Geometries for mitigating artifacts in see-through pixel arrays

Abstract

To provide geometries for mitigating artifacts in see-through pixel arrays.SOLUTION: Disclosed are dimming assemblies and display systems for reducing artifacts produced by optically transmissive displays. The systems may include a substrate upon which multiple electronic components are disposed. The electronic components may include multiple pixels, multiple conductors, and multiple circuit modules. The multiple pixels may be arranged in a two-dimensional array, with each pixel having a two-dimensional geometry corresponding to a shape with at least one curved side. The multiple conductors may be arranged adjacently to the multiple pixels. The systems may also include control circuitry electrically coupled to the multiple conductors. The control circuitry may be configured to apply electrical signals to the multiple circuit modules by means of the multiple conductors.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 870,896, filed July 5, 2019, and entitled "GEOMETRIES FOR MITIGATING ARTIFACTS IN SEE-THROUGH PIXEL ARRAYS," the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. (Incorporated by reference)

[0002] This application incorporates by reference the following patent applications: U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 479,700, filed April 5, 2017, published on October 12, 2017 as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017 / 0293141; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 725,993, entitled "SPATIALLY-RESOLVED DYNAMIC DIMMING FOR AUGMENTED REALITY DEVICE," filed August 31, 2018; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 731,755, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXTERNAL LIGHT MANAGEMENT," filed September 14, 2018; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 731,755, entitled "SPATIALLY-RESOLVED DYNAMIC DIMMING FOR AUGMENTED REALITY DEVICE," filed September 14, 2018. This application incorporates in its entirety each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 858,252, entitled "A METHOD FOR IMPROVING A ... [Background technology]

[0003] Modern computing and display technology has facilitated the development of systems for so-called "virtual reality" or "augmented reality" experiences, in which digitally reproduced images, or portions thereof, are presented to a user in a manner that appears or can be perceived as real. Virtual reality, or "VR," scenarios typically involve the presentation of digital or virtual image information without transparency to other actual, real-world visual input. Augmented reality, or "AR," scenarios typically involve the presentation of digital or virtual image information as an extension to the user's visualization of the real world around them.

[0004] Despite the advances made in these display technologies, there remains a need in the art for improved methods, systems, and devices relating to augmented reality systems, and particularly display systems. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure generally relates to techniques for improving optical systems under a wide range of ambient lighting conditions. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for operating an augmented reality (AR) device with dimming elements that reduce artifacts caused by real-world light sources. Although the present disclosure is described with reference to an AR device, the present disclosure is applicable to various applications in computer vision and image display systems.

[0006] A summary of the present invention is provided below with reference to a list of examples. As used below, any reference to a series of examples should be understood as a separate reference to each of those examples (e.g., "Examples 1-4" should be understood as "Examples 1, 2, 3, or 4").

[0007] Example 1 is a light dimming assembly comprising an optically transparent substrate having a plurality of electronic components disposed thereon, the electronic components arranged spaced apart from one another in a two-dimensional array; a plurality of electrodes, each having a two-dimensional geometric shape corresponding to a shape with a plurality of curved sides; a plurality of conductors arranged adjacent to the plurality of electrodes in a two-dimensional grid pattern, each conductor following a curved path that conforms to the two-dimensional geometric shape of an adjacent electrode from the plurality of electrodes; and a plurality of circuit modules arranged adjacent to the plurality of electrodes in the two-dimensional array, each circuit module comprising: (i) an individual electrode from the plurality of electrodes; and (ii) a substrate comprising: a plurality of circuit modules electrically coupled to respective pairs of conductors from the plurality of conductors; a planar electrode layer positioned to align with the plurality of electrodes; one or more layers positioned between the optically transparent substrate and the planar electrode layer, the one or more layers comprising one or more layers of material that are responsive to an electric field; and control circuitry electrically coupled to the plurality of conductors and the planar electrode layer, the control circuitry configured to apply electrical signals to the plurality of circuit modules using the plurality of conductors to selectively generate one or more electric fields between the planar electrode layer and one or more of the plurality of electrodes in the two-dimensional array, respectively.

[0008] Example 2 is a display system comprising: a substrate having a plurality of electronic components disposed thereon, the electronic components comprising: a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional array, each having a two-dimensional geometric shape corresponding to a shape with at least one curved side; a plurality of conductors arranged adjacent to the plurality of pixels; and a plurality of circuit modules arranged adjacent to the plurality of pixels, each circuit module electrically coupled to an individual pixel from the plurality of pixels and at least one conductor from the plurality of conductors; and control circuitry electrically coupled to the plurality of conductors, the control circuitry configured to apply electrical signals to the plurality of circuit modules using the plurality of conductors.

[0009] Example 3 is the display system of example 2, wherein each of the plurality of conductors follows a curved path that conforms to the two-dimensional geometry of an adjacent pixel from the plurality of pixels.

[0010] Example 4 is the display system described in Examples 2-3, where the substrate is an optically transmissive substrate.

[0011] Example 5 is the display system of Examples 2-4, wherein the plurality of pixels is a plurality of electrodes.

[0012] Example 6 is the display system of Examples 2-5, further comprising a planar electrode layer positioned to align with the plurality of pixels.

[0013] Example 7 is a display system described in Examples 2-6, further comprising one or more layers positioned between the substrate and the planar electrode layer, the one or more layers comprising one or more layers of material that respond to an electric field.

[0014] Example 8 is the display system of Examples 2-7, wherein control circuitry is further electrically coupled to the planar electrode layer.

[0015] Example 9 is a display system described in Examples 2-8, wherein the control circuitry is configured to apply electrical signals to a plurality of circuit modules using a plurality of conductors to selectively generate one or more electric fields between the planar electrode layer and one or more of the plurality of pixels in the two-dimensional array, respectively.

[0016] Example 10 is the display system of any of Examples 2-9, wherein each of the plurality of circuit modules is electrically coupled to a pair of conductors from the plurality of conductors.

[0017] Example 11 is the display system of Examples 2-10, wherein each shape includes multiple curved sides.

[0018] Example 12 is the display system of Examples 2-11, wherein the plurality of pixels form a particular tessellation.

[0019] Example 13 is a display system comprising: a first optically transmissive substrate having a first set of one or more electrodes disposed thereon; a second optically transmissive substrate having a second set of one or more electrodes disposed thereon; one or more layers positioned between the first set of one or more electrodes and the second set of one or more electrodes, the one or more layers comprising one or more layers of material that are responsive to an electric field; a quantity of material arranged in a particular geometric pattern across the second optically transmissive substrate, the particular geometric pattern including a plurality of curved segments; and control circuitry electrically coupled to the first set of one or more electrodes and the second set of one or more electrodes, the control circuitry configured to apply an electrical signal to one or both of the first and second sets of one or more electrodes to selectively generate one or more electric fields across the one or more layers.

[0020] Example 14 is a display system described in Example 13, wherein each of the multiple curved segments is arranged to align with an edge of an individual electrode from one or more electrodes of the first set or one or more electrodes of the second set.

[0021] Example 15 is the display system of Examples 13-14, wherein the edges of the individual electrodes with which each of the plurality of curved segments is aligned have a curved geometry.

[0022] Example 16 is the display system of Examples 13-15, wherein the curved geometry is semicircular, serpentine, sinusoidal, or a combination thereof.

[0023] Example 17 is the display system of Examples 13-16, wherein the edge of the individual electrode with which each of the plurality of curved segments is aligned corresponds to a sinuosity value that is less than or equal to 1.02.

[0024] Example 18 is the display system of Examples 13-17, wherein the amount of material disposed over the second optically transmissive substrate comprises an amount of resin or chrome.

[0025] Example 19 is a display system according to Examples 13-18, in which the point spread function (PSF) of the particular geometric pattern corresponds to an Airy pattern.

[0026] Example 20 is a display system according to Examples 13-19, in which the particular geometric pattern corresponds to a particular tessellation.

[0027] Example 21 is a display system comprising: a first driver circuit; a second driver circuit; an optically transparent substrate; and electronic components disposed on the optically transparent substrate, the plurality of electrodes arranged in a two-dimensional array, each having a two-dimensional geometric shape corresponding to a shape with a plurality of curved sides, the plurality of electrodes arranged spaced apart from one another in the two-dimensional array to define a plurality of curved channels therebetween; and a plurality of conductors respectively distributed throughout the plurality of curved channels, each conductor arranged within a respective one of the plurality of curved channels and spanning the length of the respective curved channel, the plurality of conductors comprising a first A display system comprising: a plurality of conductors, the plurality of conductors comprising a first set of conductors electrically coupled to a driver circuit and a second set of conductors electrically coupled to a second driver circuit; a plurality of circuit modules arranged in a plurality of curved channels, each circuit module electrically coupled to the first and second driver circuits using (i) a respective one of a plurality of electrodes and (ii) two of the plurality of conductors; and electronic components comprising: a plurality of layers arranged adjacent to an optically transparent substrate, the plurality of layers comprising a planar electrode layer positioned to align with the plurality of electrodes.

[0028] Example 22 is a display system comprising a plane-filling shape to which the two-dimensional geometric shape of each electrode corresponds.

[0029] Example 23 is a display system described in Examples 21-22, wherein the multiple curved sides of the shape to which the two-dimensional geometric shape of each electrode corresponds include at least one convexly curved side and at least one concavely curved side.

[0030] Example 24 is the display system of Examples 21-23, wherein at least one of the plurality of curved channels is serpentine-shaped.

[0031] Example 25 is the display system of Examples 21-24, wherein at least one of the plurality of curved channels has a sinuosity value greater than or equal to 1.02.

