beam splitters 220(1) to 220(3). The beam splitters 220(1) to 220(3) may partially transmit and partially reflect the light beam 130. The waveguide 200 may thereby guide some of the light beam 230 to the eye region 240.

[0045] like Figure 2As can be seen in FIG. 1 , beam splitters 120(1)-120(3) may not extend through the entire substrate 110. Instead, beam splitters 120(1)-120(3) may be embedded within substrate 110 while leaving a margin of the substrate around (e.g., above and / or below) beam splitters 120(1)-120(3). However, it will be appreciated that, in one example, beam 220 may propagate through the same path as beam 120. Therefore, if beam 120 is equivalent to beam 220, the image arriving at eye region 140 from beam 120 may be the same as the image arriving at eye region 240 from beam 220.

[0046] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of a geometric waveguide showing an exemplary path of light. Figure 3 As shown, light beam 320 may take different paths through waveguide 200. Notably, light beam 320 may pass below beam splitter 220(2). Thus, light beam 320 may not be split until it reaches beam splitter 220(3), thereby arriving at beam splitter 220(3) at full intensity. Thus, light beam 322 that reflects from beam splitter 220(3) and reaches eye region 240 may have a greater intensity than the light beam would have had it first passed through beam splitter 220(2).

[0047] Thus, although the shortened beam splitters 220(1) to 220(3) of waveguide 200 may allow waveguide 200 to have a similar design and use as waveguide 100, as described with respect to Figure 1 to Figure 2 As shown, however, the shortened beam splitters 220(1)-220(3) of waveguide 200 may also allow waveguide 200 to have a different design and use than waveguide 100 (e.g., by potentially improving the efficiency and uniformity of light to the eye area), as described with respect to Figures 2 to 3 As shown.

[0048] Thus, for example, the design of waveguide 200 may allow for a variety of ray paths from the input end of the waveguide to the output end of the waveguide. Some of the ray paths may intersect beam splitters 220(1) through 220(3), but some of the ray paths may, for example, bypass a beam splitter and then intersect a subsequent beam splitter (e.g., bypass beam splitter 220(2) and then intersect beam splitter 220(3)).

[0049] As previously described, beam splitters can transmit and reflect radiation in different proportions. Thus, a more reflective beam splitter can be less transmissive (and vice versa). In some examples, in one or more of the waveguides described herein, a more reflective beam splitter can be used closer to the output end of the waveguide (and a less reflective beam splitter can be used closer to the input end).

[0050] Additionally, as will be described in more detail below, in some examples, a beamsplitter in one or more of the waveguides described herein can increase in size (e.g., become longer) closer to the output end of the waveguide (and decrease in size closer to the input end).

[0051] In some examples, using a less reflective beam splitter at a location closer to the input end of the waveguide and using a more reflective beam splitter at a location closer to the output end of the waveguide can help achieve uniformity of output (e.g., uniformity of signal strength) at each exit point of the waveguide. Additionally or alternatively, using a smaller (e.g., shorter) beam splitter at a location closer to the input end of the waveguide can help achieve uniformity of output at each exit point of the waveguide. In some examples, the average amount of light reflected from the waveguide by each beam splitter can be approximately uniform. For example, the reflectivity of the beam splitter and the size of the beam splitter can be selected so that the signal strength at each exit point of the waveguide is approximately uniform.

[0052] In some examples, as will be discussed in more detail below, one or more beam splitters in a waveguide can have different angles and / or different orientations relative to each other.

[0053] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary method 400 for fabricating a geometric waveguide having a partially covered beam splitter. Figure 4 As shown, at step 410, polymer 402 can be positioned on substrate 404. At step 420, grooves can be cut into polymer 402 (e.g., by diamond turning). At step 430, a partially reflective coating 432 can be applied to the surface of the grooves cut into polymer 402. At step 440, reflective coating 432 can be removed from the vertical surfaces of the grooves (e.g., by diamond turning). Reflective coating 432 can thereby be transformed into beam splitter array 442. At step 450, a liquid layer of polymer can be applied, thereby completely encapsulating beam splitter 442 within polymer 402. At step 460, polymer 402 can be cut into its final shape (e.g., by diamond turning). Then, polymer 402 can be separated from substrate 404.

