Waveguide for display composed of combination of flat surface and curved surface using plurality of input couplers

Abstract

A waveguide (202, 502, 600, 700) for a display (100) comprised of a combination of a flat surface (508, 608, 708) and a curved surface (510, 610, 710) using a plurality of input couplers (204, 504, 604, 704, 912) includes additional input couplers incorporated into the waveguide spaced apart from each other at a precise angle (916, 1216), for example, that matches or corresponds to a grating angle associated with the waveguide (202, 502, 600, 700), this allows light (206, 605, 705, 908, 910) to be injected into the same grating structure at multiple locations while still maintaining k-space closure and thus preventing undesired refraction or distortion. A region in the waveguide (202, 502, 600, 700) that immediately surrounds the input coupler (204, 504, 604, 704, 912) and the output coupler (210, 506, 606, 706, 914) includes a flat surface (508, 608, 708), and a region between the input coupler (204, 504, 604, 704, 912) and the output coupler (210, 506, 606, 706, 914) includes one or more curved surfaces (510, 610, 710).

Description

Background Art

[0001] In a head-mounted display (HMD), light from an image source is coupled into a light-guiding substrate, often referred to as a waveguide, via an optical input coupling element, such as an input coupling grating (i.e., an "input coupler" or "incoupler"), which can be formed on one or more surfaces of the substrate or disposed within the substrate. Once the light beam has been coupled into the waveguide, it is typically "guided" through the substrate by multiple total internal reflections (TIR) ​​or by a coated surface. The guided light beam is then directed out of the waveguide via an output optical coupling (i.e., an "outcoupler" or "outcoupler"), which can also take the form of an optical grating. The output coupler directs the light to an eye relief distance from the waveguide, thereby forming an exit pupil, within which a user of the display device can view the virtual image generated by the image source. In many cases, an exit pupil expander—which can also take the form of an optical grating—is arranged at an intermediate stage between the input coupler and the output coupler to receive light coupled into the waveguide by the input coupler, expand the light, and redirect the light toward the output coupler. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] By referring to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure can be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The use of the same reference numerals in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

[0003] Figure 1 An example display system with a waveguide having multiple segments and an input coupler is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0004] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a method according to some embodiments Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram of a cross-sectional view of an example implementation of a waveguide.

[0005] Figure 3 An example of light propagation within a waveguide implementing a one-dimensional grating is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0006] Figure 4 An example of light propagation within a waveguide implementing a two-dimensional grating is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0007] Figure 5 A waveguide including multiple segments and an input coupler configured according to some embodiments is shown embedded in a lens element of a display system.

[0008] Figure 6 A top view of a waveguide comprising multiple segments embedded in a lens element of a display system according to a binocular embodiment is shown.

[0009] Figure 7 A top view of a waveguide comprising multiple segments embedded in a lens element of a display system according to a binocular embodiment is shown.

[0010] Figure 8 A k-space diagram and an x-space diagram of a conventional waveguide are shown.

[0011] Figure 9 K-space and x-space diagrams are shown of one or more waveguides in a lens element of a display system including a plurality of input couplers configured according to some embodiments.

[0012] Figure 10 and Figure 11 Shown according to Figure 9 Examples of how image sources and / or input couplers are distributed relative to the lenses.

[0013] Figure 12 K-space and x-space diagrams are shown of one or more waveguides in a lens element of a display system including a plurality of input couplers configured according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 13 Shown according to Figure 12 Examples of how image sources and / or input couplers are distributed relative to the lenses.

[0015] Figures 14 to 19 K-space and x-space diagrams are shown of one or more waveguides in a lens element of a display system including a plurality of input couplers configured according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 20 is a flow chart illustrating an overall example method of making an eyewear display according to some embodiments. Summary of the Invention

[0017] Embodiments described herein provide waveguide configurations / architectures that overcome the light distortion and artifact issues experienced with conventional curved waveguides. In embodiments, an eye-mounted display device includes a light engine for projecting display light, a waveguide for directing the display light toward a user's eye, and a plurality of input couplers for coupling the display light into the waveguide, wherein the waveguide includes an angled grating, and the input couplers are disposed within or around the waveguide at corresponding separation angles relative to the angle of the grating. In some embodiments, the waveguide includes a curved region and a flat region. In some embodiments, the separation angle is one of approximately 60 degrees, approximately 120 degrees, and approximately 180 degrees.