[0032] Example 26 is a display system according to Examples 21-25, wherein the sinuosity value is equal to or greater than a value of 1.04.

[0033] Example 27 is the display system of Examples 21-26, wherein the sinuosity value is greater than or equal to a value of 1.1.

[0034] Example 28 is the display system described in Examples 21-27, wherein the sinuosity value is greater than or equal to a value of 1.2.

[0035] Example 29 is a display system according to Examples 21-28, wherein the sinuosity value is equal to or greater than a value of 1.35.

[0036] Example 30 is the display system of Examples 21-29, wherein the sinuosity value is greater than or equal to a value of 1.5.

[0037] Example 31 is the display system of Examples 21-30, wherein at least one of the plurality of curved channels is sinusoidal in shape.

[0038] Example 32 is the display system of Examples 21-31, wherein each circuit module includes at least one transistor.

[0039] Example 33 is the display system of Examples 21-32, wherein the at least one transistor comprises a thin film transistor (TFT).

[0040] Example 34 is a display system described in Examples 21-33, wherein at least one transistor includes a gate terminal electrically coupled to a first driver circuit, a source terminal electrically coupled to a second driver circuit, and a drain terminal electrically coupled to a respective one of the plurality of electrodes.

[0041] Example 35 is the display system of Examples 21-34, wherein the at least one transistor is positioned at an intersection of two or more of the plurality of curved channels.

[0042] Example 36 is the display system of Examples 21-35, wherein the plurality of layers further comprises one or more layers of liquid crystal positioned between the optically transmissive substrate and the planar electrode layer.

[0043] Example 37 is the display system of Examples 21-36, further comprising a pair of polarizers, wherein the optically transmissive substrate and the plurality of layers are positioned between the pair of polarizers.

[0044] Example 38 is the display system of Examples 21-37, wherein the plurality of layers further comprises one or more organic light-emitting layers positioned between the optically transmissive substrate and the planar electrode layer.

[0045] Example 39 is a display system according to Examples 21-38, in which the plurality of electrodes and the planar electrode layer are made from indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0046] Example 40 is the display system of Examples 21-39, wherein the optically transmissive substrate comprises a glass substrate.

[0047] Example 41 is a display system described in Examples 21-40, wherein the multiple curved channels include a first set of curved channels that do not intersect with each other and a second set of curved channels that do not intersect with each other, and at least some of the curved channels of the second set intersect with at least some of the curved channels of the first set.

[0048] Example 42 is a display system described in Examples 21-41, wherein a first set of conductors are arranged within a first set of curved channels and a second set of conductors are arranged within a second set of curved channels.

[0049] Example 43 is the display system of Examples 21-42, wherein the first and second sets of conductors are insulated from each other.

[0050] Example 44 is the display system of Examples 21-43, wherein one or both of the first and second driver circuits are formed on an optically transmissive substrate.

[0051] Numerous advantages are achieved by the methods of the present disclosure over conventional techniques. For example, the embodiments described herein reduce the visibility of diffraction spikes produced by pixelated dimming elements in see-through display systems. Furthermore, the dimming techniques described herein enable AR devices to be used in a wide range of light levels, from dark indoors to bright outdoors, by globally and / or selectively dimming the ambient light reaching a user's eyes. Embodiments of the present disclosure further enable AR and virtual reality (VR) capabilities within a single device by using pixelated dimmers to attenuate world light by greater than 99%. Other advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) 1. A dimming assembly comprising: an optically transparent substrate having a plurality of electronic components disposed thereon, the electronic components comprising: a plurality of electrodes arranged spaced apart from one another in a two-dimensional array, each of the plurality of electrodes having a two-dimensional geometric shape corresponding to a shape with a plurality of curved sides; a plurality of conductors arranged adjacent to the plurality of electrodes in a two-dimensional grid pattern, each of the plurality of conductors following a curved path that conforms to the two-dimensional geometry of an adjacent electrode from the plurality of electrodes; a plurality of circuit modules arranged adjacent to the plurality of electrodes in a two-dimensional array, each of the plurality of circuit modules electrically coupled to (i) a respective electrode from the plurality of electrodes and (ii) a respective pair of conductors from the plurality of conductors; an optically transparent substrate comprising: a planar electrode layer positioned to align with the plurality of electrodes; one or more layers positioned between the optically transmissive substrate and the planar electrode layer, the one or more layers comprising one or more layers of material responsive to an electric field; control circuitry electrically coupled to the plurality of conductors and the planar electrode layer, the control circuitry configured to apply electrical signals to the plurality of circuit modules using the plurality of conductors to selectively generate one or more electric fields between the planar electrode layer and one or more of the plurality of electrodes in the two-dimensional array, respectively; A dimming assembly comprising: (Item 2) 1. A display system comprising: A substrate having a plurality of electronic components disposed thereon, the electronic components comprising: a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional array, each of the plurality of pixels having a two-dimensional geometric shape corresponding to a shape with at least one curved side; a plurality of conductors arranged adjacent to the plurality of pixels; a plurality of circuit modules arranged adjacent to the plurality of pixels, each of the plurality of circuit modules electrically coupled to a respective pixel from the plurality of pixels and at least one conductor from the plurality of conductors; a substrate comprising: control circuitry electrically coupled to the plurality of conductors, the control circuitry configured to apply electrical signals to the plurality of circuit modules using the plurality of conductors; A display system comprising: (Item 3) Item 3. The display system of item 2, wherein each of the plurality of conductors follows a curved path that conforms to the two-dimensional geometry of adjacent pixels from the plurality of pixels. (Item 4) Item 3. The display system of item 2, wherein the substrate is an optically transparent substrate. (Item 5) Item 3. The display system of item 2, wherein the plurality of pixels are a plurality of electrodes. (Item 6) The display system of claim 2 , further comprising a planar electrode layer positioned to align with the plurality of pixels. (Item 7) one or more layers positioned between the substrate and the planar electrode layer, the one or more layers comprising one or more layers of material responsive to an electric field; Item 7. The display system of item 6, further comprising: (Item 8) Item 7. The display system of item 6, wherein the control circuitry is further electrically coupled to the planar electrode layer. (Item 9) Item 9. The display system of item 8, wherein the control circuitry is configured to use the plurality of conductors to apply electrical signals to the plurality of circuit modules, each of which selectively generates one or more electric fields between the planar electrode layer and one or more of the plurality of pixels in the two-dimensional array. (Item 10) Item 3. The display system of item 2, wherein each of the plurality of circuit modules is electrically coupled to a pair of conductors from the plurality of conductors. (Item 11) Item 3. The display system of item 2, wherein each of the shapes includes multiple curved sides. (Item 12) Item 3. The display system of item 2, wherein the plurality of pixels form a particular tessellation. (Item 13) 1. A display system comprising: a first optically transmissive substrate having a first set of one or more electrodes disposed thereon; a second optically transmissive substrate having a second set of one or more electrodes disposed thereon; one or more layers positioned between the first set of one or more electrodes and the second set of one or more electrodes, the one or more layers comprising one or more layers of material responsive to an electric field; a quantity of material disposed in a particular geometric pattern across the second optically transmissive substrate, the particular geometric pattern including a plurality of curved segments; and control circuitry electrically coupled to the one or more electrodes of the first set and the one or more electrodes of the second set, the control circuitry configured to apply electrical signals to one or both of the one or more electrodes of the first and second sets to selectively generate one or more electric fields across the one or more layers; A display system comprising: (Item 14) Item 14. The display system of item 13, wherein each of the plurality of curved segments is positioned to align with an edge of an individual electrode from one or more electrodes of the first set or one or more electrodes of the second set. (Item 15) Item 15. The display system of item 14, wherein the edges of the individual electrodes with which each of the plurality of curved segments is aligned have a curved geometric shape. (Item 16) Item 16. The display system of item 15, wherein the curved geometric shape is semicircular, serpentine, sinusoidal, or a combination thereof. (Item 17) Item 15. The display system of item 14, wherein the edges of the individual electrodes with which each of the plurality of curved segments is aligned correspond to a sinuosity value that is less than or equal to 1.02. (Item 18) Item 14. The display system of item 13, wherein the amount of material disposed over the second optically transmissive substrate comprises an amount of resin or chrome. (Item 19) Item 14. The display system of item 13, wherein the point spread function (PSF) of the particular geometric pattern corresponds to an Airy pattern. (Item 20) Item 14. The display system of item 13, wherein the particular geometric pattern corresponds to a particular tessellation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an augmented reality (AR) scene as viewed through a wearable AR device.

[0053] [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A illustrates various features of an AR device.

[0054] [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B illustrates an example of an AR device in which the area to be dimmed is determined based on detected light information.

[0055] [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C illustrates an example of an AR device in which the dimmed area is determined based on a virtual image.

[0056] [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D illustrates an example of an AR device in which the area to be dimmed is determined based on line-of-sight information.

[0057] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary wearable system.

[0058] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a method for operating an optical system.

[0059] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an AR device with an eyepiece and a pixelated dimming element.

[0060] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a controllable dimming assembly.

[0061] [Figure 7] 7A-7C illustrate example images of a scene as captured using various techniques.

[0062] [Figure 8] 8A and 8B illustrate an example array of pixels and the corresponding point spread function, respectively.

[0063] [Figure 9] 9A and 9B illustrate an example array of pixels and the corresponding PSF, respectively.

[0064] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display for a see-through display system.

[0065] [Figure 11]FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary curved geometry.

[0066] [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A depicts an example pixel layout, including pixel electrodes, circuit modules, and conductors.

[0067] [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B depicts an example pixel layout, including pixel electrodes, circuit modules, and conductors.

[0068] [Figure 13A] FIG. 13A depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display assembly for a see-through display system.