[0054] In some examples, the partially reflective coating 432 can be applied with a gradient such that the reflectivity of the partially reflective coating 432 is lower at one end of the coating and higher at the other end of the coating. Thus, the beam splitter array 442 can be a beam splitter array that becomes increasingly reflective. This can increase the efficiency of the waveguide (by reducing the amount of light that is reflected out earlier in the array) and increase the uniformity of the waveguide (e.g., by causing approximately the same amount of light to leave the waveguide at each beam splitter).

[0055] Although Figure 4 Grooves cut at uniform depths, uniform angles, uniform spacing, and uniform orientations are shown, but it will be appreciated that the grooves may be cut at different depths, angles, spacings, and / or orientations. In one example, the grooves at one end of the waveguide (e.g., the end where the light enters) may be shallower and / or smaller, while the grooves at the other end of the waveguide may gradually deepen and / or become larger, so that the beam splitters formed on the grooves may be smaller at one end and larger at the other end. This may increase the efficiency of the waveguide (by reducing the amount of light reflected earlier in the array) and increase the uniformity of the waveguide (e.g., by causing approximately the same amount of light to leave the waveguide at each beam splitter). Likewise, the grooves may be formed at different angles and / or different orientations. Because each groove may be formed individually, it is feasible from a manufacturing method perspective to create customized depths, angles, spacings, and orientations for each groove.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, as will be described in more detail below, a single polymer piece can be used to cut out multiple different beam splitter arrays. Thus, for example, multiple customized functional waveguides can be manufactured in a single polymer piece. In some examples, one such waveguide can transmit light to a subsequent waveguide.

[0057] Figure 5 An exemplary lens 500 is shown. Figure 5 As shown, lens 500 may include waveguide 502, waveguide 504, waveguide 506, and waveguide 508. Waveguide 502 may receive input light from any suitable source, including, for example, a display signal (e.g., an augmented reality display signal). The output of waveguide 502 may provide input to waveguide 504. The output of waveguide 504 may provide input to waveguide 506. The output of waveguide 506 may provide input to waveguide 508. The output of waveguide 508 may be projected onto an eye-adaptive zone so that a user wearing lens 500 sees a display image. Because each waveguide receives input light and projects output light in a different direction, each waveguide may use a customized beam splitter spacing, size, reflectivity, angle, orientation, etc. It will be appreciated that the devices and methods described herein may enable such diversity in waveguide design.

[0058] Figure 6 An exemplary lens 600 is shown. Figure 6As shown, lens 600 may include an integrated waveguide device 602. Integrated waveguide device 602 may include functional waveguides 602 (a) to 602 (d). Waveguide 602 (a) may receive input light from any suitable source, including, for example, a display signal (e.g., an augmented reality display signal). The output of waveguide 602 (a) may provide input to waveguide 602 (b). The output of waveguide 602 (b) may provide input to waveguide 602 (c). The output of waveguide 602 (c) may provide input to waveguide 602 (d). The output of waveguide 602 (d) may be projected onto an eye-adaptive zone so that a user wearing lens 600 sees a display image.

[0059] In some examples, the integrated waveguide device 602 can be made from a single integrated piece of material. Thus, for example, instead of manufacturing waveguides 502, 504, 506, and 508 separately and as Figure 5 In order to precisely arrange them on the lens 500 as in the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturing method can include forming partially covered beam splitters with different spacings, sizes, angles, orientations, and reflectivities in a single integral piece of material to produce an integral waveguide device 602, and coupling the integral waveguide device 602 to the lens 600. In some examples, this can make the manufacturing process simpler, faster, and / or more cost-effective. In addition, in some examples, since each waveguide does not need to be individually arranged on the lens, this method can eliminate steps that would otherwise take more time, equipment, and / or introduce additional error potential (e.g., misalignment between each waveguide).

