Multi-part geometric waveguide

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-part geometric waveguide. A method of manufacturing a multi-part geometric waveguide includes forming a primary prism element and a separate secondary prism element; forming a functional coating on the active surface of the primary prism element; forming a functional coating on the active surface of the secondary prism element; aligning and bonding the primary prism element to a carrier plate; and aligning and bonding the secondary prism element to the carrier plate.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 517,223, filed on August 2, 2023, and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 18 / 545,839, filed on December 19, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to a multi-section geometric waveguide (GWG). Background Art

[0004] Virtual reality devices, virtual reality headsets, augmented reality devices, and augmented reality headsets typically include an optical system with a microdisplay and imaging optics. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a geometric waveguide, comprising: a carrier; an input prism mounted in a recess formed in the carrier; a primary prism element disposed in a primary recess of the carrier; and a secondary prism element disposed in a secondary recess of the carrier.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a geometric waveguide is provided, comprising: a carrier; a primary prism element, the primary prism element being disposed in a primary recess of the carrier, the primary prism element comprising a facet array oriented at a first angle; and a secondary prism element, the secondary prism element being disposed in a secondary recess of the carrier adjacent to the primary recess, the secondary prism element comprising a facet array oriented at a second angle.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a method is provided, the method comprising: forming a main prism element; forming a secondary prism element; forming a functional coating on an active surface of the main prism element; forming a functional coating on an active surface of the secondary prism element; aligning and bonding the main prism element to a carrier; and aligning and bonding the secondary prism element to the carrier. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] 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.

[0009] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a carrier for a multi-part geometric waveguide according to various embodiments.

[0010] Figure 2 An input prism for a multi-section geometric waveguide is shown according to some embodiments.

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an extension element for a multi-part geometric waveguide according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 4 Depicted are eyebox elements for a multi-part geometry waveguide according to various embodiments.

[0013] Figure 5 is an exploded isometric view of a multi-part geometric waveguide with independently fabricated prismatic elements according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 6 is a top view of an assembled multi-part geometric waveguide according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 7 According to some embodiments Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of a multi-part geometric waveguide.

[0016] Figure 8 According to a further embodiment Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of a multi-part geometric waveguide.

[0017] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of exemplary augmented reality glasses that may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig.10 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary virtual reality head mounted viewer that may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] 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

[0020] Virtual reality devices, virtual reality head mounted view devices, augmented reality devices and augmented reality head mounted view devices generally include an optical system having a micro display and an imaging optical device. The micro display is configured to provide an image to be viewed by directly or indirectly using, for example, a micro OLED display or by illuminating a liquid crystal based display. The display light can be projected to the user's eyes by using a waveguide, wherein the light is coupled into the waveguide, transmitted through the waveguide by total internal reflection (TIR), and coupled out when it reaches the position of the viewer's eyes.

[0021] In some systems, the imaging optics may include a geometric waveguide. With a geometric waveguide, light from the optical engine is typically coupled in through a mirror or prism and then transmitted through TIR to an array of transflective surfaces that are configured to reflect a portion of the light toward the user's eyes and transmit the remainder for further propagation. The transmitted light may encounter another transflective surface where the reflection and transmission paradigm is repeated.

[0022] Various challenges are associated with fabricating geometric waveguides, including the coating and alignment of semi-transmissive and semi-reflective mirrors. For example, since the intensity of light incident on successive mirrors may decrease after each reflection and transmission event, the designed reflection / transmission ratio may be different for each mirror within a prismatic element to ensure uniform light output. In addition, the use of polarized light, such as with Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) microdisplays, may require complex coating structures including multiple layers requiring multiple masking and deposition steps.

[0023] Despite recent developments, it would be advantageous to provide an economical method for manufacturing a geometric waveguide that minimizes defects in the final virtual image, including non-uniformities, black lines, and ghost images. According to various embodiments, the geometric waveguide includes active components such as extension elements and decoupling elements that are independently manufactured and processed. By independently manufacturing the different waveguide components, the design specifications for each component can be addressed and met individually.