[0069] [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display assembly for a see-through display system.

[0070] [Figure 14A] 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D show exemplary curved geometries. [Figure 14B] 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D show exemplary curved geometries. [Figure 14C] 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D show exemplary curved geometries. [Figure 14D] 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D show exemplary curved geometries.

[0071] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows an example pixel layout and the corresponding PSF.

[0072] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows an example pixel layout and the corresponding PSF.

[0073] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a portion of an example pixel layout.

[0074] [Figure 18] 18A and 18B show various example tilt configurations for pixel layouts that can be employed to reduce the "screen door" artifact.

[0075] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows an exemplary plot illustrating the effect of different tilt configurations on the visibility of the "screen door" artifact.

[0076] [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows example images illustrating the visibility of the "screen door" artifact for different tilt configurations.

[0077] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows an example pixel layout. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0078] One challenge with optical see-through augmented reality (AR) devices is the variation in opacity and / or visibility of virtual content under varying ambient lighting conditions. The problem is exacerbated in extreme lighting conditions, such as a completely dark room or outdoors in bright sunlight. One solution is to dim world light at different spatial locations within the field of view of the AR device. The portions of the field of view to which dimming is applied and the amount of dimming applied can each be determined based on various information detected by the AR device. This information may include detected ambient light, detected line-of-sight information, and / or the detected brightness or location of the virtual content being projected.

[0079] For dimming systems employing optically transmissive displays with arrays of pixels, such as optically transmissive controllable dimming assemblies, optically transmissive liquid crystal displays (LCDs), and / or optically transmissive organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays, a user may observe spikes or streaks emanating from various light sources in the real world. More specifically, the array of pixels in an optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display, due to its geometry, may interact with light in a manner similar to that of a "cross-screen" or "star" photographic filter, such that a distinct number of diffracted spikes are produced around light sources in the real world.

[0080] The embodiments described herein provide techniques for reducing the visibility of diffraction spikes produced by optically transmissive spatial light modulators or displays in see-through display systems. In some embodiments, a dimming assembly is provided with pixels having curved geometries. Each pixel may consist of an electrode with a shape having at least one curved side. The pixels may form a two-dimensional array disposed on an optically transmissive substrate. The dimming assembly may further include conductors extending across the pixel array and adhering to the particular curved geometries. Control circuitry electrically coupled to the pixel array may apply electrical signals to generate electric fields across various layers of the dimming assembly.

[0081] FIG. 1 illustrates an AR scene 100 as viewed through a wearable AR device, according to some embodiments. The AR scene 100 depicts a real-world park-like setting 106 that is visible to a user of the AR technology, featuring various real-world objects 130, such as people, trees, buildings in the background, and a real-world concrete platform 120. In addition to these items, the user of the AR technology also perceives various virtual objects 102 as “visible,” such as a robotic figure 102-2 standing on the real-world concrete platform 120 and a flying, cartoonish avatar character 102-1, which thereby appears to be an anthropomorphic bumblebee, although these elements (the character 102-1 and the figure 102-2) do not exist in the real world. Due to the significant complexity of human visual perception and the nervous system, it is challenging to produce virtual reality (VR) or AR technology that facilitates a comfortable, natural-feeling, and rich presentation of virtual image elements among other virtual or real-world image elements.

[0082] 2A illustrates various features of an AR device 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the AR device 200 may include an eyepiece 202 and a dynamic dimmer 203 that are configured to be transparent or translucent when the AR device 200 is in an inactive or off mode so that a user may view one or more world objects 230 when looking through the eyepiece 202 and the dynamic dimmer 203. As shown, the eyepiece 202 and the dynamic dimmer 203 may be arranged in a side-by-side configuration to form a system field of view that is visible to a user when looking through the eyepiece 202 and the dynamic dimmer 203. In some embodiments, the system field of view is defined as the entire two-dimensional area occupied by one or both of the eyepiece 202 and the dynamic dimmer 203. While FIG. 2A illustrates a single eyepiece 202 and a single dynamic dimmer 203 for simplicity's sake, it should be understood that the AR device 200 may include two eyepieces and two dynamic dimmers, one for each eye of the user.

[0083] During operation, dynamic dimmer 203 may be adjusted to reduce the intensity of world light 232 associated with world object 230 impinging on dynamic dimmer 203, thereby producing dimmed area 236 in the system field of view. Dimmed area 236 may be a portion or subset of the system field of view and may be partially or completely dimmed. Dynamic dimmer 203 may be adjusted according to multiple spatially resolved dimming values ​​for dimmed area 236. Additionally, during operation of AR device 200, projector 214 may project virtual image light 222 (i.e., light associated with virtual content) onto eyepiece 202, which may be viewed by the user along with world light 232.

[0084] Projecting virtual image light 222 onto eyepiece 202 may project a light field (i.e., an angular representation of the virtual content) onto the user's retina such that the user perceives the corresponding virtual content as located at a location within the user's environment. For example, virtual image light 222 outcoupled by eyepiece 202 may cause the user to perceive character 202-1 as located at first virtual depth plane 210-1 and image 202-2 as located at second virtual depth plane 210-2. The user perceives the virtual content along with world light 232 corresponding to one or more world objects 230, such as platform 120.

[0085] In some embodiments, the AR device 200 may include an ambient light sensor 234 configured to detect world light 232. The ambient light sensor 234 may be positioned such that the world light 232 detected by the ambient light sensor 234 resembles and / or represents the world light 232 impinging on the dynamic dimmer 203 and / or the eyepiece 202. In some embodiments, the ambient light sensor 234 may be configured to detect multiple spatially resolved light values ​​corresponding to different pixels of the dynamic dimmer 203. In these embodiments, the ambient light sensor 234 may correspond, for example, to an imaging sensor (e.g., a CMOS, a CCD, etc.) or multiple photodiodes (e.g., in an array or another spatially distributed arrangement). In some embodiments, or the same embodiment, the ambient light sensor 234 may be configured to detect a global light value corresponding to an average light intensity or a single light intensity of the world light 232. In these embodiments, the ambient light sensor 234 may correspond, for example, to a set of one or more photodiodes. Other possibilities are also contemplated.

[0086] 2B illustrates an example of an AR device 200 in which a dimmed area 236 is determined based on detected light information corresponding to world light 232. Specifically, an ambient light sensor 234 may detect world light 232 associated with the sun and may further detect a direction and / or portion of the system field of view through which the world light 232 associated with the sun passes through AR device 200. In response, dynamic dimmer 203 may be adjusted to set dimmed area 236 to cover the portion of the system field of view that corresponds to the detected world light. As shown, dynamic dimmer 203 may be adjusted to reduce the intensity of world light 232 at the center of dimmed area 236 by an amount greater than at the edges of dimmed area 236.

[0087] 2C illustrates an example of AR device 200 in which dimmed area 236 is determined based on virtual image light 222. Specifically, dimmed area 236 may be determined based on virtual content perceived by the user resulting from the user observing virtual image light 222. In some embodiments, AR device 200 may detect image information including, among other possibilities, the location of virtual image light 222 (e.g., the location within dynamic dimmer 203 through which the user perceives virtual content) and / or the brightness of virtual image light 222 (e.g., the perceived virtual content and / or the brightness of the light generated in projector 214). As shown, dynamic dimmer 203 may set dimmed area 236 and adjust it to cover a portion of the system field of view that corresponds to virtual image light 222, or alternatively, in some embodiments, dimmed area 236 may cover a portion of the system field of view that is not aligned with virtual image light 222. In some embodiments, the dimming value of the dimmed area 236 may be determined based on the brightness of the world light 232 and / or the virtual image light 222 detected by the ambient light sensor 234.

[0088] 2D illustrates an example of an AR device 200 in which dimmed area 236 is determined based on line-of-sight information corresponding to a user's eyes. In some embodiments, the line-of-sight information includes a user's line-of-sight vector 238 and / or a pixel location of dynamic dimmer 203 where line-of-sight vector 238 intersects with dynamic dimmer 203. As shown, dynamic dimmer 203 may set dimmed area 236 and adjust to cover a portion of the system field of view that corresponds to the intersection (or intersection region) between line-of-sight vector 238 and dynamic dimmer 203, or alternatively, in some embodiments, dimmed area 236 may cover a portion of the system field of view that does not correspond to the intersection (or intersection region) between line-of-sight vector 238 and dynamic dimmer 203. In some embodiments, the dimming value of dimmed area 236 may be determined based on the brightness of world light 232 and / or virtual image light 222 detected by ambient light sensor 234. In some embodiments, the gaze information may be detected by an eye tracker 240 mounted on the AR device 200.

[0089] 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary wearable system 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The wearable system 300 may include a wearable device 301 and at least one remote device 303 that is remote from the wearable device 301 (e.g., separate hardware but communicatively coupled). The wearable device 301 as described with reference to FIG. 3 may correspond to the AR device 200 as described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D. The wearable device 301 is worn by a user (generally as a headset), while the remote device 303 may be held by the user (e.g., as a handheld controller) or mounted in various configurations, such as fixedly attached to a frame, fixedly attached to a helmet or hat worn by the user, built into headphones, or otherwise removably attached to the user (e.g., in a backpack configuration, in a belt-connected configuration, etc.).

[0090] The wearable device 301 may include a left eyepiece 302A and a left dynamic dimmer 303A arranged in a side-by-side configuration to form a left optical stack. Similarly, the wearable device 301 may include a right eyepiece 302B and a right dynamic dimmer 303B arranged in a side-by-side configuration to form a right optical stack. The left and right optical stacks may each further include various lenses, such as an accommodating lens on the user-side of the optical stack and a compensatory lens on the world-side of the optical stack.

