Image light guide with nose bridge spacer and modular lens assembly

Abstract

An image light guide system for viewing virtual and real-world objects within a common field of view comprises a frame having a right eye rim section, a left eye rim section, a nose bridge section, an image source connected to the frame and operable to emit image-carrying rays, an image light guide configured to direct the image-carrying rays toward an eye box, a removable nose bridge spacer in contact with at least a portion of the nose bridge section, a removable nose pad section in contact with the nose bridge spacer, and a nose pad.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to image light guide systems, and more specifically to image light guide systems or augmented reality devices having modular components.

Background Art

[0002] Head-mounted displays (HMDs) are increasingly taking the form of conventional glasses having unobtrusive optical elements for conveying virtual content that is projected without blocking the surrounding environment. An image generator can be supported along a glasses temple, and a substantially transparent image light guide conveys the generated image to the wearer's eye as a virtual image projected onto the wearer's real-world field of view that is visible through the image light guide.

[0003] The virtual content can be conveyed along the image light guide as a set of angle-related beams, and the relative angular orientation of each beam in two angular dimensions corresponds to different positions (e.g., pixels) within the generated image. Typically, the beams themselves are collimated as if corresponding to a distant point source located at a specific angular position within the field of view. Thus, when the collimated beams are directed to overlapping positions within a common eyebox, the wearer's eye sees the image generated from the eyebox as a virtual image located at a distance approaching infinity. However, real-world objects of interest to the wearer may be located much closer, requiring some significant eye accommodation to focus. Viewing virtual objects and real-world objects that require different focus adjustments within the same scene can cause eye strain.

[0004] Vision problems within the wearer's eye caused by refractive abnormalities such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism can also pose challenges for low-profile HMDs similar to conventional glasses. If it is necessary to remove the wearer's conventional glasses (including corrective lenses) to accommodate the low-profile HMD, the wearer's field of view of both real-world and virtual objects through the HMD may be impaired.

[0005] Furthermore, HMD wearers have varying nose bridge depths and / or sizes, which can affect the position of the wearer's eyes relative to their glasses, and the overall comfort of wearing the HMD. [Overview of the initiative]

[0006] This disclosure relates to one or more exemplary embodiments of an image light guiding system having a removable nose bridge spacer and a removable modular lens assembly configured to manage the misalignment of focus between the real world and a virtual object presented to the observer. These and other embodiments, purposes, configurations, and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood and recognized from the following detailed description of the embodiments and appended claims and by reference to the appended drawings.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides an image light guide system for viewing virtual and real-world objects within a common field of view, comprising: a frame having a right eye rim section; a left eye rim section; a nose bridge portion; an image source connected to the frame and operable to emit image-carrying rays; an image light guide configured to direct the image-carrying rays toward an eye box; a removable nose bridge spacer in contact with at least a portion of the nose bridge portion; a removable nose pad portion in contact with the nose bridge spacer; and a nose pad.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, the Disclosure provides an image light guide system for viewing virtual and real-world objects within a common field of view, comprising: a frame including a right eye rim section, a right temple, a left eye rim section, a left temple, and a nose bridge portion; an image source connected to the frame and operable to emit image-carrying rays; an image light guide configured to direct the image-carrying rays toward an eyebox; a power housing connected to one of the left eye rim section and the right eye rim section; a removable nose bridge spacer disposed inside the nose bridge portion; a removable nose pad portion disposed inside the nose bridge spacer; and a modular lens assembly selectively attachable to the power housing and the nose bridge spacer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] The accompanying drawings are incorporated herein as part of this specification. The drawings described herein illustrate embodiments of the subject matter of this disclosure, and illustrate selected principles and teachings of this disclosure. However, the drawings do not illustrate all possible practices of the subject matter of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way.

