Anamorphic directional lighting device

Abstract

The anamorphic near-eye display device comprises a spatial light modulator having asymmetric pixels, an input transverse anamorphic lens, an input waveguide that transmits input light to a partial reflection mirror in a first direction, an intermediate waveguide having a reflective lateral anamorphic component positioned to receive light from the partial reflection mirror and provide imaging of the spatial light modulator in a lateral direction, and an extraction waveguide positioned to receive light from the reflective lateral anamorphic component. The reflective extraction element is positioned to extract the imaged light toward the observer's pupil while maintaining the fan directionality of the light rays from the spatial light modulator and the anamorphic imaging system. This provides a thin, transparent, and efficient anamorphic display device for augmented reality and virtual reality displays.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates, in general terms, to a near-eye display device and its illumination system. [Background technology]

[0002] Head-mounted displays incorporating near-eye display devices can be configured to provide fully immersive images, such as virtual reality (VR) displays, or augmented images superimposed on real-world views, such as augmented reality (AR) displays. When the superimposed image aligns with or registers with the real-world image, it may be called mixed reality (MR). In VR displays, the near-eye display device is typically opaque to the real world, while in AR displays, the optical system is partially transparent to light from the real world.

[0003] Near-eye displays for AR and VR displays aim to provide full-color, high-resolution, high-brightness, and high-contrast images to at least one eye of a user with a wide field of view (angle of the image) and a large eyebox size (a geometric shape that allows the eye to move while maintaining full visibility of the image field of view). Such displays are desirable to have a thin form factor, low weight, and low manufacturing cost and complexity.

[0004] Furthermore, AR near-eye displays aim to have high transmittance of real-world light rays, without image distortion or degradation, and with reduced glare from stray light moving away from the display wearer. AR optical elements can be broadly classified as reflective combiner type or waveguide type. Waveguide types typically achieve reduced shape factor and weight due to the folding of the optical path within the waveguide. Known methods for injecting an image into a waveguide can couple light into the waveguide using a spatial light modulator and a projection lens arrangement having a prism or grating. Pixel positions within the spatial light modulator are converted into a fan in the direction of the light ray by the projection lens. In other arrangements, a laser scanner may provide the fan in the direction of the light ray. Angular positions are propagated through the waveguide and output to the user's eye. The eye's optics collect the angular positions and provide a spatial image on the retina. [Overview of the project]

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an anamorphic near-eye display device comprising: an illumination system equipped with a spatial light modulator, the illumination system being arranged to output light; and an optical system being arranged to direct the light from the illumination system toward the viewer's eye, the optical system having an optical axis and having anamorphic properties in a lateral direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the optical axis, wherein the spatial light modulator comprises pixels distributed in the lateral direction, the optical system comprises a transverse anamorphic component having positive refractive power in the transverse direction, the transverse anamorphic component being arranged to receive light from the spatial light modulator, and the illumination system being arranged to direct the light output from the transverse anamorphic component toward a direction distributed in the transverse direction; an input waveguide being arranged to receive light from the transverse anamorphic component; and a partial reflection mirror, wherein the input waveguide is an input waveguide A partial reflection mirror is positioned along the path to guide light from a transverse anamorphic component to a partial reflection mirror, and the partial reflection mirror is positioned to reflect at least a portion of the light; an intermediate waveguide is positioned to receive at least a portion of the light reflected by the partial reflection mirror, and the lateral anamorphic component has a positive refractive power in the lateral direction, and the intermediate waveguide is positioned to guide the light received from the partial reflection mirror along the intermediate waveguide in a first direction to the lateral anamorphic component; an optical reversal reflector is positioned to reflect light, and is positioned to reflect light guided along the intermediate waveguide in a first direction to the partial reflection mirror in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the partial reflection mirror is positioned to transmit at least a portion of the light; and an extraction waveguide is positioned to receive at least a portion of the light transmitted by the partial reflection mirror, which is guided along the intermediate waveguide in a second direction.An anamorphic near-eye display device is provided, comprising an extraction waveguide comprising an array of reflective extraction features, the reflective extraction features being arranged to extract light guided along the extraction waveguide toward the viewer's eye, and the array of reflective extraction features being distributed along the extraction waveguide to provide exit pupil dilation.

[0006] An anamorphic near-eye display device can provide images with high brightness, high efficiency, and a wide field of view. The compact physical size and low weight of the anamorphic near-eye display device can enhance comfort of use and extend viewing time. High transparency can be provided. Color blurring can be reduced in the image along at least one axis. Larger eye boxes can be achieved to alleviate limitations on pupil positioning at the desired eye relief distance, resulting in vignetting-free images across a wide range of pupil positions and a wide field of view. The anamorphic near-eye display device may be suitable for augmented reality and virtual reality applications. Light does not pass through the extraction waveguide in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Efficiency is increased and glare is reduced. The appearance of missing angular regions in the received image can be reduced. The length of the input waveguide can differ from the length of the extraction waveguide. A desired focal length of the light inversion reflector can be provided to achieve a desired exit pupil size, as well as to achieve aberration reduction and desired image blur improvement.

[0007] Reflection extraction features can be arranged internally within the extraction waveguide. Advantageously, extraction features may be less susceptible to damage such as scratching. Extraction features can be polarization-sensitive and may achieve increased efficiency when operating with polarization. Reduced light scattering from extraction features may achieve increased image contrast. The size of extraction features may be increased to achieve a reduction in image blurring caused by diffraction at the extraction features.

[0008] The reflective extraction feature may include an extraction reflector that extends over at least a portion of the extraction waveguide. Advantageously, chromatic aberration is reduced and the size of the eyebox can be increased.

[0009] The reflector array may have a defined reflectivity across its entire area, which increases with increasing distance along the optical axis. Advantageously, the uniformity of the output image with respect to the field of view may be improved.

[0010] The extraction reflector may have extraction surfaces separated by a partial reflection coating. Advantageously, an image can be provided without loss of angular region. Efficiency, brightness, and contrast can be increased, and the visibility of artifacts resulting from stray light, including double images and ghost images, can be reduced.

[0011] The partial reflective coating may comprise at least one dielectric layer. Advantageously, manufacturing costs may be reduced. The at least one dielectric layer may include a stack of dielectric layers. Advantageously, brightness and uniformity may be increased. The partial reflective coating may be metallic. Advantageously, manufacturing costs may be reduced.

[0012] The extraction reflector may have extraction surfaces separated by a gap. Advantageously, manufacturing costs may be reduced and image uniformity may be increased. The extraction surface may have an anti-reflective coating. Advantageously, the visibility of stray light may be reduced. Efficiency, brightness, and contrast may be increased, and the visibility of stray light, double images, and ghost images may be reduced. The extraction reflector may extend partially across the extraction waveguide, continuously shifting its position between opposing rear and front guide surfaces of the extraction waveguide. Advantageously, the manufacturing cost of the extraction waveguide may be reduced. High uniformity with respect to pupil position across the headbox may be achieved. The extraction reflector may extend across opposing rear and front guide surfaces of the extraction waveguide. Advantageously, extraction efficiency may be increased. The extraction reflector may not extend across opposing rear and front guide surfaces of the extraction waveguide. The rear and front guide surfaces may be provided to advantageously reduce the visibility of stray light artifacts.

[0013] The anamorphic near-eye display device may further include an intermediate reflector extending along the extraction waveguide between adjacent pairs of extraction reflectors. Advantageously, manufacturing costs may be reduced.

[0014] The intermediate reflector may further comprise intermediate surfaces separated by a partial reflective coating. Advantageously, increased operating efficiency can be achieved.

[0015] The partial reflective coating may include at least one dielectric layer, or the at least one dielectric layer may include a stack of dielectric layers. The partial reflective coating may be metallic. The intermediate reflector may have intermediate surfaces separated by a gap. The intermediate surfaces may have an anti-reflective coating. Efficiency and brightness may be modified to reduce the visibility of stray light artifacts. Cost may be reduced.

[0016] The extraction waveguide may comprise a plurality of components having opposing stepped surfaces mounted together, wherein the stepped surfaces alternately form extraction surfaces extending in the transverse direction and intermediate surfaces extending along the extraction waveguide, and the extraction reflector comprises opposing extraction surfaces. Advantageously, cost and complexity can be reduced.

[0017] The intermediate surfaces can be optically coupled together. This can increase the efficiency of light propagation toward the optical reversal reflector.

[0018] The extraction reflector may comprise multiple sets of extraction reflectors, within each set, the extraction reflectors partially extend into the extraction waveguide, continuously shifting their positions in the transverse direction, and different sets of extraction reflectors overlap to some extent in the transverse direction. The size of the eyebox may be increased. The size of the extraction reflectors may be increased, and image blurring due to diffraction from the extraction reflectors may be reduced.

[0019] At least a portion of the extraction waveguide may comprise a plurality of optically coupled constituent plates, and an extraction reflector may be formed between the constituent plates. The extraction reflector may extend between opposing rear guide surfaces and front guide surfaces of the extraction waveguide. The extraction reflector may have the same reflection area. The thickness of the extraction waveguide may be reduced. The visibility of diffraction blur from the extraction reflector may be reduced.

[0020] The extracted reflector can be patterned to have different reflective areas that provide defined reflectivity over its entire area, increasing with increasing distance along the optical axis. Advantageously, the uniformity of the perceived image may be increased.

[0021] The extraction reflector may have a surface normal direction that can be tilted by an angle in the range of 20 to 40 degrees, preferably in the range of 25 to 35 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 27.5 to 32.5 degrees, with respect to the direction along the waveguide. Advantageously, stray rays can be reduced and the visibility of the double image can be reduced.

[0022] The extraction waveguide may comprise a transmissive element and a diffractive optical element that are optically coupled together, and the reflection extraction feature comprises a portion of the diffractive optical element. Advantageously, the complexity of waveguide fabrication can be reduced.

[0023] Diffractive optical elements can be volume holograms. Advantageously, this can increase reflectivity.

[0024] The extraction waveguide may have opposing rear and front guide surfaces with anti-reflective coatings. Advantageously, stray light can be reduced.

[0025] The extraction waveguide may have a forward guide surface and a backward guide surface, and the backward guide surface may have an extraction facet that is a reflective extraction feature. Advantageously, manufacturing costs and complexity can be reduced. The facet reflectivity can be increased.

[0026] The optical inversion reflector may be the reflective end of an intermediate waveguide. A lateral anamorphic component may include an optical inversion reflector. Advantages include reduced manufacturing costs and complexity, and reduced losses at the boundary.