[0091] In some embodiments, wearable device 301 includes one or more sensors, including, but not limited to, a left front-facing world camera 306A mounted directly on or near left eyepiece 302A, a right front-facing world camera 306B mounted directly on or near right eyepiece 302B, a left-side facing world camera 306C mounted directly on or near left eyepiece 302A, a right-side facing world camera 306D mounted directly on or near right eyepiece 302B, a left eye-tracking camera 326A pointed towards the left eye, a right eye-tracking camera 326B pointed towards the right eye, and a depth sensor 328 mounted between the eyepieces 302. Wearable device 301 may also include one or more image projection devices, such as a left projector 314A optically linked to left eyepiece 302A and a right projector 314B optically linked to right eyepiece 302B.

[0092] The wearable system 300 may include a processing module 350 for collecting, processing, and / or controlling data within the system. Components of the processing module 350 may be distributed between the wearable device 301 and the remote device 303. For example, the processing module 350 may include a local processing module 352 on the wearable portion of the wearable system 300 and a remote processing module 356 that is physically separate from and communicatively linked to the local processing module 352. The local processing module 352 and the remote processing module 356 may each include one or more processing units (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc.) and one or more storage devices, such as non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory).

[0093] The processing module 350 may collect data captured by various sensors of the wearable system 300, such as the camera 306, the eye tracking camera 326, the depth sensor 328, the remote sensor 330, the ambient light sensor, a microphone, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), an accelerometer, a compass, a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) unit, a wireless device, and / or a gyroscope. For example, the processing module 350 may receive images 320 from the camera 306. Specifically, the processing module 350 may receive a left front image 320A from a left front-facing world camera 306A, a right front image 320B from a right front-facing world camera 306B, a left side image 320C from a left side-facing world camera 306C, and a right side image 320D from a right side-facing world camera 306D. In some embodiments, the images 320 may include a single image, a pair of images, a video comprising a stream of images, a video comprising a stream of paired images, and the like. Images 320 may be generated and transmitted to processing module 350 periodically while wearable system 300 is powered on, or may be generated in response to instructions transmitted by processing module 350 to one or more of the cameras.

[0094] The cameras 306 may be configured at various positions and orientations along the exterior of the wearable device 301 to capture images of the user's surroundings. In some instances, the cameras 306A and 306B may be positioned to capture images that substantially overlap the field of view (FOV) of the user's left and right eyes, respectively. Thus, the placement of the cameras 306 may be near the user's eyes, but not so close as to obscure the user's FOV. Alternatively, or in addition, the cameras 306A and 306B may be positioned to align with the internal coupling locations of the virtual image lights 322A and 322B, respectively. The cameras 306C and 306D may be positioned to capture images of the user's sides, for example, within or outside the user's peripheral vision. The images 320C and 320D captured using the cameras 306C and 306D do not necessarily overlap with the images 320A and 320B captured using the cameras 306A and 306B.

[0095] In some embodiments, the processing module 350 may receive ambient light information from an ambient light sensor. The ambient light information may indicate a brightness value or a range of spatially resolved brightness values. The depth sensor 328 may capture a depth image 332 in a direction facing the front of the wearable device 301. Each value in the depth image 332 may correspond to the distance between the depth sensor 328 and the nearest detected object in a particular direction. As another example, the processing module 350 may receive eye tracking data 334 from the eye tracking camera 326, which may include left and right eye images. As another example, the processing module 350 may receive projected image brightness values ​​from one or both of the projectors 314. The remote sensor 330 located in the remote device 303 may include any of the sensors described above with similar functionality.

[0096] Virtual content is delivered to a user of the wearable system 300 using the projector 314 and the eyepieces 302, along with other components in the optical stack. For example, the eyepieces 302A, 302B may each comprise a transparent or semi-transparent waveguide configured to direct and outcouple light generated by the projectors 314A, 314B. Specifically, the processing module 350 may cause the left projector 314A to output left virtual image light 322A onto the left eyepiece 302A and the right projector 314B to output right virtual image light 322B onto the right eyepiece 302B. In some embodiments, the projector 314 may include a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) spatial light modulator (SLM) scanning device. In some embodiments, the eyepieces 302A, 302B may each comprise multiple waveguides corresponding to different colors. In some embodiments, lens assemblies 305A, 305B may be coupled to and / or integrated with eyepieces 302A, 302B. For example, lens assemblies 305A, 305B may be incorporated into a multi-layer eyepiece and may form one or more layers that make up one of eyepieces 302A, 302B.

[0097] 4 illustrates an example method 400 for operating an optical system (e.g., AR device 200 or wearable device 300). The steps of method 400 may be performed in a different order than shown in FIG. 4, and not all of the steps need to be performed. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of steps 406, 408, and 410 may be omitted during performance of method 400. One or more steps of method 400 may be performed by a processor of processing module 350 or some other component within wearable system 300.

[0098] In step 402, light (e.g., world light 232) associated with a world object (e.g., world object 230) is received in the optical system. The world object may be any number of real-world objects, such as a tree, a person, a house, a building, the sun, etc., that are visible to a user of the optical system. In some embodiments, the light associated with the world object is initially received by a dynamic dimmer (e.g., dynamic dimmer 203 or 303) or an aesthetic lens external to the optical system. In some embodiments, the light associated with the world object is considered to be received in the optical system when the light reaches one or more components of the optical system (e.g., when the light reaches a dynamic dimmer).

[0099] In step 404, virtual image light (e.g., virtual image light 222 or 322) is projected onto an eyepiece (e.g., eyepiece 202 or 302). The virtual image light may be projected onto the eyepiece by a projector (e.g., projector 214 or 314) of the optical system. The virtual image light may correspond to a single image, a pair of images, a video comprising a stream of images, a video comprising a stream of paired images, and the like. In some embodiments, the virtual image light is considered to be projected onto the eyepiece when any light associated with the virtual image light reaches the eyepiece. In some embodiments, projecting the virtual image light onto the eyepiece causes a light field (i.e., an angular representation of the virtual content) to be projected onto the user's retina such that the user perceives the corresponding virtual content as being located at a location within the user's environment.

[0100] During steps 406, 408, and 410, information may be detected by the optical system, for example, using one or more sensors of the optical system. In step 406, light information corresponding to light associated with a world object is detected. The light information may be detected using a light sensor (e.g., ambient light sensor 234) installed in the optical system. In some embodiments, the light information includes a plurality of spatially resolved light values. Each of the plurality of spatially resolved light values ​​may correspond to a two-dimensional position within the system field of view. For example, each light value may be associated with a pixel of the dynamic dimmer. In other embodiments, or in the same embodiment, the light information may include a global light value. The global light value may be associated with the entire system field of view (e.g., an average light value of light impinging on all pixels of the dynamic dimmer).

[0101] In step 408, gaze information corresponding to the eye of a user of the optical system is detected. The gaze information may be detected using an eye tracker (e.g., eye tracker 240 or 326) installed in the optical system. In some embodiments, the gaze information includes a gaze vector of the user's eye (e.g., gaze vector 238). In some embodiments, the gaze information includes one or more of a pupil position of the user's eye, a center of rotation of the user's eye, a pupil size of the user's eye, a pupil diameter of the user's eye, and cone and rod locations of the user's eye. The gaze vector may be determined based on one or more components of the gaze information, such as the pupil position, the center of rotation of the eye, the pupil size, the pupil diameter, and / or the cone and rod locations. When the gaze vector is determined based on the cone and rod locations, it may be further determined based on light information (e.g., global light values) to determine an origin of the gaze vector within the retinal layer of the eye that contains the cone and rod locations. In some embodiments, the line of sight information includes pixels or groups of pixels of the dynamic dimmer where the line of sight vector intersects with the dynamic dimmer.

[0102] In step 410, image information corresponding to the virtual image light (e.g., virtual image light 222 or 322) projected by the projector onto the eyepiece is detected. The image information may be detected by the projector, by a processor (e.g., processing module 350), or by a separate light sensor. In some embodiments, the image information includes one or more locations within the dynamic dimmer through which the user perceives virtual content when the user observes the virtual image light. In some embodiments, the image information includes multiple spatially resolved image brightness values ​​(e.g., perceived brightness of the virtual content). For example, each image brightness value may be associated with a pixel of the eyepiece or the dynamic dimmer. In one particular implementation, the processor may send instructions to the projector, and when it projects the virtual image light onto the eyepiece, the processor may determine the spatially resolved image brightness values ​​based on the instructions. In another particular implementation, the projector receives instructions from the processor, and when it projects the virtual image light onto the eyepiece, the projector sends the spatially resolved image brightness values ​​to the processor. In another specific implementation, an optical sensor positioned on or near the eyepiece detects and transmits spatially resolved image brightness values ​​to the processor. In other embodiments, or in the same embodiment, the image information includes a global image brightness value. The global image brightness value may be associated with the entire system field of view (e.g., the average image brightness value of all of the virtual image lights).

[0103] In step 412, a portion of the system field of view to be at least partially dimmed is determined based on the detected information. The detected information may include light information detected during step 406, line of sight information detected during step 408, and / or image information detected during step 410. In some embodiments, the portion of the system field of view is equal to the entire system field of view. In various embodiments, the portion of the system field of view may be equal to 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or the like, of the system field of view. In some embodiments, different types of information may be weighted differently in determining the portion to be at least partially dimmed. For example, line of sight information, when available, may be weighted more heavily than light information and image information in determining the portion to be at least partially dimmed. In one particular implementation, each type of information may be used independently to determine a different portion of the system field of view to be at least partially dimmed, and the different portions may then be combined into a single portion using an AND or OR operation.