[0060] As from Figures 5 and 6 It will be appreciated that one or more of the waveguides described herein may be included in a head mounted display (e.g., as described below with respect to Figures 7 and 8 One or more of the systems described herein.

[0061] Exemplary Embodiments

[0062] Example 1: A device may include: a substrate; and a beam splitter array embedded in the substrate, wherein each beam splitter in the beam splitter array does not completely cross the substrate.

[0063] Example 2: The apparatus of Example 1, wherein each beam splitter within the beam splitter array is configured to transmit a first proportion of rays and reflect a second proportion of rays.

[0064] Example 3: A device according to any one of Examples 1 and 2, wherein the device is configured to provide multiple ray paths from an input end of the device to an output end of the device; and at least one ray path bypasses at least one beam splitter and intersects with at least one subsequent beam splitter.

[0065] Example 4: A device according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein each beam splitter within the beam splitter array is gradually more reflective in a direction toward the output end of the device.

[0066] Example 5: A device according to any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the average amount of light reflected from the device by each beam splitter within the beam splitter array is approximately uniform.

[0067] Example 6: A device according to any of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the average amount of light reflected from the device by each beam splitter within the beam splitter array is approximately uniform based on: the proportion of ray paths that bypass each beam splitter within the beam splitter array; and the reflectivity of each beam splitter within the beam splitter array.

[0068] Example 7: A device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein each beam splitter within the beam splitter array gradually becomes longer in a direction toward the output end of the device.

[0069] Example 8: A device according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein a first beam splitter within the beam splitter array is set within the device to be at a different angle than a second beam splitter within the beam splitter array.

[0070] Example 9: A manufacturing method may include: removing material from a substrate so that the substrate defines a series of inclined grooves; applying a partially reflective coating on the slope of each of the inclined grooves; and covering the substrate with additional material so that the series of inclined grooves are filled and the partially reflective coating is completely surrounded by the substrate.

[0071] Example 10: The method of Example 9, wherein the substrate comprises a polymer material.

[0072] Example 11: A method according to any one of Examples 9 to 10, wherein applying the partially reflective coating comprises: applying a coating with a certain gradient of gradually increasing reflectivity, so that the reflectivity of the partial reflective coating of each groove in the series of inclined grooves gradually increases.

[0073] Example 12: According to the method described in any one of Examples 9 to 11, the method further includes: after applying the partially reflective coating and before covering the substrate, removing the partially reflective coating from one or more portions of the surface of the substrate.

[0074] Example 13: A method according to any one of Examples 9 to 12, wherein removing the material from the substrate so that the substrate defines the series of inclined grooves includes: removing material to different depths at different locations of the substrate so that the maximum depth of at least one inclined groove within the series of inclined grooves is different from the maximum depth of at least one other inclined groove within the series of inclined grooves.

[0075] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include various types of artificial reality systems, or be implemented in combination with various types of artificial reality systems. Artificial reality is a form of reality that has been adjusted in some way before being presented to a user, and artificial reality may include, for example, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, hybrid reality, or some combination and / or derivative thereof. Artificial reality content may include fully computer-generated content or computer-generated content combined with collected (e.g., real-world) content. Artificial reality content may include video, audio, tactile feedback, or some combination thereof, any of which may be presented in a single channel or in multiple channels (e.g., stereoscopic video that produces a three-dimensional (3D) effect to the viewer). In addition, in some embodiments, artificial reality may also be associated with applications, products, accessories, services, or some combination thereof, which are used, for example, to create content in artificial reality and / or otherwise used in artificial reality (e.g., performing activities in artificial reality).