[0027] The lateral anamorphic component comprises a reflective linear polarizer disposed between an optical inversion reflector and an array of reflection-extracted features, and a polarization-converting phase element disposed between the reflective polarizer and the optical inversion reflector, the polarization-converting phase element being arranged to convert the polarization state of light passing through it between a linearly polarized state and a circularly polarized state. The reflective linear polarizer may be curved in the lateral direction. The optical inversion reflector may be curved in the lateral direction. The curvature of the optical inversion reflector may be reduced for a desired refractive power, thereby controlling aberrations, achieving an increase in the modulation transfer function, and favorably reducing image blur.

[0028] The optical reversal reflector cannot be curved in the lateral direction. Advantageously, the length of the intermediate waveguide in the first direction can be reduced, allowing for the achievement of smaller near-eye display devices.

[0029] The polarization conversion phase element can be curved in the lateral direction. This can reduce the complexity of the intermediate waveguide assembly, and advantageously, reduce costs. Further reduction of aberrations can be achieved. The polarization conversion phase element can have a quarter-wavelength retardation at visible light wavelengths, for example, 550 nm. Advantageously, image contrast can be increased and efficiency can be improved.

[0030] The optical system may include an input linear polarizer positioned between a spatial light modulator and an array of extraction reflectors. The input and reflected linear polarizers of the lateral anamorphic components may be arranged to pass through a common polarization state. Stray light can be reduced, and image contrast can be advantageously improved.

[0031] The lateral anamorphic component may further comprise a polarization control phase, which is positioned between a reflective polarizer and an array of reflective extraction features, the polarization control phase being configured to alter the polarization state of light passing through it, and an absorbing linear polarizer positioned between the polarization control phase and the reflective polarizer, the absorbing linear polarizer and the linear polarizer being positioned to allow a common linear polarization state, which is a component of the polarization state output from the polarization control phase in a direction along the waveguide, to pass through. The polarization control phase may have a quarter-wavelength or half-wavelength retardation at a visible light wavelength, e.g., 550 nm. The optical system may comprise an input linear polarizer positioned between a spatial light modulator and an array of extraction reflectors. The light output passing in a first direction along the waveguide and reflected from the extraction reflectors is reduced, while the light output passing in a second direction along the waveguide and reflected from the extraction reflectors is increased. Advantageously, glare to an external observer is reduced and image contrast is increased.

[0032] The optical system may comprise an input linear polarizer disposed between a spatial light modulator and a partial reflection mirror, and a polarization conversion phaser disposed between a light reversal reflector and an array of reflection extraction features, wherein the polarization conversion phaser is arranged to convert the polarization state of light passing through it between a linearly polarized state and a circularly polarized state. The polarization conversion phaser may have a quarter-wavelength retardation at a visible light wavelength, for example, 550 nm.

[0033] A polarization-selective extraction reflector may be provided, which can advantageously reduce stray light. Polarization can propagate within the extraction waveguide with lower extraction efficiency in a first direction along the extraction waveguide and with higher extraction efficiency in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The light output passing along the waveguide in the first direction and reflected from the extraction reflector is reduced, while the light output passing along the waveguide in the second direction and reflected from the extraction reflector is increased. Advantageously, glare to the external observer is reduced, and image contrast is increased. Efficiency and brightness are increased, and power consumption for the desired brightness is reduced.

[0034] The optical system may further include a polarization-converting phase element disposed between a partial reflection mirror and an extraction waveguide, the polarization-converting phase element being arranged to convert the polarization state of light passing through it between a linearly polarized state and a quadrature linearly polarized state. The polarization-converting phase element may have a half-wavelength retardation at the wavelength of visible light. The input linear polarizer and the polarization-converting phase element may be arranged to allow light in the s-polarized state to pass through the extraction waveguide. The s-polarized state may be preferentially reflected by the light extraction feature. Advantageously, efficiency and brightness are increased, and power consumption for the desired brightness is reduced.

[0035] Lateral anamorphic components may include lenses. Advantageously, improved aberrations can be achieved across the field of view due to a larger exit pupil.

[0036] The input waveguide and intermediate waveguide do not necessarily have extraction features arranged to extract the light induced along them. Advantageously, efficiency may be increased and glare may be reduced.

[0037] The optical system may include an input section comprising an input reflector, which is a transverse anamorphic component and can be positioned to reflect light from an illumination system and direct the light along an input waveguide. Advantageously, manufacturing complexity, cost, and weight can be reduced.

[0038] Transverse anamorphic components may further include lenses. Advantageously, aberrations are reduced, image fidelity is increased, and the headbox size may increase.

[0039] The input section may further comprise an input surface positioned in front of or behind the input waveguide and facing an input reflector, and the input section may be positioned to receive light from the illumination system via the input surface. The input surface may extend at an acute angle with respect to the front guide surface when the input surface is on the front side of the input waveguide, or at an acute angle with respect to the rear guide surface when the input surface is on the rear side of the input waveguide. The input surface may extend parallel to the front guide surface when the input surface is on the front side of the input waveguide, or parallel to the rear guide surface when the input surface is on the rear side of the input waveguide. The input surface may be positioned outward from one of the front guide surface or the rear guide surface. The input section may further include a separation surface extending outward from one of the front or rear guide surfaces to the input surface. Advantageously, an improved mechanical arrangement of the illumination and optical systems can be achieved.

[0040] The input section may be integrated with the input waveguide. Advantageously, this reduces manufacturing complexity and can achieve lower costs.

[0041] The input waveguide may have an end which is an input surface through which the input waveguide receives light from a lighting system, and the input section may further have an output surface and be arranged to direct the light reflected by the input reflector into the input waveguide via the output surface and via the input surface of the input waveguide, and may be a separate element from the input waveguide. Advantageously, aberration correction can be achieved. The reflective surface can be protected.

[0042] The lens of the lateral anamorphic component may include an air gap and a surface facing the air gap. Aberration control can be increased, and advantageously, the off-axis modulation transfer function can be increased, thereby reducing image blur.

[0043] The void may have an edge, and the anamorphic near-eye display device may include a reflector extending across the edge of the void. Advantageously, this can reduce light loss and increase image uniformity.

[0044] The transverse anamorphic component may include a lens. The lens of the transverse anamorphic component may be a composite lens. Advantageously, transverse aberrations can be reduced.

[0045] The pixels of the spatial light modulator may also be distributed in the transverse direction, so that the light output from the transverse anamorphic components can be directed in a direction that is distributed in the transverse direction. Advantageously, rows of the image may be provided simultaneously. Image breakup artifacts may be reduced.

[0046] The spatial light modulator may have pixels with lateral and transverse pitches at a ratio that may be equal to the reciprocal of the ratio of the refractive powers of the lateral anamorphic optical elements and the transverse anamorphic optical elements. Advantageously, the observer may perceive square pixels. Image fidelity may be increased.

[0047] The lighting system may further include optical deflection elements positioned to deflect the light output from a transverse anamorphic component by a selectable amount, and the optical deflection elements may be selectively operable to direct the light output from the transverse anamorphic component toward a transverse distribution. Advantageously, the complexity of the lighting system may be reduced.

[0048] The input waveguide may have opposing back guide surfaces and forward guide surfaces that are planar and parallel. The intermediate waveguide may have opposing back guide surfaces and forward guide surfaces that are planar and parallel. The extraction waveguide may have opposing back guide surfaces and forward guide surfaces that are planar and parallel. Advantageously, the visibility of double images, ghosts, and other stray light artifacts can be reduced. Image contrast can be improved.

[0049] The reflection extraction features may be tilted with respect to a first and second direction along the optical axis. The rays may be extracted approximately normal to the extraction waveguide. The eyebox may be positioned at a desired distance from the output surface of the extraction waveguide.

[0050] The reflection extraction features can be tilted at the same angle. Advantageously, the appearance of ghosts and double images can be reduced.

[0051] The reflection extraction features may have a pitch that varies along the extraction waveguide. The reflection extraction features may have a range that varies between the opposing rear guide surface and the front guide surface of the extraction waveguide. Image quality can be improved by reducing diffraction blur in the most common viewing direction. The eyebox can be enlarged while achieving a reduction in waveguide thickness.

[0052] The anamorphic near-eye display device may further comprise a control system arranged to operate a lighting system to provide light input according to image data representing an image. Advantageously, the image data may be perceived to provide augmented reality or virtual reality images.

[0053] The reflective extraction arrangement may comprise two separate regions, each positioned to extract light that is guided along the extraction waveguide toward each of the viewer's eyes. Advantageously, the weight, cost, and complexity of the headwear can be reduced.

[0054] At least one of the input end of the input waveguide, the transverse anamorphic component, and the spatial light modulator may have a lateral curvature that compensates for the Petzval image plane curvature of the lateral anamorphic component. Advantageously, the off-axis modulation transfer function can be increased, reducing image blur.

[0055] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a head-mounted display device comprising an anamorphic near-eye display device according to the first aspect, which is positioned to be mounted on the wearer's head, which has an anamorphic near-eye display device extending over at least one of the wearer's eyes. Virtual reality and augmented reality images can be conveniently provided to a moving observer.

[0056] The head-mounted display device may further include a lens with refractive power, and an anamorphic near-eye display device may overlap one or each lens. The nominal viewing distance of the virtual image may be adjusted to achieve a reduction in the discrepancy between the depth cues of the eye's accommodation and convergence in the stereoscopic display device. Corrections for the visual characteristics of the observer's eye may be provided.

[0057] The head-mounted display device may include a pair of glasses. Advantageously, a low-weight, transparent head-mounted display device suitable for augmented reality applications can be achieved.

[0058] An anamorphic near-eye display device may be a first anamorphic near-eye display device, and a head-mounted display device may further comprise a second anamorphic near-eye display device, the second anamorphic near-eye display device being arranged in series with the first anamorphic near-eye display device. Increased image resolution, increased brightness, increased exit pupil size, reduced image diffraction, and increased field of view may be provided.

[0059] The virtual image distance of light from the second anamorphic near-eye display device may differ from the virtual image distance of light from the first anamorphic near-eye display device. This reduces the discrepancy between stereoscopic vision and the eye's accommodative depth cues, which can advantageously increase user comfort.

[0060] The head-mounted display device may further comprise a non-anamorphic near-eye display device, which may comprise a non-anamorphic spatial light modulator and a non-anamorphic magnifying optical system, and which may be arranged in series with the anamorphic near-eye display device. This may provide increased image resolution, increased brightness, increased exit pupil size, reduced image diffraction, and an increased field of view.