[0010] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a top, front, and left side perspective view of an image light guide system according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the top, rear, and left side of the image light guide system according to Figure 1. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a perspective view of the top, back, and right side of the image light guide system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the top, back, and right side of a portion of the image light guide system shown in Figure 3A. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a rear view of the modular lens assembly of the image light guide system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a perspective view of the top, back, and left side of the modular lens assembly of the image light guide system shown in Figure 4A. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a rear view of the nose bridge spacer of the image light guide system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a perspective view of the top, back, and left side of the nose bridge spacer of the image light guide system shown in Figure 5A. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a rear view of the nose pad portion of the image light guide system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a perspective view of the top, back, and left side of the nose pad portion of the image light guide system shown in Figure 6A. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of the top, back, and left side of the image light guide system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of the top, back, and left side of a portion of the image light guide system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows partially exploded perspective views of the top, rear, and left side of an image light guide system according to an exemplary embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A is a rear view of the nose bridge spacer of the image light guide system shown in Figure 9. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B is a perspective view of the top, back, and left side of the nose bridge spacer of the image light guide system shown in Figure 10A. [Figure 11A] Figure 11A is a rear view of the elastic member of the image light guide system shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11B] Figure 11B is a perspective view of the top, back, and left side of the elastic member of the image light guide system shown in Figure 11A. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the top, back, and left side of a portion of the image light guide system shown in Figure 9, in a deformed state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] It should be understood that the present invention may envision various alternative orientations and step arrangements unless otherwise explicitly specified. It should also be understood that certain assemblies and systems illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely illustrative embodiments of the inventive concept as defined herein. Therefore, no particular dimensions, orientations, or other physical configurations relating to the disclosed embodiments are considered limiting unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, similar elements in various embodiments described herein may be generally referred to within this section using the same reference numerals, although this may not always be the case.

[0012] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the elements and techniques described herein can be implemented without one or more of the specific details, or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In some examples, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail so as not to obscure the particular aspects of this disclosure. Throughout this specification, any reference to “one embodiment” or “embodiment” means that a particular configuration, structure, or feature described in relation to an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Thus, throughout this specification, any occurrence of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. However, any particular configuration, structure, or feature described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0013] As used herein, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc., do not necessarily indicate any order, sequence, or priority relationship, but are used simply to more clearly distinguish one element or set of elements from another, unless otherwise specified.

[0014] As used herein, the terms "viewer", "operator", "observer", "wearer", and "user" are considered equivalent and refer to a person or machine that wears and / or uses a device having an image light guide to view an image.

[0015] As used herein, the term "set" refers to a non-empty set as the concept of a collection of elements or members of a set is widely understood in elementary mathematics. As used herein, the term "subset" is used to refer to a proper non-empty subset, i.e., a subset of a larger set having one or more members, unless otherwise explicitly stated. For a set S, a subset may include the complete set S. However, a "proper subset" of set S is strictly included in set S and excludes at least one member of set S.

[0016] As used herein, the term "about" applied to a value is intended to mean within the tolerance of the device used to generate the value, or in some embodiments, is intended to mean ±10%, or ±5%, or ±1% unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0017] As used herein, the term "substantially" is intended to mean within the tolerance of the device used to generate the value, or in some embodiments, is intended to mean ±10%, or ±5%, or ±1% unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0018] As used herein, the term "exemplary" is intended to mean "an example of", "useful as an example", or "serving as an example", and does not indicate any preference or requirement regarding the disclosed aspect or embodiment.

[0019] Optical systems, such as augmented reality systems, can generate virtual images. Unlike methods that form real images, virtual images are not formed on the display surface. That is, if the display surface is positioned at the perceived location of the virtual image, no image is formed on its surface. Virtual images offer numerous advantages specific to augmented reality displays. For example, the apparent size of a virtual image is not limited by the size or position of the display surface. Furthermore, the source object of the virtual image can be small; for example, a magnifying glass can provide a virtual image of an object. By forming virtual images that appear to be at a certain distance compared to systems that project real images, a more realistic viewing experience can be provided. Providing virtual images also eliminates the need to correct screen artifacts that may be necessary when projecting real images.