[0018] In some embodiments, multiple input couplers create overlapping fields of view (FOV) areas in the waveguide. In some embodiments, multiple input couplers create non-overlapping fields of view (FOV) areas in the waveguide. In some embodiments, multiple input couplers create two or more fields of view (FOV) areas in the waveguide simultaneously. In some embodiments, each of the two or more FOV areas includes an image having a common resolution. In some embodiments, each of the two or more FOV areas includes an image having a different resolution. In some embodiments, the two or more FOV areas provide a primary display and a secondary display. In some embodiments, the primary display FOV area displays text. In some embodiments, multiple input couplers create two or more fields of view (FOV) areas with binocular alignment. In some embodiments, binocular alignment is applied to the FOV visible to both eyes of the user wearing the device.

[0019] In another embodiment, a waveguide includes a plurality of input couplers for coupling display light into the waveguide, wherein the waveguide includes an angled grating and the input couplers are arranged in or around the waveguide at corresponding separation angles with respect to the angle of the grating. In some embodiments, the waveguide includes a curved region and a flat region. In some embodiments, the separation angle is one of about 60 degrees, about 120 degrees, and about 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the plurality of input couplers create overlapping fields of view (FOV) regions in the waveguide. In some embodiments, the plurality of input couplers create non-overlapping fields of view (FOV) regions in the waveguide. In some embodiments, the plurality of input couplers create two or more fields of view (FOV) regions in the waveguide simultaneously. In some embodiments, each of the two or more FOV regions includes an image having a different resolution.

[0020] In another embodiment, a method includes: projecting display light from an image source; coupling the display light into a waveguide via a plurality of input couplers, wherein the waveguide includes an angled grating and the input couplers are disposed in or around the waveguide at corresponding separation angles with respect to an angle of the grating; guiding the display light through the waveguide via total internal reflection; and coupling the display light out of the waveguide via an output coupler. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Near-eye displays, such as eye-mounted displays, have numerous practical and leisure applications, but the development and adoption of wearable electronic displays has been limited by the optical, aesthetic, manufacturing, thickness, field of view, and prescription lens limitations of the optical systems used to implement existing displays. For example, many conventional examples of eye-mounted displays implement planar / flat waveguides in an attempt to maximize the waveguide's optical performance. However, when compared to the smoother, more streamlined appearance of typical curved eyeglass and sunglass lenses, embedding planar waveguides within curved lenses often results in a very bulky lens configuration and an unnatural appearance on the user's face. Consequently, curved waveguide structures have been developed to, among other things, overcome the constraints planar waveguides impose on the lens and frame designs of eye-mounted displays. Compared to planar waveguides, curved waveguides better conform to the curvature of the lens and allow for thinner lenses within eye-mounted displays. However, the non-parallel or non-flat surfaces of curved waveguides tend to propagate light at different angles, thereby degrading the waveguide's optical performance. For example, the displayed information represented by this light may be distorted, and artifacts such as ghosting may be introduced into the displayed image.

[0022] Thus, described herein are example waveguide configurations / architectures that overcome the optical distortion and artifact issues experienced with conventional curved waveguides. As described in greater detail below, according to the waveguide configurations described herein, a waveguide is embedded within a curved lens (such as an ophthalmic lens) of an eye-worn display device or other near-eye display device. The waveguide includes an input coupler, an exit pupil expander, and an output coupler. In a first configuration, the waveguide includes a plurality of planar / flat segmented sections. As used herein, "planar" and "flat" sections refer to substantially non-curved and straight sections of the waveguide.

[0023] A first segmented section of the waveguide is located between the input coupler and the exit pupil expander and includes an angled configuration. For example, the first segmented section includes a first sub-segment and a second sub-segment that are angled relative to each other. In another example, the first segmented section includes at least one section that is angled relative to another segmented section of the waveguide located before the input coupler. Angling the first segmented section of the waveguide allows the first segmented section of the waveguide to better conform to the curvature of the lens and further allows light to bend due to the light passing through the two planar surfaces at different angles.