[0076] Artificial reality systems can be implemented in a variety of different form factors and configurations. Some artificial reality systems can be designed to work without a near-eye display (NED). Other artificial reality systems can include a NED that also provides visibility to the real world (e.g., Figure 7 ) or an NED that visually immerses a user in an artificial reality (e.g., Figure 8 800 in the virtual reality system 800). While some artificial reality devices may be stand-alone systems, other artificial reality devices may communicate and / or cooperate with external devices to provide an artificial reality experience to a user. Examples of such external devices include handheld controllers, mobile devices, desktop computers, devices worn by a user, devices worn by one or more other users, and / or any other suitable external system.

[0077] Go to Figure 7, the augmented reality system 700 may include an eye-mounted device 702 having a frame 710 configured to hold a left display device 715(A) and a right display device 715(B) in front of the user's eyes. The display device 715(A) and the display device 715(B) may function together or independently to present an image or a series of images to the user. Although the augmented reality system 700 includes two displays, embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in an augmented reality system having a single NED or more than two NEDs.

[0078] In some embodiments, the augmented reality system 700 may include one or more sensors, such as sensor 740. Sensor 740 may generate measurement signals in response to the movement of the augmented reality system 700 and may be located on substantially any portion of the frame 710. Sensor 740 may represent one or more of a variety of different sensing mechanisms, such as a position sensor, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a depth camera assembly, a structured light emitter and / or detector, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the augmented reality system 700 may or may not include sensor 740, or may include more than one sensor. In embodiments where sensor 740 includes an IMU, the IMU may generate calibration data based on the measurement signals from sensor 740. Examples of sensor 740 may include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, other suitable types of sensors that detect movement, sensors for error correction of IMUs, or some combination thereof.

[0079] In some examples, the augmented reality system 700 may also include a microphone array having a plurality of acoustic transducers 720(A) to 720(J) (collectively referred to as acoustic transducers 720). The acoustic transducers 720 may represent transducers that detect changes in air pressure caused by sound waves. Each acoustic transducer 720 may be configured to detect sound and convert the detected sound into an electronic format (e.g., an analog format or a digital format). For example, Figure 7The microphone array in can include ten acoustic transducers: acoustic transducers 720(A) and 720(B), which can be designed to be placed in the corresponding ears of the user; acoustic transducers 720(C), 720(D), 720(E), 720(F), 720(G) and 720(H), which can be positioned at different positions on the frame 710; and / or acoustic transducers 720(I) and 720(J), which can be positioned on the corresponding neckband 705.

[0080] In some embodiments, one or more of acoustic transducers 720(A) to 720(J) can be used as an output transducer (e.g., a speaker). For example, acoustic transducer 720(A) and / or acoustic transducer 720(B) can be an earbud or any other suitable type of earphone or speaker.

[0081] The configuration of the acoustic transducer 720 of the microphone array may vary. Figure 7 720, but the number of acoustic transducers 720 may be more or less than ten. In some embodiments, using a greater number of acoustic transducers 720 may increase the amount of audio information collected and / or improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the audio information. In contrast, using a smaller number of acoustic transducers 720 may reduce the computing power required for the associated controller 750 to process the collected audio information. In addition, the position of each acoustic transducer 720 of the microphone array may be changed. For example, the position of the acoustic transducer 720 may include a defined position on the user, a defined coordinate on the frame 710, an orientation associated with each acoustic transducer 720, or some combination thereof.

[0082] Acoustic transducers 720 (A) and 720 (B) can be positioned on different parts of the user's ear, such as behind the ear wing, behind the tragus, and / or in the auricle or ear cavity. Alternatively, in addition to the acoustic transducer 720 in the ear canal, additional acoustic transducers 720 can also be present on or around the ear. Having an acoustic transducer 720 located near the user's ear canal can enable the microphone array to collect information about how sound reaches the ear canal. By positioning at least two of the multiple acoustic transducers 720 on both sides of the user's head (e.g., as binaural microphones), the augmented reality system 700 can simulate binaural hearing and collect a 3D stereo field around the user's head. In some embodiments, the acoustic transducers 720 (A) and 720 (B) can be connected to the augmented reality system 700 via a wired connection 730, and in other embodiments, the acoustic transducers 720 (A) and 720 (B) can be connected to the augmented reality system 700 via a wireless connection (e.g., a Bluetooth connection). In other embodiments, acoustic transducers 720 (A) and 720 (B) may not be used in conjunction with augmented reality system 700 at all.

