Optical assembly, head mounted display, and related methods

Abstract

The optical assembly may include a projector assembly (106) and a waveguide assembly (108). The projector assembly may include at least one photon projector and a housing including at least one receptacle. The waveguide assembly may include a waveguide and a waveguide holder. The housing may include at least one receptacle, and the waveguide holder may include at least one support leg. The support leg may be positioned within and secured to the receptacle to align the projector assembly with the waveguide assembly. Related head mounted displays, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 388,074, filed on July 11, 2022, entitled “OPTICAL ASSEMBLIES, HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAYS, AND RELATED METHODS,” and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 174814, filed on February 27, 2023, entitled “OPTICAL ASSEMBLIES, HEAD-MOUNTED DISPLAYS, AND RELATED METHODS,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to optical assemblies, head-mounted displays, and related methods. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for aligning optical components (e.g., of a near-eye display), such as systems and methods for aligning a waveguide with a corresponding projector, aligning one or more projectors with a frame, aligning a waveguide with a frame, and / or aligning a projector and waveguide assembly with a frame. Background Art

[0004] Artificial reality is a form of reality that has been adjusted in some way before being presented to a user, and may include, for example, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality (mixed reality or hybrid reality), or some combination and / or derivative thereof. Artificial reality content may include fully generated content or computer-generated content combined with captured (e.g., real-world) content. Artificial reality content may include video, audio, tactile feedback, or some combination thereof, and any of these may be presented in a single channel or in multiple channels (e.g., stereoscopic video that produces a three-dimensional (3D) effect for 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 are otherwise used in artificial reality (e.g., to perform activities in artificial reality).

[0005] A head-mounted display (HMD) including one or more near-eye displays is typically used to present visual content to a user for use in artificial reality applications. One type of near-eye display includes a waveguide that directs light from a projector to a position in front of the user's eye. Due to the visual sensitivity of the human eye, slight deviations in optical quality can be very noticeable to the user. Proper alignment of the projector and waveguide with respect to each other, to the support frame, to the user, and to the entire sensing system can be very important to suppress such deviations and improve the user's experience of viewing visual content presented by the near-eye display. Summary of the invention

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an optical component is provided, which includes a projector component and a waveguide component, the projector component including a housing and at least one light subprojector, the housing including at least one receptacle, the at least one light projector being supported by the housing; the waveguide component including a waveguide and a waveguide holder, the waveguide being configured to redirect light from the at least one light projector, the waveguide including at least one input grating corresponding to the at least one light projector, the waveguide holder being adjacent to an edge region of the waveguide and including at least one support leg extending from the waveguide holder in a direction transverse to a major surface of the waveguide, wherein the at least one support leg of the waveguide component is at least partially positioned within and coupled to the at least one receptacle of the projector component to secure the waveguide component to the projector component.

[0007] The at least one support leg may be coupled to the at least one receiving portion via an adhesive disposed within the at least one receiving portion.

[0008] The adhesive may be a liquid dispensing adhesive.

[0009] The at least one receiving portion may include a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion; and the at least one supporting leg may include a first supporting leg at least partially positioned within the first receiving portion and a second supporting leg at least partially positioned within the second receiving portion.

[0010] The first receiving portion may include a first rectangular receiving portion having a first length extending in a first direction; and the second receiving portion may include a second rectangular receiving portion having a second length extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0011] The at least one photon projector can be aligned with the at least one input grating within a translation range of 1 millimeter (mm) or less and within a rotation range of 5 arc minutes or less.

[0012] The at least one supporting leg may be coupled to the at least one receiving portion by at least one of solder or weld.

[0013] The at least one support leg may extend substantially perpendicular to the major surface of the waveguide.

[0014] The at least one photon projector may include at least three photon projectors, each of the at least three photon projectors being configured to project light of a different corresponding wavelength.

[0015] Each of the at least three photon projectors may be configured to project one of: red light, blue light, green light, infrared light, or white light.

[0016] The at least three photon projectors may include a red photon projector, a blue photon projector, and a green photon projector.

[0017] The waveguide retainer may extend along substantially the entire periphery of the waveguide.

[0018] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a head-mounted display is provided, which includes an optical assembly and a frame, the optical assembly including a projector assembly and a waveguide assembly, the projector assembly including at least one photon projector and at least one receptacle, the waveguide assembly including a waveguide and a waveguide holder coupled to an edge area of ​​the waveguide, wherein the waveguide holder includes at least one support leg extending from the waveguide holder in a direction transverse to a major surface of the waveguide, wherein the at least one support leg is at least partially positioned within and coupled to the at least one receptacle to secure the waveguide assembly to the projector assembly; the frame is configured to mount the optical assembly on a user's head, wherein at least a portion of the waveguide is located in front of the user's eyes.

[0019] The head mounted display may include augmented reality glasses.

[0020] The projector assembly can be mounted to an upper corner of the waveguide when the frame is worn on the user's head.

[0021] The at least one photon projector can be optically aligned with at least one corresponding input grating of the waveguide within a predetermined threshold.

[0022] The predetermined threshold may be within a translation range of 1 mm or less and within a rotation range of 5 arc minutes or less.

[0023] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing an optical component is provided, the method comprising: determining a position and orientation of a waveguide component relative to a projector component to optically align the projector component with the waveguide component; positioning at least one support leg of the waveguide component within at least one corresponding accommodation portion of the projector component so that the waveguide component reaches a position and orientation determined relative to the projector component; and coupling the at least one support leg to the at least one accommodation portion to fix the waveguide component at a position and orientation determined relative to the projector component.

[0024] The method may further include dispensing an adhesive within the at least one receptacle, wherein coupling the at least one support leg to the at least one receptacle may include curing the adhesive to bond the at least one support leg within the at least one receptacle.

[0025] Positioning at least one support leg of the waveguide assembly within at least one corresponding receptacle of the projector assembly may include positioning a first support leg within a first receptacle and positioning a second support leg within a second receptacle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The accompanying drawings illustrate several 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.

[0027] Figure 1 is a plan view of a head-mounted display according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 A light projector mounted to a frame of a head mounted display according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, taken from Figure 1 Detailed view of the dotted circle A.