[0024] A second segmented section of the waveguide located between the exit pupil expander and the output coupler includes a flat configuration. In other words, the angle of the second segmented section of the waveguide does not change between the exit pupil expander and the output coupler. A third segmented section of the waveguide located after the output coupler includes a flat or angled configuration. For example, the third segmented section includes a first sub-segment and a second sub-segment that are angled relative to each other. In another example, the third segmented section includes at least one section that is angled relative to the second segmented section. In yet another example, the third segmented section includes a flat configuration such that the angle along the third segmented section does not change. It should be understood that in at least some embodiments, the first waveguide configuration includes one or more segmented sections that are flat or angled located before the input coupler. It should further be understood that the first waveguide configuration may include additional segmented sections, wherein one or more of the segmented sections of the waveguide may include multiple sub-segments.

[0025] In a second configuration, the waveguide is comprised of a plurality of segmented sections, wherein one or more of the segmented sections are curved and at least one of the segmented sections is flat. For example, a first segmented section located between the input coupler and the exit pupil expander comprises a curved configuration. Here, a "curved" configuration refers to a non-flat structure that curves in a smooth, continuous manner without sharp angles, as compared to an "angled" configuration, which has two substantially straight sections of the waveguide that intersect at a common point. Similar to the first waveguide configuration, curving the first segmented section of the waveguide allows the waveguide to better conform to the curvature of the lens and further allows light rays to curve as they travel within the volume defined by the curved surface.

[0026] In another example, the first segmented section includes at least one curved sub-segment and at least one flat sub-segment. In at least some embodiments, the flat segment or sub-segment is angled relative to another segmented section of the waveguide located before the input coupler. Similar to the first waveguide configuration, the second segmented section of the waveguide located between the exit pupil expander and the output coupler includes a flat configuration. In other words, the angle of the second segmented section of the waveguide does not change between the exit pupil expander and the output coupler. The third segmented section of the waveguide located after the output coupler includes a curved, flat, or angled configuration. For example, the third segmented section includes the first sub-segment and the second sub-segment that are angled relative to each other.

[0027] In another example, the third segmented section includes at least one section that is angled relative to the second segmented section. In yet another example, the third segmented section includes a flat configuration such that the angle along the third segmented section does not vary. It should be understood that in at least some embodiments, the second waveguide configuration includes one or more sections that are curved, flat, or angled before the input coupler. It should further be understood that the second waveguide configuration can include additional segmented sections, wherein one or more of the segmented sections of the waveguide can include multiple sub-segments.

[0028] The first segmented section of the waveguide is angled or curved in the first and second configurations, respectively, while the second segmented section is flat because any deformation caused by the light during its travel between the input coupler and the exit pupil expander is common to all output coupling positions of the output coupler. Therefore, a common correction can be applied to the displayed information of all exit pupils. In contrast, any deformation caused by the light during its travel between the exit pupil expander and the output coupler varies across the coupling-out position of the output coupler, and the correction of the deformation is specific to each exit pupil. By implementing the second segmented section with a flat configuration between the exit pupil expander and the output coupler, deformation of the light traveling in this waveguide region is reduced or eliminated. Therefore, the waveguide configuration described herein allows the waveguide to be embedded within a curved lens, such that it has a reduced thickness compared to conventional planar waveguides and has increased optical performance compared to conventional curved waveguides.

[0029] It should be noted that although some embodiments of the present disclosure are described and illustrated with reference to a specific example near-eye display system in the form of an eye-mounted display device, it should be understood that the apparatus and techniques of the present disclosure are not limited to this specific example, but may be implemented in any of a variety of display systems using the guidance provided herein.

[0030] Figure 1 An example display system 100 is shown that can implement one or more of the waveguide configurations described herein. It should be understood that the waveguide configurations of one or more embodiments are not limited to Figure 1The display system 100 is applicable to other display systems. In at least some embodiments, the display system 100 includes a support structure 102 including temples 104 that house a light engine configured to project an image toward a user's eye such that the user perceives the projected image as displayed in a field of view (FOV) area 106 of the display at one or both of lens elements 108, 110. In the depicted embodiment, the display system 100 is a near-eye display system in the form of an eye-mounted display device that includes the support structure 102 configured to be worn on the user's head and has the general shape and appearance of an eyeglass frame. The support structure 102 includes various components, such as a light engine, an optical scanner, and a waveguide, to facilitate projecting such images toward the user's eye. In at least some embodiments, the support structure 102 further includes various sensors, such as one or more front-facing cameras, rear-facing cameras, other light sensors, motion sensors, accelerometers, and the like. The support structure 102 may further include one or more radio frequency (RF) interfaces or other wireless interfaces, such as a Bluetooth (TM) interface, a Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) interface, or the like.