[0024] According to certain embodiments, by manufacturing the different prism segments of the geometric waveguide separately, the molding and coating operations can be designed for each component, and the downstream assembly process can include optimized alignment and placement, which can achieve batch processing, lower cost, and improved performance and yield. For example, the different prism segments can be molded, coated, aligned, and optically bonded to a carrier board to design tolerances. Refractive index matching optical bonding can be used to ensure acceptable transmittance for augmented reality applications.

[0025] The geometric waveguide may include a carrier and two or more prismatic elements mounted on the carrier. Each prismatic element may be molded independently and optimized for shape and flatness and then coated independently. For example, the prismatic element may be trimmed and provided with one or more coatings before being mounted to the carrier. In certain embodiments, the act of forming the prismatic element may be improved by molding thicker elements and using post-molding subtractive machining to introduce desired features and dimensions (including flatness of the prismatic element and tilt angles of individual facets). This approach may improve dimensional fidelity and avoid internal stresses in the molded part.

[0026] The carrier plate may be molded to a desired thickness and may include recesses into which corresponding prismatic elements may be placed, aligned, and bonded. According to some embodiments, precision optomechanical positioning features may be incorporated into the prismatic elements and / or the carrier plate to ensure precise alignment.

[0027] The prismatic elements and carrier can be molded from a suitable plastic material (e.g., polycarbonate), although other optical materials are contemplated. In some embodiments, multiple prismatic elements can be formed from the same material and can have equal or substantially equal refractive indices, while the geometry of the prismatic facets and the functional coatings applied to the prismatic facets can be configured differently for each prismatic element (e.g., for each facet).

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, a method of manufacturing a multi-part geometric waveguide may include forming a primary prism element and a separate secondary prism element, forming a functional coating on an active surface of the primary prism element, forming a functional coating on an active surface of the secondary prism element, aligning and bonding the primary prism element to a carrier, and aligning and bonding the secondary prism element to a carrier.

[0029] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 10 A detailed description of a method for fabricating a geometric waveguide is provided. Figure 1 The associated discussion includes a description of an exemplary carrier board. Figure 2 The associated discussion includes a description of an exemplary input prism. Figure 3 and Figure 4The independent design, manufacture and processing of different prism elements (including extension elements and eye-zone elements) are disclosed respectively. Figures 5 to 8 Schematic diagram showing the assembly of a multi-part 2D geometric waveguide with independently fabricated prismatic elements. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 The associated discussion relates to exemplary virtual reality devices and augmented reality devices that may include one or more multi-part geometric waveguides as disclosed herein.

[0030] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A perspective view of a carrier for a multi-part geometric waveguide is shown. The carrier 100 includes a recess 102 and recesses 103, 104, which are respectively configured to receive, support and align various prismatic elements, such as coupling-in elements, extension elements and eye-zone (or out-coupling) elements (not shown separately). The extension element recess 103 and the eye-zone element recess 104 of the carrier 100 can each include a faceted surface that is complementary to the facets formed on the corresponding prismatic element. At the periphery of the recess 102 and recesses 103, 104, the carrier 100 has a top surface 101A, and opposite the recesses 103, 104, the carrier 100 has a bottom surface 101B.

[0031] The multi-section geometric waveguide may include an input prism. Figure 2 , the input prism 200 can be sized and dimensioned to direct the image light into the waveguide. For example, the input prism 200 can be formed of glass.

[0032] Figure 3 . The main prismatic element 300 can include an expansion element configured to expand a beam of image light along a first dimension. The main prismatic element 300 shown includes an array of facets 310, each facet 310 having an active surface 312 and a draft surface 314. The main prismatic element 300 including the integral facets 310 can be substantially flat and can be formed by molding. In some embodiments, the active surface 312 can be coated with a functional optical coating.