[0029] Figure 3 Optical alignment of a projected pattern viewed by a camera is shown in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a head-mounted display with an alignment camera according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5A and Figure 5B 1 and 2 are top plan and perspective views, respectively, of a light projector assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E is a top plan view of a light projector assembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 7is a detailed perspective view of a waveguide assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an optical assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Fig. 9 The present invention is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing an optical component according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Fig.10 is an illustration of example augmented reality glasses that may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig.11 is an illustration of an exemplary virtual reality headset that can be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] In all figures, the same reference numerals and descriptions represent similar but not necessarily identical elements. Although the example embodiments described herein have 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 example 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

[0039] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for aligning optical components (e.g., of a near-eye display), such as systems and methods for aligning a waveguide with a corresponding projector, aligning one or more projectors with a frame, aligning a waveguide with a frame, and / or aligning a projector and waveguide assembly with a frame. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may include optical assemblies that include a projector assembly and a waveguide assembly. The projector assembly may include a housing having at least one receptacle and at least one photon projector supported by the housing. The waveguide assembly may include a waveguide and a waveguide holder adjacent to an edge region of the waveguide. The waveguide holder may include at least one support leg extending therefrom. The support leg may be at least partially positioned within the at least one receptacle and coupled to the at least one receptacle to secure the projector assembly to the waveguide assembly. The receptacle may have a size and shape that allows the support leg to be displaced therein, for example to achieve a desired relative position and orientation of the projector assembly to the waveguide assembly, thereby optically aligning the photon projector with an input grating of the waveguide.

[0040] Features from any of the embodiments described herein may be used in combination with each other according to the general principles described herein. These and other embodiments, features and advantages will be more fully understood after reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

[0041] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , an example head mounted display and its components according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below. Then, reference will be made to Figure 3 The optical alignment of the projected pattern viewed by the camera is described. Next, reference will be made to Figure 4 Embodiments of a head mounted display and a camera for alignment are described. FIG. 5A to FIG. 6E , a detailed description of various example light projector assemblies will be provided below. Then reference will be made to Figure 7 Example embodiments of waveguide assemblies are described. Figure 8 , and then an example optical assembly will be described. Fig. 9 , an example method of manufacturing an optical component will be described below. Finally, reference will be made to Fig.10 and Fig.11 Example augmented reality glasses and virtual reality head-mounted devices are described that can be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 1 1 is a plan view of a head mounted display 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The head mounted display 100 may include a frame 102 and a display assembly 104 coupled to the frame 102. The display assembly 104 for each eye may include a light projector 106 (at Figure 1 106) and a waveguide 108 configured to direct an image from the light projector 106 to the user's eye. In some examples, the light projector 106 may include a plurality (e.g., three) sub-projectors 106A, 106B, and 106C configured to project light of different wavelengths (e.g., colors (e.g., red, green, blue, infrared, etc.)). The waveguide 108 may include at least one input grating 110 positioned adjacent to the light projector 106 and optically aligned with the light projector. The input grating 110 may be configured to enable light from the sub-projectors 106A, 106B, and 106C to enter the waveguide 108 to be directed to the center of the waveguide 108 for presentation to the user's eye. For example, as Figure 1 As shown by the dashed lines, the input grating 110 may include three optical apertures, which are respectively aligned with the three sub-projectors 106A, 106B and 106C of the light projector 106.

[0043] In some examples, head mounted display 100 may be implemented in the form of augmented reality glasses. Thus, waveguide 108 may be at least partially transparent to visible light to allow a user to view a real-world environment through waveguide 108. The image presented to the user's eye by light projector 106 may overlay the user's field of view of the real-world environment.

[0044] The waveguide 108 may be physically secured to the frame 102 in a manner that aligns the waveguide 108 with the light projector 106, with the user's field of view, and / or with the frame 102. For example, the light projector 106 may first be aligned with and secured to the frame 102. Then, the input grating 110 of the waveguide 108 may be optically aligned with the light projector 106.

[0045] In some embodiments, for example, after optical alignment of the waveguide 108 with the corresponding light projector 106 is completed, the waveguide 108 can be secured to the frame 102 using an adhesive material, one or more fasteners, an adhesive, a clip, etc. For example, the adhesive material can be positioned at a plurality of (e.g., two, three, or more than three) different locations 114 between the waveguide 108 and the frame 102 to maintain the relative position between the waveguide 108 and the light projector 106. In other embodiments, the waveguide 108 can be secured to the frame 102 in a continuous manner, for example, along one or more peripheral edges of the waveguide 108, by an adhesive, a clip, a frame covering element, etc.

[0046] Figure 2 The light projector 106 mounted to the frame 102 of the head mounted display 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is taken from Figure 1 Detailed view of the dotted circle A. Figure 2 As shown, the light projectors 106 can be mounted on the frame 102 of the head mounted display 100, for example, in the upper corners of the frame 102. The first sub-projector 106A can include a blue light source, the second sub-projector 106B can include a red light source, and the third sub-projector 106C can include a green light source. Other colors and arrangements of the sub-projectors 106A, 106B, and 106C are also possible.

[0047] To assemble the head mounted display 100, the three sub-projectors 106A, 106B, and 106C may be initially assembled with one another (e.g., the three sub-projectors are mounted to a common substrate 107, three collimating lenses are aligned to the three sub-projectors, etc.) to form the light projector 106 as a unit. The light projector 106 (e.g., the substrate 107 of the light projector 106) may include one or more projector fiducial marks 116 that may be used to optically align (e.g., position, orient, fix) the light projector 106 with the frame 102. In some examples, the frame 102 may also include one or more frame fiducial marks 118 to assist in optically aligning the light projector 106 with the frame 102.

[0048] Optical alignment of the light projector 106 relative to the frame 102 can involve observing the light projector 106 and / or the frame 102 with one or more cameras during placement of the light projector 106 in or on the frame 102, which can be used to identify the position and orientation of the one or more projector fiducial markers 116 relative to the position and orientation of the one or more frame fiducial markers 118. The one or more projector fiducial markers 116 and the one or more frame fiducial markers 118 are aligned with each other. Figure 2 In additional examples, other shapes, physical features (e.g., physical features of the light projector 106 and / or the frame 102), reflective surfaces, or other optical identifiers can be used to optically align the light projector 106 relative to the frame 102. In some embodiments, an image projected by the light projector 106 can be used to align the light projector 106 relative to the frame 102, as described below with reference to Figure 3 Explained.