[0031] Further, in at least some embodiments, the support structure 102 includes one or more batteries or other portable power sources for supplying power to the electrical components of the display system 100. In at least some embodiments, some or all of these components of the display system 100 are fully or partially contained within the interior volume of the support structure 102, such as within the temples 104 in the region 112 of the support structure 102. It should be noted that while example form factors are depicted, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the display system 100 may have a substantially uniform form factor. Figure 1 The eyeglass frames depicted vary in shape and appearance.

[0032] The display system 100 uses one or both of the lens elements 108, 110 to provide an augmented reality (AR) or mixed reality (MR) display, in which rendered graphical content is superimposed on or otherwise provided in conjunction with a real-world view perceived by a user through the lens elements 108, 110. For example, display light used to form a perceptible image or series of images may be projected by the display system 100's light engine via a series of optical elements, such as a waveguide formed at least partially in the corresponding lens element, one or more scanning mirrors, and one or more optical relays, toward the user's eye. Thus, one or both of the lens elements 108, 110 include at least a portion of a waveguide that routes display light received by an input coupler or couplers of the waveguide to an output coupler of the waveguide, which outputs the display light toward the eye of the user of the display system 100. The display light is modulated and scanned toward the user's eye so that the user perceives the display light as an image. Additionally, each of the lens elements 108, 110 is sufficiently transparent to allow a user to see through the lens element to provide a view of the user's real-world environment such that the image appears superimposed on at least a portion of the real-world environment.

[0033] In at least some embodiments, the light engine is a matrix-based projector, a digital light processing-based projector, a scanning laser projector, or any combination of a modulated light source (such as a laser or one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) and a dynamic reflector mechanism (such as one or more dynamic scanners or digital light processors). In at least some embodiments, the light engine includes a plurality of micro-LEDs. The light engine is communicatively coupled to a controller and a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium or memory storing processor-executable instructions and other data that, when executed by the controller, causes the controller to control the operation of the light engine. In at least some embodiments, the controller controls the scan area size and scan area position of the light engine and is communicatively coupled to a processor (not shown) that generates content to be displayed on display system 100. The projector scans light onto a variable area of ​​display system 100, designated as FOV area 106. The scan area size corresponds to the size of FOV area 106, and the scan area position corresponds to the area of ​​one of lens elements 108, 110 where FOV area 106 is visible to the user. Generally, it is desirable for a display to have a wide FOV to accommodate light outcoupling across a wide range of angles.In this document, the range of different user eye positions that can see a display is referred to as the eyebox of the display.

[0034] Figure 2 Depicts such as Figure 1FIG2 is a cross-sectional view 200 of an implementation of the lens element 110 of the display system 100 of FIG2. Note that for illustrative purposes, at least some dimensions in the Z direction are exaggerated to improve visibility of the aspects represented. In this example implementation, a lens element 110 may be formed. Figure 1 2. The waveguide 202 of a portion of the lens element 110 of FIG. 1 implements a diffractive optical structure in a region 208 on a side of the waveguide 202 opposite to the diffractive optical structure of the region 210. Specifically, the diffractive optical structure of the input coupler 204 is implemented on the eye-facing side 205 of the lens element 110. Likewise, the diffractive optical structure of the region 210 (which provides the output coupler functionality) is implemented at the eye-facing side 205. Further, in the illustrated implementation, the diffractive optical structure of the region 208 (which provides the EPE functionality) is implemented at the world-facing side 207 of the lens element 110 opposite to the eye-facing side 205. Thus, according to this approach, display light 206 from a light source 209, which includes components capable of pixel shifting a time-division multiplexed display to produce increased perceived display resolution, is input-coupled into the waveguide 202 via the input coupler 204 and propagates toward region 208 (in this example by total internal reflection), whereupon the diffractive optical structure of region 208 diffracts the incident display light for the purpose of exit pupil expansion, and the resulting light propagates to the diffractive optical structure of region 210, which outputs the display light toward the user's eye 212. In other implementations, the positions of regions 208 and 210 may be reversed, with the diffractive optical structure of region 210 formed on the world-facing side 207 and the diffractive optical structure of region 208 formed on the eye-facing side 205, however, this may result in regions 208 and 210 having different positions, sizes, and shapes, and may also require the diffractive optical structure in each region to have different characteristics.

