High contrast pancake lens with transmission polarization absorber

Abstract

A device may include an optical system that produces an image to a user and a light absorbing element that absorbs a portion of light transmitted by the optical system. The optical system may include a beam splitting element and a reflective polarizer that reflects circularly polarized light of a first rotational orientation and transmits polarized light of a second rotational orientation. Various other devices, systems, and methods of manufacture are also disclosed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 482,400, filed January 31, 2023. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an optical device, an optical system, and a method of manufacturing the same. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device comprising: an optical system that produces an image to a user, wherein the optical system includes a beam splitting element and a reflective polarizer that reflects circularly polarized light of a first chirality and transmits polarized light of a second chirality; and a light absorbing element that absorbs a portion of the light transmitted by the optical system.

[0005] Optionally, the reflective polarizer comprises a cholesteric reflective polarizer.

[0006] Optionally, the reflective polarizer comprises a reflective linear polarizer and a retarder.

[0007] Optionally, the reflective linear polarizer comprises at least one of: a birefringent polymeric multilayer optical film; or a wire grid.

[0008] Optionally, the absorbed portion of the light is greater than at least one of: 10% of the light; 20% of the light; 30% of the light; 40% of the light; or 50% of the light.

[0009] Optionally, the light absorbing element in pass-polarization has a higher optical transparency for wavelengths emitted by the display than for photopically weighted white light.

[0010] Optionally, the light absorbing element in the transmission polarization is less absorptive at wavelengths of about 460 nanometers, about 520 nanometers, and about 615 nanometers than at other wavelengths.

[0011] Optionally, the light absorbing element is located between the reflective polarizer and the position of the user's eyes.

[0012] Optionally, the light absorbing element is located between the reflective polarizer and the beam splitter

[0013] Optionally, the light absorbing element has an absorptivity at the center that is at least one of: 10% or more; 20% or more; or 30% or more greater than an absorptivity at 50% of an outer radius of the edge.

[0014] Optionally, according to another aspect of the present invention, a system is provided, comprising: a display; an optical system that produces an image from the display to a user, wherein the optical system includes a beam splitting element and a reflective polarizer that reflects circularly polarized light of a first chirality and transmits polarized light of a second chirality; and a light absorbing element that absorbs a portion of the light transmitted by the optical system.

[0015] Optionally, the reflective polarizer comprises a cholesteric reflective polarizer.

[0016] Optionally, the reflective polarizer comprises a reflective linear polarizer and a retarder.

[0017] Optionally, the reflective linear polarizer comprises at least one of: a birefringent polymeric multilayer optical film; or a wire grid.

[0018] Optionally, the absorbed portion of the light is greater than 10% of the light.

[0019] Optionally, the light absorbing element in the transmission polarization has a higher optical transparency for wavelengths emitted by the display than for photopic-weighted white light.

[0020] Optionally, the light absorbing element in the transmission polarization is less absorptive at wavelengths of about 460 nanometers, about 520 nanometers, and about 615 nanometers than at other wavelengths.

[0021] Optionally, the light absorbing element is located between the reflective polarizer and the position of the user's eyes.

[0022] Optionally, the light absorbing element is located between the reflective polarizer and the beam splitter.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a manufacturing method is provided, the manufacturing method comprising: disposing an optical system between a display and an eye box, the optical system producing an image from the display to a user, wherein the optical system comprises a beam splitting element and a reflective polarizer that reflects circularly polarized light of a first chiral orientation and transmits polarized light of a second chiral orientation; and disposing a light absorbing element between the display and the eye box, the light absorbing element absorbing a portion of the light transmitted by the optical system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings illustrate several exemplary embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, these drawings serve to illustrate and explain various principles of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example high-contrast pancake lens with a pass-polarization absorber is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 An example high contrast pancake lens with a transmissive polarizing absorber is shown.

[0027] Figure 3 Shown from the display through Figure 2 Example emission of a high-contrast pancake lens with a transmissive polarizing absorber.