[0020] Referring here to Figure 1, exemplary embodiments of the image light guide system 100 according to this disclosure may take the form of a head-mounted display, such as smart glasses or other head-mounted optical systems. As shown in Figure 1, the exemplary image light guide system 100 includes an image light guide 102, which is, but not limited to, a transparent planar waveguide. Not shown, the image light guide 102 may include an incoupling diffractive optical element, an arbitrary intermediate diffractive optical element (or rotating optical element), and an outcoupling diffractive optical element. It should be understood that the image light guide 102 may be a planar waveguide or a non-planar waveguide (e.g., a curved waveguide). In addition, the image light guide 102 includes a transparent substrate, which may be made from, but not limited to, optical glass, quartz, or plastic, having a front and back surface parallel to the plane. It should be understood that the image light guide 102 is configured to receive an angularly associated image-carrying light beam and to couple the angularly associated image-carrying light beam to the image light guide 102 by an incoupling diffractive optical element (located along the front or back surface of the image light guide and configured as a transmissive or reflective diffractive element). Once coupled to the image light guide 102, the angularly coded image-carrying light beam is configured to propagate along the length dimension of the image light guide 102 and exit the image light guide 102 through interaction with an outcoupling diffractive optical element, resulting in the formation of at least one image within the eyebox for observation by a viewer or other optical component. The image light guide 102 may also utilize one or more encounters with intermediate diffractive optical elements, or rotational optical elements, and / or outcoupling optical elements to enlarge the size of the eyebox or reduce the positional sensitivity of the user's eye by one or more dimensions.

[0021] Furthermore, it should be understood that in one or more exemplary embodiments, the image light guide system 100 may include a plurality of stacked image light guides 102. For example, one image light guide 102 in the stack may be configured to incouple and propagate light in a first wavelength range (e.g., light in the red portion of the visible spectrum), and another image light guide 102 in the stack may be configured to incouple and propagate light in a second wavelength range (e.g., light in the green and / or blue portions of the visible spectrum).

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the image light guide system 100 also includes an image source 108. In some embodiments, the image source 108 is a projector including a light source and one or more optical components for focusing and / or collimating the light produced by the light source. In some embodiments, the image source 108 includes one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), organic LEDs (OLEDs), or micro-LEDs (uLEDs). In other embodiments, the image source 108 is a color field sequential projector system that can operate to pulse image-carrying light in multiple wavelength bands, such as light from within the red, green, and blue wavelength ranges, to a digital light modulator / micromirror array ("DLP") or liquid crystal display on silicon ("LCOS"). In further embodiments, the image source 108 includes one or more pico projectors, each pico projector configured to produce a single primary color band (e.g., red, green, or blue). In another embodiment, the image source 108 includes a single pico projector arranged to produce at least three primary color bands (e.g., red, green, and blue). In one example, the three primary color bands include a green band with wavelengths in the range of 495 nm to 570 nm, a red band with wavelengths in the range of 620 nm to 750 nm, and a blue band with wavelengths in the range of 450 nm to 495 nm. The substantially collimated light generated by the pico projector is coupled and transmitted through the image light guide 102 and can be used by the image light guide system 100 to form one or more virtual images visible to the user's eye, or other optical components positioned within the eyebox.

[0023] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, the image light guide system 100 also includes a frame 110 having a right eye rim section 112A, a right temple 114A, a left eye rim section 112B, a left temple 114B, and a nose bridge portion 116. The right eye rim section 112A is configured to receive an image light guide 102, or an image light guide stack 102, so that the image light guide 102 is configured to form at least one image relating to one or more virtual objects in the viewer's right eye during the operation of the image light guide system 100. In exemplary embodiments, the image light guide system 100 is configured as a monocular display system that forms an image in the observer's right eye. In some embodiments, the frame 110 is made of a metal, plastic, or wood material (or any combination thereof) and is intended to be opaque, i.e., not transmit visible light. In some embodiments, the image light guide 102 is removably fixed within the right eye rim section 112A between the temple 114A and the nose bridge portion 116, i.e., the image light guide 102 can be removed and / or replaced without the use of additional tools.