[0035] Figure 3 shows that when a one-dimensional (1D) grating is implemented according to some embodiments, Figure 2 2. As shown, light received via input coupler 204 is directed to region 208 and then directed to region 210 for output (e.g., toward a user's eye 212). In some embodiments, region 208 extends a display system (e.g., Figure 1 208 ). In some embodiments, the input coupler 204 and the region 208 each include a respective 1D diffraction grating (i.e., a diffraction grating extending along one dimension) that diffracts incident light in a particular direction based on the incident light's angle of incidence and aspects of the diffraction grating's structure. It will be appreciated that Figure 3 A substantially ideal situation is shown, wherein the input coupler 204 directs light vertically downward (relative to the view currently shown), and the region 208 directs light to the right (relative to the view currently shown) in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. Although not shown in this example, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the first direction in which the input coupler 204 directs light is slightly or substantially diagonal.

[0036] In at least some embodiments, region 208 and region 210 are separated into or onto separate segments of waveguide 202. For example, input coupler 204 and region 208 are located in or onto a first segment, and region 210 is located in or onto a second segment, wherein a planar direction of the first segment is substantially parallel to a planar direction of the second segment. In some embodiments, input coupler 204 and region 208 are located in or onto a first substrate, and region 210 is located in or onto a second substrate, wherein the first and second substrates are arranged adjacent to each other in the manner described herein.

[0037] In at least some embodiments, waveguide 202 includes multiple substrates, wherein region 208 is located in or on a first substrate, and region 210 is located in or on a second substrate that is separate from and adjacent to the first substrate. In some embodiments, a separator element is positioned between the first and second substrates. For example, the separator element is an air gap (or gas-filled gap), a layer of low refractive index material, a polarizing beam splitter layer, or any combination thereof. In at least some embodiments, the separator element includes additional elements or openings to guide light from the first substrate to the second substrate.

[0038] Figure 4 shows that when a two-dimensional (2D) grating is implemented according to some embodiments, Figure 2 Another example of light propagation within waveguide 202. As shown, light received via input coupler 204 is directed to region 210 for output (e.g., toward a user's eye 212). Figure 4 In the example shown, waveguide 202 does not implement region 208, or region 208 is combined with region 210. If region 208 is combined with region 210, region 208 extends the eye-tracking range of the display system in one or more dimensions, as described above. In this example, region 210 comprises a 2D diffraction grating (i.e., a diffraction grating extending in two dimensions) that diffracts incident light in a specific direction that depends on the angle of incidence of the incident light and structural aspects of the diffraction grating.

[0039] As described above, achieving a completely flat waveguide in a curved lens typically requires the use of a thicker lens, which is undesirable from a design and aesthetics perspective, and achieving a completely curved waveguide in a curved lens increases the likelihood of distorting displayed information or introducing artifacts in the displayed image. Accordingly, waveguide 202 implements one or more configurations / architectures that overcome the design and aesthetic issues of a completely flat waveguide, as well as the light distortion and artifact issues caused by conventional curved waveguides.

[0040] Figure 5 shows that embedded in Figure 1 500 of a front view of a waveguide 502 in a lens element of a display system of display system 100 including multiple segments and input couplers configured in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, in some embodiments, the waveguide 502 includes multiple input couplers 504 and at least one output coupler 506. In this example, regions 508 of the waveguide 502 immediately surrounding the input couplers 504 and the output couplers 506 include flat or substantially flat surfaces, while regions of curvature 510 of the waveguide 502 between and / or otherwise outside the input couplers 504 and the output couplers 506 include one or more curved surfaces or regions. In some embodiments, display light projected into the one or more input couplers 504 includes compensation for any distortion caused by the regions of curvature 510. In other words, in some embodiments, the display light projected into the one or more input couplers 504 includes compensation for any distortion caused by the regions of curvature 510. Figure 2 The light source 209 of the light source and / or one or more associated lenses or other optical elements (such as one or more gratings) applies distortion to the display light to compensate for the distortion caused by the curvature region 510 through which the display light passes. In some embodiments, the input coupler 504 is located at various locations in or around the glasses or lenses, such as in or near the temples, browbands, and / or bridges. In some embodiments, the waveguide 502 uses a 2D grating structure similar to or the same as in the single input coupler implementation.