[0028] Figure 4 Shown by Figure 3 An example image formed at the user's retina by the example emission.

[0029] Figure 5 Shown by Figure 3 Another example image formed at the user's retina by a modified version of the example emission.

[0030] Figure 6 Shown by Figure 3 Another modified version of the example emission forms another example image at the user's retina.

[0031] Figure 7 Shows the use Figure 2 A modified version of the high-contrast pancake lens with a transmissive polarizing absorber is shown in Figure 4 An example image is shown formed at the user's retina.

[0032] Figure 8 Shows the use Figure 2 A modified version of the high-contrast pancake lens with a transmissive polarizing absorber is shown in Figure 5 An example image is shown formed at the user's retina.

[0033] Figure 9 Shows the use Figure 2 A modified version of the high-contrast pancake lens with a transmissive polarizing absorber is shown in Figure 6 An example image is shown formed at the user's retina.

[0034] Figure 10 Flowchart of an example method for fabricating a high-contrast pancake lens with a transmissive polarizing absorber.

[0035] Figure 11is an illustration of exemplary augmented reality glasses that may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 12 is an illustration of an exemplary virtual reality head-mounted device that can be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are susceptible to 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 particular forms disclosed. Rather, this disclosure encompasses all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Pancake lenses can be compact, lightweight, have a wide field of view, and have high resolution. In some applications (e.g., head-mounted displays for virtual reality and augmented reality), using pancake lenses can help enhance immersion, improve user comfort, and / or increase design possibilities. However, pancake lenses can reduce display contrast due to reflections of light (e.g., from the original display or from the environment) from the user's eyes and surrounding areas, some of which may be reflected back to the user by the pancake lens. This light reflected back to the user may form ghost images, reduce overall image contrast, or both.

[0039] The present disclosure generally relates to a pancake lens with a transmissive polarizing absorber. By placing a light-absorbing element between a user's eye and a display (e.g., between the user's eye and the pancake lens), light reflected from the user's eye or face can be absorbed rather than reflected back toward the user. In one embodiment, the light-absorbing element can selectively absorb wavelengths not generated by the display, thereby eliminating contrast reduction and ghosting caused by ambient light. In another embodiment, the light-absorbing element can absorb a portion of the wavelengths generated by the display—in this case, the benefits of the absorber can outweigh the resulting loss of transmission from the display because the absorber can absorb light from the display in only one pass, while the absorber can absorb light reflected from the user's eye (and, for example, from the user's facial area surrounding the eye) and back toward the user in at least two passes.

[0040] By absorbing light reflected from the user (thereby preventing it from reflecting back to the user), the devices and systems described herein can reduce potential causes of image degradation, such as ghosting images and reduced contrast. In the context of VR / AR systems, this can improve user immersion and experience.

[0041] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a device 100 with a high contrast pancake lens is shown. Figure 1 As shown, device 100 can include a pancake lens assembly 110. Pancake lens assembly 110 can include a back optical element 115 (e.g., a lens) and a front optical element 120 (e.g., a lens). In some examples, back optical element 115 can include a wave plate surface 125 and a mirror surface 130. Front optical element 120 can include a wave plate surface 135 and a reflective polarizer surface 140. Light emitted from display 105 can pass through pancake lens assembly 110 along a refracted path and reach a user's eye 150.

[0042] As can be appreciated, in some examples, light from display 105 and / or from the environment can reflect from the user's eye 150 (or another part of the user's face) and be directed toward pancake lens assembly 110. Typically, a portion of this light reflected from the user can be in a polarization state such that it passes through reflective polarizer surface 140 and can be reflected back toward the user (e.g., by mirror 130). However, absorber 145 can absorb light reflected from the user's eye 150 (e.g., when reflecting from the user's eye 150 toward pancake lens assembly 110 and / or when reflecting from the pancake lens assembly toward the user's eye 150). Thus, any interference with the image on display 105 caused by light reflected from the user's eye 150 can be mitigated.