[0033] Figure 4A sub-prismatic element is described. The sub-prismatic element 400 may include an outcoupling element configured to expand the image light in a second dimension orthogonal to the first dimension and direct the expanded light to the user's eyes. As will be appreciated, the design and manufacture of the sub-prismatic element 400 may be independent of the design and manufacture of the main prismatic element 300. The sub-prismatic element 400 shown includes an array of facets 410, each facet 410 having an active surface 412 and a draft surface 414. The sub-prismatic element 400 including the integral facets 410 may be substantially flat and may be formed by molding. In some embodiments, the active surface 412 may be coated with a functional optical coating.

[0034] By separating the manufacturing of the primary prismatic element 300 from the manufacturing of the secondary prismatic element 400, part-specific features can be addressed on a per-part basis, resulting in greater yield and higher performance. For example, different functional coatings can be formed on the active surface of the primary prismatic element and the active surface of the secondary prismatic element using more economical processing such as batch processing.

[0035] refer to Figure 5 , the primary prismatic element 300 and the secondary prismatic element 400 can be aligned within the corresponding recesses 103, 104 and optically bonded to the carrier 100. In some embodiments, the primary prismatic element 300, the secondary prismatic element 400, and the carrier 100 are each characterized by a shared refractive index. For example, although the optical coating has optical properties, the material composition of the primary prismatic element 300, the secondary prismatic element 400, and the carrier 100 can be the same or substantially the same. Exemplary materials that can be used to form the carrier 100 and the primary prismatic element 300 and the secondary prismatic element 400 can include polycarbonate, although other optical polymer materials are also contemplated. Figure 6 It is shown in Figure 5 A top view of the integrated structure 500 is shown.

[0036] Go to Figure 7 , Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 7-7. After assembly, the top and bottom surfaces of the geometric waveguide 700 (including the carrier top surface 101A, the primary prism element top surface 301, the secondary prism element top surface 401, and the carrier bottom surface 101B) can be polished or diamond turned to adjust the waveguide thickness (t) and / or flatness. In some embodiments, the carrier top surface 101A, the primary prism element top surface 301, and the secondary prism element top surface 401 can be coplanar. In certain embodiments, the relative major surfaces of the waveguide 700 can be parallel.

[0037] refer to Figure 8After placement, alignment, bonding, and polishing of the prismatic elements, a capping layer may be formed on the top and / or bottom surface of the waveguide. The capping layers (e.g., top capping layer 812 and bottom capping layer 814) may include a low refractive index (e.g., n<2) material. The low refractive index capping layer may have a refractive index less than the refractive index of the prismatic elements. In some embodiments, the capping layer may include an anti-reflective coating.

[0038] A geometric waveguide (GWG) with high optical efficiency has a modular construction, wherein the constituent elements of the geometric waveguide are manufactured individually and then assembled. An exemplary geometric waveguide may include a coupling element (e.g., a prism), an extension element, and a decoupling element, which are independently manufactured according to corresponding design specifications, coated with one or more functional layers, and then aligned and mounted on a carrier. That is, each component in the GWG can be molded and coated individually, thereby achieving batch processing and lower costs. The coating process can include, for example, lamination, and can be used to form an anti-reflective coating on one or more facets of the extension element or the decoupling element. By manufacturing the waveguide components individually, the manufacturing process including molding and coating can be optimized for each component, and the assembly can be optimized for alignment and sizing to achieve a scalable high-throughput manufacturing method.

[0039] Exemplary Embodiments

[0040] Example 1: A geometric waveguide includes: a carrier; an input prism mounted in a recess formed in the carrier; a primary prism element disposed in a primary recess of the carrier; and a secondary prism element disposed in a secondary recess of the carrier.

[0041] Example 2: A geometric waveguide according to Example 1, wherein the input prism is formed of glass.

[0042] Example 3: A geometric waveguide according to any one of Examples 1 and 2, wherein the primary prism element and the secondary prism element are both formed of a polymer.

[0043] Example 4: A geometric waveguide according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the composition of the primary prism element is substantially the same as the composition of the secondary prism element.

[0044] Example 5: A geometric waveguide according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the primary prism element and the secondary prism element are both bonded to the carrier using an optical adhesive.