[0041] Figure 6 The embedded image according to the binocular embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 1 FIG6 shows a top view 600 of a waveguide comprising multiple segments in a lens element of a display system of the display system 100. In this example, one input coupler 604 directs display light 605 toward two output couplers 606 in a single substrate 612 or substrate stack that extends across both eyes of the user 620. An area 608 between the input coupler 604 and the output coupler 606 in the lens / substrate 612 comprises a substantially flat surface, while an area 610 outside of the flat area 608 comprises a curved surface.

[0042] Figure 7 The embedded image according to the binocular embodiment is shown in FIG. Figure 1A top view 700 of a waveguide comprising multiple segments in a lens element of a display system of the display system 100. In this example, display light 705 is projected into two distinct input couplers 704, which direct the light toward two output couplers 706 in a single substrate or substrate stack that extends across both eyes, thereby achieving a binocular display with a separate image displayed for each eye. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 7 , the region 708 between the input coupler 704 and the output coupler 706 in the lens / substrate 712 comprises a substantially flat surface, while the region 710 outside of the flat region 708 comprises a curved surface. Figure 7 Not explicitly shown, but in some embodiments, the region 714 between the input couplers 704 includes a curved surface.

[0043] Figure 8 A k-space map 802 and an x-space map 804 of a conventional waveguide are shown. The k-space map (also called a k-vector or k-domain map) indicates the angular ratios in the waveguide, while the x-space map indicates the spatial relationship between various parts of the waveguide (such as the input coupler and the output coupler). Figure 8 As shown, the center square 806 in the k-space diagram 802 indicates the location of the input coupler and the output coupler, while the arrows 808 indicate potential paths that light can take through the waveguide as it passes between the input coupler and the output coupler. Figure 8 As shown, due to the correct angular alignment of the input coupler, output coupler and waveguide, substantially all of the light that enters the waveguide at the input coupler exits the waveguide at the output coupler. Figure 8 In the x-space diagram 804 , the small dashed square 812 indicates an input coupler that will show light 808 propagating downward across a larger rectangular output coupler 814 .

[0044] although Figure 8 Conventional waveguides in [ 1 ] are suitable for providing display light to a user, but the etendue is limited at the input coupler, and the light source intended to be projected into the input coupler may have an exit pupil that is too large to be efficiently coupled into the input coupler. One solution to this problem is to use a smaller exit pupil for the light source, but this will result in a noticeable darkening of the viewed image due to the light losses associated with reducing the size of the light source's exit pupil.

[0045] Figure 9 Shown in such Figure 1Figure 902 shows a k-space diagram 904 of one or more waveguides in a lens element of a display system of the display system of the display system of the embodiment of the present invention, including multiple input couplers configured according to some embodiments. To address issues of conventional waveguides, including limited brightness and limited coupling efficiency between the input couplers and the light source exit pupil, in some embodiments, additional input couplers are incorporated into the waveguide (or a second waveguide in the lens) at precise angles spaced apart from each other, such as to match or correspond to one or more grating angles in the input couplers, output couplers, and / or waveguide (i.e., the input couplers are positioned at corresponding separation angles with respect to the gratings within or around the eye-mounted display device, lens element, or waveguide). This allows light to be injected into the same grating structure from multiple locations while maintaining k-space closure, thereby preventing undesirable refraction or distortion.

[0046] For example, Figure 9 As shown, by providing such a separation angle 916 between the light source and / or the input coupler, the input display lights 908, 910 follow separate paths but both arrive in the general vicinity of the output coupler (or multiple output couplers) 914. Thus, in some embodiments, as shown Figure 9 As shown in the x-space diagram 904 of FIG. 1 , two physical input coupler positions indicated by dashed squares 912 provide display light 908, 910 from two or more separate light sources to a single output coupler 914 or a set of output couplers co-located with the eyebox of a lens or other display. Thus, two light sources can provide light to a single eyebox of a lens or other display without undesirable refraction or distortion because the light paths still form a closed path in k-space (e.g., Figure 9 902). Figure 9 A separation angle of about 60 degrees between the light sources and / or input couplers is indicated, but in some embodiments, other angles such as about 120 degrees and about 180 degrees separate the light sources and / or input couplers. Notably, these increments produce equilateral triangles in the k-space diagram, such as Figure 9 and Figure 12 shown. Figure 10 and Figure 11 Shown according to Figure 9 An example image of how the source and / or input coupler 912 may be positioned relative to, for example, Figure 1 An example of a distribution of lens elements 108, 110 of the display system 100 is shown. For example, in Figure 10 In , three input couplers 912 are spaced around lens element 1000 at a separation angle 916 of 60 degrees; and in Figure 11 In FIG, four input couplers 912 are spaced apart at a 60 degree separation angle 916. In general, to implement various aspects of the present disclosure, one may employ a device such as a Figure 1 The display system 100 may implement any number of input couplers and light sources in the display system and space them apart by appropriate separation angles.