[0043] Figure 2 A device 200 with a high contrast pancake lens is shown. Figure 2 As shown, device 200 may include a pancake lens system 215. Pancake lens system 215 may include lens 216 and lens 217. Pancake lens system 215 may also include a partially transmissive, partially reflective coating 220 and a retarder 225 (e.g., the coating and the retarder are adjacent to and / or coupled to lens 216). Pancake lens system 215 may also include a reflective polarizer 230 and an absorber 235 (e.g., the reflective polarizer and the absorber are adjacent to and / or coupled to lens 217).

[0044] In some examples, absorber 235 can have a high absorptivity for at least wavelengths of light that are not emitted by display 205. For example, absorber 235 can have a higher absorptivity for at least one wavelength of light not emitted by display 205 than for any wavelength of light emitted by display 205. In some examples, for light in a transmitted polarization state, the absorber can have a higher optical transparency for wavelengths emitted by display 205 than for photopically weighted white light (PWWL). For example, the percentage increase in absorptivity for transmitted polarized PWWL relative to absorptivity for transmitted polarized light at the display wavelength can be 10% or more, 20% or more, 50% or more, 100% or more, 200% or more, or 500% or more.

[0045] In this way, absorber 235 can reduce or eliminate ghosting and / or contrast reduction caused by ambient light. In some examples, absorber 235 can also absorb light at wavelengths emitted by display 205. In various examples, absorber 235 can be a pass-polarization axis absorber and can preferentially attenuate light reflected from the user's eyes and / or facial area relative to attenuating signal light (e.g., from display 205) that forms an image for the user. In various examples, the contrast ratio of device 200 can exceed 500:1, can exceed 1000:1, and / or can exceed 2000:1.

[0046] Figure 3 Shown is a diagram of a display 205 passing through Figure 2 An example emission 310 of device 200 including a high contrast pancake lens with a transmissive polarizing absorber is shown.

[0047] Figure 4 Shown by Figure 3 Example emission of an example image formed at the user's retina. In one example, the emission 310 area on the display 205 may be 2 mm x 2 mm. Figure 4 As shown in plot 400 of FIG, image 410 from emission 310 can be formed at the user's retina. Non-image light can be shown by the irradiance of region 420 (e.g., an area outside of image 410). In some examples, background light can be approximately 1% of emission 310, providing a contrast ratio of approximately 100:1.

[0048] Figure 5 Shown by Figure 3 Another example image formed at the user's retina by a modified version of the example emission of Figure 5In the example provided, the transmitter 310 may be compared to Figure 4 In the example given in FIG, the light is about 33.3% brighter. In this example, the absorber (eg, absorber 235) can absorb 25% of the light that passes through the transmissive polarizer. Figure 5 As shown in plot 500 of , image 510 from emission 310 may be formed at the user's retina, and non-image light may be shown by the irradiance of region 520 .

[0049] Figure 6 Shown by Figure 3 Another modified version of the example emission forms another example image at the user's retina. Figure 6 In the example provided, the transmitter 310 may be compared to Figure 4 In the example given in FIG, the light is about 100% brighter. In this example, the absorber (e.g., absorber 235) can absorb 50% of the light that passes through the transmissive polarizer. Thus, the modified system can have Figure 4 Quadruple the contrast of the system shown. Figure 6 As shown in plot 600 of , image 610 from emission 310 may be formed at the user's retina, and non-image light may be shown by the irradiance of region 620 .

[0050] Figure 7 Shows the use Figure 2 A modified version of the high-contrast pancake lens with a transmissive polarizing absorber is shown in Figure 4 An example image is shown as formed at the user's retina. Figure 7 In the example provided, a lens may be moved between the user's eye 240 and the absorber 235. Figure 2 The device 200 adds a quarter-wave delay.