[0049] After the light projector 106 is aligned with and secured to the frame 102, the waveguide 108 can be aligned with and secured to the light projector 106. For example, the waveguide 108 can include a waveguide fiducial marker 109, which can be used to optically align (e.g., position, orient, secure) the waveguide 108 to the frame 102 and / or the light projector 106. In addition, the input grating 110 of the waveguide 108 can be optically aligned with the sub-projectors 106A, 106B, and 106C. In some examples, the input grating 110 can be smaller than, for example, Figure 2 The apertures of each of sub-projectors 106A, 106B, and 106C are shown. In additional examples, input grating 110 can be approximately the same size as or larger than the apertures of each of sub-projectors 106A, 106B, and 106C.

[0050] Figure 3Optical alignment of a projection pattern 302 observed by a camera according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The projection pattern 302 can be aligned with a camera target 304. The projection pattern 302 can be generated by a light projector (e.g., the light projector 106 described above). One or more cameras can observe the projection pattern 302 and compare the position and orientation of the projection pattern 302 with the camera target 304. The light projector and / or the frame to which the light projector is to be mounted can be moved (e.g., laterally shifted, tilted, rotated, etc.) to align the projection pattern 302 with the camera target 304 to an acceptable degree (resolve) (e.g., within an acceptable tolerance) before the light projector is fixed in an appropriate position relative to the frame. In some examples, the alignment of the projection pattern 302 with the camera target 304 can be performed while exposing the light projector 106 and the frame 102 to conditions that can be expected during use of the resulting assembly. For example, a thermal load can be applied to the light projector 106 during alignment to simulate thermal loading that may occur during use.

[0051] Figure 4 4 is a cross-sectional view of a head mounted display 400 having an alignment camera 424 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. In at least some aspects, the head mounted display 400 can be similar to the head mounted display 100 described above. For example, the head mounted display 400 can include a frame 402 and a display assembly 404 including a light projector 406 and a waveguide 408 mounted to the frame 402.

[0052] The alignment camera 424 can be used during assembly of the head mounted display 400 to optically align the light projector 406 with the frame 402 and / or to optically align the waveguide 408 (e.g., an input grating of the waveguide 408) with the light projector 406. For example, the alignment camera 424 can be used to detect the position and / or orientation of a fiducial marker (e.g., a projector fiducial marker 116, a frame fiducial marker 118, a waveguide fiducial marker 109, etc.), a physical component or feature, a reflective material, etc. In an additional example, the alignment camera 424 can be used to detect the position and / or orientation of a projected pattern (e.g., the projected pattern 302) relative to a target (e.g., the camera target 304). This detected information can be used to adjust the position and / or orientation of the light projector 406 relative to the frame 402, and / or the position and / or orientation of the waveguide 408 relative to the light projector 406 and / or the frame 402.

[0053] Figure 5A and Figure 5B1 and 2 are top plan views and perspective views of a light projector assembly 500 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The light projector assembly 500 may include at least one photon projector 502 supported by a housing 504. The housing 504 may include a first receiving portion 506A and a second receiving portion 506B (collectively referred to as "receiving portions 506"), which may be coupled to and extend from a face 508 of the housing 504 on a side of the housing 504 where the photon projector 502 is located. In some examples, such as Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, two receptacles 506 can extend from a face 508 of the housing 504. In additional examples, one or more of these receptacles 506 can be at least partially disposed within the face 508 of the housing 504 (e.g., in the form of holes in the face 508 of the housing 504).

[0054] Light projection can be composed of one, two, or three (such as Figure 5A and Figure 5B ), or more photon projectors 502. For example, the photon projectors 502 can be configured to respectively emit light of different wavelengths (e.g., red, green, blue, infrared, etc.). In additional examples, a single photon projector 502 can be a multicolor light projector 502 configured to emit light of different wavelengths. Each of these photon projectors 502 may include an array of light-emitting pixels.

[0055] The receptacle 506 can be configured to assist and maintain alignment of the photon projector 502 with one or more input gratings of a corresponding waveguide. For example, the receptacle 506 can be used in a manner similar to a groove in a tongue-in-groove coupling between a waveguide assembly and a projector assembly 500. One or more corresponding support legs of the waveguide assembly can be positioned within the receptacle 506 and secured to the receptacle 506, such as using an adhesive (e.g., a liquid-dispensed adhesive (LDA)), brazing, and / or molten solder disposed within the receptacle 506. The waveguide assembly and / or the projector assembly 500 can be positioned and oriented relative to each other to maintain the photon projector 502 in a predetermined position (e.g., orientation, distance, etc.) relative to the corresponding input grating of the waveguide assembly, and then the photon projector 502 and the corresponding input grating are secured to each other.

[0056] like Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the first receiving portion 506A may be rectangular and may have a first direction (e.g., from Figure 5AThe second receiving portion 506B may be rectangular and may have a first length extending in a second direction (e.g., from Figure 5A In some examples, the first direction and the second direction can be substantially perpendicular to each other. In some examples, this arrangement of the housing 506 can facilitate relative rotation between the projector assembly 500 and the corresponding waveguide to align the photon projector 502 with the input grating of the waveguide.

[0057] The angle and distance of the photon projector 502 relative to the corresponding input grating of the waveguide may affect the optical quality of the resulting optical assembly. Providing the housing 506 with sufficient internal dimensions and a sufficient amount of coupling material (e.g., adhesive, brazing material, and / or welding material) can enable the projector assembly 500 to be adjusted in position and orientation to achieve the desired angle and distance of the photon projector 502 relative to the input grating. The housing 506 can have an internal area that is larger than the corresponding support leg of the waveguide assembly to allow the waveguide assembly to make some movement relative to the projector assembly 500 to align the photon projector 502 with the input grating of the waveguide assembly within a predetermined threshold (e.g., within a rotation range of 5 arc minutes or less, within a rotation range of 2 arc minutes or less, within a translation range of 1 mm or less, within a translation range of 500 μm or less, etc.). In some examples, the interior width and length of the receptacle 506 can each be at least 1 mm larger than the corresponding support leg of the waveguide assembly, such as 1 mm larger, 2 mm larger, 3 mm larger, 4 mm larger, or 5 mm larger.

[0058] Due to manufacturing tolerances and uncertainties, each individual light projector assembly 500 can be formed to have multiple photon projectors 502 positioned slightly differently on the housing 504. Similarly, each individual waveguide assembly can also be formed to have its input grating at a slightly different position relative to the waveguide and / or another component of the waveguide assembly. Therefore, each individual light projector assembly 500 and / or corresponding waveguide assembly can be tested to determine the proper alignment of the photon projector 502 with the input grating. After determining the proper alignment (e.g., alignment within a predetermined tolerance), the support legs of the waveguide assembly can be positioned in the appropriate relative position within the receptacle 506 to achieve the proper alignment. The support legs can then be secured in the appropriate position within the receptacle 506.