[0047] Figure 12 Shown in such Figure 1 Figure 120 shows a k-space map 1202 and an x-space map 1204 of one or more waveguides including a plurality of input couplers configured according to some embodiments in a lens element of the display system 100 of the display system 100. In this example, a separation angle 1216 of 120 degrees determines the position of the light source and / or input coupler 912. Figure 13 Shown according to Figure 12 How can the example light source and / or input coupler 912 be relative to an example such as Figure 1 An example of a distribution of lens elements 108, 110 of the display system 100 is shown. Figure 13 As shown in the example of , two input couplers 912 are spaced apart around the perimeter of lens element 1000 at a separation angle 1216 of 120 degrees.

[0048] Figures 14 to 19 Shown in such Figure 1 k-space and x-space diagrams of one or more waveguides in a lens element of the display system 100 including a plurality of input couplers configured according to some embodiments. Figures 14 to 19 Each of the figures shows a k-space diagram and an x-space diagram of a separate input coupler among a plurality of input couplers of a single lens. Figures 14 to 19 As shown in each of the figures, and indicated by the shaded areas in the x-space diagrams, each input coupler generates a slightly different FOV region 140, or viewable area, for display light transmitted through the waveguide in the lens element. In some embodiments, overlapping or non-overlapping FOV regions, each of which can be generated by separate light sources and / or input couplers, are utilized in a single lens. In some embodiments, two or more FOV regions are generated simultaneously. In some embodiments, the FOV regions include images having a common resolution or different resolutions, for example, as a result of the separate light sources and / or input couplers providing a common or different resolution.

[0049] For example, in some embodiments, a first region associated with a first input coupler or set of input couplers is aligned with the output coupler and / or provides a high-resolution display, which may include text or a primary display, while a second region associated with a second input coupler or set of input couplers may be slightly misaligned with the output coupler and / or may provide a lower-resolution display, which may include an auxiliary or secondary display, such as a turn indicator (e.g., an arrow) for use with a navigation display, or a directional indicator (e.g., an arrow or flashing light) that indicates a point of interest that a user can view by turning their head according to the directional indicator. In some embodiments, the FOV regions are aligned in a binocular implementation. In some embodiments, binocular alignment is applied to the entire FOV or only to the central region of the lens. For example, in some embodiments, the entire virtual or combined FOV is visible to both eyes (e.g., 100% binocular overlap), while in other embodiments, only the central portion of the FOV is visible to both eyes, while the edge regions of the FOV are only visible to one eye (e.g., partial binocular overlap).

[0050] Figure 20 In the form of a flow chart, a method for performing a Figure 1 An overview of an example method 2020 for providing display light in an eye-mounted display system of the display system 100 of FIG. At block 2000, the display receives light from a source such as Figure 2 The light source 209 of one or more light engines projects display light onto Figure 2 At block 2002, a waveguide 202 of a waveguide is formed via a Figure 2 Input coupler 204, Figure 5 Input coupler 504, Figure 6 Input coupler 604, Figure 7 The input coupler 704 or Figure 9 The plurality of input couplers of input coupler 912 couple the display light into the waveguide. In some embodiments, the waveguide includes an angled grating, and the input couplers are disposed in or around the waveguide at corresponding separation angles with respect to the angle of the grating. At block 2004, the display light is guided through the waveguide via total internal reflection. At block 2006, the display light is guided via a plurality of input couplers such as Figure 2 The output coupler 210, Figure 5 Output coupler 506, Figure 6 Output coupler 606, Figure 7 The output coupler 706 or Figure 9 One or more output couplers 914 couple display light out of the waveguide toward one or both eyes of a user.

[0051] In some embodiments, certain aspects of the technology described above can be implemented by one or more processors of a processing system that executes software. The software includes one or more executable instruction sets stored or otherwise tangibly embodied on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The software may include instructions and certain data that manipulate one or more processors to perform one or more aspects of the technology described above when executed by one or more processors. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include, for example, a magnetic or optical disk storage device, a solid-state storage device (such as a flash memory), a cache, a random access memory (RAM), or one or more other non-volatile memory devices. The executable instructions stored on the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be source code, assembly language code, object code, or other instruction formats that are interpreted or otherwise executable by one or more processors.