[0051] Figure 8 Shows the use Figure 2 A modified version of the high-contrast pancake lens with a transmissive polarizing absorber is shown in Figure 5 An example image is shown as formed at the user's retina. Figure 8 In the example provided, a lens may be moved between the user's eye 240 and the absorber 235. Figure 2 The device 200 adds a quarter-wave delay.

[0052] Figure 9 Shows the use Figure 2 A modified version of the high-contrast pancake lens with a transmissive polarizing absorber is shown in Figure 6 An example image is shown as formed at the user's retina. Figure 9 In the example provided, a lens may be moved between the user's eye 240 and the absorber 235. Figure 2 The device 200 adds a quarter-wave delay.

[0053] Figure 10 FIG. 1 is a flow chart of an example method 1000 for manufacturing a high contrast pancake lens with a transmissive polarizing absorber. Figure 10 As shown, at step 1010, method 1000 may include disposing an optical system between a display and an eyepiece, the optical system generating an image from the display to a user, wherein the optical system includes a beam splitting element and a reflective polarizer.

[0054] At step 1020 , method 1000 may include positioning a light absorbing element between the display and the eyepiece, the element absorbing a portion of the light transmitted by the optical system.

[0055] 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 content that is entirely computer-generated 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 be used in artificial reality in other ways (e.g., to perform activities in artificial reality).

[0056] Artificial reality systems can be implemented in a variety of different form factors and configurations. Some artificial reality systems can be designed to work without a near-eye display (NED). Other artificial reality systems can include a NED that also provides visibility to the real world (e.g., Figure 11 ) or an NED that visually immerses a user in an artificial reality (e.g., Figure 121200 in the virtual reality system. While some artificial reality devices may be standalone systems, other artificial reality devices may communicate and / or cooperate with external devices to provide an artificial reality experience to a user. Examples of such external devices include handheld controllers, mobile devices, desktop computers, devices worn by a user, devices worn by one or more other users, and / or any other suitable external system.

[0057] Steering Figure 11 , an augmented reality system 1100 may include an eyewear device 1102 having a frame 1110 configured to hold a left display device 1115(A) and a right display device 1115(B) in front of a user's eyes. Display devices 1115(A) and 1115(B) may function together or independently to present an image or a series of images to the user. Although the augmented reality system 1100 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.

[0058] In some embodiments, the augmented reality system 1100 may include one or more sensors, such as sensor 1140. Sensor 1140 may generate measurement signals in response to the movement of the augmented reality system 1100 and may be located on substantially any portion of the frame 1110. Sensor 1140 may represent one or more of a variety of different sensing mechanisms, such as a position sensor, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a depth camera assembly, a structured light emitter and / or detector, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the augmented reality system 1100 may or may not include sensor 1140, or may include more than one sensor. In embodiments where sensor 1140 includes an IMU, the IMU may generate calibration data based on the measurement signals from sensor 1140. Examples of sensor 1140 may include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, other suitable types of sensors that detect movement, sensors used for error correction of the IMU, or some combination thereof.

[0059] In some examples, the augmented reality system 1100 may also include a microphone array having a plurality of acoustic transducers 1120(A) to 1120(J) (collectively referred to as acoustic transducers 1120). Acoustic transducers 1120 may represent transducers that detect changes in air pressure caused by sound waves. Each acoustic transducer 1120 may be configured to detect sound and convert the detected sound into an electronic format (e.g., an analog format or a digital format). Figure 11The microphone array in can include, for example, ten acoustic transducers: acoustic transducers 1120(A) and 1120(B), which can be designed to be placed in the user's corresponding ears; acoustic transducers 1120(C), 1120(D), 1120(E), 1120(F), 1120(G) and 1120(H), which can be positioned at different locations on the frame 1110; and / or acoustic transducers 1120(I) and 1120(J), which can be positioned on the corresponding neckband 1105.

[0060] In some embodiments, one or more of acoustic transducers 1120(A) to 1120(J) can be used as an output transducer (e.g., a speaker). For example, acoustic transducers 1120(A) and / or 1120(B) can be earbuds, or any other suitable type of earphone or speaker.