[0045] Example 6: A geometric waveguide according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the refractive index of the primary prism element is substantially equal to the refractive index of the secondary prism element.

[0046] Example 7: A geometric waveguide according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the primary prism element and the secondary prism element both include parallel facet arrays.

[0047] Example 8: A geometric waveguide according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the primary prism element includes a facet array merged with a complementary structure formed in the primary recess of the carrier, and the secondary prism element includes a facet array merged with a complementary structure formed in the secondary recess of the carrier.

[0048] Example 9: A geometric waveguide according to Example 8, wherein the surface of the main prism element opposite to the facet array of the main prism element is substantially flat, the surface of the sub-prism element opposite to the facet array of the sub-prism element is substantially flat, and the substantially flat surface of the main prism element and the substantially flat surface of the sub-prism element are substantially coplanar.

[0049] Example 10: According to any one of Examples 1 to 9, the geometric waveguide also includes a capping layer, which is arranged on the surface of the main prism element opposite to the facet array of the main prism element and the surface of the sub-prism element opposite to the facet array of the sub-prism element.

[0050] Example 11: A geometric waveguide according to Example 10, wherein the refractive index of the capping layer is less than the refractive index of the primary prism element and less than the refractive index of the secondary prism element.

[0051] Example 12: A geometric waveguide according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein light incident on the primary prism element is guided to the secondary prism element.

[0052] Example 13: A geometric waveguide includes: a carrier; a primary prism element, which is disposed in a primary recess of the carrier, the primary prism element comprising an array of facets oriented at a first angle; and a secondary prism element, which is disposed in a secondary recess of the carrier adjacent to the primary recess, the secondary prism element comprising an array of facets oriented at a second angle.

[0053] Example 14: A geometric waveguide according to Example 13, wherein the top surface of the carrier is coplanar with the top surface of the primary prism element, and the top surface of the carrier is coplanar with the top surface of the secondary prism element.

[0054] Example 15: A geometric waveguide according to any one of Examples 13 and 14, wherein the refractive index of the carrier, the refractive index of the primary prism element and the refractive index of the secondary prism element are substantially equal.

[0055] Example 16: A geometric waveguide according to any one of Examples 13 to 15, wherein the top surface and the bottom surface of the carrier are coplanar.

[0056] Example 17: A method includes: forming a main prism element; forming a sub-prism element; forming a functional coating on an active surface of the main prism element; forming a functional coating on an active surface of the sub-prism element; aligning and bonding the main prism element to a carrier; and aligning and bonding the sub-prism element to the carrier.

[0057] Example 18: The method of Example 17, wherein forming the primary prism element comprises: molding a first optical polymer; and forming the secondary prism element comprises: molding a second optical polymer.

[0058] Example 19: A method according to any one of Examples 17 and 18, wherein the functional coating formed on the active surface of the main prism element has a refractive index less than the refractive index of the main prism element, and the functional coating formed on the active surface of the sub-prism element has a refractive index less than the refractive index of the sub-prism element.

[0059] Example 20: According to any one of Examples 17 to 19, the method further includes: planarizing the opposite surface of the carrier.

[0060] 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 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).

[0061] 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., Fig. 9900) or an NED that visually immerses a user in an artificial reality (e.g., Fig.10 1000 in the virtual reality system 1000). 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, one or more other devices worn by other users, and / or any other suitable external system.

[0062] Go to Fig. 9 , the augmented reality system 900 may include an eyewear device 902 having a frame 910 configured to hold a left display device 915(A) and a right display device 915(B) in front of the user's eyes. The display device 915(A) and the display device 915(B) may function together or independently to present an image or a series of images to the user. Although the augmented reality system 900 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.