[0052] Computer-readable storage media may include any storage medium or combination of storage media that can be accessed by a computer system during use to provide instructions and / or data to the computer system. Such storage media may include, but are not limited to, optical media (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs), magnetic media (e.g., floppy disks, magnetic tapes, or magnetic hard disks), volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or cache), non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory), or microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based storage media. Computer-readable storage media may be embedded in a computing system (e.g., system RAM or ROM), securely attached to a computing system (e.g., a magnetic hard drive), removably attached to a computing system (e.g., an optical disc or flash memory based on a universal serial bus (USB)), or coupled to a computer system via a wired or wireless network (e.g., network accessible storage (NAS)).

[0053] It should be noted that not all activities or elements described above in the general description are required, parts of a specific activity or device may not be required, and one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described, or one or more further elements may be included. Still further, the order in which the activities are listed is not necessarily the order in which they are performed. In addition, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] The benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with respect to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any features that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to appear or become more prominent should not be construed as key, essential, or essential features of any or all of the claims. Moreover, the specific embodiments disclosed above are merely illustrative, as the disclosed subject matter can be modified and practiced in different but equivalent ways that will be apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. No limitation is intended to the details of construction or design shown herein, except as described in the appended claims. Therefore, it is apparent that the specific embodiments disclosed above may be changed or modified, and all such variations are considered to be within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Therefore, the protection sought herein is precisely what is set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An eye-mounted display device, comprising: A light engine, the light engine being used to project display light; a waveguide comprising a grating having an angle to direct the display light toward a user's eyes; and A plurality of input couplers are disposed in or around the waveguide at corresponding separation angles with respect to the angle of the grating to couple the display light into the waveguide.

2. The eye-mounted display device according to claim 1, wherein: The waveguide includes a curved region and a flat region.

3. The eye-mounted display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The separation angle is one of about 60 degrees, about 120 degrees, and about 180 degrees.

4. The eye-mounted display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plurality of input couplers create overlapping fields of view (FOV) regions in the waveguide.

5. The eye-mounted display device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The plurality of input couplers create non-overlapping fields of view (FOV) regions in the waveguide.

6. The eye-mounted display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plurality of input couplers simultaneously generate two or more fields of view (FOV) regions in the waveguide.

7. The eye-mounted display device according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the two or more FOV areas includes an image having a common resolution.

8. The eye-mounted display device according to claim 6, wherein: Each of the two or more FOV areas includes an image having a different resolution.

9. The eye-mounted display device according to claim 8, wherein: The two or more FOV areas provide a primary display and a secondary display.

10. The eye-mounted display device according to claim 9, wherein: The main display FOV area displays text.

11. The eye-mounted display device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plurality of input couplers creates two or more fields of view (FOV) regions with binocular alignment.

12. The eye-mounted display device according to claim 11, wherein: The binocular alignment is applied to the FOV visible to both eyes of the user wearing the device.

13. A waveguide comprising: A plurality of input couplers for coupling display light into the waveguide, wherein the waveguide comprises a grating having an angle, and the input couplers are arranged in or around the waveguide at corresponding separation angles with respect to the angle of the grating.

14. The waveguide according to claim 13, wherein The waveguide includes a curved region and a flat region.

15. A waveguide as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein The separation angle is one of about 60 degrees, about 120 degrees, and about 180 degrees.

16. The waveguide according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein The plurality of input couplers create overlapping fields of view (FOV) regions in the waveguide.

17. The waveguide according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein The plurality of input couplers create non-overlapping fields of view (FOV) regions in the waveguide.

18. A waveguide according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein The plurality of input couplers simultaneously generate two or more fields of view (FOV) regions in the waveguide.

19. The waveguide of claim 18, wherein Each of the two or more FOV areas includes an image having a different resolution.

20. A method comprising: projecting display light from an image source; coupling the display light into a waveguide via a plurality of input couplers, wherein the waveguide comprises a grating having an angle, and the input couplers are disposed in or around the waveguide at corresponding separation angles with respect to the angle of the grating; directing the display light through the waveguide via total internal reflection; as well as The display light is coupled out of the waveguide via an output coupler.

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