[0104] In some embodiments, the information used to determine the portion of the system field of view to be at least partially dimmed includes information associated with one or more objects presented in the virtual content. For example, the virtual content may include text, navigation indicators (e.g., arrows), and / or other content. The portion of the field of view in which such content is to be presented and / or the field of view proximal to the content can be dimmed so that a user can more easily read, perceive, understand, and distinguish the content from world objects. The dimmer can selectively dim one or more pixels and / or zones of pixels or improve visibility of the content. In one example, a section of a lower portion of the field of view can be selectively and dynamically dimmed to allow a user to more easily see directional (e.g., navigation) arrows, text messages, etc. Such dimming may be implemented while content is displayed in response to a determination that such content will be displayed, and the dimming may be removed once the content is no longer displayed. In some instances, the dimming may be implemented to reduce artifacts caused by pixel structures that enable dimming across the entire field of view.

[0105] In step 414, a plurality of spatially resolved dimming values ​​for the portion of the system field of view are determined based on the detected information. In some embodiments, the dimming values ​​are determined using a formula approach based on the desired opacity or visibility of the virtual content. In one particular implementation, the visibility of the virtual content may be calculated using the following equation: [ka] where V is the visibility and I max is the brightness of the virtual image light as indicated by the image information, and I backis related to the light value associated with the world object as indicated by the light information (which may be modified by the determined dimming value), and C is the desired contrast (e.g., 100:1). For example, a visibility equation may be used at each pixel location of the dimmer to calculate a dimming value for the particular pixel location using the brightness of the virtual image light at the particular pixel location and the light value associated with the world object at the particular pixel location. In some embodiments, I back may be defined using the following equation: [ka] In the formula, T v is the percentage of light that is allowed to pass through one or more pixels of the dimmer, and I world is the brightness of the ambient light from the world as indicated by the light information. v may represent or be related to a dimming value.

[0106] In step 416, the dimmer is adjusted to reduce the intensity of light associated with objects within the portion of the system field of view. For example, the dimmer may be adjusted such that the intensity of light associated with objects impinging on each pixel location of the dimmer is reduced according to the dimming value determined for that particular pixel location. As used in this disclosure, adjusting the dimmer may include initializing the dimmer, activating the dimmer, powering on the dimmer, modifying or changing a previously initialized, activated, and / or powered on dimmer, and the like. In some embodiments, the processor may send data to the dimmer indicative of both the portion of the system field of view and the plurality of spatially resolved dimming values.

[0107] In step 418, the projector is adjusted to adjust the brightness associated with the virtual image light. For example, in some embodiments, it may be difficult to achieve a desired opacity or visibility of the virtual content without increasing or decreasing the brightness of the virtual object. In such embodiments, the brightness of the virtual image light may be adjusted before, after, simultaneously with, or in parallel with adjusting the dimmer.

[0108] FIG. 5 illustrates an AR device 500 with an eyepiece 502 and a pixelated dimming element 503, which consists of a spatial grid of dimming areas (i.e., pixels) that can have various levels of dimming. Each dimming area may have an associated size (i.e., width) and an associated spacing (i.e., pitch). As shown, the spatial grid of dimming areas may include one or more dark pixels 506 that provide full dimming of incident light and one or more clear pixels 508 that provide full transmission of incident light. Adjacent pixels within the pixelated dimming element 503 may abut (e.g., when the pitch is equal to the size) or may be separated by a gap (e.g., when the pitch is greater than the size). In various embodiments, the pixelated dimming element 503 may employ liquid crystal technology, such as dye-doped or guest-host liquid crystals, twisted nematic (TN) or vertically aligned (VA) liquid crystals, or ferroelectric liquid crystals. In some embodiments, the pixelated dimming element 503 may comprise an electrochromic device, among other possibilities. In some implementations, the pixelated dimming element 503 may employ electrically controlled birefringence ("ECB") technology, such as an ECB cell.

[0109] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of a controllable dimming assembly 603 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The controllable dimming assembly 603 may form all or part of an external cover of an AR system and / or may be integrated within the optical stack of the AR system. In some implementations, the controllable dimming assembly 603 of FIG. 6 may correspond to one or more of components 203, 303A, 303B, and 503 as described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, 3, and 5. In the example of FIG. 6, the controllable dimming assembly 603 includes a liquid crystal layer 618 sandwiched between an outer electrode layer 616A and an inner electrode layer 616B, which in turn are sandwiched between an outer polarizer 612A and an inner polarizer 612B. In some embodiments, the controllable dimming assembly 603 may further include an outer compensation film layer 614A (or wave plate) positioned between the outer polarizer 612A and the outer electrode layer 616A, an inner compensation film layer 614B (or wave plate) positioned between the inner polarizer 612B and the inner electrode layer 616B, or both. Additional examples of controllable dimming assembly architectures and control schemes are described in further detail in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62 / 725,993, 62 / 731,755, and 62 / 858,252, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0110] In operation, the outer polarizer 612A may impart a first polarization state (e.g., vertical polarization) to ambient light propagating therethrough toward the user's eyes. Liquid crystal molecules contained within the liquid crystal layer 618 may then further rotate / polarize the polarized ambient light in accordance with one or more electric fields applied across the outer and inner electrode layers 616A, 616B. It follows that the polarization rotation imparted by the pair of electrode layers 616A, 616B and the liquid crystal layer 618 may effectively modify the polarization state of the ambient light passing therethrough. In some embodiments, retardation and / or additional polarization rotation may be imparted using the outer and / or inner compensation film layers 614A, 614B. Finally, the inner polarizer 612B may impart a second, different polarization state (e.g., horizontal polarization) to ambient light propagating therethrough toward the user's eyes. The second polarization state may be configured to be approximately orthogonal to the cumulative polarization state imparted on the ambient light by the combined effect of the outer polarizer 612A, the liquid crystal layer 618, and optionally the outer and / or inner compensation film layers 614A, 614B. Thus, the inner polarizer 612B may allow portions of the ambient light in the second polarization state to pass therethrough unaffected and may attenuate portions of the ambient light in polarization states other than the second polarization state.

[0111] In some implementations, the controllable dimming assembly 603 of FIG. 6 may be configured to generate a segmented or pixelated color / dimming pattern to attenuate ambient light incident thereon. In such implementations, one of the outer electrode layer 616A and the inner electrode layer 616B may correspond to a layer of individually addressable electrodes arranged in a two-dimensional array. For example, in some examples, the outer electrode layer 616A may correspond to an array of electrodes, which may correspond to a single planar electrode, that can each be selectively controlled by the controllable dimming assembly 603 and, in conjunction with the outer electrode layer 616B, generate a distinct electric field / voltage. The controllable dimming assembly 603 of FIG. 6 may be configured to generate a dimming pattern in response to application of one or more electric fields / voltages across the outer and inner electrode layers 616A, 616B. In some examples, one or both of the electrodes of the outer and inner electrode layers 616A, 616B may be made of an optically transparent conductive material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0112] In some embodiments, the controllable dimming assembly 603 may be configured to attenuate ambient light passing therethrough according to a gradient coloring / dimming pattern using at least one component thereof (e.g., outer polarizer 612A, inner polarizer 612B, outer compensation film layer 614A, inner compensation film layer 614B, outer electrode layer 616A, inner electrode layer 616B, circuitry electrically coupled to the outer electrode layer 616A and / or inner electrode layer 616B, substrate material disposed adjacent to the liquid crystal layer 618, outer electrode layer 616A, and / or inner electrode layer 616B, etc.) configured to impart a polarization state that varies based on the location and / or angle at which the ambient light is incident on such component. In some implementations in which the controllable dimming assembly 603 includes at least one compensation film layer (e.g., one or both of outer and inner compensation film layers 614A, 614B), such compensation film layers 614A, 614B may be configured to polarize / rotate / retard ambient light passing therethrough in a manner that varies based on the location and / or angle at which the ambient light is incident on the compensation film layers 614A, 614B. The angular attenuation component may be arranged on at least a portion of a surface of the eyepiece of the display system. For example, in some implementations, the angular attenuation component may be arranged adjacent to the controllable dimming assembly of a display system, such as one or more of components 203, 303a, 303B, 503, and 603 as described herein with reference to FIGS. 2A-2C, 3, 5, and 6.

[0113] When viewing the real world through an optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display with an array of pixels, such as an optically transmissive controllable dimming assembly, an optically transmissive LCD, and / or an optically transmissive OLED display, spikes or streaks may be visible emanating from various light sources in the real world. More specifically, the array of pixels in the optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display, due to its geometry, may interact with light in a manner similar to that of a "cross-screen" or "star" photographic filter, such that distinct numbers of diffracted spikes are produced around light sources in the real world.

[0114] 7A-7C illustrate example images 700 of a scene as captured using various techniques according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 7A illustrates example image 700A of a scene as captured by a camera. FIG. 7B illustrates example image 700B of the same scene as captured by the same camera through an optically transmissive spatial light modulator with an array of pixels. The optically transmissive spatial light modulator through which example image 700B was captured is described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B. The scenes captured in both example images 700A and 700B feature an illuminated light source (e.g., the light on a cell phone). However, it can be seen that a distinct number of diffraction spikes (e.g., four diffraction spikes) are present around the light source in example image 700B that are not present in example image 700A. While the optical effect exhibited in embodiment 700B may be desirable in some applications (e.g., artistic photography, etc.), it has been found through development of the systems and techniques described herein that such effects may sometimes be viewed as unpleasant or distracting to users of see-through display systems. Thus, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to reduce the visibility of diffraction spikes produced by an optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display in a see-through display system.