[0063] In some embodiments, the augmented reality system 900 may include one or more sensors, such as sensor 940. Sensor 940 may generate a measurement signal in response to the movement of the augmented reality system 900, and may be located on substantially any part of the frame 910. Sensor 940 may represent 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 900 may or may not include sensor 940, or may include more than one sensor. In an embodiment where sensor 940 includes an IMU, the IMU may generate calibration data based on the measurement signal from sensor 940. Examples of sensor 940 may include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, other suitable types of sensors that detect movement, sensors for IMU error correction, or some combination thereof.

[0064] The augmented reality system 900 may also include a microphone array having a plurality of acoustic transducers 920(A) to 920(J) (collectively referred to as acoustic transducers 920). The acoustic transducers 920 may represent transducers that detect changes in air pressure caused by sound waves. Each acoustic transducer 920 may be configured to detect sound and convert the detected sound into an electronic format (e.g., analog mode or digital format). For example, Fig. 9The microphone array in can include ten acoustic transducers: acoustic transducers 920(A) and 920(B), which can be designed to be placed in the user's corresponding ears; acoustic transducers 920(C), 920(D), 920(E), 920(F), 920(G) and 920(H), which can be positioned at different locations on the frame 910; and / or acoustic transducers 920(I) and 920(J), which can be positioned on the corresponding neckband 905.

[0065] In some embodiments, one or more of acoustic transducers 920(A) to 920(F) can be used as an output transducer (e.g., a speaker). For example, acoustic transducer 920(A) and / or acoustic transducer 920(B) can be earbuds or any other suitable type of earphones or speakers.

[0066] The configuration of the acoustic transducer 920 of the microphone array may vary. Fig. 9 920, but the number of acoustic transducers 920 may be more or less than ten. In some embodiments, using a greater number of acoustic transducers 920 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 920 may reduce the computing power required by the associated controller 950 to process the collected audio information. In addition, the position of each acoustic transducer 920 of the microphone array may be changed. For example, the position of the acoustic transducer 920 may include a defined position on the user, a defined coordinate on the frame 910, an orientation associated with each acoustic transducer 920, or some combination thereof.

[0067] Acoustic transducers 920 (A) and 920 (B) can be positioned on different parts of the user's ear, such as behind the pinna, behind the tragus, and / or in the auricle or ear cavity. Alternatively, in addition to the acoustic transducer 920 in the ear canal, additional acoustic transducers 920 can also be present on or around the ear. Positioning the acoustic transducer 920 close to the user's ear canal can enable the microphone array to collect information about how the sound reaches the ear canal. By positioning at least two of the multiple acoustic transducers 920 on both sides of the user's head (e.g., as binaural microphones), the augmented reality system 900 can simulate binaural hearing and collect a 3D stereo field around the user's head. In some embodiments, the acoustic transducers 920 (A) and 920 (B) can be connected to the augmented reality system 900 via a wired connection 930, and in other embodiments, the acoustic transducers 920 (A) and 920 (B) can be connected to the augmented reality system 900 via a wireless connection (e.g., a Bluetooth connection). In other embodiments, acoustic transducers 920 (A) and 920 (B) may not be used in conjunction with augmented reality system 900 at all.

[0068] The acoustic transducers 920 on the frame 910 may be positioned along the length of the temples, across the bridge, above or below the display devices 915(A) and 915(B), or some combination thereof. The acoustic transducers 920 may also be oriented so that the microphone array can detect sound in a wide range of directions around the user wearing the augmented reality system 900. In some embodiments, an optimization process may be performed during the manufacture of the augmented reality system 900 to determine the relative positioning of each acoustic transducer 920 in the microphone array.

[0069] In some examples, the augmented reality system 900 may include or may be connected to an external device (e.g., a paired device), such as a neckband 905. The neckband 905 generally represents any type or form of paired device. Therefore, the following discussion of the neckband 905 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.