[0059] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6E 600A to 600E are top plan views of light projector assemblies 600A to 600E according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] like Fig. 6AAs shown, the light projector assembly 600A may include four sub-projectors 602, 604, 606, 608 arranged on a substrate 601. The four sub-projectors 602, 604, 606, 608 can be positioned on the substrate 601 in any suitable spatial configuration. The four sub-projectors 602, 604, 606, 608 can be configured to emit light of four different wavelengths (e.g., red, green, blue, and infrared), respectively. Each of the sub-projectors 602, 604, 606, 608 may include an array of pixels that can be selectively activated to combine to produce an image for display to a user. In some examples, one of the sub-projectors 602, 604, 606, 608 can be configured to emit infrared light, such as a structured infrared light pattern, an infrared flash, or a flood of infrared light, to facilitate eye tracking.

[0061] The light projector assembly 600A may also include two receiving portions 610, which may be similar to those described above with reference to Figure 5A and Figure 5B The receptacle 506 may be shaped and sized to help align the sub-projectors 602, 604, 606, 608 of the light projector assembly 600A (eg, in distance, angle, and / or position) to the corresponding input gratings of the waveguide assembly within a predetermined alignment threshold.

[0062] like Figure 6B As shown, the light projector assembly 600B may include two sub-projectors 612 , 614 located on a substrate 601 . Figure 6B It is shown that sub-projectors 612 and 614 can have different sizes. For example, sub-projector 612 can be configured to emit light of one wavelength or range of wavelengths, and larger sub-projector 614 can be configured to emit light of another, different wavelength or range of wavelengths. In one example, smaller sub-projector 612 can be configured to emit infrared light (e.g., for eye tracking) and larger sub-projector 614 can be configured to emit visible light (e.g., red, green, blue, and / or white light for producing an image for display to a user).

[0063] The light projector assembly 600B may include two receptacles 610. As described above, the two receptacles 610 may be positioned and configured to align the sub-projectors 612, 614 with corresponding input gratings of the waveguide assembly.

[0064] like Figure 6CAs shown, the light projector assembly 600C may include a single light source 613 located on the substrate 601. The single light source 613 may be configured to emit light of a single wavelength or multiple wavelengths. For example, the single light source 613 may include a pixel array capable of emitting various colors (e.g., red, blue, green, white, infrared, etc.) and patterns.

[0065] The light projector assembly 600C may include two receptacles 610. As described above, the two receptacles 610 may be positioned and configured to align a single light source 613 with a corresponding input grating of a waveguide assembly.

[0066] like Fig.6D As shown, the light projector assembly 600D may include three sub-projectors 616 , 618 , 620 . Figure 1 and Figure 2 FIG. 4 shows three sub-projectors 106A, 106B, and 106C in a triangular configuration. Fig.6D As shown, the three sub-projectors 616, 618, 620 can be arranged in a line.

[0067] The light projector assembly 600D may include two receiving portions 610. In some examples, the two receiving portions 610 may be positioned in an orientation parallel to each other. In other words, the respective lengths of the two receiving portions 610 may extend in the same direction as each other. Fig.6D Different arrangements and orientations of the receptacles 610 are partially shown to be included in the present disclosure.

[0068] In the above examples and drawings, the photon projectors are shown as each having a circular shape, and the receiving portion is shown as a rectangular shape. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Fig. 6E As shown, the light projector assembly 600E can include one or more light sources 622 (e.g., sub-projectors) having a non-circular shape (e.g., square or rectangular). In addition, the light projector assembly 600E can include a receiving portion 611 having a non-rectangular shape (e.g., square and / or circular). Other shapes of these components are also possible, such as elliptical, irregular, heptagonal, octagonal, triangular, etc.

[0069] Thus, light projector assemblies having various shapes, sizes, and arrangements of light sources, sub-projectors, and / or receptacles may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0070] Figure 7 is a detailed perspective view of a waveguide assembly 700 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0071] In some examples, the waveguide assembly 700 can include a waveguide 702 and a waveguide holder 704. The waveguide 702 can include at least one input grating 706 positioned to optically align with one or more photon projectors of a corresponding projector assembly. The input grating 706 can be configured to enable light from the one or more photon projectors of the projector assembly to enter the waveguide 702 and be guided to a central region of the waveguide 702 for presentation to an eye of a user.

[0072] The waveguide holder 704 may include one or more holder segments adjacent to an edge region of the waveguide 702. By way of example and not limitation, the waveguide holder 704 may be coupled to an edge region of the waveguide 702, for example, by an adhesive, welding, fasteners, an interference fit, or the like. The waveguide holder 704 may also include at least one support leg 708 extending from the waveguide holder 704 in a direction transverse to (e.g., perpendicular to) a major surface 710 (e.g., an eye-facing surface or a world-facing surface) of the waveguide 702. The support leg 708 may be positioned to correspond to a position of a receptacle of a corresponding projector assembly (e.g., the receptacle 506 of the light projector assembly 500). In this manner, the support leg 708 may be positioned to be inserted into the receptacle to align the input grating 706 with a photon projector of a projector assembly (e.g., the photon projector 502 of the light projector assembly 500).

[0073] Although Figure 7 An example is shown where the waveguide holder 704 includes two different sections coupled to the edge region of the waveguide 702, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. In additional examples, the waveguide holder 704 can extend along substantially the entire periphery of the waveguide 702 (eg, in one continuous piece around the waveguide 702).

[0074] Figure 8 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an optical assembly 800 in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The optical assembly 800 can include a projector assembly 802 secured to and optically aligned with a waveguide assembly 804.

[0075] like Figure 8 As shown, the projector assembly 802 may include a first photon projector 806A, a second photon projector 806B, and a third photon projector 806C (collectively referred to as "photon projectors 806") supported by a projector housing 808. The projector housing 808 may include two receptacles 810 that may be coupled to the projector housing 808 and extend from the projector housing 808 toward the waveguide assembly 804.

[0076] The waveguide assembly 804 may include a waveguide 812 and a waveguide retainer 814 secured to an edge region of the waveguide 812. The waveguide retainer 814 may include a support leg 816 extending toward the projector assembly 802 and into the receptacle 810. A coupling material 818 (e.g., an adhesive (e.g., a liquid dispensed adhesive), a brazing material, a molten solder, etc.) may couple the support leg 816 to the receptacle 810, ultimately coupling the waveguide assembly 804 and the projector assembly 802 to each other.