[0061] The configuration of the acoustic transducer 1120 of the microphone array may vary. Figure 11 110, but the number of acoustic transducers 1120 can be more or less than ten. In some embodiments, using a greater number of acoustic transducers 1120 can increase the amount of audio information collected and / or the sensitivity and accuracy of the audio information. In contrast, using a smaller number of acoustic transducers 1120 can reduce the computing power required by the associated controller 1150 to process the collected audio information. In addition, the position of each acoustic transducer 1120 of the microphone array can vary. For example, the position of the acoustic transducer 1120 can include a defined position on the user, a defined coordinate on the frame 1110, an orientation associated with each acoustic transducer 1120, or some combination thereof.

[0062] Acoustic transducers 1120(A) and 1120(B) can be positioned on different parts of the user's ear, such as behind the pinna, behind the tragus, and / or inside the auricle or ear cavity. Alternatively, in addition to the acoustic transducer 1120 in the ear canal, additional acoustic transducers 1120 can be present on or around the ear. Having the acoustic transducers 1120 located near the user's ear canal can enable the microphone array to collect information about how sound reaches the ear canal. By positioning at least two of the multiple acoustic transducers 1120 on both sides of the user's head (e.g., as binaural microphones), the augmented reality system 1100 can simulate binaural hearing and capture a 3D stereo sound field around the user's head. In some embodiments, acoustic transducers 1120(A) and 1120(B) may be connected to augmented reality system 1100 via a wired connection 1130, while in other embodiments, acoustic transducers 1120(A) and 1120(B) may be connected to augmented reality system 1100 via a wireless connection (e.g., a Bluetooth connection). In other embodiments, acoustic transducers 1120(A) and 1120(B) may not be used in conjunction with augmented reality system 1100 at all.

[0063] The acoustic transducers 1120 on the frame 1110 can be positioned in a variety of different ways: along the length of the temples, across the bridge, above or below the display devices 1115(A) and 1115(B), or some combination thereof. The acoustic transducers 1120 can also be oriented so that the microphone array can detect sounds from a wide range of directions around the user wearing the augmented reality system 1100. In some embodiments, an optimization process can be performed during the manufacture of the augmented reality system 1100 to determine the relative positioning of each acoustic transducer 1120 in the microphone array.

[0064] In some examples, the augmented reality system 1100 can include or be connected to an external device (e.g., a paired device), such as a neckband 1105. Neckband 1105 generally represents any type or form of paired device. Therefore, the following discussion of the neckband 1105 can also be applied to various other paired devices, such as charging cases, smart watches, smart phones, wristbands, other wearable devices, handheld controllers, tablet computers, laptop computers, other external computing devices, etc.

[0065] As shown, the neckband 1105 can be coupled to the eyewear device 1102 via one or more connectors. These connectors can be wired or wireless and can include electrical components and / or non-electrical components (e.g., structural components). In some cases, the eyewear device 1102 and the neckband 1105 can operate independently without any wired or wireless connection between them. Although Figure 11 While components of the eyewear device 1102 and components of the neckband 1105 are shown as being located in example locations on the eyewear device 1102 and the neckband 1105, these components can be located in other locations on the eyewear device 1102 and / or the neckband 1105 and / or distributed differently on the eyewear device 1102 and / or the neckband 1105. In some embodiments, components of the eyewear device 1102 and components of the neckband 1105 can be located on one or more additional peripheral devices paired with the eyewear device 1102, on the neckband 1105, or some combination thereof.