[0070] As shown, the neckband 905 can be coupled to the eyeglass device 902 via one or more connectors. The connector can be wired or wireless and can include electronic components and / or non-electronic components (e.g., structural components). In some cases, the eyeglass device 902 and the neckband 905 can operate independently without any wired or wireless connection between them. Although Fig. 9Components of the eyeglass device 902 and components of the neckband 905 are shown as being located at exemplary locations on the eyeglass device 902 and the neckband 905, but these components may be located at other locations on the eyeglass device 902 and / or the neckband 905 and / or distributed in different ways on the eyeglass device 902 and / or the neckband 905. In some embodiments, components of the eyeglass device 902 and components of the neckband 905 may be located on one or more additional peripheral devices paired with the eyeglass device 902, on the neckband 905, or some combination thereof.

[0071] Pairing an external device (e.g., a neckband 905) with an augmented reality eyewear device can enable the eyewear device to achieve the form factor of a pair of glasses and still provide sufficient battery power and computing power for the expanded functionality. Some or all of the battery power, computing resources, and / or additional features of the augmented reality system 900 can be provided by a paired device, or shared between a paired device and the eyewear device, thereby reducing the weight, thermal distribution, and form factor of the eyewear device as a whole, while still retaining the desired functionality. For example, the neckband 905 can allow components that were originally included on the eyewear device to be included in the neckband 905, because the weight load borne by the user on his shoulders can be heavier than the weight load borne by the user on his head. The neckband 905 can also have a larger surface area through which heat is diffused and dissipated into the surrounding environment. Therefore, compared to the battery power and computing power feasible on a stand-alone eyewear device, the neckband 905 can allow for greater battery power and greater computing power. Because the weight carried in the neckband 905 can be less intrusive to the user than the weight carried in the eyeglass device 902, the user can tolerate wearing a lighter eyeglass device and carrying or wearing a paired device for a longer period of time than the user can tolerate wearing a heavier stand-alone eyeglass device, thereby enabling the user to more fully integrate the artificial reality environment into their daily activities.

[0072] The neckband 905 can be communicatively coupled to the eyeglass device 902 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 900. Fig. 9 In an embodiment, neckband 905 may include two acoustic transducers (e.g., acoustic transducers 920(I) and 920(J)) as part of a microphone array (or potentially forming their own microphone subarray). Neckband 905 may also include controller 925 and power supply 935.

[0073] The acoustic transducer 920(I) and the acoustic transducer 920(J) of the neckband 905 may be configured to detect sound and convert the detected sound into an electronic format (analog or digital). Fig. 9In an embodiment of the present invention, acoustic transducers 920(I) and 920(J) may be positioned on the neckband 905, thereby increasing the distance between the neckband acoustic transducers 920(I) and 920(J) and other acoustic transducers 920 positioned on the eyeglass device 902. In some cases, increasing the distance between the acoustic transducers 920 of the microphone array may improve the accuracy of beamforming performed via the microphone array. For example, if acoustic transducers 920(C) and 920(D) detect a sound, and the distance between acoustic transducers 920(C) and 920(D) is greater than, for example, the distance between acoustic transducers 920(D) and 920(E), the determined source location of the detected sound may be more accurate than if the sound were detected by acoustic transducers 920(D) and 920(E).

[0074] The controller 925 of the neckband 905 can process information generated by multiple sensors on the neckband 905 and / or the augmented reality system 900. For example, the controller 925 can process information from the microphone array that describes the sound detected by the microphone array. For each detected sound, the controller 925 can perform an estimate of the direction of arrival (Direction-Of-Arrival, DOA) to estimate the direction in which the detected sound arrives at the microphone array. When the microphone array detects a sound, the controller 925 can fill the audio data set with information. In an embodiment where the augmented reality system 900 includes an inertial measurement unit, the controller 925 can calculate all inertial and spatial operations based on the IMU located on the eyeglass device 902. The connector can transmit information between the augmented reality system 900 and the neckband 905, and between the augmented reality system 900 and the controller 925. 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 900 to the neckband 905 can reduce the weight and heat of the eyeglass device 902, making the eyeglass device more comfortable for the user.

[0075] The power supply 935 in the neckband 905 can provide power to the eyeglass device 902 and / or to the neckband 905. The power supply 935 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 935 can be a wired power supply. Including the power supply 935 on the neckband 905 instead of the eyeglass device 902 can help to better distribute the weight and heat generated by the power supply 935.