[0115] In some implementations, the visibility of diffraction spikes produced in a see-through display system can be reduced by employing an optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display, such as an optically transmissive controllable dimming assembly, configured to produce a relatively large number of diffraction spikes per light source. While this may seem counterintuitive, the number of diffraction spikes or streaks produced per light source can be inversely proportional to the intensity and / or length of each streak. For example, FIG. 7C shows an example image 700C of the same scene as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, as captured by the same camera through an optically transmissive spatial light modulator configured to produce a relatively large number of diffraction spikes per light source. The optically transmissive spatial light modulator through which example image 700C was captured is described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 9A-9B.

[0116] It can be seen that a larger number of diffraction spikes are present around the light sources in example image 700C than are present around the light sources in example image 700B. However, given the inverse relationship between the number of diffraction spikes or streaks produced per light source and the intensity and / or length of each streak, the diffraction spikes in example image 700C are less defined and shorter than the diffraction spikes in example image 700B. Furthermore, the diffraction spikes or streaks exhibited around the light sources in example image 700C appear to be much more concentrated or localized than those exhibited around the light sources in example image 700B, which are relatively widespread. Through the development of the systems and techniques described herein, it has been found that many users of see-through display systems find the optical effects exhibited in example image 700C to be less annoying and / or distracting than the optical effects exhibited in example image 700B. Thus, in some implementations, the optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display of a see-through display system may be configured to produce a relatively large number of diffraction spikes per light source to provide an enhanced user experience.

[0117] The number of diffraction spikes or streaks produced around a given light source in the real world is proportional to the number of sides or edges of the aperture through which light from the given light source passes, which may also correspond to the number of sides or edges of the partition surrounding and / or defining the aperture through which light from the given light source passes. The pattern of diffraction spikes or streaks produced around a given light source in the real world corresponds to the Fourier transform of the aperture-partition geometry with which light from the given light source interacts. Thus, an aperture-partition geometry with n edges may result in n diffraction spikes or streaks if n is even, and 2n diffraction spikes or streaks if n is odd. This also means that the angular orientation of a given edge of an aperture-partition geometry may dictate, at least in part, the angular orientation of the diffraction spikes or streaks it produces. Through the development of the systems and techniques described herein, it has been discovered that each pixel in an array of pixels in an optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display can act as a kind of aperture through which light from the real world passes, and that the components (e.g., conductors, circuitry, light-blocking masks or matrices, etc.) surrounding each pixel in the array can act as a kind of corresponding partition.

[0118] 8A and 8B respectively illustrate an exemplary array 810A of pixels and a corresponding point spread function (PSF) 820B according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Given that pixels are, in most cases, quadrilateral (i.e., four-sided), square, or rectangular in shape, it follows that many optically transmissive spatial light modulators and displays can produce four diffraction spikes around each real-world light source, as is the case in the example of FIG. 7B. For example, FIG. 8A depicts an array 810A of pixels with such a geometry, and FIG. 8B depicts its associated PSF 820B. The PSF 820B may correspond, for example, to the Fourier transform of the exemplary pixel array 810A. As shown in FIG. 8B, the PSF 820B features four distinct spikes or lines that differ from those exhibited in the exemplary image 700B of FIG. 7B.

[0119] 9A and 9B respectively illustrate an exemplary array of pixels 910A and a corresponding PSF 920B according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some implementations, a relationship between aperture-septum geometry and diffraction spike patterning may be exploited in one or more of the systems and techniques described herein to produce an increased number of diffraction spikes per light source and thus improve the user experience. For example, FIG. 9A depicts an array of pixels 910A, and FIG. 9B depicts its associated PSF 920B according to some such implementations. The PSF 920B may correspond, for example, to the Fourier transform of the pixel array 910A.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 9A , each pixel in the array of pixels 910A has a curved geometric shape. More specifically, each pixel in the array of pixels 910A is bounded by a series of arc, semicircle, or serpentine segments. In some implementations, the curved geometric shape of each pixel in the array of pixels 910A is approximated by many straight line segments. Each pixel better approximates the curved geometric shape than straighter line segments that may be utilized in forming the pixel. In some implementations, each curved side of a pixel may be formed using 50, 100, 500, or 1,000 straight line segments, among other possibilities. Thus, as used herein, a side of a pixel or electrode that is composed of multiple straight lines and has the overall appearance of a curved side when the side is viewed as a whole is considered to be “curved.” Such a side may be partially curved (e.g., only a portion of the side has a curved appearance when the side is viewed as a whole) or fully curved (e.g., every portion of the side has a curved appearance when the side is viewed as a whole).

[0121] The aperture-septum geometry associated with each pixel in array of pixels 910A can be said to have an infinite or nearly infinite number of edges. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 9B , the pattern exhibited in PSF 920B, which is not dissimilar to the diffraction pattern exhibited in image 700C of FIG. 7C , is characterized by an indistinguishable (perhaps nearly infinite) number of spikes or streaks, bearing a relatively strong resemblance to an Airy pattern. Additionally, because a relatively wide range of different angular components is represented in the geometry associated with array of pixels 910A, and further because the distribution of such different angular components represented in the geometry associated with array of pixels 910A is relatively uniform, the pattern exhibited in PSF 920B is characterized by diffraction spikes or streaks irradiating or emanating from origins at a wide range of different angles in a manner such that individual spikes or streaks are not very noticeable.

[0122] Notably, the change in intensity as a function of distance from the center or origin is found to be much faster for PSF920B than for PSF820B. Indeed, advantageous diffraction patterns can be achieved by employing curved geometries within an array of pixels. As explained in further detail below, advantageous diffraction patterns can be achieved in see-through display systems involving optically transmissive spatial light modulators and displays by employing curved geometries within the pixel components (e.g., electrodes) and / or one or more of the components (e.g., conductors, circuitry, light-blocking masks or matrices, etc.) surrounding the pixel components of the optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display.

[0123] 10 depicts an exemplary optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display 1000 for a see-through display system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display 1000 may correspond to, for example, an optically transmissive controllable dimming assembly similar or comparable to one or more of the dimming assemblies described herein, optically transmissive LCDs, optically transmissive OLED displays, and the like. As shown in FIG. 10, the optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display 1000 includes an array of pixels 1002, each having a curved geometry (as shown by inset 1004) and spaced apart from one or more neighboring pixels (as shown by inset 1006).

[0124] Each pixel in the array of pixels 1002 of the optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display 1000 is also electrically coupled to a corresponding thin film transistor (TFT) 1008, which is in turn electrically coupled to a corresponding pair of metal line traces or conductors 1010. Such metal line traces or conductors 1010 are positioned in the transmissive gap regions 1012 between the pixels and are further electrically coupled to one or more circuits for controlling the state of each pixel of the exemplary optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display 1000. In the example of FIG. 10 , such one or more circuits may include a chip-on-glass (COG) 1014 that is laterally offset from the array of pixels 1002. As such, the COG 1014 of the optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display 1000 may be positioned outside the user's FOV, hidden by the housing or other components of the see-through display system, or a combination thereof.

[0125] 11 depicts an example curved geometry 1100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The curved geometry 1100 includes a "quadrant" curvature design in which a radius of curvature R1 is used, which is [ka] In one example, p=500 μm and R1=176.7 μm. In some implementations, the example curved geometry 1100 of FIG. 11 may be employed within the optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display 1000 of FIG. 10 or other similar systems.

[0126] FIG. 12A illustrates a pixel electrode E according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. (1,1) -E (M, N) and circuit module T (1,1) -T (M, N) and conductor R1-R M and C1-C N 12A depicts an example pixel layout 1200A including pixel electrodes E (1,1) -E (M, N) In some embodiments, the pixel electrode E (1,1) -E (M, N) The pixel electrode E may be made of an optically transparent conductive material such as ITO. (1,1) -E (M, N) Each of the circuit modules T (1,1) -T (M, N) In some implementations, the pixel electrodes E (1,1) -E (M, N) may correspond to a pixel array similar or comparable to the array of pixels 1002 described above with reference to FIG. 10. In some implementations, circuit module T (1,1) -T (M, N) may correspond to a TFT circuit similar or comparable to TFT 1008 described above with reference to Figure 10. In some embodiments, each TFT circuit may include one or more electronic components in addition to a thin film transistor.

[0127] Circuit Module T (1,1) -T(M, N) Each of these in turn is connected to the conductors R1-R M and conductors C1-C N In some embodiments, conductors R1-R M and C1-C N may correspond to the metal trace lines or conductors 1010 described above with reference to FIG. M and C1-C N may be electrically coupled to circuitry configured to drive or otherwise control the operation of the spatial light modulator or display to which exemplary pixel layout 1200A corresponds. In some embodiments, such circuitry may correspond to COG 1014 described above with reference to FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 12A, pixel electrode E (1,1) -E (M, N) and conductor R1-R M and C1-C N adheres to specific curved geometries similar to those depicted in FIGS. 9A, 10, and 11.

[0128] FIG. 12B illustrates a pixel electrode E according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. (1,1) -E (M, N) and circuit module T (1,1) -T (M, N) and conductor R1-R M and C1-C N 12 depicts an example pixel layout 1200B including: (1,1) -E (M, N) , circuit module T (1,1) -T (M, N) , and conductors R1-R M and C1-C N is the pixel electrode E of the exemplary pixel layout 1200A, as described above with reference to FIG. 12A. (1,1) -E (M, N) , circuit module T (1,1) -T (M, N) , and conductors R1-R M and C1-C NHowever, in pixel layout 1200B, pixel electrode E (1,1) -E (M, N) and conductor R1-R M and C1-C N adheres to a curved geometry different from that of example pixel layout 1200A.