[0077] The waveguide 812 may include an input grating 820 to allow light 830 from the photon projector 806 to enter the waveguide 812. For example, during use, the light 830 may pass through the optical aperture 822 of the input grating 820 and may then be directed toward a central region of the waveguide 812 to present an image to a user's eye.

[0078] like Figure 8 As shown, there may be enough space within the housing 810 to install the support legs 816 and enable the support legs 816 to be moved within the housing 810 to align the photon projector 806. For example, the interior width and length of the housing 810 may be at least 1 mm larger than the support legs 816 therein, such as 1 mm larger, 2 mm larger, 3 mm larger, 4 mm larger, or 5 mm larger.

[0079] In order to assemble the projector assembly 802 and the waveguide assembly 804 to each other, the relative position of the projector assembly 802 and the waveguide assembly 804 can be initially determined to achieve an acceptable alignment of the photon projector 806 with the input grating 820. For example, the photon projector 806 can be aligned with the input grating 820 within a predetermined threshold (e.g., within a rotational range of 5 arc minutes or less, within a rotational range of 2 arc minutes or less, within a translational range of 1 mm or less, within a translational range of 500 μm or less, etc.).

[0080] In the case of an adhesive as the coupling material 818, the adhesive can be disposed (e.g., dispensed) in the receptacle 810. The support legs 816 can then be positioned within the receptacle 810, and the projector assembly 802 can be positioned in a lateral and angled position relative to the waveguide assembly 804 to achieve proper alignment. The coupling material 818 can then be cured (e.g., by heat, time, exposure to radiation and / or a chemical curing agent, etc.) while maintaining the waveguide assembly 804 and the projector assembly 802 aligned relative to each other. Alternatively, the coupling material 818 can be a braze and / or solder that is applied while the waveguide assembly 804 is maintained aligned with the projector assembly 802.

[0081] Although the receiving portion 810 has been described above as being positioned on and extending from the projector housing 808, and the support leg 816 has been described as extending from the waveguide holder 814, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In additional examples, the opposite is also possible, and the receiving portion 810 may be positioned on and extending from the waveguide holder 814, and the support leg 816 may extend from the projector housing 808.

[0082] Fig. 9 900 is a flowchart illustrating a method 900 of manufacturing an optical assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. At operation 910, a position and orientation of a waveguide assembly relative to a projector assembly may be determined to align the projector assembly with the waveguide assembly. Operation 910 may be performed in various ways. For example, the method described above with reference to FIG. Figure 3 The process described. Light can be projected by the projector assembly so that the light passes through the waveguide assembly, and the projected image can be compared to the target image. Corrective movement (e.g., translation, tip / tilt, and / or rotation) of the projector assembly relative to the waveguide can be determined to align the projected image with the target image within a predetermined threshold.

[0083] At operation 920, at least one support leg of the waveguide assembly can be positioned within at least one corresponding receptacle of the projector assembly so that the waveguide assembly reaches a position and orientation determined relative to the projector assembly. Operation 920 can be performed in various ways. For example, the projector assembly and / or the waveguide assembly can be held and moved by a multi-axis movement tool (e.g., a six-axis hexapod). In some examples, two support legs can be positioned within two corresponding receptacles.

[0084] At operation 930, at least one support leg of the waveguide assembly can be coupled to at least one receptacle of the projector assembly to secure the waveguide assembly to the projector assembly in a position and orientation determined relative to the projector assembly. Operation 930 can be performed in a variety of ways. For example, the support leg can be bonded, brazed, and / or welded within the receptacle. The adhesive, brazing material, and / or welding material can be dispensed within the receptacle and allowed to harden (e.g., cool, solidify, etc.).

[0085] Accordingly, the present disclosure includes optical assemblies, head mounted displays, and related methods that can exhibit improved optical quality and can be facilitated for manufacturing. For example, the optical assembly can include a projector assembly and a waveguide assembly. The projector assembly can include a housing and at least one photon projector supported by the housing. The waveguide assembly can include a waveguide and a waveguide holder. The waveguide holder can include at least one support leg positioned within and secured to at least one corresponding receptacle of the housing. This arrangement can improve assembly in a manner that achieves a desired optical quality by facilitating optical alignment of the photon projector with an input grating of the waveguide.

[0086] 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 the user, and artificial reality may include, for example, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality (mixed reality or hybrid reality), or some combination and / or derivative thereof. Artificial reality content may include computer-generated content entirely 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). Additionally, 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 to be used in artificial reality in other ways (e.g., to perform activities in artificial reality).

[0087] Artificial reality systems may be implemented in a variety of different form factors and configurations. Some artificial reality systems may be designed to work without a near-eye display (NED). Other artificial reality systems may include a NED that also provides visibility to the real world (e.g., Fig.10 An augmented reality system 1000 in FIG. 1000 ) or an NED that visually immerses a user in an artificial reality (e.g., Fig.11 100). 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.

[0088] Go to Fig.10 , the augmented reality system 1000 may include an eye-mounted device 1002 having a frame 1010 configured to hold a left display device 1015(A) and a right display device 1015(B) in front of the user's eyes. The display device 1015(A) and the display device 1015(B) may function together or independently to present an image or a series of images to the user. Although the augmented reality system 1000 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.

[0089] In some embodiments, the augmented reality system 1000 may include one or more sensors, such as sensor 1040. Sensor 1040 may generate measurement signals in response to the movement of the augmented reality system 1000 and may be located on substantially any portion of the frame 1010. Sensor 1040 may represent one or more of a variety of different sensing mechanisms, such as position sensors, inertial measurement units (IMUs), depth camera assemblies, structured light emitters and / or detectors, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the augmented reality system 1000 may or may not include sensor 1040, or may include more than one sensor. In embodiments where sensor 1040 includes an IMU, the IMU may generate calibration data based on the measurement signals from sensor 1040. Examples of sensor 1040 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.