[0076] As noted, 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 Fig.10 Virtual reality system 1000 that covers most or all of a user's field of view. Virtual reality system 1000 may include a front rigid body 1002 and a band 1004 shaped to fit around a user's head. Virtual reality system 1000 may also include an output audio transducer 1006 (A) and an output audio transducer 1006 (B). In addition, although Fig.10 Not shown, but the front rigid body 1002 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.

[0077] Artificial reality systems may include various types of visual feedback mechanisms. For example, the display device in the augmented reality system 900 and / or the display device in the virtual reality system 1000 may include one or more liquid crystal displays (LCD), one or more light emitting diodes (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 multiple optical subsystems with one or more lenses (e.g., conventional 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., toward 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).

[0078] In addition to or in lieu of using a display screen, some artificial reality systems may include one or more projection systems. For example, a display device in the augmented reality system 900 and / or a display device in the virtual reality system 1000 may include a micro-LED projector that projects light (using, for example, a waveguide) into a 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 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.

[0079] The artificial reality system may also include various types of computer vision components and subsystems. For example, the augmented reality system 900 and / or the virtual reality system 1000 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.

[0080] The artificial reality system may also include one or more input audio converters and / or output audio converters. Fig.10 In the example shown in , the output audio transducers 1006 (A) and 1006 (B) may include voice coil speakers, ribbon speakers, electrostatic speakers, piezoelectric speakers, bone conduction transducers, cartilage conduction transducers, tragus vibration transducers, and / or any other suitable type or form of audio transducers. Similarly, the input audio transducers may include condenser microphones, dynamic microphones, ribbon microphones, and / or any other type or form of input transducers. In some embodiments, a single transducer may be used for both audio input and audio output.

[0081] Despite Fig. 9Not shown, but artificial reality systems may include tactile (i.e., haptic) feedback systems that may 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. Tactile feedback systems may provide various types of skin feedback including vibration, force, pull, texture, and / or temperature. Tactile feedback systems may also provide various types of kinesthetic feedback, such as motion and compliance. Tactile feedback may be implemented using motors, piezoelectric actuators, fluid systems, and / or various other types of feedback mechanisms. Tactile feedback systems may be implemented independently of other artificial reality devices, within other artificial reality devices, and / or in combination with other artificial reality devices.

[0082] By providing tactile perception, auditory content, and / or visual content, artificial reality systems can create complete virtual experiences or enhance the user's real-world experience in various contexts and environments. For example, artificial reality systems can assist or expand the user's perception, memory, or cognition in a specific environment. Some systems can enhance the user's interaction with other people in the real world, or can achieve more immersive interaction 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 the user's artificial reality experience in one or more of these contexts and environments and / or in other contexts and environments.

[0083] 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 illustrated 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.

[0084] The foregoing 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 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.

[0085] 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, the terms "including" and "having" (and their derivatives) used in the specification and claims are interchangeable with the word "comprising" and have the same meaning.

[0086] It should be understood that when an element (e.g., a layer or region) is referred to as being formed on, deposited on, or disposed “on” or “over” another element, the element may be directly on at least a portion of the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may also be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or “directly over” another element, the element may be on at least a portion of the other element without the presence of intermediate elements.

[0087] As used herein, in certain embodiments, the term "about" with respect to a particular value or range of values ​​may refer to and include the value and all values ​​within 10% of the value. Thus, for example, in certain embodiments, a value of "50" referred to as "about 50" may include values ​​equal to 50±5, i.e., values ​​within the range of 45 to 55.

[0088] As used herein, the term "substantially" with respect to a given parameter, property, or condition can refer to and include the degree to which those skilled in the art will understand that the given parameter, property, or condition is met with a minor degree of variation (e.g., within acceptable manufacturing tolerances). For example, depending on the particular parameter, property, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, property, or condition can be at least about 90% met, at least about 95% met, or even at least about 99% met.