[0066] Pairing an external device (e.g., a neckband 1105) with an augmented reality eyewear device can enable the eyewear device to achieve the form factor of a pair of glasses while still providing sufficient battery power and computing power for the expanded capabilities. Some or all of the battery power, computing resources, and / or additional features of the augmented reality system 1100 can be provided by the paired device or shared between the paired device and the eyewear device, thereby reducing the weight, thermal distribution, and form factor of the eyewear device overall while still retaining the desired functionality. For example, the neckband 1105 can allow components that would otherwise be included on the eyewear device to be included in the neckband 1105, as a user can carry a heavier weight load on their shoulders than on their head. The neckband 1105 can also provide a larger surface area through which to diffuse and dissipate heat to the surrounding environment. As a result, the neckband 1105 can allow for greater battery power and computing power than would otherwise be possible on a standalone eyewear device. Because the weight carried in the neckband 1105 can be less invasive to the user than the weight carried in the eye-wearing device 1102, the user can tolerate wearing the lighter eye-wearing device and carrying or wearing a paired device for a longer period of time than the user can tolerate wearing a heavy stand-alone eye-wearing device, thereby enabling the user to more fully integrate the artificial reality environment into their daily activities.

[0067] The neckband 1105 can be communicatively coupled to the eyewear device 1102 and / or other devices. These other devices can provide certain functions (e.g., tracking, positioning, depth map construction, processing, storage, etc.) for the augmented reality system 1100. Figure 11In an embodiment, the neckband 1105 may include two acoustic transducers (e.g., 1120(I) and 1120(J)) that are part of a microphone array (or potentially form their own microphone subarray). The neckband 1105 may also include a controller 1125 and a power supply 1135.

[0068] The acoustic transducers 1120(I) and 1120(J) of the neckband 1105 may be configured to detect sound and convert the detected sound into an electronic format (analog or digital). Figure 11 In some embodiments, acoustic transducers 1120(I) and 1120(J) can be positioned on the neckband 1105, thereby increasing the distance between the neckband's acoustic transducers 1120(I) and 1120(J) and other acoustic transducers 1120 positioned on the eyewear device 1102. In some cases, increasing the distance between the acoustic transducers 1120 of the microphone array can improve the accuracy of beamforming performed by the microphone array. For example, if acoustic transducers 1120(C) and 1120(D) detect a sound, and the distance between acoustic transducers 1120(C) and 1120(D) is greater than, for example, the distance between acoustic transducers 1120(D) and 1120(E), the source location of the detected sound can be determined to be more accurate than if the sound were detected by acoustic transducers 1120(D) and 1120(E).

[0069] The controller 1125 of the neckband 1105 can process information generated by sensors on the neckband 1105 and / or the augmented reality system 1100. For example, the controller 1125 can process information from the microphone array describing the sounds detected by the microphone array. For each detected sound, the controller 1125 can perform a direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimate to estimate the direction from which the detected sound arrived at the microphone array. When the microphone array detects a sound, the controller 1125 can populate an audio data set with this information. In embodiments where the augmented reality system 1100 includes an inertial measurement unit, the controller 1125 can calculate all inertial and spatial operations based on the IMU located on the eyewear device 1102. The connector can transmit information between the augmented reality system 1100 and the neckband 1105, and between the augmented reality system 1100 and the controller 1125. This information can be in the form of optical data, electrical data, wireless data, or any other transmittable data. Moving the processing of information generated by the augmented reality system 1100 to the neckband 1105 can reduce the weight and heat of the eyewear device 1102, making it more comfortable for the user.

[0070] A power source 1135 in the neckband 1105 can provide power to the eyewear device 1102 and / or the neckband 1105. The power source 1135 can include, but is not limited to, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, primary lithium batteries, alkaline batteries, or any other form of power storage device. In some cases, the power source 1135 can be a wired power source. Including the power source 1135 on the neckband 1105 rather than on the eyewear device 1102 can help better distribute the weight and heat generated by the power source 1135.

[0071] As mentioned, some artificial reality systems can substantially replace one or more of a user's multiple sensory perceptions of the real world with a virtual experience, rather than blending the artificial reality with actual reality. An example of this type of system is a head-worn display system that largely or completely covers the user's field of view, such as Figure 12 The virtual reality system 1200 may include a front rigid body 1202 and a strap 1204 shaped to fit around the user's head. The virtual reality system 1200 may also include output audio converters 1206 (A) and 1206 (B). Figure 12 Not shown, but the front rigid body 1202 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.