[0061] The virtual image distance of light from a non-anamorphic near-eye display device may differ from the virtual image distance of light from an anamorphic near-eye display device. This reduces the discrepancy between stereoscopic vision and the eye's accommodative depth cues, which can advantageously increase user comfort.

[0062] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, an anamorphic directional illumination device comprising an illumination system comprising a light source array, the illumination system being arranged to output light, and an optical system being arranged to direct light from the illumination system, the optical system having an optical axis and having anamorphic properties in a lateral direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the optical axis, wherein the light source array comprises light sources distributed in the lateral direction, the optical system comprises a transverse anamorphic component having a positive refractive power in the transverse direction, the transverse anamorphic component being arranged to receive light from the light source array, and the illumination system being arranged to direct the light output from the transverse anamorphic component in a direction distributed in the transverse direction, an input waveguide being arranged to receive light from the transverse anamorphic component, and a partial reflection mirror, wherein the input waveguide is transverse anamorphic along the input waveguide. A partial reflection mirror is positioned to guide light from a flex component to a partial reflection mirror, and the partial reflection mirror is positioned to reflect at least a portion of the light; an intermediate waveguide is positioned to receive at least a portion of the light reflected by the partial reflection mirror, the lateral anamorphic component has a positive refractive power in the lateral direction, and the intermediate waveguide is positioned to guide the light received from the partial reflection mirror along the intermediate waveguide in a first direction to the lateral anamorphic component; and a light reflecting The optical reversal reflector is arranged such that the reflected light is guided along the intermediate waveguide in the first direction to a partial reflection mirror in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the partial reflection mirror is arranged to transmit at least a portion of the light; and the extraction waveguide is arranged to receive at least a portion of the light transmitted by the partial reflection mirror, which is guided along the intermediate waveguide in the second direction, wherein the extraction waveguide isAn anamorphic directional illumination device is provided, comprising at least one reflection extraction feature, wherein the at least one reflection extraction feature is arranged to extract light guided along an extraction waveguide. The directional illumination device can be provided in a low-cost and compact configuration. A controllable, high-resolution output light beam can be provided.

[0063] A fourth aspect of this disclosure provides a vehicle exterior lighting device comprising an anamorphic directional lighting device according to the third aspect. The height of the light-emitting aperture can be reduced to advantageously achieve a desirable aesthetic appearance. High illuminance of the illuminated scene can be achieved by high-resolution imaging of a one- or two-dimensional addressable light cone. High image contrast can be achieved for adjustable beam shaping. Image glare to an approaching viewer of the lighting device can be reduced, while improved visibility of the scene around the approaching viewer can be achieved.

[0064] Any aspect of this disclosure may be applied in any combination.

[0065] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in a variety of optical systems. Embodiments may include, or may work with, various projectors, projection systems, optical components, displays, microdisplays, computer systems, processors, built-in projector systems, visual and / or audio-visual systems, and electrical and / or optical devices. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with substantially any device relating to optical and electrical devices, optical systems, presentation systems, or any device that may contain any type of optical system. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in many computing and automotive environments, such as optical systems, devices used in visual and / or optical presentations, and visual peripheral devices.

[0066] Before proceeding to detailed embodiments of the disclosure, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific arrangement details shown in its application or preparation, because other embodiments of the disclosure are possible. Furthermore, aspects of the disclosure may be described in different combinations and arrangements, each defining its own unique embodiments. Also, the terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and not limitation.

[0067] These and other advantages and features of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure in its entirety. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0068] Embodiments are illustrated as examples in the attached drawings, in which the same reference numerals indicate the same parts, and the drawings are as follows:

[0069] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram showing a front perspective view of an anamorphic near-eye display device. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the anamorphic near-eye display shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1C] Figure 1C is a schematic diagram showing a front view of the anamorphic near-eye display shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1D] Figure 1D is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the near-eye display in Figure 1A. [Figure 1E] Figure 1E is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an alternative configuration for an anamorphic near-eye display. [Figure 1F] Figure 1F is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the operation of the near-eye display in the transverse plane. [Figure 1G] Figure 1G is a schematic top view showing the operation of the near-eye display in the lateral plane perpendicular to the transverse plane. [Figure 1H]Figure 1H is a schematic diagram showing a front perspective view of the coordinate system mapping of the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 1I] Figure 1I is a schematic diagram showing the field of view plot of the output of the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 1A for multicolor illumination. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing a front view arrangement of a spatial light modulator for use in the anamorphic near-eye display device of Figure 1A, which has spatially multiplexed red, green, and blue subpixels. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing a front view arrangement of a spatial light modulator for use in the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 1A, which has spatially multiplexed red, green, and blue subpixels. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram showing a front view arrangement of a spatial light modulator for use in the anamorphic near-eye display device of Figure 1A, which has spatially multiplexed red, green, and blue subpixels. [Figure 2D] Figure 2D is a schematic front view of a spatial light modulator for use in the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 1A, for use in time-multiplexed spectral illumination. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the optical input to the extracted waveguide. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of optical propagation along the first direction in the extracted waveguide. [Figure 3C] Figure 3C is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of light extraction from the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the light output from an anamorphic near-eye display device for a single extraction reflector. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the light output from an anamorphic near-eye display device for multiple extraction reflectors to achieve a complete transverse ray cone input into the observer's pupil. [Figure 4C]Figure 4C is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the light output from an anamorphic near-eye display device for multiple positions of a moving observer in the transverse direction. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram showing a front view of the light output from the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 1A. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram showing a front view of the anamorphic near-eye display device of Figure 1A with respect to a single pupil position. [Figure 5C] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram showing a front view of the anamorphic near-eye display device of Figure 1A with respect to multiple pupil positions. [Figure 5D] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an imaging system arranged to image in the transverse direction, where no reflection extraction features are provided. [Figure 5E] Figure 5E is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an imaging system arranged to form an image in the lateral direction. [Figure 5F] Figure 5F is a schematic top view of an imaging system arranged to image in the transverse direction, where an array of extraction reflectors is provided as a reflection extraction feature. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram showing a side perspective view of an alternative anamorphic near-eye display device. [Figure 6B] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram showing an exploded perspective view of an alternative near-eye anamorphic display device in which a partial reflection mirror is provided between the optical guide surfaces of the extraction waveguide, and the extraction features are provided on the optical guide surfaces of the extraction waveguide. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a schematic diagram showing a front perspective view of an alternative near-eye anamorphic display device in which a partial reflection mirror and extraction features are provided between the optical guide surfaces of the extraction waveguide. [Figure 6D] Figure 6D is a schematic diagram showing an exploded front perspective view of the embodiment shown in Figure 6C. [Figure 6E]Figure 6E is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a foldable near-eye anamorphic display device, which includes an additional rotating prism and has an extraction waveguide positioned between the input waveguide and the eye. [Figure 6F] Figure 6F is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a foldable near-eye anamorphic display device, which further includes an input waveguide with a rotating optical surface, and the input waveguide is positioned between the extraction waveguide and the eye. [Figure 6G] Figure 6G is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a rotating prism positioned to redirect a light cone that is induced at an angle different from 90 degrees. [Figure 6H] Figure 6H is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a rotating prism with an air gap positioned to change the direction of a light cone induced at 90 degrees. [Figure 6I] Figure 6I is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a rotating prism with an air gap positioned to change the direction of the light cone induced at 180 degrees. [Figure 6J] Figure 6J is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a gapless rotating prism positioned to change the direction of a light cone induced at 90 degrees. [Figure 6K] Figure 6K is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a gapless rotating prism positioned to change the direction of a light cone induced at 180 degrees. [Figure 7A] Figure 7A is a schematic diagram showing a top view of polarization state propagation in an alternative configuration of an anamorphic near-eye display device. [Figure 7B] Figure 7B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of polarization state propagation in an alternative configuration of an anamorphic near-eye display device. [Figure 7C] Figure 7C is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the extracted waveguide. [Figure 7D] Figure 7D is a schematic top view showing the propagation of reflected polarization from the reflective edge around an extraction reflector having a single dielectric layer. [Figure 7E] Figure 7E is a schematic top view showing the propagation of polarized light after reflection from the reflective edge around an extraction reflector equipped with a stacked dielectric layer. [Figure 8A] Figure 8A is a schematic graph showing the variation in reflectance with respect to wavelength of light propagating through an extraction reflector equipped with the dielectric layer shown in Table 2. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B is a flowchart showing the compensation of pixel data with respect to pixel position in the transverse direction. [Figure 9A] Figure 9A is a schematic diagram showing an alternative top view of an extracted waveguide with a partial reflection coating. [Figure 9B] Figure 9B is a schematic diagram showing an alternative top view of an extracted waveguide with a partial reflection coating. [Figure 9C] Figure 9C is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an alternative arrangement of an extracted waveguide with a partial reflection coating. [Figure 9D] Figure 9D is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an alternative arrangement of an extracted waveguide with a partial reflection coating. [Figure 9E] Figure 9E is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an alternative arrangement of an extracted waveguide with a partial reflection coating. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the extracted waveguide, including the gap. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the vicinity of an extraction reflector, including adjacent intermediate surfaces comprising a partially reflective material and an intermediate surface material. [Figure 12A] Figure 12A is a schematic graph of the variation in the height of the stepped surface at a position along the waveguide for various exemplary arrangements of the stepped surface. [Figure 12B] Figure 12B is a schematic graph of alternative variations in the small face width w at positions along the extracted waveguide. [Figure 13A] Figure 13A is a schematic diagram showing a perspective front view of an extraction waveguide with a non-stepped mounted surface relief structure. [Figure 13B] Figure 13B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an extraction waveguide with a non-stepped mounted surface relief structure. [Figure 13C]Figure 13C is a schematic diagram showing a perspective front view of an extraction waveguide with a non-stepped surface relief structure. [Figure 13D] Figure 13D is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an extraction waveguide with a non-stepped surface relief structure. [Figure 13E] Figure 13E is a schematic diagram showing a perspective front view of an extracted waveguide with a non-stepped surface relief diffraction structure. [Figure 13F] Figure 13F is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an extracted waveguide with a non-stepped surface relief diffraction structure. [Figure 13G] Figure 13G is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an extraction waveguide, which includes a surface relief light extraction structure, a stepped surface relief extraction structure, and a partial reflector positioned between the forward and backward light guide surfaces. [Figure 14A] Figure 14A is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of a chirp extraction reflector for a monocular near-eye anamorphic display device in a front view. [Figure 14B] Figure 14B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of chirp extraction reflectors for a binocular near-eye anamorphic display device in a front view. [Figure 15A] Figure 15A is a schematic diagram showing an oblique front view of an augmented reality head-mounted display device equipped with a right-eye anamorphic display device in which a spatial light modulator is positioned at the eyebrow level. [Figure 15B] Figure 15B is a schematic diagram showing an oblique front view of an augmented reality head-mounted display device equipped with anamorphic display devices for the left and right eyes, with spatial light modulators positioned at the eyebrow level. [Figure 16A] Figure 16A is a schematic diagram showing a virtual reality head-mounted display device equipped with anamorphic display devices for the left and right eyes, in a front view. [Figure 16B] Figure 16B is a schematic diagram showing a virtual reality head-mounted display device equipped with an anamorphic near-eye display device, viewed from above. [Figure 16C] Figure 16C is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device with a single waveguide suitable for binocular use by the display user. [Figure 16D] Figure 16D is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a head-mounted display device equipped with two anamorphic near-eye display devices. [Figure 16E] Figure 16E is a schematic diagram showing the composite image. [Figure 16F] Figure 16F is a schematic top view of a virtual reality head-mounted display device that includes an anamorphic near-eye display device positioned to receive light from a magnifying lens and an additional spatial light modulator. [Figure 16G] Figure 16G is a schematic top view of a virtual reality head-mounted display device that includes an anamorphic near-eye display device positioned between an anamorphic spatial light modulator and a magnifying lens of a non-anamorphic near-eye display device. [Figure 16H] Figure 16H is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of virtual image distances for a virtual reality display device in a top view. [Figure 16I] Figure 16I is a schematic diagram showing the image displayed in the configuration shown in Figure 16F. [Figure 16J] Figure 16J is a schematic diagram showing the image displayed in the configuration shown in Figure 16F. [Figure 17A] Figure 17A is a schematic diagram showing an alternative arrangement of an anamorphic near-eye display device in a perspective front view, where the extraction reflector comprises multiple component plates. [Figure 17B] Figure 17B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the light input to the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 17A. [Figure 17C] Figure 17C is a schematic diagram showing an alternative arrangement of an anamorphic near-eye display device in a perspective front view, comprising an extraction member and a partial reflection layer positioned on the rear surface of the waveguide member. [Figure 17D] Figure 17D is a schematic diagram showing an alternative arrangement of an anamorphic near-eye display device in a perspective front view, comprising an extraction member and a partial reflection layer positioned on the front surface of the waveguide member. [Figure 18A] Figure 18A is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the propagation of polarization after reflection from the reflective edge of the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 17A. [Figure 18B] Figure 18B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the change in reflectivity of the polarization beam splitter along the waveguide in Figure 17A. [Figure 19A] Figure 19A is a schematic diagram showing an alternative arrangement of the anamorphic near-eye display device in Figure 17A, in which a portion of the polarizing beam splitter does not extend across the entire thickness of the waveguide, as shown in a perspective front view. [Figure 19B] Figure 19B is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 19A from a top view. [Figure 20A] Figure 20A is a schematic diagram showing an alternative arrangement of the anamorphic near-eye display device of Figure 17A, with the polarizing beam splitter patterned, in a perspective front view. [Figure 20B] Figure 20B is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 20A from a top view. [Figure 21A] Figure 21A is a schematic diagram showing an alternative arrangement of the anamorphic near-eye display device of Figure 17A, with multiple partially reflective metal boundaries, in a perspective front view. [Figure 21B] Figure 21B is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 21A from a top view. [Figure 22A] Figure 22A is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an extracted waveguide with multiple stepped boundary layers. [Figure 22B] Figure 22B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the method for manufacturing the extraction region of the extraction waveguide shown in Figure 22A. [Figure 22C] Figure 22C is a schematic diagram showing an alternative top view of an extraction waveguide with two types of partial reflection extraction reflectors. [Figure 22D] Figure 22D is a schematic diagram showing an alternative top view of an extraction waveguide with two types of partial reflection extraction reflectors. [Figure 23A] Figure 23A is a schematic diagram showing an alternative arrangement of an anamorphic near-eye display device equipped with a diffractive optical element, in a perspective front view. [Figure 23B]Figure 23B is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 23A from a top view. [Figure 24A] Figure 24A is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 23A from a front view. [Figure 24B] Figure 24B is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a waveguide equipped with a diffractive optical element in a top view. [Figure 24C] Figure 24C is a schematic top view of a full-color anamorphic display device comprising a stack of three extraction waveguides equipped with diffractive optical elements. [Figure 24D] Figure 24D is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a full-color anamorphic display device comprising a stack of two extraction waveguides equipped with diffractive optical elements. [Figure 24E] Figure 24E is a schematic diagram showing an alternative top view of an extracted waveguide configuration with a combination of reflection extraction features. [Figure 24F] Figure 24F is a schematic diagram showing an alternative top view of an extraction waveguide with a combination of reflection extraction features. [Figure 24G] Figure 24G is a schematic diagram showing an alternative top view of an extraction waveguide configuration with a combination of reflection extraction features. [Figure 25A] Figure 25A is a schematic diagram showing a front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device equipped with refractive and reflective lateral anamorphic components. [Figure 25B] Figure 25B is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device equipped with a lateral anamorphic component, which is the reflective end of a waveguide equipped with a Fresnel reflector. [Figure 25C] Figure 25C is a schematic diagram showing a front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device, which includes a lateral anamorphic component that is a refractive component comprising a gap and a gap mirror. [Figure 25D] Figure 25D is a schematic diagram showing the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 25D from a top view. [Figure 26A]Figure 26A is a schematic diagram showing a front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device in which the input end of the extracted waveguide is curved in the lateral direction. [Figure 26B] Figure 26B is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device in which the input end of the extracted waveguide is curved in the lateral direction and the transverse anamorphic component is curved in the lateral direction. [Figure 26C] Figure 26C is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device in which the input end of the extracted waveguide is curved in the lateral direction, the transverse anamorphic component is curved in the lateral direction, and the spatial light modulator is curved in the lateral direction. [Figure 26D] Figure 26D is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device in which the input end of the extraction waveguide is curved in the lateral direction, the transverse anamorphic component is curved in the lateral direction, and the spatial light modulator is curved in the lateral direction, with the direction of curvature being opposite to that of Figure 26C. [Figure 26E] Figure 26E is a schematic diagram showing a front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device in which the input end of the extraction waveguide is curved in the lateral direction, the transverse anamorphic component is curved in the lateral direction, and the spatial light modulator is curved in the lateral direction, with the curvature of these components being different. [Figure 27A] Figure 27A is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device, in which the lateral anamorphic components further comprise a planar reflecting polarizer and a quarter-wavelength phaser positioned between the reflecting edge and the reflecting polarizer. [Figure 27B] Figure 27B is a schematic diagram showing the alignment direction of the optical axes passing through the polarization control components in Figure 27A. [Figure 27C] Figure 27C is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device, in which the lateral anamorphic components further comprise a curved reflective polarizer and a quarter-wavelength phaser positioned between the reflective end and the reflective polarizer. [Figure 27D]Figure 27D is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device, in which the lateral anamorphic components further comprise a planar reflective end, a curved reflective polarizer, and a quarter-wavelength phaser positioned between the planar reflective end and the reflective polarizer. [Figure 27E] Figure 27E is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device, in which the lateral anamorphic components comprise a curved reflective end, a curved reflective polarizer, a quarter-wavelength phase element positioned between the planar reflective end and the reflective polarizer, and a refractive lens positioned between the input end and the reflective polarizer. [Figure 27F] Figure 27F is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device in which the lateral anamorphic components further comprise a planar reflecting polarizer, a quarter-wavelength phaser positioned between the reflecting end and the reflecting polarizer, and a further quarter-wavelength phaser positioned between the input end and the reflecting polarizer, with an input linear polarizer incorporated into the extraction waveguide. [Figure 27G] Figure 27G is a schematic diagram showing the alignment direction of the optical axes passing through the polarization control components in Figure 27F. [Figure 27H] Figure 27H is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device, the lateral anamorphic components further comprising a planar reflecting polarizer, a quarter-wavelength phaser positioned between the reflecting end and the reflecting polarizer, and a further half-wavelength phaser positioned between the input end and the reflecting polarizer. [Figure 27I] Figure 27I is a schematic diagram showing the alignment direction of the optical axes passing through the polarization control components in Figure 27H. [Figure 28A] Figure 28A is a schematic diagram showing the operation of an anamorphic near-eye display device equipped with corrective eyeglass lenses, in a side view. [Figure 28B] Figure 28B is a schematic diagram showing the operation of an anamorphic near-eye display device, further equipped with corrective Pancharatnam Berry lenses and corrective spectacle lenses, in a side view. [Figure 29A]Figure 29A is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a head-mounted display device equipped with first and second focal plane changing lenses. [Figure 29B] Figure 29B is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a head-mounted display device that includes multiple extraction waveguides and further includes first and second focal plane changing lenses. [Figure 29C] Figure 29C is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a head-mounted display device equipped with multiple extraction waveguides and three focal plane changing lenses. [Figure 29D] Figure 29D is a schematic side view of a head-mounted display device equipped with a non-anamorphic near-eye display device and an anamorphic extraction waveguide. [Figure 29E] Figure 29E is a schematic side view of a head-mounted display device comprising a non-anamorphic near-eye display device, an anamorphic extraction waveguide, and a focal plane changing lens positioned between the non-anamorphic near-eye display device and the anamorphic near-eye display device. [Figure 29F] Figure 29F is a schematic side view of a head-mounted display device comprising a non-anamorphic near-eye display device, an anamorphic extraction waveguide, and a focal plane changing lens positioned to receive light from the non-anamorphic near-eye display device and the anamorphic near-eye display device. [Figure 29G] Figure 29G is a schematic side view of a head-mounted display device comprising a non-anamorphic near-eye display device, an anamorphic extraction waveguide, and two focal plane changing lenses. [Figure 29H] Figure 29H is a schematic side view of a head-mounted display device comprising a non-anamorphic near-eye display device, two anamorphic extraction waveguides, and a focal plane changing lens. [Figure 30A] Figure 30A is a schematic diagram showing the detailed arrangement of the input focal lens in a top view. [Figure 30B] Figure 30B is a schematic diagram showing a detailed side view of the arrangement of the input focal lens in Figure 30A. [Figure 30C]Figure 30C is a schematic top view of a spatial light modulator arrangement for use in the anamorphic near-eye display device of Figure 1, comprising separate red, green, and blue spatial light modulators and beam coupling elements. [Figure 30D] Figure 30D is a schematic top view of a lighting system for use with the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 1, featuring a foldable birdbath configuration. [Figure 31A] Figure 31A is a schematic diagram showing a front perspective view of an input waveguide equipped with an input reflector. [Figure 31B] Figure 31B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the input waveguide in Figure 31A. [Figure 31C] Figure 31C is a schematic diagram showing a front view of the input waveguide in Figure 31A. [Figure 31D] Figure 31D is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an alternative anamorphic near-eye display device equipped with an input reflector. [Figure 31E] Figure 31E is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an anamorphic near-eye display device with an alternative input reflector. [Figure 31F] Figure 31F is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an anamorphic near-eye display device equipped with an alternative input reflector. [Figure 31G] Figure 31G is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an anamorphic near-eye display device equipped with an alternative input reflector. [Figure 32A] Figure 32A is a schematic diagram showing an alternative arrangement of the input focal lens in an oblique front view. [Figure 32B] Figure 32B is a schematic top view of a spatial light modulator configuration for use in the anamorphic near-eye display device shown in Figure 1, which includes a laser scanner and a light scattering screen. [Figure 33A] Figure 33A is a schematic diagram showing the input to the extraction waveguide, which includes a laser source and scanning configuration, from a top view. [Figure 33B]Figure 33B is a schematic diagram showing a front view of a spatial light modulator configuration with an array of laser light sources for use in the arrangement shown in Figure 33A. [Figure 33C] Figure 33C is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a spatial light modulator arrangement with a laser light source array, a beam expander, and a scanning mirror. [Figure 34A] Figure 34A is a schematic diagram showing a front perspective view of an anamorphic directional illumination device. [Figure 34B] Figure 34B is a schematic diagram showing a front perspective view of a vehicle equipped with an external lighting system that includes the anamorphic directional lighting device shown in Figure 34A. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0070] Herein, we will explain the terminology related to optical retarders for the purposes of this disclosure.