[0090] In some examples, the augmented reality system 1000 may also include a microphone array having a plurality of acoustic transducers 1020(A) to 1020(J) (collectively referred to as acoustic transducers 1020). The acoustic transducers 1020 may represent transducers that detect changes in air pressure caused by sound waves. Each acoustic transducer 1020 may be configured to detect sound and convert the detected sound into an electronic format (e.g., an analog format or a digital format). Fig.10The microphone array in may, for example, include ten acoustic transducers: acoustic transducer 1020(A) and acoustic transducer 1020(B) that can be designed to be placed in the corresponding ears of the user; acoustic transducer 1020(C), acoustic transducer 1020(D), acoustic transducer 1020(E), acoustic transducer 1020(F), acoustic transducer 1020(G) and acoustic transducer 1020(H) that can be positioned at different positions on the frame 1010; and / or acoustic transducer 1020(I) and acoustic transducer 1020(J) that can be positioned on the corresponding neckband 1005.

[0091] In some embodiments, one or more of the acoustic transducers 1020(A) to 1020(J) can be used as an output transducer (e.g., a speaker). For example, the acoustic transducers 1020(A) and / or 1020(B) can be earbuds, or any other suitable type of earphones or speakers.

[0092] The configuration of the acoustic transducer 1020 of the microphone array may vary. Fig.10 1020, but the number of acoustic transducers 1020 may be greater than or less than ten. In some embodiments, using a greater number of acoustic transducers 1020 may increase the amount of audio information collected and / or improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the audio information. Conversely, using a smaller number of acoustic transducers 1020 may reduce the computing power required by the associated controller 1050 to process the collected audio information. In addition, the position of each acoustic transducer 1020 in the microphone array may vary. For example, the position of the acoustic transducer 1020 may include a defined position on the user, a defined coordinate on the frame 1010, an orientation associated with each acoustic transducer 1020, or some combination thereof.

[0093] The acoustic transducers 1020(A) and 1020(B) can be located on different parts of the user's ear, such as behind the pinna, behind the tragus, and / or in the auricle or fossa. Alternatively, in addition to the acoustic transducer 1020 in the ear canal, there can be additional acoustic transducers 1020 on or around the ear. Having an acoustic transducer 1020 positioned next to the user's ear canal can enable the microphone array to collect information about how sound arrives at the ear canal. By positioning at least two acoustic transducers 1020 on both sides of the user's head (e.g., as binaural microphones), the augmented reality system 1000 can simulate binaural hearing and capture a 3D stereo sound field around the user's head. In some embodiments, acoustic transducers 1020(A) and 1020(B) may be connected to augmented reality system 1000 via wired connection 1030, while in other embodiments, acoustic transducers 1020(A) and 1020(B) may be connected to augmented reality system 1000 via a wireless connection (e.g., a Bluetooth connection). In other embodiments, acoustic transducers 1020(A) and 1020(B) may not be used in conjunction with augmented reality system 1000 at all.

[0094] The acoustic transducers 1020 on the frame 1010 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 1015(A) and 1015(B), or some combination thereof. The acoustic transducers 1020 can also be oriented so that the microphone array can detect sounds in a wide range of directions around the user wearing the augmented reality system 1000. In some embodiments, an optimization process can be performed during the manufacture of the augmented reality system 1000 to determine the relative positioning of each acoustic transducer 1020 in the microphone array.

[0095] In some examples, the augmented reality system 1000 may include or be connected to an external device (e.g., a paired device), such as a neckband 1005. Neckband 1005 generally represents any type or form of paired device. Therefore, the following discussion of neckband 1005 may also be applied to various other paired devices, such as charging boxes, smart watches, smart phones, wristbands, other wearable devices, handheld controllers, tablets, laptops, other external computing devices, etc.

[0096] As shown, the neckband 1005 can be coupled to the eye-mounted device 1002 via one or more connectors. The connectors can be wired or wireless and can include electronic components and / or non-electronic components (e.g., structural components). In some cases, the eye-mounted device 1002 and the neckband 1005 can operate independently without any wired or wireless connection between them. Although Fig.10 Example locations of components of the eye-mounted device 1002 and components of the neckband 1005 are shown on the eye-mounted device 1002 and the neckband 1005, but these components can be located elsewhere on the eye-mounted device 1002 and / or the neckband 1005 and / or distributed on the eye-mounted device and / or the neckband in different ways. In some embodiments, components of the eye-mounted device 1002 and components of the neckband 1005 can be located on one or more additional peripheral devices paired with the eye-mounted device 1002, on the neckband 1005, or some combination thereof.

[0097] Pairing an external device (e.g., a neckband 1005) 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 the expanded capabilities. Some or all of the battery power, computing resources, and / or additional features of the augmented reality system 1000 can be provided by the paired device or shared between the paired device and the eye-mounted device, thereby reducing the weight, thermal distribution, and form factor of the eye-mounted device as a whole while still retaining the desired functionality. For example, the neckband 1005 can allow components that would otherwise be included on the eye-mounted device to be included in the neckband 1005 because the user can bear a heavier weight load on their shoulders than the user can bear on their head. The neckband 1005 can also have a larger surface area, which can be used to spread and disperse heat to the surrounding environment. Therefore, the neckband 1005 can allow for greater battery capacity and computing power than would otherwise be possible on a stand-alone eye-mounted device. Because the weight carried in the neckband 1005 is less invasive to the user than the weight carried in the eye-mounted device 1002, the user can tolerate wearing the lighter eye-mounted device and carrying or wearing a paired device for longer periods 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.

[0098] The neckband 1005 may be communicatively coupled to the eye-mounted device 1002 and / or communicatively coupled to other devices. These other devices may provide certain functions (e.g., tracking, positioning, depth map construction, processing, storage, etc.) for the augmented reality system 1000. Fig.10In an embodiment of the present invention, neckband 1005 may include two acoustic transducers (e.g., acoustic transducer 1020(I) and acoustic transducer 1020(J)) as part of a microphone array (or potentially forming its own microphone subarray). Neckband 1005 may also include controller 1025 and power supply 1035.

[0099] The acoustic transducers 1020(I) and 1020(J) of the neckband 1005 may be configured to detect sound and convert the detected sound into an electronic format (analog or digital). Fig.10 In an embodiment of the present invention, the acoustic transducers 1020(I) and 1020(J) can be positioned on the neckband 1005, thereby increasing the distance between the acoustic transducers 1020(I) and 1020(J) of the neckband and other acoustic transducers 1020 located on the eye-mounted device 1002. In some cases, increasing the distance between the acoustic transducers 1020 of the microphone array can improve the accuracy of beamforming performed via the microphone array. For example, if a sound is detected by the acoustic transducers 1020(C) and 1020(D), and the distance between the acoustic transducers 1020(C) and 1020(D) is greater than, for example, the distance between the acoustic transducers 1020(D) and 1020(E), the determined source location of the detected sound can be more accurate than the source location determined when the sound is detected by the acoustic transducers 1020(D) and 1020(E).