[0083] The acoustic transducers 720 on the frame 710 can be positioned in a variety of different ways, including along the length of the temples, across the bridge, above or below the display devices 715(A) and 715(B), or some combination thereof. The acoustic transducers 720 can also be oriented so that the microphone array can detect sounds from a wide range of directions around the user wearing the augmented reality system 700. In some embodiments, an optimization process can be performed during the manufacture of the augmented reality system 700 to determine the relative positioning of each acoustic transducer 720 in the microphone array.

[0084] In some examples, the augmented reality system 700 may include or may be connected to an external device (e.g., a paired device), such as a neckband 705. The neckband 705 generally represents any type or form of paired device. Therefore, the discussion of the neckband 705 below may also be applied to various other paired devices, such as charging boxes, smart watches, smart phones, wristbands, other wearable devices, handheld controllers, tablet computers, laptop computers, other external computing devices, etc.

[0085] As shown, the neckband 705 can be coupled to the eye-mounted device 702 via one or more connectors. These connectors can be wired or wireless and can include electrical and / or non-electrical components (e.g., structural components). In some cases, the eye-mounted device 702 and the neckband 705 can operate independently without any wired or wireless connection between them. Although Figure 7Components of the eye-mounted device 702 and components of the neckband 705 are shown at exemplary locations on the eye-mounted device 702 and the neckband 705, but the components can be located at other locations on the eye-mounted device 702 and / or the neckband 705 and / or distributed in different ways on the eye-mounted device 702 and / or the neckband 705. In some embodiments, components of the eye-mounted device 702 and components of the neckband 705 can be located on one or more additional peripheral devices paired with the eye-mounted device 702, on the neckband 705, or some combination thereof.

[0086] Pairing an external device (e.g., a neckband 705) with an augmented reality eye-mounted device can enable the eye-mounted device to achieve the form factor of a pair of glasses and still provide sufficient battery power and computing power for expanded functionality. Some or all of the battery power, computing resources, and / or additional features of the augmented reality system 700 can be provided by a paired device or shared between a paired device and the eye-mounted device, thereby reducing the weight, heat distribution, and form factor of the eye-mounted device overall while still retaining the desired functionality. For example, the neckband 705 can allow components that would otherwise be included on the eye-mounted device to be included in the neckband 705 because a user can bear a heavier weight load on their shoulders than a user can bear on their head. The neckband 705 can also have a larger surface area to diffuse and dissipate heat to the surrounding environment through the surface area. Therefore, the neckband 705 can allow for greater battery power and computing power than would otherwise be possible on a stand-alone eye-mounted device. Because the weight carried in the neckband 705 can be less invasive to the user than the weight carried in the eye-mounted device 702, the user can tolerate wearing a lighter eye-mounted device and carrying or wearing a paired device for a longer period of time than the user can tolerate wearing a heavy stand-alone eye-mounted device, thereby enabling the user to more fully integrate the artificial reality environment into their daily activities.

[0087] The neckband 705 can be communicatively coupled to the eye-mounted device 702 and / or communicatively coupled to other devices. These other devices can provide certain functions (e.g., tracking, positioning, depth map construction, processing, storage, etc.) for the augmented reality system 700. Figure 7 In an embodiment of the present invention, the neckband 705 may include two acoustic transducers (e.g., acoustic transducers 720(I) and 720(J)), which are part of the microphone array (or potentially form their own microphone subarray). The neckband 705 may also include a controller 725 and a power supply 735.