[0072] Artificial reality systems may include various types of visual feedback mechanisms. For example, the display device in the augmented reality system 1100 and / or the display device in the virtual reality system 1200 may include one or more liquid crystal displays (LCDs), light emitting diode (LED) displays, micro-LED displays, organic LED (OLED) displays, digital light projection (DLP) micro-displays, liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) micro-displays, and / or any other suitable type of display screen. These artificial reality systems may include a single display screen for both eyes, or a display screen may be provided for each eye, which may provide additional flexibility for zoom adjustment or correction of the user's refractive error. Some of these artificial reality systems may also include an optical subsystem having one or more lenses (e.g., concave or convex lenses, Fresnel lenses, adjustable liquid lenses, etc.) through which the user can view the display screen. These optical subsystems can be used for various purposes, including collimating light (e.g., making an object appear to be farther away than it is physically), magnifying light (e.g., making an object appear larger than its actual size), and / or relaying light (e.g., relaying light to a viewer's eye). These optical subsystems can be used in a direct-view architecture (e.g., a single-lens configuration that directly collimates light but introduces so-called pincushion distortion) and / or a non-direct-view architecture (e.g., a multi-lens configuration that introduces so-called barrel distortion to eliminate pincushion distortion).

[0073] In addition to or instead of using a display screen, some of the artificial reality systems described herein may include one or more projection systems. For example, the display device in the augmented reality system 1100 and / or the display device in the virtual reality system 1200 may include a micro-LED projector that projects light (using, for example, a waveguide) into the display device, such as a transparent combiner lens that allows ambient light to pass through. The display device can refract the projected light toward the user's pupil and can enable the user to view both the artificial reality content and the real world simultaneously. The display device can 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, etc. The artificial reality system can also be configured with any other suitable type or form of image projection system, such as a retinal projector for a virtual retinal display.

[0074] The artificial reality systems described herein may also include various types of computer vision components and subsystems. For example, the augmented reality system 1100 and / or the virtual reality system 1200 may include one or more optical sensors, such as a two-dimensional (2D) camera or a 3D camera, a structured light emitter and detector, a time-of-flight depth sensor, a single-beam rangefinder or a scanning laser rangefinder, a 3D laser radar (LiDAR) sensor, and / or any other suitable type or form of optical sensor. The artificial reality system may process data from one or more of these sensors to identify the user's location, map the real world, provide content to the user about the real-world surroundings, and / or perform various other functions.

[0075] The artificial reality system described herein may also include one or more input audio converters and / or output audio converters. The output audio converter may include a voice coil speaker, a ribbon speaker, an electrostatic speaker, a piezoelectric speaker, a bone conduction converter, a cartilage conduction converter, an ear tragus vibration converter, and / or any other suitable type or form of audio converter. Similarly, the input audio converter may include a condenser microphone, a dynamic microphone, a ribbon microphone, and / or any other type or form of input converter. In some embodiments, a single converter may be used for both audio input and audio output.

[0076] In some embodiments, the artificial reality systems described herein may also include tactile (i.e., haptic) feedback systems that can be incorporated into headgear, gloves, clothing, handheld controllers, environmental devices (e.g., chairs, floor mats, etc.), and / or any other type of device or system. The tactile feedback system can provide various types of skin feedback, including vibration, force, traction, texture, and / or temperature. The tactile feedback system can also provide various types of kinesthetic feedback, such as motion and compliance. Tactile feedback can be implemented using motors, piezoelectric actuators, fluid systems, and / or various other types of feedback mechanisms. The tactile feedback system can be implemented independently of other artificial reality devices, within other artificial reality devices, and / or in combination with other artificial reality devices.