[0071] In a layer containing a uniaxial birefringent material, there is a direction that governs optical anisotropy, while all directions perpendicular to it (or at a given angle to it) exhibit equivalent birefringence.

[0072] The optical axis of an optical phase element refers to the direction of ray propagation in a uniaxial birefringent material that does not experience birefringence. This is different from the optical axis of an optical system, which may be, for example, parallel to the line of symmetry, or perpendicular to the display surface along which the principal ray propagates.

[0073] For light propagating perpendicular to the optical axis, the slow-phase axis is the direction in which linearly polarized light, whose electrical vector direction is parallel to the slow-phase axis, travels at the slowest speed. The direction of the slow-phase axis is the direction with the highest refractive index at the design wavelength. Similarly, the direction of the leading-phase axis is the direction with the lowest refractive index at the design wavelength.

[0074] In the case of a uniaxial birefringent material with positive dielectric anisotropy, the slow phase axis direction is the anomalous axis of the birefringent material. In the case of a uniaxial birefringent material with negative dielectric anisotropy, the fast phase axis direction is the anomalous axis of the birefringent material.

[0075] The terms half-wavelength and quarter-wavelength refer to the phaser's behavior for a design wavelength λ0, which is typically between 500 nm and 570 nm. In this exemplary embodiment, unless otherwise specified, exemplary retardation values ​​are provided for a wavelength of 550 nm.

[0076] A phaser is characterized by the amount of relative phase Γ imparted to the two polarization components, which provides a phase shift between the two perpendicular polarization components of a light wave incident upon it, and this relates to the birefringence Δn and thickness d of the phaser, with retardation Δn.d, as follows: Γ = 2.π.Δn.d / λ0 Equation 1

[0077] In Equation 1, Δn is the difference between the extraordinary refractive index and the ordinary refractive index, that is, as follows: Δn = n e -n o formula 2

[0078] For a half-wavelength phaser, the relationship between d, Δn, and λ0 is chosen such that the phase shift between polarization components is Γ = π. For a quarter-wavelength phaser, the relationship between d, Δn, and λ0 is chosen such that the phase shift between polarization components is Γ = π / 2.

[0079] Here, we will describe several modes of light ray propagation through a transparent phaser between a pair of polarizers.

[0080] The polarization state (SOP) of a ray is described by the relative amplitude and phase shift between any two orthogonal polarization components. A transparent phaser acts only on the relative phase of these orthogonal polarization components, but does not change the relative amplitude. By providing a net phase shift between the orthogonal polarization components, the SOP changes, while by maintaining the net relative phase, the SOP is preserved. In this specification, the SOP may be referred to as the polarization state.

[0081] A linear SOP has a polarization component with non-zero amplitude and an orthogonal polarization component with zero amplitude. The p-polarized state is a linearly polarized state that extends within the incident plane of the light ray containing the p-polarized state, and the s-polarized state is a linearly polarized state that extends perpendicular to the incident plane of the light ray containing the p-polarized state. For a linearly polarized SOP incident on a phaser, the relative phase Γ is determined by the angle between the optical axis of the phaser and the direction of the polarization component.

[0082] A linear polarizer transmits a linear SOP (Single Direction of Polarization) with a linear polarization component parallel to the polarizer's electrical vector transmission direction, while attenuating light with a different SOP. The term "electrical vector transmission direction" refers to the non-directional axis of the polarizer, where the electrical vector of the incident light is parallel to the polarizer through which it is transmitted, even though the transmitted "electrical vector" always has a certain instantaneous direction. The term "direction" is commonly used to describe this axis.

[0083] An absorbing polarizer is a polarizer that absorbs one polarization component of incident light and transmits a second orthogonal polarization component. An example of an absorbing linear polarizer is a dichroic polarizer.

[0084] A reflective polarizer is a polarizer that reflects one polarization component of incident light and transmits a second orthogonal polarization component. Examples of linear reflective polarizers include multilayer polymer film laminates such as 3M Corporation's DBEF® or APF®, or wire grid polarizers such as Moxtek's ProFlux®. A reflective linear polarizer may further comprise a cholesteric reflective material and a quarter-wavelength phaser arranged in series.

[0085] A phaser placed between a linear polarizer and a parallel linear analysis polarizer that does not introduce a net relative phase shift provides complete transmission of light other than residual absorption within the linear polarizer.

[0086] A phaser that provides a net relative phase shift between orthogonal polarization components changes the SOP and provides attenuation in the analytical polarizer.

[0087] An achromatic phase element may be provided, and here the material of this phase element is provided with retardation Δn.d which varies with wavelength λ as follows: Δn.d / λ=κ Equation 3

[0088] In the equation, κ is essentially constant.

[0089] Examples of suitable materials include modified polycarbonate from Teijin Films. An achromatic phaser is provided in this embodiment to advantageously minimize the color change between polar viewing angles with little luminance reduction and polar viewing angles with increased luminance reduction, as described below.

[0090] In this disclosure, “A-plate” refers to an optical phaser that utilizes a layer of birefringent material whose optical axis is parallel to the plane of the layer. The optical axis direction of this optical phaser is positioned to provide retardation corresponding to the SOP of the incident light, for example, to convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light or circularly polarized light to linearly polarized light.

[0091] Here, we will describe the structure and operation of various anamorphic component near-eye display devices. In this specification, common elements have common reference numerals. Note that disclosures relating to any element apply mutatis mutandis to each device in which the same or corresponding element is provided. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, such disclosures will not be repeated. Similarly, various features of any of the following embodiments can be combined together in any combination.

[0092] It is desirable to provide an anamorphic near-eye display device 100 that has a thin shape factor, a large degree of freedom of movement, high resolution, high brightness, and a wide field of view. Here, we will describe the anamorphic near-eye display device 100.

[0093] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram showing a front perspective view of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100, Figure 1B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the near-eye display 100 of Figure 1A, Figure 1C is a schematic diagram showing a front view of the near-eye display 100 of Figure 1A, and Figure 1D is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the near-eye display 100 of Figure 1A.

[0094] Figure 1A shows an anamorphic directional illumination device 1000, which is an anamorphic near-eye display device 100. In this specification, the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 is provided near an eye 45 to provide light to the pupil 44 of the eye 45 of an observer 47. In an exemplary embodiment, the eye 45 is at a nominal viewing distance e of 5 mm to 100 mm, preferably 8 mm to 20 mm, from the output surface of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100. R It can be positioned as follows. Such displays differ from direct view displays, which typically have a viewing distance of more than 100 mm. Nominal viewing distance e R This can be called an eye relief.

[0095] Figure 1A shows an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, comprising: an illumination system 240 equipped with a spatial light modulator 48, which is arranged to output light (e.g., a ray 401); and an optical system 250 arranged to direct the light from the illumination system 240 towards the viewer's eye 45, which has an optical axis 199 and has anamorphic properties in a lateral direction 195 and a transverse direction 197 that are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the optical axis 199. The spatial light modulator 48 comprises pixels 222 distributed in the lateral direction 195, and the optical system 250 is a transverse anamorphic component 60 having a positive refractive power in the transverse direction 197, the transverse anamorphic component 60 is arranged to receive light 401 from the spatial light modulator 48, and the illumination system 250 is arranged so that the light output from the transverse anamorphic component 60 is directed in a direction distributed in the transverse direction 197. 60, an input waveguide 1A arranged to receive light from the transverse anamorphic component 60, a partial reflection mirror 7, wherein the input waveguide 1A is arranged to guide light from the transverse anamorphic component 60 along the input waveguide 1A to the partial reflection mirror 7, and the partial reflection mirror 7 is arranged to reflect at least a portion of that light, and an intermediate waveguide 1C arranged to receive at least a portion of the light reflected by the partial reflection mirror 7, the lateral anamorphic component 110 is lateral An intermediate waveguide 1C having a positive refractive force in the lateral direction 195, and positioned to guide light received from the partial reflection mirror 7 along the intermediate waveguide 1C in a first direction 191C to the lateral anamorphic component 110, and an optical reversal reflector 140 positioned to reflect light, which is positioned to reflect the light guided along the intermediate waveguide 1C in a first direction 191C, so as to guide the reflected light along the intermediate waveguide 1C in a second direction 193C opposite to the first direction 191C to the partial reflection mirror 7,The anamorphic near-eye display device 100 comprises an optical reversal reflector 140 in which a partial reflective mirror 7 is positioned to transmit at least a portion of its light, and an extraction waveguide 1B positioned to receive at least a portion of the light transmitted by the partial reflective mirror 7, which is guided along an intermediate waveguide 1C in a second direction 193C, wherein the extraction waveguide 1B comprises an array of reflective extraction features 170a-n, which are positioned to extract light guided along the extraction waveguide 1B toward the viewer's eye 45, and the array of reflective extraction features 170a-n is distributed along the extraction waveguide 1B to provide exit pupil 40 dilation.