[0088] The acoustic transducer 720(I) and the acoustic transducer 720(J) of the neckband 705 may be configured to detect sound and convert the detected sound into an electronic format (analog format or digital format). Figure 7 In an embodiment of the present invention, the acoustic transducers 720(I) and 720(J) may be positioned on the neckband 705, thereby increasing the distance between the acoustic transducers 720(I) and 720(J) of the neckband and other acoustic transducers 720 positioned on the eye-mounted device 702. In some cases, increasing the distance between the acoustic transducers 720 of the microphone array may improve the accuracy of beamforming performed via the microphone array. For example, if the acoustic transducers 720(C) and 720(D) detect a sound, and the distance between the acoustic transducers 720(C) and 720(D) is greater than, for example, the distance between the acoustic transducers 720(D) and 720(E), the determined source location of the detected sound may be more accurate than the source location of the detected sound when the sound is detected by the acoustic transducers 720(D) and 720(E).

[0089] The controller 725 of the neckband 705 can process information generated by sensors on the neckband 705 and / or on the augmented reality system 700. For example, the controller 725 can process information from the microphone array that describes the sound detected by the microphone array. For each detected sound, the controller 725 can perform an estimate of the direction of arrival (Direction-Of-Arrival, DOA) to estimate the direction from which the detected sound arrives at the microphone array. When the microphone array detects a sound, the controller 725 can fill the audio data set with this information. In an embodiment where the augmented reality system 700 includes an inertial measurement unit, the controller 725 can calculate all inertial and spatial operations based on the IMU located on the eye-mounted device 702. The connector can transmit information between the augmented reality system 700 and the neckband 705 and between the augmented reality system 700 and the controller 725. The information can be in the form of optical data, electronic data, wireless data, or any other transmittable data form. Moving the processing of information generated by the augmented reality system 700 to the neck strap 705 can reduce the weight and heat of the eye-mounted device 702, making it more comfortable for the user.

[0090] The power source 735 in the neckband 705 can provide power to the eye-mounted device 702 and / or to the neckband 705. The power source 735 can include, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-polymer battery, a disposable lithium battery, an alkaline battery, or any other form of power storage device. In some cases, the power source 735 can be a wired power source. Including the power source 735 on the neckband 705 instead of on the eye-mounted device 702 can help to better distribute the weight and heat generated by the power source 735.

[0091] As mentioned, some artificial reality systems can substantially replace one or more of a user's multiple sensory perceptions of the real world with a virtual experience, rather than mixing the artificial reality with actual reality. An example of this type of system is a head mounted display system, such as Figure 8 Virtual reality system 800 that covers the user's field of view in a large part or completely. Virtual reality system 800 may include a front rigid body 802 and a band 804 shaped to fit around the user's head. Virtual reality system 800 may also include an output audio converter 806 (A) and an output audio converter 806 (B). In addition, although in Figure 8 Not shown, but the front rigid body 802 may include one or more electronic components, including one or more electronic displays, one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs), one or more tracking transmitters or detectors, and / or any other suitable device or system for creating an artificial reality experience.

[0092] Artificial reality systems may include various types of visual feedback mechanisms. For example, the display device in the augmented reality system 700 and / or the display device in the virtual reality system 800 may include one or more liquid crystal displays (LCD), one or more light emitting diodes (LED) displays, one or more micro LED displays, one or more organic LED (OLED) displays, one or more digital light projection (DLP) micro displays, one or more liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) micro displays and / or any other suitable type of display screen. These artificial reality systems may include a single display screen for both eyes, or a display screen may be provided for each eye, which may allow additional flexibility for zoom adjustment or correction of the user's refractive error. Some of these artificial reality systems may also include an optical subsystem having one or more lenses (e.g., concave or convex lenses, Fresnel lenses, adjustable liquid lenses, etc.), through which the user can view the display screen. These optical subsystems can be used for a variety of purposes, including collimating light (e.g., making an object appear to be at a greater distance than it is physically located), magnifying light (e.g., making an object appear larger than it actually is), and / or relaying light (e.g., relaying light to a viewer's eye). These optical subsystems can be used in a direct-view architecture (e.g., a single lens configuration that directly collimates light but causes so-called pincushion distortion) and / or a non-direct-view architecture (e.g., a multi-lens configuration that produces so-called barrel distortion to eliminate pincushion distortion).