[0077] 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 situations and environments. For example, an artificial reality system can assist or expand a user's perception, memory, or cognition within a specific environment. Some systems can enhance a user's interaction with other people in the real world, or can enable 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 accessibility purposes (e.g., as hearing aids, visual aids, etc.). The embodiments disclosed herein can implement or enhance a user's artificial reality experience in one or more of these situations and environments and / or in other situations and environments.

[0078] The process parameters and order of steps described and / or illustrated herein are provided as examples only and may be changed as desired. For example, although the steps illustrated and / or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order shown or discussed. The various exemplary methods described and / or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein, or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

[0079] 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 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 any claims attached hereto and their equivalents.

[0080] Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "connected to" and "coupled to" (and their derivatives) as used in the specification and / or claims should be interpreted as allowing both direct and indirect (i.e., via other elements or components) connections. Furthermore, the terms "a" or "an," as used in the specification and / or claims, are to be interpreted as meaning "at least one of." Finally, for ease of use, the terms "including" and "having" (and their derivatives) as used in the specification and / or claims are interchangeable with the word "comprising" and have the same meaning.

Claims

1. A device comprising: An optical system that produces an image to a user, wherein the optical system comprises: beam splitting elements; and a reflective polarizer that reflects circularly polarized light of a first chirality and transmits polarized light of a second chirality; and A light absorbing element absorbs a portion of the light transmitted by the optical system.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The reflective polarizer comprises a cholesteric reflective polarizer.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The reflective polarizer comprises: reflective linear polarizers; and retarder, in which case optionally wherein the reflective linear polarizer comprises at least one of: a birefringent polymer multilayer optical film; or Wire grid.

4. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein The absorbed portion of the light is greater than at least one of: 10% of said light; 20% of said light; 30% of said light; 40% of said light; or 50% of the light.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein any one or more of the following are present: a) wherein the light absorbing element in the transmission polarization has a higher optical transparency for wavelengths emitted by the display than for photopic-weighted white light; or b) Among them, The light absorbing element in the transmission polarization is less absorptive at wavelengths of about 460 nanometers, about 520 nanometers, and about 615 nanometers than at other wavelengths.

6. The apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein any of the following is present: a) wherein the light absorbing element is located between the reflective polarizer and the user's eyes; or b) Among them, The light absorbing element is located between the reflective polarizer and the beam splitter.

7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein: The light absorbing element has an absorptivity at the center that is greater than an absorptivity at 50% of the outer radius of the edge by at least one of the following: 10% or more; 20% or more; or 30% or more.

8. A system comprising: monitor; an optical system that produces an image from the display to a user, wherein the optical system comprises: beam splitting elements; and a reflective polarizer that reflects circularly polarized light of a first chirality and transmits polarized light of a second chirality; and A light absorbing element absorbs a portion of the light transmitted by the optical system.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein any of the following exists: a) Among them, The reflective polarizer comprises a cholesteric reflective polarizer; or b) wherein the reflective polarizer comprises: reflective linear polarizers; and retarder, in which case optionally wherein the reflective linear polarizer comprises at least one of: a birefringent polymer multilayer optical film; or Wire grid.

10. The system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The portion of light absorbed is greater than 10% of said light.

11. The system of claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein: The light absorbing element in the transmission polarization has a higher optical transparency for wavelengths emitted by the display than for photopic-weighted white light.

12. The system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: The light absorbing element in the transmission polarization is less absorptive at wavelengths of about 460 nanometers, about 520 nanometers, and about 615 nanometers than at other wavelengths.

13. The system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein: The light absorbing element is located between the reflective polarizer and the position of the user's eyes.

14. The system according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein: The light absorbing element is located between the reflective polarizer and the beam splitter.

15. A manufacturing method comprising: An optical system is provided between the display and the eye zone, the optical system generating an image from the display to the user, wherein the optical system comprises: beam splitting elements; and a reflective polarizer that reflects circularly polarized light of a first chirality and transmits polarized light of a second chirality; and A light absorbing element is provided between the display and the eye-adapting zone, and the light absorbing element absorbs a portion of the light transmitted by the optical system.

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