[0096] In other words, the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 comprises an illumination system 240 arranged to provide output light including illumination from a spatial light modulator 48, and an optical system 250 arranged to direct the light from the illumination system 240 towards the eye 45 of an observer 47. The illumination system 240 is arranged to output rays 400, including exemplary rays 401, 402 which are input to the optical system 250.

[0097] During operation, it is desirable that the spatial pixel data provided to the spatial light modulator 48 be directed to the pupil 44 of the eye 45 as angular pixel data. The lens of the observer's eye 45 relays the angular spatial data to spatial pixel data in the retina 46 of the eye 45, and as a result, an image is provided to the observer 47 by the anamorphic near-eye display device 100.

[0098] The pupil 44 is located within a spatial volume near the anamorphic near-eye display device 100, typically referred to as the exit pupil 40 or eye box. When the pupil 44 is located within the exit pupil 40, a complete image is provided to the observer 47 without missing parts of the image, i.e., the image appears without vignetting on the observer's retina 46. The shape of the exit pupil 40 is determined at least by the anamorphic imaging characteristics of the anamorphic near-eye display device and the respective aberrations of the anamorphic optical system. The nominal eye relief distance e R The exit pupil 40 at L may have dimensions e in the lateral direction 195 T and dimensions e in the transverse direction 197 R The maximum eye relief distance e L e T max refers to the maximum distance of the pupil 44 from the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 where there is no image vignetting. In this embodiment, increasing the size of the exit pupil 40 means increasing the dimensions e R e. Increasing the exit pupil 40 achieves an increase in the viewer's freedom of movement and an increase in e

[0099] The spatial light modulator 48 comprises pixels 222 distributed at least in the lateral direction 195, as will be further described below in FIGS. 2A - D and 33A. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1A, the illumination system 240 comprises a transmissive spatial light modulator 48 with an array of spatially separated pixels 222 distributed in the lateral direction 195(48) and the transverse direction 197(48). In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the spatial light modulator 48 is a TFT - LCD and the illumination system 240 further comprises a backlight 20 arranged to illuminate the spatial light modulator 48.

[0100] The anamorphic near-eye display device 100 further comprises a control system 500 arranged to operate the illumination system 240 to provide spatially modulated light according to image data representing an image.

[0101] The optical system 250 includes a transverse lens 61 that forms the transverse anamorphic component 60 in the embodiment of Figure 1A, as discussed below. In this embodiment, the transverse lens 61 includes a cylindrical lens.

[0102] In this disclosure, the term "lens" most schematically refers to a single lens element, or more often a composite lens (a group of lens elements), arranged to provide refractive power, as illustrated below, for example, in Figure 32A. A lens may include a single refractive surface, multiple refractive surfaces, or reflective surfaces, and as a result, a lens may include a reflective refractive lens element that combines a refractive surface and a reflective surface. A lens may further or alternatively include a diffractive optical element. A transverse lens is a lens that provides refractive power in the transverse direction but substantially provides no refractive power in the lateral direction. A transverse lens may be called a cylindrical lens, but the cross-sectional contour of the surface that provides refractive power may differ from a segment of a circle, for example, a parabolic, elliptical, or aspherical surface.

[0103] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the transverse lens 61 extends in the lateral direction 195(60), which is parallel to the lateral direction 195(48) of the spatial light modulator 48. The transverse anamorphic component 60 has a positive refractive power in the transverse direction 197(60), which is parallel to direction 197(48) and perpendicular to the lateral direction 195(60), and has no refractive power in the lateral direction 195(60). The transverse anamorphic component 60 is positioned to receive light rays 400 from the spatial light modulator 48. The optical system 250 is positioned to direct the light output from the transverse anamorphic component 60 in a direction that distributes it in the transverse direction 197(60).

[0104] Mathematically speaking, with respect to any position within the anamorphic near-eye display device 100, the optical axis direction 199 can be called an O-unit vector, the transverse direction 197 can be called a T-unit vector, and the lateral direction 195 can be called an L-unit vector, where the optical axis direction 199 is the cross product of the transverse direction 197 and the lateral direction 195, as follows. O=T×L Equation 4

[0105] Various surfaces of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 transform or reproduce the optical axis direction 199, but for any given ray, equation 4 may be applied.

[0106] The optical system 250 further comprises a waveguide arrangement 111 including an input waveguide 1A, an intermediate waveguide 1C, and an extraction waveguide 1B.

[0107] The input waveguide 1A is positioned to guide the light rays 400 from the cone 491A of the transverse anamorphic component 60 to the partial reflection mirror 7 along the input waveguide 1A in direction 191A. The input waveguide 1A has opposing rear guide surfaces and front guide surfaces 6A, 8A that are planar and parallel. The input waveguide 1A further has an input surface 2A extending in the lateral and transverse directions 195(60), 197(60), and the input waveguide 1A is positioned to receive light 400 from the illumination system 240 via the input surface 2A. The input surface 2A extends in the lateral direction 195 between the edges 22A, 24A of the input waveguide 1A, and also extends in the transverse direction 197 between the opposing rear guide surfaces and front guide surfaces 6A, 8A of the input waveguide 1A. The output surface 4A of the input waveguide 1B is positioned to output light toward the partial reflection mirror 7.

[0108] The input waveguide 1A and the intermediate waveguide 1C do not have extraction features arranged to extract light induced along them. During operation, the input waveguide 1A is positioned to guide the ray 400 between opposing rear guide surfaces and front guide surfaces 6, 8, as indicated by the zigzag path of the induced ray 401 in both input waveguides 1A. Advantageously, the light can be directed with high efficiency from the transverse anamorphic component 60 to the partial reflection mirror 7, and the image may exhibit reduced image blur.

[0109] A partial reflection mirror 7 is positioned to receive light from the input waveguide 1A. The partial reflection mirror 7 may be positioned within a mirror waveguide 1D having edges 22D, 24D, an input surface 2D, a waveguide output surface 4DC, and a waveguide output surface 4DB.

[0110] Gap 3AD, 3DC, and 3DB are positioned between the mirror waveguide 1D and the input waveguide 1A, the intermediate waveguide 1C, and the extraction waveguide 1B, respectively. Some light rays may be induced within the mirror waveguide 1D. The operation of gap 3 will be further explained below with reference to Figures 6G-K.

[0111] Generally, the mirrors 7 of the mirror waveguide 1D are positioned to direct at least a portion of the light from the input waveguide 1A towards the intermediate waveguide 1C.

[0112] The partially reflective mirror 7 may comprise a partially reflective layer such as an air gap, a reflective polarizer, or a dielectric layer. The partially reflective mirror 7 may provide a polarization-sensitive reflectivity, and the polarizer 70 may be provided as described below, for example, in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0113] The partial reflection mirror 7 may be further positioned to transmit light reflected by the optical reversal reflector 140 of the intermediate waveguide 1C. In an alternative embodiment, the partial reflection mirror 7 may be positioned to transmit light from the input waveguide 1A and reflect light from the intermediate waveguide 1C.

[0114] The intermediate waveguide 1C is positioned to receive at least a portion of the light from the partial reflection mirror 7 and to reflect the light, and includes an optical reversal reflector 140 positioned to reflect the light in the optical cone 493C that has been guided in the first direction 191C along the intermediate waveguide 1C, so as to guide the reflected light in the optical cone 493C in a second direction 193C opposite to the first direction 191C toward the partial reflection mirror 7 and the extraction waveguide 1B along the intermediate waveguide 1C.

[0115] The intermediate waveguide 1C further has an input surface 2C extending in the lateral and transverse directions 195(60) and 197(60), and the intermediate waveguide 1C is positioned to receive light 400 from the partial reflection mirror 7. The input surface 2C extends in the lateral direction 195 between the edges 22C and 24A of the intermediate waveguide 1C, and also extends in the transverse direction 197C between the opposing rear guide surface and front guide surface 6C and 8C of the intermediate waveguide 1C.

[0116] The intermediate waveguide 1C does not necessarily have extraction features arranged to extract light induced along it. The rear guide surface and front guide surfaces 8C, 6C of the intermediate waveguide 1C are planar and parallel. Advantageously, light can be transmitted along the intermediate waveguide 1C with high efficiency, and image blurring of the output image is reduced.

[0117] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the optical reversal reflector 140 is the reflective end 4C of the intermediate waveguide 1C. Furthermore, the optical reversal reflector 140 forms a lateral anamorphic component 110. In particular, the reflective end 4C of the intermediate waveguide 1C has a curved shape and further comprises a reflective material in the lateral direction 195 that provides a positive refractive force in the lateral direction 195 (110) that affects the light rays of the cone 491C, and has no refractive force in the transverse direction 197 (110). The reflective material may be a reflective film such as ESR (trademark) manufactured by 3M, or a deposited or sputtered metallic material. Therefore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the lateral anamorphic component 110 is a curved mirror that has a positive refractive force in the lateral direction 195 and no refractive force in the transverse direction 197.

[0118] Therefore, the optical system 250 is positioned to direct the light output from the lateral anamorphic component 110 in a direction that distributes it in the transverse direction 197(110) and the lateral direction 195(110). The curved shape of the reflective end 4C may be a spherical, elliptical, parabolic or other aspherical cross-section in order to achieve the desired imaging of the ray from the spatial light modulator 48 to the pupil 44 of the eye 45, as will be further described below.

[0119] The reflected light from the optical reversal reflector 140 is output from the intermediate waveguide 1C and incident on the mirror waveguide 1D in a polarization state 902 that is preferentially transmitted by the partial reflection mirror 7. Advantageously, efficiency can be increased.

[0120] The extraction waveguide 1B is positioned to receive light from the lateral anamorphic component 110.

[0121] The extraction waveguide 1B further has an input surface 2B extending in the lateral and transverse directions 195(60) and 197(60), and the extraction waveguide 1B is positioned to receive light 400 from the partial reflection mirror 7. The input surface 2B extends in the lateral direction 195 between the edges 22B and 24B of the extraction waveguide 1B and in the transverse direction 197B between the opposing rear guide surface and front guide surface 6B and 8B of the extraction waveguide 1B. The output surface 4B of the extraction waveguide 1B may include, for example, a light-absorbing material. Advantageously, stray light can be reduced.