[0024] In exemplary embodiments, the image source 108 is positioned adjacent to and generally between the right temple 114A and the right eyelid section 112A. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image source 108 may generally be housed within a housing 108A. The image light guide system 100 also includes a power supply 118 having a housing 118' positioned adjacent to and generally between the left temple 114B and the left eyelid section 112B. The power supply 118 is electrically connected to the image source 108 via one or more flexible or bendable cables positioned at least partially through the nose bridge portion 116. The power supply 118 is also electrically connected to a controller including a processor and non-temporary computer-readable memory configured to execute and store a set of computer-readable instructions, respectively, capable of operating to provide images to the image source 108.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the image light guide system 100 may further include cover windows or other protective outer covers 122A, 122B located at least partially on the right eye rim section 112A and the left eye rim section 112B, respectively. In some embodiments, an anti-reflective coating may be provided on the front and / or back surfaces of the protective outer covers 122A, 122B. In some embodiments, since the protective outer cover 122A is located between the image light guide 102 and real-world objects, the protective outer cover 122A can provide filtering or other optical functions that affect the viewer's view of real-world objects without affecting the viewer's view of virtual objects. In some embodiments, the image light guide system 100 may further include additional cover windows and additional inner cover windows located between the user and the frame 110, such that the cover windows 122A, 122B are outer cover windows (at least partially located on the side of the frame 110 opposite the user). For example, as shown in Figure 3B, the left eye rim section 112B includes an inner cover window 122B'. In some embodiments, each outer cover window, image light guide (or image light guide stack) 102, and each inner cover window form a single module that can be inserted into or removed from one or more slots located within the left or right eye rim sections 112A, 112B. In exemplary embodiments of a monocular system, the left or right eye rim sections 112A, 112B that do not include the image light guide (or image light guide stack) 102 include a single lens having a thickness that matches the thickness of the single module including the outer cover window, image light guide (or image light guide stack) 102, and each inner cover window.

[0026] Referring here to Figures 2-3B, an exemplary embodiment of the image light guide system 100 includes a modular lens assembly 130 positioned at least partially between the left eye rim section 112B and the observer. As shown, the modular lens assembly 130 is removably connected to the power housing 118' and the nose bridge spacer 140. The modular lens assembly 130 includes a frame 130A and one or more lenses 130B. The modular lens assembly frame 130A includes a contour similar to the contour of the left eye rim section 112B, and the cutout 132 is generally shaped to at least partially surround the right eye rim surface of the power housing 118'.

[0027] In exemplary embodiments, the power housing 118' includes a projection or rib 118'' projecting from the surface of the power housing 118' toward the right eye rim section 112A. The modular lens assembly frame 130A includes a pair of elastic tabs 134A, 134B positioned on or within the cutout 132, and a recess 134C positioned between the elastic tabs 134A, 134B. At least one of the elastic tabs 134A, 134B or the recess 134C is configured to engage with the projection 118''. In exemplary embodiments, the projection 118'' generally includes a quadrant shape, the elastic tabs 134A, 134B generally engage with the ends of the projection 118'', and the majority of the projection 118'' is located within the recess 134C. As shown in Figure 3B, the flat or plane 120 of the projection 118'' abuts against the flat or plane 135 which is at least partially defined by the recess 134C. The nature of the mechanical interaction between the flat surface 120 and the flat surface 135 at least partially maintains the position of the modular lens assembly 130 along the horizontal direction, for example, along the direction toward the wearer. Naturally, the projection 118'' can take other forms in addition to the approximately quarter-cylinder shape, including but not limited to semi-cylindrical, substantially disc-shaped, elongated pyramidal, or rectangular shapes. In exemplary embodiments, only one of the tabs 134A, 134B is elastic, while the non-elastic tabs 134A, 134B perform a braking function to provide a force that counteracts the force of the elastic tabs 134A, 134B.

[0028] For clarity and ease of understanding, the drawings only illustrate the modular lens assembly 130 associated with the left orbital rim section 112B. However, it should be understood that a second modular lens assembly 130 associated with the right orbital rim section 112A may also be used in conjunction with the modular lens assembly 130 associated with the left orbital rim section 112B, and that the second modular lens assembly 130 may have the same configuration as the modular lens assembly 130 associated with the left orbital rim section 112B, arranged symmetrically around the nose bridge portion 116. To achieve removable mounting of the modular lens assembly 130 associated with the right orbital rim section 112A, the image source housing 108A also includes a projection or rib 118'' that protrudes from the surface of the image source housing 108A in the direction of the left orbital rim section 112B. Similarly, as will be further discussed below, the nose bridge spacer 140 is symmetrical to facilitate engagement between the first and / or second modular lens assembly 130 and the nose bridge spacer 140.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, in exemplary embodiments, the modular lens assembly frame 130A also includes a tab 136 configured to engage with at least a portion of the nose bridge spacer 140. The tab 136 protrudes generally in the direction opposite to the cutout 132 and includes a first recess 136A and a second recess 136B. The second recess 136B may be at least partially located within the first recess 136A. For example, the first recess 136A may define a generally rectangular shape or a portion of a rectangle. As shown in Figure 4A, the first recess 136A and the second recess 136B may be oriented generally upward, for example, at an angle facing upward.