[0129] 13A depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display assembly 1300A for a see-through display system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The assembly 1300A may correspond to, for example, an optically transmissive controllable dimming assembly, an optically transmissive LCD assembly, an optically transmissive OLED display assembly, and the like. More specifically, the portion of the assembly 1300A depicted in FIG. 13A includes a first optically transmissive substrate 1302, a first pixel electrode 1305A, a second pixel electrode 1307A, a conductor 1309, a liquid crystal layer 1318, a common plane electrode 1316, a light-blocking mask 1320A, and a second optically transmissive substrate 1322.

[0130] In some implementations, one or both of the first and second optically transparent substrates 1302, 1322 may be made of glass. The pixel electrodes 1305A and 1305B may be, for example, neighboring pixel electrodes in an array of electrodes. For example, within the context of Figures 12A and 12B, the first and second pixel electrodes 1305A, 1305B, respectively, may be neighboring pixel electrodes E (1,1) and E (1,2) Similarly, in this example, conductor 1309 may correspond to conductor C2, which corresponds to pixel electrode E in FIGS. 12A and 12B. (1,1) and E (1,2) In another embodiment, elements 1305A, 1307A, and 1309 of assembly 1300A are respectively disposed between pixel electrodes E as described above with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B. (1,1) , E (2,1), and conductor R2. As shown in FIG. 13A, there may be gaps or channels between each of elements 1305A, 1307A, and 1309.

[0131] The light-blocking mask 1320A may be positioned to align with the conductors 1309 and, in some implementations, may be wider than the spacing between the pixel electrodes 1305A and 1307A. In this manner, the light-blocking mask 1320A may interact with virtually any light that may pass through the gap or channel between the pixel electrodes 1305A and 1307A. In general, the light-blocking mask 1320A may be configured to absorb, reflect, or otherwise impede some of the transmitted light incident thereon. Thus, the light-blocking mask 1320A may serve to prevent crosstalk between nearby pixel electrodes 1305A and 1307A, and may serve to block or attenuate light that may pass between the pixel electrodes 1305A and 1307A. Such functionality may be useful for both spatial light modulators and displays in see-through display systems.

[0132] Given the functionality of light-shielding mask 1320A, the geometry of light-shielding mask 1320A may also be curved and / or follow the contours of one or more of elements 1305A, 1307A, and 1309. In some examples, light-shielding mask 1320A as depicted in FIG. 13A may represent a portion of a larger light-shielding mask or matrix that spans the entire array of pixels. In some implementations, light-shielding mask 1320A may take the form of a volume of one or more materials deposited over optically transparent substrate 1322. Such one or more materials may include, for example, resin, chrome, and other materials configured to absorb and / or reflect light. In some examples, light-shielding mask 1320A may be implemented in a separate layer of assembly 1300A. For example, in some implementations, the light-shielding mask 1320A may be deposited over the conductors 1309, the gaps or channels on either side of the conductors 1309, and / or portions of the pixel electrodes 1305A and 1307A. In such implementations, the light-shielding mask 1320A may be in direct contact with the optically transmissive substrate 1302 and / or the liquid crystal layer 1318.

[0133] In some implementations, a display system including an assembly (e.g., assembly 1300A) is provided. The assembly may include a first optically transmissive substrate (e.g., first optically transmissive substrate 1302) on which a first set of one or more electrodes (e.g., pixel electrodes 1305A and 1307A) are disposed. The assembly may also include a second optically transmissive substrate (e.g., second optically transmissive substrate 1322) on which a second set of one or more electrodes (e.g., common plane electrode 1316) are disposed. The assembly may further include one or more layers (e.g., liquid crystal layer 1318) responsive to an electric field and positioned between the first set of one or more electrodes and the second set of one or more electrodes. The assembly may further include a quantity of material (e.g., light-blocking mask 1320A) disposed in a specific geometric pattern across the second optically transmissive substrate, the specific geometric pattern including a plurality of curved segments. The assembly may further include control circuitry (e.g., COG1014 of FIG. 10) electrically coupled to the one or more electrodes of the first set and the one or more electrodes of the second set. The control circuitry may be configured to apply electrical signals to one or both of the one or more electrodes of the first and second sets to selectively generate one or more electric fields across the one or more layers.

[0134] 13B depicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optically transmissive spatial light modulator or display assembly 1300B for a see-through display system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, the portion of the assembly 1300B depicted in FIG. 13B includes a first optically transmissive substrate 1302, a first pixel electrode 1305B, a second pixel electrode 1307B, a first conductor 1308, a second conductor 1310, a liquid crystal layer 1318, a common plane electrode 1316, a light-blocking mask 1320B, and a second optically transmissive substrate 1322.

[0135] In some embodiments, elements 1302, 1318, 1316, and 1322 of assembly 1300B may correspond to elements 1302, 1318, 1316, and 1322 of assembly 1300A as described above with reference to FIG. 13A. The primary difference between assembly 1300A and assembly 1300B is that in assembly 1300B, two conductors (e.g., conductors 1308 and 1310) are disposed between adjacent pixel electrodes (e.g., pixel electrodes 1305B and 1307B), while in assembly 1300A, a single conductor (e.g., conductor 1309) is disposed between adjacent electrodes (e.g., pixel electrodes 1305A and 1307A). Thus, the spacing between pixel electrodes 1305B and 1307B exceeds the spacing between pixel electrodes 1305A and 1307A. 13B may be employed in embodiments in which certain pixel array wiring and control schemes are implemented, such as, for example, a "dual gate" wiring and control scheme. Given the relatively large spacing between pixel electrodes 1305B and 1307B, it follows that light blocking mask 1320B may be relatively wide.

[0136] Except for the differences noted above, elements 1305B, 1307B, and 1320B of assembly 1300B may function similarly or comparable to elements 1305A, 1307A, and 1320A of assembly 1300A as described above with reference to FIG. 13A. Thus, in some embodiments, elements 1305B and 1307B of assembly 1300B correspond to pixel electrodes E as described above with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, respectively. (1,1) and E (1,2) In another embodiment, elements 1305B and 1307B of assembly 1300B may correspond to pixel electrodes E as described above with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, respectively. (1,1) and E (2,1)In some implementations, assemblies 1300A and 1300B may represent different portions of the same assembly. For example, in such implementations, elements 1305A and 1307A of assembly 1300A may correspond to pixel electrodes E as described above with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, respectively. (1,1) and E (1,2) and elements 1305B and 1307B of assembly 1300B may correspond to pixel electrodes E as described above with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B, respectively. (1,1) and E (2,1) or vice versa. In these implementations, the width of each pixel electrode may differ from the height of the same pixel due to differences in the size of the gaps or channels between horizontally and vertically neighboring pixel electrodes. However, such width and height differences may allow the pixel pitch to be maintained at a constant value throughout the array of pixels.

[0137] 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14D show exemplary curved geometries 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D, respectively, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some implementations, one or more of exemplary curved geometries 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D may be employed in one or more of the systems described herein instead of the curved geometry of FIG. 12A or the curved geometry of FIG. 12B. In some implementations, the lines defining each of one or more of exemplary curved geometries 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D may represent the perimeter of a pixel electrode, the path followed by a conductor between neighboring pixel electrodes, and / or the pattern of a light-blocking mask or matrix.

[0138] 12A and 12B, curved geometries 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D may correspond to patterns of interlocking semicircles, such as semicircles and / or quadrants. Additionally, it will be seen that the lines of exemplary curved geometries 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D define an array of shapes that fill a plane, similar to the lines of the curved geometries of Figures 12A and 12B. Also, similar to the curved geometries of Figures 12A and 12B, a relatively wide range of different angular components may be represented within curved geometries 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D, such that diffraction spikes or streaks associated with such geometries appear to illuminate or emanate from each light source at a wide range of different angles. Furthermore, the distribution of different angular components represented within curved geometries 1400A, 1400B, 1400C, and 1400D may be relatively uniform, such that individual spikes or streaks are nearly indistinguishable in the diffraction patterns associated with such geometries.

[0139] FIG. 15 shows an example pixel layout 1500 and corresponding PSF 1502 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, pixel layout 1500 includes the curved geometry of FIG. 12A and further includes pixel electrode 1502, circuit module 1508, and conductor 1510. In some embodiments, pixel layout 1500 may include a light-blocking mask that is at least partially curved and covers the footprint of one or more of elements 1502, 1508, and 1510. In some embodiments, a portion of the light-blocking mask may have a footprint slightly larger than the footprint of one or more of elements 1502, 1508, and 1510. Alternatively, or in addition, a portion of the light-blocking mask may have a footprint slightly smaller than the footprint of one or more of elements 1502, 1508, and 1510.

[0140] FIG. 16 shows an example pixel layout 1600 and corresponding PSF 1602 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, pixel layout 1600 includes a curved geometry similar to that shown in FIG. 12A and further includes pixel electrode 1602, circuit module 1608, and conductor 1610. In some embodiments, pixel layout 1600 may include a light-blocking mask that is curved and covers the footprint of one or more of elements 1602, 1608, and 1610. In some embodiments, a portion of the light-blocking mask may have a footprint slightly larger than the footprint of one or more of elements 1602, 1608, and 1610. Alternatively, or in addition, a portion of the light-blocking mask may have a footprint slightly smaller than the footprint of one or more of elements 1602, 1608, and 1610.

[0141] Pixel layout 1600 differs from pixel layout 1500 in that the area where circuit module 1608 is located has a curved geometry, while the area where circuit module 1508 is located has straight edges and sharp corners. In some implementations, circuit module 1608 itself may include curved edges. In some implementations, the combination of circuit module 1608 and conductors 1610 may form curved edges in the area where circuit module 1608 is located. In some implementations, the combination of light-blocking mask, circuit module 1608, and conductors 1610 may form curved edges in the area where circuit module 1608 is located. In some implementations, the light-blocking mask may have a footprint larger than both circuit module 1608 and conductors 1610 and may have a curved footprint in the area where circuit module 1608 is located.