[0093] In addition to or in lieu of using a display screen, some of the artificial reality systems described herein may include one or more projection systems. For example, a display device in the augmented reality system 700 and / or a display device in the virtual reality system 800 may include a micro-LED projector that projects light (using, for example, a waveguide) into the display device, such as a transparent combiner lens that allows ambient light to pass through. The display device may refract the projected light toward the user's pupil, and may enable the user to view both the artificial reality content and the real world simultaneously. The display device may achieve this using any of a variety of different optical components, including waveguide components (e.g., holographic waveguide elements, planar waveguide elements, diffractive waveguide elements, polarizing waveguide elements, and / or reflective waveguide elements), light manipulation surfaces and elements (e.g., diffractive elements and gratings, reflective elements and gratings, and refractive elements and gratings), coupling elements, and the like. The artificial reality system may also be configured with any other suitable type or form of image projection system, such as a retinal projector for a virtual retinal display.

[0094] The artificial reality systems described herein may also include various types of computer vision components and subsystems. For example, the augmented reality system 700 and / or the virtual reality system 800 may include one or more optical sensors, such as a two-dimensional (2D) camera or a three-dimensional (3D) camera, a structured light emitter and detector, a time-of-flight depth sensor, a single beam rangefinder or a scanning laser rangefinder, a 3D laser radar (LiDAR) sensor, and / or any other suitable type or form of optical sensor. The artificial reality system may process data from one or more of these sensors to identify the user's location, map the real world, provide the user with context about the real-world environment, and / or perform various other functions.

[0095] The artificial reality system described herein may also include one or more input audio converters and / or output audio converters. The output audio converter may include a voice coil speaker, a ribbon speaker, an electrostatic speaker, a piezoelectric speaker, a bone conduction converter, a cartilage conduction converter, an ear tragus vibration converter, and / or any other suitable type or form of audio converter. Similarly, the input audio converter may include a condenser microphone, a dynamic microphone, a ribbon microphone, and / or any other type or form of input converter. In some embodiments, a single converter may be used for both audio input and audio output.

[0096] In some embodiments, the artificial reality systems described herein may also include tactile (i.e., haptic) feedback systems that can be incorporated into headwear, gloves, clothing, handheld controllers, environmental devices (e.g., chairs, floor mats, etc.), and / or any other type of device or system. The tactile feedback system can provide various types of skin feedback, including vibration, force, traction, texture, and / or temperature. The tactile feedback system can also provide various types of kinesthetic feedback, such as motion and compliance. Tactile feedback can be implemented using motors, piezoelectric actuators, fluid systems, and / or various other types of feedback mechanisms. The tactile feedback system can be implemented independently of other artificial reality devices, within other artificial reality devices, and / or in combination with other artificial reality devices.

[0097] By providing tactile perception, auditory content, and / or visual content, artificial reality systems can create complete virtual experiences or enhance users' real-world experiences in various contexts and environments. For example, artificial reality systems can assist or expand users' perception, memory, or cognition in a specific environment. Some systems can enhance users' interactions with other people in the real world, or can enable more immersive interactions with other people in the virtual world. Artificial reality systems can also be used for educational purposes (e.g., for teaching or training in schools, hospitals, government organizations, military organizations, commercial enterprises, etc.), entertainment purposes (e.g., for playing video games, listening to music, watching video content, etc.), and / or for accessibility purposes (e.g., as hearing aids, visual aids, etc.). The embodiments disclosed herein can implement or enhance users' artificial reality experiences in one or more of these contexts and environments and / or in other contexts and environments.