[0030] Referring here to Figure 5A-7, an exemplary embodiment of the image light guide system 100 includes a removable nose bridge spacer 140. The nose bridge spacer 140 is configured to be positioned between the nose bridge portion 116 and the nose pad portion 150. Advantageously, the nose bridge spacer 140 facilitates improved fitting for variable user nose bridge depths and / or sizes, as well as fixed points for compactness or low aesthetic impact of the modular lens assembly 130. To accommodate different fittings or variable nose bridge depths for different users, it should be understood that the nose bridge spacer may have various thicknesses, where increased thickness translates to deeper nose bridge depth / fit, and vice versa. Note that the nose bridge spacer 140 can be used with and without the modular lens assembly 130. As shown in Figure 5A, the nose bridge spacer 140 is symmetrical about the imaginary axis AA, and therefore symmetrical elements are assigned reference letters. In exemplary embodiments, the nose bridge spacer 140 includes a substantially arched shape, for example, a substantially inverted "U" shape, contoured to fit into the nose bridge portion 116. The nose bridge spacer 140 includes a first mating surface 142A and a second mating surface 142B, respectively, configured for placement into the first recess 136A and the second recess 136B of the modular lens assembly frame tab 136. In exemplary embodiments, the nose bridge spacer 140 includes the first mating surface 142A but does not include the second mating surface 142B. As shown in Figure 8, the morphological mating properties of the mechanical connection between the modular lens assembly frame tab 136 and the nose bridge spacer 140 maintain the position of the modular lens assembly 130 at least partially, for example, along the direction of the imaginary axis AA and along the vertical direction. Continuing to refer to Figure 5A-7, the nose bridge spacer 140 also includes two through holes 144 through which it is positioned and which are symmetrical around the imaginary axis AA.In an exemplary embodiment, the through-hole 144 is configured to receive threaded fasteners 160, respectively, for assembling the nose pad portion 150 and the nose bridge spacer 140 with the nose bridge portion 116. However, it should be understood that the through-hole 144 does not need to be screwed in. As shown in Figure 7, the nose bridge portion 116, or the user-facing portions of the right orbital rim section 112A and the left orbital rim section 112B, includes a partial through-hole 117 symmetrically around the imaginary axis AA for receiving the threaded fastener 160. For example, the partial through-hole 117 includes an internal thread configured to engage with at least a portion of the threaded fastener 160.

[0031] Referring here to Figures 6A and 6B, the nose pad portion 150 is contoured to fit with the nose bridge spacer 140. The nose pad portion 150 is symmetrical about the imaginary axis AA, and therefore symmetrical elements are given similar reference numbers. The nose pad portion 150 includes a left pad 152 and a right pad 152 configured to support the image light guide system 100 on the wearer's nose. The nose pad portion 150 also includes a through hole 154 located through it and symmetrical about the imaginary axis AA. It should be noted that the through hole 154 does not need to be threaded. In one exemplary embodiment, the through hole 154 includes a counterbore to prevent a threaded fastener 160 from protruding beyond the surface of the nose pad portion 150 toward the wearer when assembled.

[0032] Advantageously, the image light guide system 100 is configured to accommodate both users with certain forms of optical disorders, such as myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism, and users without optical disorders. As described above, the image source 108 is configured to produce substantially collimated virtual image-bearing light. In embodiments of the image light guide system 100 in which the image light guide 102 (or image light guide stack 102) does not introduce refractive power into the coupled virtual image-bearing light, the image associated with the virtual object formed in the eyebox is typically focused to optical infinity. The modular lens assembly 130 associated with the right eye rim section 112A is configured, for example, to focus the virtual object to a closer focusing distance, i.e., a focusing distance smaller than optical infinity, as well as to focus a real-world object in the common field of view to a closer focusing distance. Similarly, the modular lens assembly 130 associated with the left eye rim section 112B is configured, for example, to focus a real-world object in the field of view to a closer focusing distance. In exemplary embodiments, one or more lenses 130B of the modular lens assembly 130 include a negative-output optical element that can operate to split real-world image-bearing light and / or virtual-image-bearing light, resulting in a reduction in the focusing distance of any real-world object and / or virtual object, for example, from a first focusing distance to a second focusing distance. It should be understood that one or more lenses 130B of the modular lens assembly 130 may also be configured to include a positive-output optical element that can operate to focus real-world image-bearing light and / or virtual-image-bearing light.