[0142] 17 shows a portion of an example pixel layout 1700 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, pixel layout 1700 may correspond to pixel layout 1600. Pixel layout 1700 includes a pixel electrode 1702, a circuit module 1708, conductors 1710, and a light-shielding mask 1720. The footprint of light-shielding mask 1720 is curved and is larger than the collective footprint of circuit module 1708 and conductors 1710 in the region where circuit module 1708 is located. As shown, circuit module 1708 can be positioned such that conductors 1710 can be routed around the periphery of circuit module 1708 such that each of their elements can fit within the curved footprint of light-shielding mask 1720. Note that conductors 1710 are obscured as they move away from circuit module 1708 for illustrative purposes only (e.g., to illustrate that light blocking mask 1720 may have a footprint similar to conductors 1710 in certain areas of pixel layout 1700). It should be understood that conductors 1710 may continue to extend toward the circuit module near pixel layout 1700.

[0143] 18A and 18B show various example tilt configurations for pixel layouts that may be employed to reduce the "screen door" artifact according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 18A shows a tilt of a pixel layout 1802 with rectangular geometries at tilt angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°. Figure 18B shows a tilt of a pixel layout 1804 with curved geometries (e.g., quadrants) at tilt angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°.

[0144] 19 shows example plots illustrating the effect of different tilt configurations of FIGS. 18A and 18B on the visibility of the "screen door" artifact, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, the visibility of the "screen door" artifact as a percentage is plotted for orientations from 0° to 90° in 15° increments for pixel layout 1802 with a rectangular geometry and pixel layout 1804 with a curved geometry. A significant decrease in visibility is shown for both geometries for tilt angles from 15° to 75°. Minimal visibility is observed for pixel layout 1802 at 45°, and minimal visibility is observed for pixel layout 1804 at 15° to 75°.

[0145] 20 shows an example image 2000 illustrating the visibility of the "screen door" artifact for different tilt configurations of FIG. 18A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As can be observed in example image 2000, the visibility of the "screen door" artifact decreases significantly as the tilt angle increases from 0° to 45°.

[0146] 21 shows an example pixel layout 2100 including a first electrode 2105, a second electrode 2107, a conductor 2109, and a light-shielding mask 2120 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring again to FIG. 13A , elements 2105, 2107, 2109, and 2120 of pixel layout 2100 may correspond to elements 1305A, 1307A, 1309, and 1320A, respectively, for example. Accordingly, in some implementations, one or more glass substrates and / or liquid crystal layers may be positioned adjacent to one or more of 2105, 2107, 2109, and 2120 of example pixel layout 2100. Notably, neighboring pixel electrodes 2105 and 2107 do not have curved geometric shapes, but rather have square or rectangular shapes. Similarly, conductor 2109, which is positioned in the space between adjacent pixel electrodes 2105 and 2107, is relatively straight.

[0147] For these reasons, elements 2105, 2107, and 2109 can be expected to produce diffraction patterns similar to those described above with reference to Figures 7B, 8A, and 8B. However, as can be seen from Figure 21, in some implementations, light-blocking mask 2120 has a curved geometry and may be wide enough to intercept any light that may interact with one or both of the opposing edges of nearby pixel electrodes 2105 and 2107 and / or conductors 1309. Thus, pixel layout 2100 may still produce advantageous diffraction patterns depending on the size, positioning, and curved geometry of light-blocking mask 2120. In some examples, light-blocking mask 2120 may represent a portion of a larger light-blocking mask or matrix that spans throughout the entire array of pixels.

[0148] Although described primarily within the context of optically transmissive spatial light modulators and displays, such as controllable dimming assemblies, LCD systems, and OLED displays, it should be understood that one or more of the configurations and techniques described herein may be utilized with see-through pixel arrays in other systems. For example, in some implementations, one or more of the curved geometries and associated operating principles described herein may be utilized within an optically transmissive imaging device, such as a see-through CMOS sensor, which may be included as part of a see-through display system, camera, or other device.

[0149] The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components, as appropriate. For example, in alternative configurations, the methods may be performed in a different order than described, and / or various steps may be added, omitted, and / or combined. Also, features described with respect to one configuration may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology evolves, and therefore, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or the claims.

[0150] Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of example configurations, including implementations. However, configurations may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques are shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the configurations. This description provides only example configurations and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claims. Rather, the foregoing description of the configurations will provide those skilled in the art with an effective description for implementing the described techniques. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0151] Configurations may also be described as processes, depicted as schematic flowcharts or block diagrams. While each operation may be described as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or simultaneously. In addition, the order of operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the diagram. Furthermore, embodiments of the method may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as a storage medium. A processor may perform the described tasks.

[0152] While several example configurations have been described, various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the elements described above may be components of a larger system, and other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the present technology. Also, some steps may occur before, during, or after the elements described above are discussed. Therefore, the foregoing description does not constrain the scope of the claims.

[0153] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to a "user" includes a plurality of such users, a reference to a "processor" includes a reference to one or more processors and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

[0154] Additionally, the words "comprise," "comprising," "contains," "containing," "include," "including," and "includes," when used in this specification and the claims that follow, are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.

[0155] It is also to be understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only, and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to those skilled in the art and are within the spirit and scope of the present application and the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A dimming assembly comprising: A substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed above the substrate, each of the plurality of pixel electrodes having a two-dimensional geometric shape corresponding to a shape having a plurality of curved sides; a plurality of conductors, each of which is disposed between two adjacent pixel electrodes of the plurality of pixel electrodes; a plurality of circuit modules positioned at intersections of the plurality of conductors, each of the plurality of circuit modules electrically coupled to (i) one pixel electrode of the plurality of pixel electrodes and (ii) two conductors of the plurality of conductors; a light-shielding mask positioned to align with the plurality of conductors and the plurality of circuit modules, the light-shielding mask having a curved footprint at each of the plurality of intersections of the plurality of conductors, each of the plurality of circuit modules being positioned entirely within the curved footprint of the light-shielding mask at one of the plurality of intersections of the plurality of conductors; A dimming assembly comprising:

2. 10. The dimming assembly of claim 1, further comprising control circuitry electrically coupled to the plurality of conductors, the control circuitry configured to apply a plurality of electrical signals to the plurality of circuit modules using the plurality of conductors.

3. The light-controlling assembly of claim 1 , wherein a width of the light-blocking mask between the two adjacent pixel electrodes is greater than a width of a gap between the two adjacent pixel electrodes.

4. The dimming assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of conductors follows a curved path along the two-dimensional geometry of two pixel electrodes of the plurality of pixel electrodes.

5. The dimming assembly of claim 1 , wherein the substrate is an optically transparent substrate.

6. The dimming assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a planar electrode layer disposed above the substrate.

7. 7. The dimming assembly of claim 6, further comprising a layer positioned between the planar electrode layer and the plurality of pixel electrodes, the layer responsive to an electric field.

8. 8. The light control assembly of claim 7, wherein the layer responsive to an electric field is a liquid crystal layer.

9. The dimming assembly of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of pixel electrodes form a particular tessellation.

10. The light dimming assembly of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of curved sides is semicircular, serpentine, sinusoidal, or a combination thereof.

11. 10. The dimming assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of curved sides corresponds to a sinuosity value that is less than or equal to a value of 1.

02.

12. The light control assembly of claim 1 , wherein the light blocking mask comprises a quantity of one or more materials deposited over the substrate.

13. The dimming assembly of claim 12 , wherein the one or more materials include a resin or chrome.

14. 1. A display system, comprising: a projector configured to emit light; an eyepiece configured to receive the light and output the light; a light control assembly arranged in a juxtaposed configuration with the eyepiece; Equipped with The dimming assembly includes: A substrate; a plurality of pixel electrodes disposed above the substrate, each of the plurality of pixel electrodes having a two-dimensional geometric shape corresponding to a shape having a plurality of curved sides; a plurality of conductors, each of which is disposed between two adjacent pixel electrodes of the plurality of pixel electrodes; a plurality of circuit modules positioned at intersections of the plurality of conductors, each of the plurality of circuit modules electrically coupled to (i) one pixel electrode of the plurality of pixel electrodes and (ii) two conductors of the plurality of conductors; a light-shielding mask positioned to align with the plurality of conductors and the plurality of circuit modules, the light-shielding mask having a curved footprint at each of the plurality of intersections of the plurality of conductors, each of the plurality of circuit modules being positioned entirely within the curved footprint of the light-shielding mask at one of the plurality of intersections of the plurality of conductors; A display system comprising:

15. 15. The display system of claim 14, wherein the dimming assembly further comprises control circuitry electrically coupled to the plurality of conductors, the control circuitry configured to apply a plurality of electrical signals to the plurality of circuit modules using the plurality of conductors.

16. 15. The display system of claim 14, wherein a width of the light-blocking mask between the two adjacent pixel electrodes is greater than a width of a gap between the two adjacent pixel electrodes.

17. 15. The display system of claim 14, wherein each of the plurality of conductors follows a curved path along the two-dimensional geometry of two pixel electrodes of the plurality of pixel electrodes.

18. 15. The display system of claim 14, wherein the substrate is an optically transmissive substrate.

19. 15. The display system of claim 14, wherein the light control assembly further comprises a planar electrode layer disposed above the substrate.

20. 20. The display system of claim 19, wherein the dimming assembly further comprises a layer positioned between the planar electrode layer and the plurality of pixel electrodes, the layer responsive to an electric field.

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