[0089] Although the transition phrase "comprising" may be used to disclose various features, elements, or steps of a particular embodiment, it should be understood that alternative embodiments (including embodiments that may be described using the transition phrases "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of") are implied. Thus, for example, implicit alternative embodiments of a prism comprising or including polycarbonate include embodiments in which the prism consists essentially of polycarbonate and embodiments in which the prism consists of polycarbonate.

Claims

1. A geometric waveguide, comprising: Carrier board; an input prism mounted in a recess formed in the carrier plate; a main prism element, the main prism element being disposed in a main recess of the carrier plate; as well as The secondary prism element is disposed in the secondary cavity of the carrier.

2. The geometric waveguide according to claim 1, wherein: The input prism comprises glass.

3. The geometric waveguide according to claim 1, wherein: The primary prismatic element and the secondary prismatic element each include a polymer material.

4. The geometric waveguide according to claim 1, wherein: The composition of the primary prismatic element is substantially the same as the composition of the secondary prismatic element.

5. The geometric waveguide according to claim 1, wherein: The primary prismatic element and the secondary prismatic element are each bonded to the carrier using an optical adhesive.

6. The geometric waveguide according to claim 1, wherein: The refractive index of the primary prismatic element is substantially equal to the refractive index of the secondary prismatic element.

7. The geometric waveguide according to claim 1, wherein: The primary prismatic element and the secondary prismatic element each include an array of parallel facets.

8. The geometric waveguide according to claim 1, wherein: The primary prismatic element comprises an array of facets that merge with complementary structures formed in the primary recesses of the carrier, and the secondary prismatic element comprises an array of facets that merge with complementary structures formed in the secondary recesses of the carrier.

9. The geometric waveguide according to claim 8, wherein: The surface of the primary prism element opposite to the facet array of the primary prism element is substantially flat, the surface of the secondary prism element opposite to the facet array of the secondary prism element is substantially flat, and the substantially flat surface of the primary prism element and the substantially flat surface of the secondary prism element are substantially coplanar.

10. The geometric waveguide according to claim 1, further comprising a capping layer, wherein the capping layer is disposed on a surface of the main prism element opposite to the facet array of the main prism element and a surface of the sub-prism element opposite to the facet array of the sub-prism element.

11. The geometric waveguide according to claim 10, wherein: The capping layer has a refractive index that is less than a refractive index of the primary prismatic element and less than a refractive index of the secondary prismatic element.

12. The geometric waveguide according to claim 1, wherein: Light incident on the primary prism element is directed to the secondary prism element.

13. A geometric waveguide, comprising: Carrier board; a primary prismatic element disposed within a primary recess of the carrier, the primary prismatic element comprising an array of facets oriented at a first angle; as well as A secondary prismatic element is disposed within a secondary recess of the carrier adjacent to the primary recess, the secondary prismatic element comprising an array of facets oriented at a second angle.

14. The geometric waveguide according to claim 13, wherein: The top surface of the carrier is coplanar with the top surface of the primary prismatic element; and The top surface of the carrier is coplanar with a top surface of the sub-prismatic element.

15. The geometric waveguide according to claim 13, wherein: The refractive index of the carrier, the refractive index of the primary prismatic element and the refractive index of the secondary prismatic element are substantially equal.

16. The geometric waveguide according to claim 13, wherein: The top surface and the bottom surface of the carrier are coplanar.

17. A method comprising: forming a primary prism element; forming a sub-prismatic element; forming a functional coating on an active surface of the primary prism element; forming a functional coating on an active surface of the sub-prismatic element; aligning and bonding the primary prismatic element to a carrier; as well as The sub-prismatic element is aligned and bonded to the carrier.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: Forming the primary prismatic element includes molding a first optical polymer, and forming the secondary prismatic element includes molding a second optical polymer.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The functional coating formed on the active surface of the primary prism element has a refractive index less than that of the primary prism element, and the functional coating formed on the active surface of the secondary prism element has a refractive index less than that of the secondary prism element.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising planarizing an opposing surface of the carrier.

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