[0033] Referring here to Figures 9-12, in an exemplary embodiment, the image light guide system 100 is configured for tool-less mounting and removal of the nose bridge spacer 140 and / or one or more modular lens assemblies 130. Components of the image light guide system 100 common to the embodiments described above and below are indicated by the same reference letters, and their detailed descriptions are omitted. In an exemplary embodiment, the nose bridge portion 116, and / or the nose bridge portion 116 adjacent to the right orbital rim section 112A and the left orbital rim section 112B, includes a channel 119 for at least partially housing the elastic member 170. The nose bridge portion 116, and / or the nose bridge portion 116 adjacent to the right orbital rim section 112A and the left orbital rim section 112B, includes a channel 119 symmetrically positioned around an imaginary axis AA from which the elastic member 170 can extend toward the nose pad portion 150. In one embodiment, the channels 119 open toward the radially inward surfaces of the right orbital rim section 112A and the left orbital rim section 112B, respectively.

[0034] Referring to Figures 10A and 10B, the nose bridge spacer 140 includes two slots 146 through which it is positioned and which are symmetrical about the imaginary axis AA. The slots 146 may be oriented diagonally toward the wearer's nose, opening downward and inward (towards the user when the image light guide system 100 is worn). In an exemplary embodiment, the slots 146 are configured to receive an elastic member 170 and allow the nose bridge spacer 140 to be slidably removed from the elastic member 170 in order to assemble and disassemble the nose pad portion 150 and the nose bridge spacer 140 with the nose bridge portion 116. In an exemplary embodiment, the nose bridge spacer 140 includes a first bonding surface 142A configured to be at least partially positioned within a first recess 136A of the modular lens assembly frame tab 136.

[0035] As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, in exemplary embodiments, the elastic member 170 may include, but is not limited to, an elastic member (e.g., an elastic cord or strap) or a spring (e.g., a coil). The elastic member 170 includes an end cap 172 that secures the elastic member 170 at least partially within the nose pad portion through-hole 154, and in some embodiments, within a counterbore hole within each through-hole 154. In another exemplary embodiment, the augmented reality display system 100 may include two elastic members 170, which are not connected to and fixed to the nose bridge portion 116, but are otherwise designed similarly to the embodiment of a single elastic member 170.

[0036] As shown in Figure 12, the nose pad portion 150 can be moved in the opposite direction to the nose bridge portion 116 (for example, by being pulled by the user), thereby stretching (i.e., deforming) the elastic member 170. In the deformed state of the elastic member 170, one or more modular lens assemblies 130 may be removed and replaced with different formulations or lens assemblies as desired. Similarly, in the deformed state of the elastic member 170, the nose bridge spacer 140 may be removed and replaced with a nose bridge spacer 140 of a different thickness as desired.

[0037] Referring to the preceding, the following describes an example of user interaction with the image light guide system 100. Users who desire a different nose bridge fit may wish to use the nose bridge spacer 140 to increase the distance between the nose pad portion 150 and the nose bridge portion 116 of the frame 110. Users can simply deform the nose pad portion 150 by pulling it away from the nose bridge portion 116 against the elasticity (i.e., elasticity versus plasticity) provided by the elastic member 170. The space or gap between the deformed nose pad portion 150 and the nose bridge portion 116 allows for the insertion of a nose bridge spacer 140 having the desired thickness. The nose bridge spacer 140 may engage with at least a portion of the elastic member 170 via the slot 146, preventing the nose bridge spacer 140 from falling out of the assembly. Next, the user releases the nose pad portion, and the elastic member 170 elastically recombines to its original length / shape, compressing the nose bridge spacer 140 between the nose bridge portion 116 and the nose pad portion 150. Furthermore, after or simultaneously with the insertion of the nose bridge spacer 140, the user may engage one or more modular lens assemblies 130 by engaging the tabs 134A, 134B with the projections 118'' and engaging at least the first recess 136A with the first mating surface 142A, so that when the user releases the nose pad portion 150, a compressive force (provided by the elastic member 170) compresses and secures both the nose bridge spacer 140 and the tabs 136 of the modular lens assembly 130. It should be understood that a similar process using the nose bridge spacer 140 configuration shown in Figures 5A-5B and 7 follows similar steps, except that the screw 160 is removed and reinserted when the insertion / replacement of the nose bridge spacer 140 is complete, rather than deforming the elastic member 170 to create space for the nose bridge spacer 140.