[0122] The extraction waveguide 1B has a forward guide surface and a rear guide surface 8B, 6B, and the rear guide surface 6B includes an extraction face 270 which is a reflective extraction feature 169. The extraction waveguide comprises an array of reflective extraction features 170a to n, which are arranged to extract light guided along the extraction waveguide 1B toward the viewer's eye 45, and the array of reflective extraction features 170a to n is distributed along the extraction waveguide 1B to provide exit pupil dilation.

[0123] The extraction waveguide 1B comprises an extraction facet 270 and an intermediate surface 272 that extends along the extraction waveguide between pairs of adjacent extraction reflectors 270 and is positioned on a rear optical guide surface 6B. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the intermediate surface 272 is positioned between pairs of extraction reflectors 170A and B, 170B and C, 170C and D, and 170D and E. Such an external surface can reflect the induced light 401 to the eye 45 by internal total internal reflection at the intermediate surface 272 and internal total internal internal reflection at the extraction facet 270, and since the polarizations are independent, the polarization conversion phaser 72B can be omitted, and the polarization state 904 can propagate within the extraction waveguide 1B. Therefore, the input linear polarizer is positioned to allow light in the s-polarized state 904 to pass through the extraction waveguide. Advantageously, increased efficiency can be achieved.

[0124] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, directions 193C and 191B are the same. In other embodiments described below, directions 193C and 191B may be different. The extraction reflector 270 is positioned to extract at least a portion of the light cone 491B guided along the extraction waveguide 1B in direction 191B toward the eye 45 of the viewer 47, as will be further described below.

[0125] Here, the coordinate system and operating principle of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 will be further explained. The optical system 250 has an optical axis 199 and exhibits anamorphic properties in the lateral direction 195 and the transverse direction 197, which are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the optical axis 199.

[0126] As light rays propagate through the optical system 250, there are variations in the optical axis direction 199, the lateral direction 195, and the transverse direction 197. In this specification, the lateral and transverse directions 195, 197 are defined relative to the optical axis direction 199 in any part of the illumination system 240 or the optical system 250, and are not constant directions in space. The transverse direction 197(60) indicates the transverse direction 197 in the transverse anamorphic component 60 formed by the transverse lens 61, the transverse direction 197(110) indicates the transverse direction 197 in the lateral anamorphic component 110, and the transverse direction 197(44) indicates the transverse direction 197 in the eye 45 of the observer 47. The transverse anamorphic component 60 has a lateral direction 195(60) which is the same as the lateral direction 195(110) of the lateral anamorphic component 110 and the lateral direction 195(44) of the pupil 44 of the eye 45. The Euclidean coordinate system indicated by the x, y, and z directions is invariant, while the transverse direction 197, the lateral direction 195, and the optical axis direction 199 can be transformed in various optical components, particularly by reflections from the optical components of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100.

[0127] Here, we will explain further features of the arrangement shown in Figure 1A.

[0128] Here, we will further explain the operation of the near-eye display device 100 as an augmented reality display.

[0129] The extraction waveguide 1B is transparent to light passing through the intermediate surface 272 so that on-axis real image points 31 on a real-world object 30 are directly visible through the extraction waveguide 1B by light rays 32. Similarly, a virtual image 34 formed by on-axis aligned virtual pixels 36 is desirablely visible by virtual light rays 37. These virtual light rays 37 are supplied to the pupil 44 of the eye 45 by on-axis light rays 401 reflected from the extraction reflector 170C. Similarly, off-axis virtual light rays 39 for viewing virtual pixels 38 are supplied by off-axis light rays 402 reflected from the extraction reflector 170D. An augmented reality display with advantageously high transmission of external light rays 32 can be provided.

[0130] Here, we will further explain the operation of the near-eye display device 100 as an augmented reality display.

[0131] The extraction waveguide 1B is transparent to light passing through the intermediate surface 272 so that on-axis real image points 31 on a real-world object 30 are directly visible through the extraction waveguide 1 by light rays 32. Similarly, a virtual image 34 formed by on-axis aligned virtual pixels 36 is desirablely visible by virtual light rays 37. These virtual light rays 37 are supplied to the pupil 44 of the eye 45 by on-axis light rays 401 reflected from the extraction reflector 170C. Similarly, off-axis virtual light rays 39 for viewing virtual pixels 38 are supplied by off-axis light rays 402 reflected from the extraction reflector 170D. An augmented reality display with advantageously high transmission of external light rays 32 can be provided.

[0132] In other words, embodiments shown in Figures 1A to D illustrate an anamorphic near-eye display device 100 that provides (i) an input waveguide 1A without extraction features that achieves high transmission efficiency and low stray light for input light, (ii) a reflective lateral anamorphic component 110 that can achieve wide field-of-view operation with reduced image blur, and (iii) an optical extraction waveguide 1B that provides highly efficient light extraction with low stray light and reduced double image.

[0133] Figure 1E is a schematic top view showing an alternative configuration of the anamorphic near-eye display 100, in which the intermediate waveguide 1C is positioned to receive light transmitted through the partial reflection mirror 7. Features of the embodiment of Figure 1E that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of said features.

[0134] In comparison with Figure 1B, the alternative embodiment in Figure 1E shows that the intermediate waveguide receives light transmitted through the partial reflection mirror 7. For several arrangements of the light extraction feature 169, as described below with respect to Figure 7B in this specification, improved efficiencies can be achieved. Furthermore, the mechanical arrangement in Figure 1E can achieve a desirable position for the intermediate waveguide 1C.

[0135] Here, the imaging characteristics of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 will be further described using a schematic representation, but such coordinate transformations will be omitted for explanatory purposes.

[0136] Figure 1F is a schematic top view showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 on a transverse plane, Figure 1G is a schematic top view showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 on a lateral plane perpendicular to the transverse plane, and Figure 1H is a schematic front perspective view showing the coordinate system mapping of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 in Figure 1A. Features of the embodiments in Figures 1F-H that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0137] For illustrative purposes, the variation in the optical axis direction 199 shown in Figures 1A-B is omitted in Figures 1F-H. Figures 1F-H show the same lateral and transverse fields of view φ for observer 47. T and φ L Figure 1A illustrates the operating principle of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 in an exemplary configuration for achieving a near-eye image having a square image provided on the retina 46 for illustrative purposes. The pupil 44 is at a common viewing distance e from the output light guide surface 8 of the optical system 250. R It is shown as follows.

[0138] Figure 1F shows the transverse imaging characteristics of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100. The illumination system 240 is provided with illuminated pixels 222T, 222C, and 222B above, in the transverse direction 197, where light rays are output to a transverse anamorphic component 60 that has refractive power only in the transverse direction, parallelizing the outputs from each pixel 222L, 222C, and 222R and directing them toward the eye 45. Light rays 460T pass through the pupil 44 of the eye 45 and enter the retina 46 of the eye 45, creating an off-axis image point 461T. Light rays 460C pass over the retina 46, creating a central image point 461C, and light rays 460B pass over the retina 46, creating an off-axis image point 461B.

[0139] Figure 1G shows the lateral imaging characteristics of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100. The illumination system 240 provides illuminated pixels 222L, 222M, and 222R to the right, center, and left over the lateral direction 195, where light rays are output to a lateral anamorphic component 110 that has refractive power only in the lateral direction, parallelizing the outputs from each pixel 222L, 222M, and 222R and directing them toward the pupil 44 of the eye 45. Light rays 460L pass through the pupil 44 of the eye 45 and enter the retina 46 of the eye 45, creating an off-axis image point 461L. Light rays 460M pass over the retina 46, creating an image point 461M, and light rays 460R pass over the retina 46, creating an image point 461R.

[0140] The observer perceives a virtual image magnified by an optical system 250 positioned between the virtual image 34 and the eye 45, within the same field of view φ in both the lateral and transverse directions 195 and 197, respectively.

[0141] In the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of this embodiment, the distance f between the first main cross-sections of the transverse anamorphic component 60 of the optical system 250 is T This is the distance f between the first main cross-sections of the lateral anamorphic component 110 of the optical system 250. L This is different. Similarly, the output field of view is square (φ T is φ L (This is the same as) Separation D of pixels 222T and 222B in the transverse direction T This is the separation of pixels 222R and 222L in the lateral direction 195. L It is different.

[0142] In this specification, the lateral angular magnification M provided by the lateral anamorphic component 110 of the optical system 250 is described herein. L It can be given as follows: M L =φp L / P L formula 5 Furthermore, the transverse angular magnification M is provided by the transverse anamorphic component 60 of the optical system 250. T It can be given as follows: M T =φp T / P T formula 6 In the formula, φp L This is the angular size of the virtual pixel 36 seen by the eye in the lateral direction 195, and P L φp is the pixel pitch in the lateral direction 195. T This is the angular size of the virtual pixel 36 seen by the eye in the transverse direction 197, and P T φp is the pixel pitch in the transverse direction 197. If the angular virtual pixel 36 is square, then φp L and φp T The angular magnification provided by the lateral anamorphic component 110 is equal to the given values, and can be given as follows: M L =M T *P T / P L formula 7

[0143] Lateral and transverse anamorphic optical elements 110, 60 angular magnification M L M T The refractive power K of elements 60 and 110, respectively. L , K T It is proportional to the spatial light modulator 48, which is a pixel 222, and is the reciprocal of the ratio of the refractive powers of the lateral and transverse anamorphic optical elements 110 and 60, K T / K L The ratio P is the same as L / P T Then, the pitch P in the lateral and transverse directions is 195, 197. L , P T It may have a pixel 222 having the following properties.

[0144] The coordinate system of the output is illustrated in FIG. 1H, where the output light from the central pixel 225 is directed into the extraction waveguide 1B along the optical axis 199(60) passing through the transverse anamorphic component 60, from where it is viewed along the optical axis 199(44) through the pupil 44.

[0145] The row 221Tc of pixels 222 passing through the central pixel 225 extending in the lateral direction 195 outputs a fan of light rays 491B, L and each light ray represents the angle at which the virtual pixel 38 is provided to the pupil 44 across the lateral direction 195.

[0146] The column 221Lc of pixels 222 passing through the central pixel 225 extending in the transverse direction 197 outputs a fan of light rays 491B, T and each light ray represents the angle at which the virtual pixel 38 is provided to the eye 45 across the transverse direction 197.

[0147] For the pixels 227 disposed within the quadrant of the spatial light modulator 48, the output light ray 427 is provided to the pupil 44, which is then imaged by the transverse anamorphic component 60 and then by the lateral anamorphic component 110.

[0148] Here, the exemplary imaging characteristics of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of FIG. 1A will be described.

[0149] FIG. 1I is a schematic diagram showing a field-of-view plot of the output of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of FIG. 1A for polychromatic illumination.