[0098] The process parameters and order of steps described and / or illustrated herein are given as examples only and may be changed as desired. For example, although the steps illustrated and / or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order shown or discussed. The various exemplary methods described and / or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein, or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

[0099] The previous description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various aspects of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. In determining the scope of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the attached claims and their equivalents.

[0100] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "connected to" and "coupled to" (and their derivatives) used in the specification and claims should be interpreted as allowing both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connections. In addition, the terms "a" or "an", as used in the specification and claims, are interpreted to mean "at least one of..." Finally, for ease of use, as used in the specification and claims, the terms "including" and "having" (and their derivatives) are interchangeable with the word "comprising" and have the same meaning.

Claims

1. A device comprising: substrate; as well as An array of beam splitters is embedded in the substrate, wherein each beam splitter in the array of beam splitters does not completely intersect the substrate.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Each beam splitter within the beam splitter array is configured to transmit a first proportion of radiation and reflect a second proportion of radiation toward an output of the device.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The device is configured to provide a plurality of ray paths from an input of the device to an output of the device; and At least one ray path of the plurality of ray paths bypasses at least one beam splitter and intersects at least one subsequent beam splitter.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: Each beam splitter in the beam splitter array becomes increasingly reflective in a direction towards an output of the device; and / or Wherein, each beam splitter in the beam splitter array gradually becomes longer in a direction toward an output end of the device.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The average amount of light reflected from the device by each beam splitter within the beam splitter array is substantially uniform based on at least: the proportion of ray paths that bypass each beam splitter in the beam splitter array; and The reflectivity of each beam splitter in the beam splitter array.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: A first beam splitter within the beam splitter array is set within the device at a different angle than a second beam splitter within the beam splitter array.

7. A manufacturing method comprising: removing material from a substrate so that the substrate defines a series of oblique grooves; applying a partially reflective coating on the slope of each of the inclined grooves; as well as The substrate is covered with additional material such that the series of angled grooves are filled and the partially reflective coating is completely surrounded by the substrate.

8. The manufacturing method according to claim 7, wherein: The substrate includes a polymer material.

9. The manufacturing method according to claim 7, wherein: Applying the partially reflective coating includes: applying a coating with a certain gradient of gradually increasing reflectivity, so that the reflectivity of the partially reflective coating of each groove in the series of inclined grooves gradually increases; and / or The method also includes removing the partially reflective coating from one or more portions of a surface of the substrate after applying the partially reflective coating and before covering the substrate.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 7, wherein: Removing the material from the substrate so that the substrate defines the series of inclined grooves includes: removing material to different depths at different locations of the substrate so that the maximum depth of at least one inclined groove in the series of inclined grooves is different from the maximum depth of at least one other inclined groove in the series of inclined grooves.

11. A system comprising: A head mounted display, the head mounted display comprising a waveguide, the waveguide comprising: substrate; and An array of beam splitters is embedded in the substrate, wherein each beam splitter in the array of beam splitters does not completely intersect the substrate.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein: Each beam splitter within the beam splitter array is configured to transmit a first proportion of radiation and reflect a second proportion of radiation toward an output end of the waveguide.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein: The waveguide is configured to provide a plurality of ray paths from an input end of the waveguide to an output end of the waveguide; and At least one ray path within the plurality of ray paths bypasses at least one beam splitter and intersects at least one subsequent beam splitter.

14. The system according to claim 11, wherein: Each beam splitter in the beam splitter array becomes increasingly reflective in a direction towards the output end of the waveguide; and / or Each beam splitter in the beam splitter array gradually becomes longer in a direction toward the output end of the waveguide.

15. The system according to claim 11, wherein: The average amount of light reflected from the waveguide by each beam splitter within the beam splitter array is approximately uniform based on: the proportion of ray paths that bypass each beam splitter in the beam splitter array; and The reflectivity of each beam splitter within the beam splitter array.

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