[0100] The controller 1025 of the neckband 1005 can process information generated by sensors on the neckband 1005 and / or the augmented reality system 1000. For example, the controller 1025 can process information from the microphone array that describes the sound detected by the microphone array. For each detected sound, the controller 1025 can perform a Direction-of-Arrival (DOA) estimate to estimate from which direction the detected sound arrives at the microphone array. When the microphone array detects a sound, the controller 1025 can fill the audio data set with information. In an embodiment where the augmented reality system 1000 includes an inertial measurement unit, the controller 1025 can calculate all inertial and spatial operations based on the IMU located on the eye-mounted device 1002. The connector can transmit information between the augmented reality system 1000 and the neckband 1005, and between the augmented reality system 1000 and the controller 1025. 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 1000 to the neckband 1005 can reduce the weight and heat of the eye-mounted device 1002, making it more comfortable for the user.

[0101] The power supply 1035 in the neckband 1005 can provide power to the eye-mounted device 1002 and / or to the neckband 1005. The power supply 1035 can include, but is not limited to, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, disposable lithium batteries, alkaline batteries, or any other form of power storage device. In some cases, the power supply 1035 can be a wired power supply. Including the power supply 1035 on the neckband 1005 instead of the eye-mounted device 1002 can help to better distribute the weight and heat generated by the power supply 1035.

[0102] As noted, some artificial reality systems may substantially replace one or more of a user's multiple sensory perceptions of the real world with a virtual experience, rather than blending the artificial reality with the real reality. An example of this type of system is a head-mounted display system that covers most or all of the user's field of view, e.g. Fig.11 The virtual reality system 1100 in FIG. The virtual reality system 1100 may include a front rigid body 1102 and a band 1104 shaped to fit around the user's head. The virtual reality system 1100 may also include output audio converters 1106 (A) and 1106 (B). In addition, although not described in Fig.11 , but the front rigid body 1102 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.

[0103] Artificial reality systems may include various types of visual feedback mechanisms. For example, the display device in the augmented reality system 1000 and / or the display device in the virtual reality system 1100 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 provide 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 at a greater distance than it is physically at), amplifying light (e.g., making an object appear larger than its actual size), and / or relaying light (e.g., allowing light to reach 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 results in 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).

[0104] 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 1000 and / or a display device in the virtual reality system 1100 may include a micro-LED projector that projects light (e.g., using a waveguide) into the display device, such as a transparent combined 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 simultaneously view both the artificial reality content and the real world. 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 used in a virtual retinal display.

[0105] The artificial reality systems described herein may also include various types of computer vision components and subsystems. For example, the augmented reality system 1000 and / or the virtual reality system 1100 may include one or more optical sensors, such as a two-dimensional (2D) camera or a 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 content about the real world environment to the user, and / or perform various other functions.

[0106] 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.

[0107] In some embodiments, the artificial reality system described herein may also include a tactile (i.e., haptic) feedback system that can be incorporated into headwear, gloves, clothing, handheld controllers, environmental equipment (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. Motors, piezoelectric actuators, fluid systems, and / or various other types of feedback mechanisms can be used to implement tactile feedback. 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.

[0108] 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 situations 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 access 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 situations and environments, and / or in other situations and environments.

[0109] The present disclosure also includes the following example embodiments:

[0110] Example 1: An optical component, which may include a projector component and a waveguide component, the projector component including a housing and at least one photon projector, the housing including at least one receptacle, the at least one photon projector being supported by the housing; the waveguide component including a waveguide and a waveguide holder, the waveguide being configured to redirect light from the at least one photon projector, the waveguide including at least one input grating corresponding to the at least one photon projector, the waveguide holder being adjacent to an edge region of the waveguide and including at least one support leg extending from the waveguide holder in a direction transverse to a major surface of the waveguide, wherein the at least one support leg of the waveguide component is at least partially positioned within the at least one receptacle of the projector component and coupled to the at least one receptacle to secure the waveguide component to the projector component.

[0111] Example 2: The optical assembly of Example 1, wherein the at least one support leg is coupled to the at least one receiving portion by an adhesive disposed within the at least one receiving portion.

[0112] Example 3: An optical assembly as described in Example 2, wherein the adhesive is a liquid-dispensed adhesive.

[0113] Example 4: An optical component as described in any of Examples 1 to 3, wherein: the at least one housing portion includes a first housing portion and a second housing portion; and the at least one support leg includes a first support leg at least partially positioned within the first housing portion and a second support leg at least partially positioned within the second housing portion.

[0114] Example 5: An optical component as described in Example 4, wherein: the first housing portion includes a first rectangular housing portion having a first length extending in a first direction; and the second housing portion includes a second rectangular housing portion having a second length extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0115] Example 6: An optical component as described in any of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the at least one photon projector is aligned with the at least one input grating within a translation range of 1 mm or less and within a rotation range of 5 arc minutes or less.

[0116] Example 7: The optical assembly of any of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the at least one support leg is coupled to the at least one receiving portion by at least one of a brazing material or a solder.

[0117] Example 8: An optical component as described in any of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the at least one support leg extends substantially perpendicular to the major surface of the waveguide.

[0118] Example 9: An optical component as described in any of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the at least one photon projector includes at least three photon projectors, each of the at least three photon projectors being configured to project light of a different corresponding wavelength.

[0119] Example 10: An optical assembly as described in Example 9, wherein each of the at least three photon projectors is configured to project one of the following: red light, blue light, green light, infrared light, or white light.

[0120] Example 11: An optical component as described in Example 10, wherein the at least three photon projectors include a red photon projector, a blue photon projector, and a green photon projector.

[0121] Example 12: An optical assembly as described in any of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the waveguide retainer extends along substantially the entire periphery of the waveguide.

[0122] Example 13: A head-mounted display, which may include an optical assembly and a frame, the optical assembly including a projector assembly and a waveguide assembly, the projector assembly including at least one photon projector and at least one receptacle, the waveguide assembly including a waveguide and a waveguide holder coupled to an edge region of the waveguide, wherein the waveguide holder includes at least one support leg extending from the waveguide holder in a direction transverse to a major surface of the waveguide, wherein the at least one support leg is at least partially positioned within and coupled to the at least one receptacle to secure the waveguide assembly to the projector assembly; the frame is configured to mount the optical assembly on a user's head, wherein at least a portion of the waveguide is located in front of the user's eyes.