[0038] Additional embodiments not shown may be constructed by combining one or more configurations of the embodiments described herein. While various embodiments have been described in detail above, they should be understood to be presented for illustrative purposes only and not limiting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject matter of this disclosure can be embodied in other specific forms, variations, and modifications without departing from its scope, spirit, or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be considered illustrative in all respects and not limiting. The scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of their equivalents are intended to be encompassed therein.

Claims

1. An image light guide system for viewing virtual objects, A frame having a right eyelid section, a left eyelid section, and a nose bridge section, An image source connected to the frame, which is operable to emit image-carrying rays, An image light guide configured to direct the image-carrying light towards the eye box, A nose bridge spacer that contacts at least a portion of the nose bridge, and is removable; An image light guide system comprising a removable nose pad portion that contacts the aforementioned nose bridge spacer.

2. The image light guiding system according to claim 1, further comprising a power housing connected to at least one portion of the left eyelid section or the right eyelid section.

3. The image light guiding system according to claim 2, further comprising a modular lens assembly that can be selectively attached to at least a portion of the frame and the nose bridge spacer.

4. The image light guiding system according to claim 3, further comprising a projection disposed on the surface of the power supply housing that extends at least partially toward the nose bridge portion, wherein the modular lens assembly can be selectively attached to the projection.

5. The image light guide system according to claim 4, wherein the modular lens assembly comprises one or more elastic tabs configured to engage with the protrusions.

6. The image light guiding system according to claim 3, wherein the modular lens assembly at least partially encloses a portion of the power supply housing.

7. The image light guide system according to claim 3, wherein the modular lens assembly includes a tab having one or more surfaces configured to engage with the nose bridge spacer.

8. The image light guide system according to claim 3, wherein the modular lens assembly includes one or more lenses having an optical output contribution that can be operated to focus or split light.

9. The image light guide system according to claim 1, wherein the nose pad portion and the nose bridge spacer include one or more coaxial through holes, the nose bridge portion of the frame includes one or more partial through holes arranged coaxially with the one or more through holes, and the one or more through holes and the one or more partial through holes are configured to receive one or more threaded fasteners.

10. The image light guiding system according to claim 1, further comprising an image source housing connected to one of the left eye rim section and the right eye rim section, wherein the image source housing at least partially encloses the image source, and a modular lens assembly is selectively attachable to at least a portion of the frame and the nose bridge spacer.

11. The image light guiding system according to claim 10, wherein the image source housing further comprises a projection that extends at least partially toward the nose bridge portion, and at least a portion of the modular lens assembly is selectively attachable to the projection.

12. The image light guide system according to claim 10, wherein the modular lens assembly includes one or more lenses having an optical output contribution that can be operated to focus or split light.

13. The image light guide system according to claim 1, further comprising an elastic member that is at least partially positioned through the nose bridge portion and connected to the nose pad portion.

14. The image light guide system according to claim 13, wherein the nose bridge spacer is slidably engaged between the nose bridge portion and the nose pad portion.

15. The image light guide system according to claim 14, wherein the nose bridge spacer is slidably engaged with the elastic member through one or more slots within the nose bridge spacer.

16. The image light guide system according to claim 14, wherein the elastic member is deformable when the nose pad portion extends away from the nose bridge portion, and the modular lens assembly and the nose bridge spacer can be removed when the elastic member is deformed.

17. The image light guide system according to claim 1, wherein the image light guide is substantially transparent.

18. An image light guide system for viewing virtual and real-world objects within a common field of view, A frame having a right eyelid section, a left eyelid section, and a nose bridge section, An image source connected to the frame, which is operable to emit image-carrying rays, An image light guide configured to direct the image-carrying light towards the eye box, A power housing connected to one of the left eyelid section and the right eyelid section, A nose bridge spacer, which is positioned in contact with at least a portion of the aforementioned nose bridge portion, and which is removable, A nose pad portion disposed in contact with the aforementioned nose bridge spacer, and which is removable; A system comprising a modular lens assembly that can be selectively attached to at least a portion of the power supply housing and at least a portion of the nose bridge spacer.

19. The image light guide system according to claim 17, wherein the image light guide is substantially transparent.

Images