[0123] Example 14: A head-mounted display as described in Example 13, wherein the head-mounted display includes augmented reality glasses.

[0124] Example 15: A head-mounted display as described in any of Examples 13 or 14, wherein the projector assembly is mounted to an upper corner of the waveguide when the frame is worn on the user's head.

[0125] Example 16: A head-mounted display as described in any of Examples 13 to 15, wherein the at least one photon projector is optically aligned with at least one corresponding input grating of the waveguide within a predetermined threshold.

[0126] Example 17: A head-mounted display as described in Example 16, wherein the predetermined threshold is within a translation range of 1 mm or less and within a rotation range of 5 arc minutes or less.

[0127] Example 18: A method of manufacturing an optical component, the method may include: determining a position and orientation of a waveguide component relative to a projector component to optically align the projector component with the waveguide component; positioning at least one support leg of the waveguide component within at least one corresponding receptacle of the projector component so that the waveguide component reaches the position and orientation determined relative to the projector component; and coupling the at least one support leg to the at least one receptacle to fix the waveguide component at the position and orientation determined relative to the projector component.

[0128] Example 19: The method as described in Example 18 further includes: dispensing an adhesive within the at least one receiving portion, wherein coupling the at least one support leg to the at least one receiving portion includes: curing the adhesive to bond the at least one support leg within the at least one receiving portion.

[0129] Example 20: A method as described in Example 18 or Example 19, wherein positioning at least one support leg of the waveguide assembly within at least one corresponding accommodating portion of the projector assembly includes: positioning a first support leg within a first accommodating portion, and positioning a second support leg within a second accommodating portion.

[0130] 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, the steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order shown or discussed. The various example 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 steps.

[0131] In some examples, the term "substantially" when referring to a given parameter, characteristic, or condition can refer to a degree that one skilled in the art would understand, i.e., the degree to which the given parameter, characteristic, or condition is met with a minor degree of variation (e.g., within acceptable manufacturing tolerances). For example, a substantially met parameter can be at least about 90% met, at least about 95% met, at least about 99% met, or completely met.

[0132] The foregoing description is provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the various aspects of the example embodiments disclosed herein. This example description is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and 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.

[0133] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "connected to" and "coupled to" (and their derivatives) as 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, the terms "including" and "having" (and their derivatives) as used in the specification and claims are interchangeable with the word "comprising" and have the same meaning.

Claims

1. An optical component, comprising: A projector assembly, the projector assembly comprising: a housing, the housing comprising at least one receiving portion; and at least one photon projector, the at least one photon projector supported by the housing; and A waveguide assembly, the waveguide assembly comprising: a waveguide configured to redirect light from the at least one photon projector, the waveguide comprising at least one input grating corresponding to the at least one photon projector; and a waveguide holder adjoining an edge region of the waveguide and comprising at least one supporting leg extending from the waveguide holder in a direction transverse to a main surface of the waveguide, Wherein, the at least one supporting leg of the waveguide assembly is at least partially positioned within and coupled to the at least one receiving portion of the projector assembly to fix the waveguide assembly to the projector assembly.

2. The optical assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one support leg is coupled to the at least one receptacle by an adhesive disposed within the at least one receptacle; and preferably, the adhesive is a liquid-dispensed adhesive.

3. An optical assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one receiving portion includes a first receiving portion and a second receiving portion; and The at least one support leg comprises a first support leg at least partially positioned within the first receiving portion and a second support leg at least partially positioned within the second receiving portion; and, preferably, The first receiving portion includes a first rectangular receiving portion having a first length extending in a first direction; and The second receiving portion includes a second rectangular receiving portion having a second length extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

4. The optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The at least one photon projector is aligned with the at least one input grating within a translation range of 1 mm or less and within a rotation range of 5 arc minutes or less.

5. The optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The at least one support leg is coupled to the at least one receiving portion by at least one of solder or molten solder; and / or Wherein, the at least one support leg extends substantially perpendicular to the major surface of the waveguide.

6. The optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The at least one photon projector comprises at least three photon projectors, each of the at least three photon projectors being configured to project light of a different corresponding wavelength; and, preferably, Each of the at least three photon projectors is configured to project one of: red light; Blue light; Green light; infrared light; or White light.

7. The optical assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The at least three photon projectors include a red photon projector, a blue photon projector and a green photon projector.

8. The optical component according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The waveguide holder extends along substantially the entire periphery of the waveguide.

9. A head-mounted display, comprising: An optical component, the optical component comprising: a projector assembly, the projector assembly comprising at least one photon projector and at least one receiving portion; and a waveguide assembly comprising a waveguide and a waveguide holder coupled to an edge region of the waveguide, wherein the waveguide holder comprises at least one support leg extending from the waveguide holder in a direction transverse to a major surface of the waveguide, wherein the at least one support leg is at least partially positioned within and coupled to the at least one receptacle to secure the waveguide assembly to the projector assembly; and A frame is configured for mounting the optical assembly on a head of a user, wherein at least a portion of the waveguide is located in front of the user's eyes.

10. The head mounted display according to claim 9, wherein: The head mounted display includes augmented reality glasses.

11. The head mounted display according to claim 9 or 10, wherein: The projector assembly is mounted to an upper corner of the waveguide when the frame is worn on the head of the user.

12. The head mounted display according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The at least one photon projector is optically aligned with at least one corresponding input grating of the waveguide within a predetermined threshold; and, preferably, The predetermined threshold is within a translation range of 1 mm or less and within a rotation range of 5 arc minutes or less.

13. A method of manufacturing an optical component, the method comprising: determining a position and orientation of a waveguide assembly relative to a projector assembly to optically align the projector assembly with the waveguide assembly; Positioning at least one support leg of the waveguide assembly within at least one corresponding receptacle of the projector assembly such that the waveguide assembly reaches the position and orientation determined relative to the projector assembly; as well as The at least one support leg is coupled to the at least one receptacle to secure the waveguide assembly in the position and orientation determined relative to the projector assembly.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: An adhesive is dispensed within the at least one receptacle, wherein coupling the at least one support leg to the at least one receptacle includes curing the adhesive to bond the at least one support leg within the at least one receptacle.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: Positioning at least one support leg of the waveguide assembly within at least one corresponding receptacle of the projector assembly includes positioning a first support leg within a first receptacle and positioning a second support leg within a second receptacle.

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