[0150] FIG. 1I is a graph of the transverse field angle versus the lateral field angle. The lateral field angle φ L is 60 degrees, and the transverse field angle φ T is 60 degrees.

[0151] The point where the lateral field is 0 degrees is the transverse light cone 491B LThe point located within the transverse field of view, where the transverse field of view is 0 degrees, is the transverse light cone 491B. T It is located within the image. Relative aberrations at various image points are shown by the point spread function of the blur 452.

[0152] Blurred PSF452 lateral size 454 L and transverse size 454 T This is determined by the aberrations of the optical system 250. The elliptical blur PSF 452 is an exemplary profile of the relative blur from a point at pixel 227 on the spatial light modulator 48 when output to eye 45 as an angular cone, and thus represents the relative size and position of the PSF on the retina 46 of eye 45 in the lateral and transverse directions 195, 197.

[0153] For illustrative purposes, the point distribution function (PSF) of the blur is 452, with lateral and transverse sizes of 454. L ,454 T It is shown in Figure 1I as an ellipse having . More schematically, the shape of the blur PSF may be a circle, an ellipse, coma aberration, astigmatism, or other profile, which may contain scattering artifacts. As illustrated, the blur ellipse PSF452 profile can be used to describe the blur PSF452 weighted in the lateral and transverse directions 195, 197. For illustrative purposes, the size of the blur PSF452 is 454. T ,454 L The plot in Figure 1I is shown enlarged to the same scale as the original plot and does not represent the actual angular size of the blur of each angular pixel in the pupil 44.

[0154] Red pixel 222R blur PSF452R size 454 T R, 454 L R is a blue pixel with 222B of blur, PSF452B with a size of 454. T B, 454 L It may differ from B. Furthermore, the center of gravity of the bokeh PSF452B is different from that of the color bokeh 455. L,455 T It can be displaced only in the lateral direction 195 and the transverse direction 197.

[0155] Here, we will describe an exemplary arrangement of pixels 222 of a spatially multiplexed spatial light modulator 48.

[0156] Figures 2A-C are schematic front views of a spatial light modulator 48 for use in the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 1A, comprising spatially multiplexed red, green, and blue subpixels 222R, 222G, and 222B. Features of embodiments of Figures 2A-C that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0157] The spatial light modulator 48 may be a transmissive spatial light modulator 48, such as an LCD, as shown in Figure 1A. Alternatively, the spatial light modulator 48 may be a reflective spatial light modulator 48, such as a micro-photoelectromechanical (MOEMS) array of micromirrors, such as liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) or Texas Instruments' DMD. Alternatively, the spatial light modulator 48 may be an emission spatial light modulator 48 using a material system such as an OLED or inorganic micro-LED. A silicon backplane may be provided to achieve high-speed addressing of the high-resolution array of pixels 222.

[0158] In Figures 2A-C, the pixels 222 of the spatial light modulator 48 are distributed in the lateral direction 195(48) and also in the transverse direction 197(48), such that the light output from the transverse anamorphic component 60 is directed in the direction distributed in the transverse direction 197, and the light output from the lateral anamorphic component 110 is directed in the direction distributed in the lateral direction 195 when it is output toward the pupil 44 of the eye 45.

[0159] White pixels 222, comprising red, green, and blue subpixels 222R, 222G, and 222B, are provided spatially separated in the lateral direction 195, and the subpixels 222R, 222G, and 222B have a pitch P in the transverse direction 197. T A lateral pitch P greater than L It extends.

[0160] Considering the embodiments in Figures 1C-D and 2A-D, it may be desirable to provide square white pixels within the perceived final virtual image 34. Pitch P L The angular size φ is determined by the lateral anamorphic component. L (Spatial pitch δ in retina 46) L It is expanded to have a pitch P T The angular size φ is determined by the transverse anamorphic component. T (Spatial pitch δ in retina 46) T It is expanded to include (having). Pitch P L , P T This is determined by such different angular magnifications, which can advantageously achieve square angular pixels from the anamorphic near-eye display device 100.

[0161] Pixel 222 is arranged as column 221L, which is distributed in the lateral direction 195, and the pixels along column 221L are distributed in the transverse direction 197, and pixel 222 is further arranged as row 221T, which is distributed in the transverse direction 197, and the pixels along row 221T are distributed in the lateral direction 195.

[0162] In Figure 2A, subpixels 222R, 222G, and 222B are distributed in rows of red, green, and blue pixels. This can be advantageous for providing high fidelity to vertical and horizontal image lines.

[0163] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 2B, subpixels 222R, 222G, and 222B are distributed along the diagonal. Advantageously, the reproduction of the raw image may be improved compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 2A.

[0164] Subpixels 222R, 222G, and 222B may be provided by the emission of white light and patterned color filters, or by the direct emission of their respective colored light. This embodiment has a larger pitch P of subpixels 222 than other known arrangements with symmetric input lenses for thin waveguides. L Includes.

[0165] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 2C, a plurality of blue pixels 222B1 and 222B2 may be provided. The blue pixels 222B1 and 222B2 may be driven with reduced current for a desired output brightness. Advantageously, pixel lifespan may be improved, for example, if a spatial light modulator 48 is provided by the OLED microdisplay. In other embodiments, additional or alternative white pixels (e.g., without color filters), or a fourth color such as yellow may be provided. Color gamut and / or brightness and efficiency may be advantageously achieved.

[0166] Figure 2D is a schematic front view of a spatial light modulator 48 for use in the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 1A, having 222 pixels for use in time-multiplexed spectral illumination. Features of the embodiment of Figure 2D that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0167] The spatial light modulator 48 can be used for monochromatic illumination. In an alternative embodiment, a wide-gamut image can be provided by sequential illumination, for example, by red, green, and blue illumination synchronized with red, green, and blue image data provided on the spatial light modulator 48. Advantageously, image resolution may be increased.

[0168] Compared to a non-anamorphic image projector in which equal angular magnification is provided between the lateral direction 195 and the transverse direction 197, this embodiment provides a pixel pitch P in which the size is substantially increased with respect to a given angular image size and angular magnification in the transverse direction 197. Lis provided. By such an increase in size, an increase in luminance, an increase in efficiency, and a reduction in alignment tolerance of the spatial light modulator 48 and the illumination system 240 can be advantageously achieved.

[0169] In the color filter type spatial light modulator 48, the size of the color filter can be increased. Advantageously, the cost and complexity of the color filter can be reduced. The aperture ratio of the pixel 222 can be increased. In the direct emission display, the size of the light emitting region can be increased. Advantageously, the cost and complexity of manufacturing the pixel can be reduced and the luminance can be increased. In the inorganic micro LED spatial light modulator 48, the efficiency loss due to recombination loss at the edge of the pixel is reduced, and the system efficiency and luminance can be advantageously increased.

[0170] Here, the input of light to the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of FIG. 1A will be further described.

[0171] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the light input to the input waveguide 1A, FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the light propagation along the first direction 191A of the input waveguide 1A and the different direction 191B of the extraction waveguide 1B, and FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram showing a perspective view of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of FIG. 1A. The features of the embodiments of FIGS. 3A to 3C that are not discussed in more detail can be assumed to correspond to the features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0172] Here, the input of the transverse optical cone 491A to the input waveguide 1A T will be described with reference to FIG. 3A.

[0173] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3A, the input surface 2A of the input waveguide 1A is inclined, particularly the surface normal, and has a surface normal inclined at an angle δ with respect to the rear guide surface and the front guide surface 6, 8, that is, the input surface 2A is inclined at an angle δ with respect to the first direction 191A along the input waveguide 1A.

[0174] The transverse anamorphic component 60, formed by the spatial light modulator 48 and the transverse lens 61, is inclined at an angle δ with respect to the normals to the rear guide surface and the front guide surfaces 6, 8. Therefore, the direction of the optical axis 199(60) passing through the transverse anamorphic component 60 is inclined with respect to the first direction 191A along the input waveguide 1A. The direction of the optical axis 199(60) is typically parallel to the surface normal of the input surface 2A, and as a result, the optical axis direction 199(60) is inclined at an angle of 90-δ with respect to the first direction 191A. Referring to Figure 1I, advantageously improved aberrations can be achieved, and the height 454 of the pixel blur ellipse 452 can be reduced at least in the transverse direction 197.

[0175] The optical system 250 further comprises a tapered surface 18 provided near the input surface 2A and inclined at an angle χ, which directs the transverse beam 197 from the transverse anamorphic component 60 into the input waveguide 1A at a desired propagation angle. The tapered surface 18 is positioned between the input surface 2A and the optical guide surface 8, and its surface normal direction is inclined at an angle χ with respect to the surface normal to the optical guide surface 8. In an alternative embodiment, the tapered surface 18 may be positioned on the first optical guide surface 6.

[0176] Table 1 shows exemplary embodiments of the geometric shape of the arrangement in Figure 3A for extracted waveguide 1B having a refractive index of 1.5. [Table 1] Table 1

[0177] The central pixel 222C provides illumination with eccentric rays 460CA and 460CB for the transverse anamorphic component 60. Ray 460CA is input through the input surface 2A without optical deflection and is directed to simply avoid the boundary 19 of the tapered surface 18 and the second optical guide surface 8, and is therefore not deflected. Ray 460CB, however, is incident on the region of the first optical guide surface 6 opposite the tapered surface 18 and is reflected to the boundary 19 by internal total internal reflection, where it simply undergoes internal total internal reflection, causing rays 460CA and 460CB to overlap and be guided along the input waveguide 1A in the first direction 191A.

[0178] The extraction reflector 270 is preferably tilted in the surface normal direction n by an angle α' (90-α in Figure 3A) in the range of 20 to 40 degrees with respect to the direction 191B along the extraction waveguide 1B, preferably in the range of 25 to 35 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 27.5 to 32.5 degrees. R It has the advantage of reducing stray light.

[0179] In an alternative embodiment, the extraction reflector may have an angle α' in the range of 50 to 70 degrees, which is preferably in the range of 55 to 65 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 57.5 to 62.5 degrees. This arrangement directs the ray 460C through the optical guide surface 8 when the ray has not been reflected from the intermediate surface 272 after being reflected from the optical guide surface 8.

[0180] The embodiment in Table 1 shows a design with a refractive index of 1.5. The refractive indices of the input waveguide 1A and the extraction waveguide 1B can be increased to, for example, a refractive index of 1.7 or higher. Advantageously, the optical cone φ T The increased size may allow for the observation of larger angular images in the transverse direction.

[0181] In the lateral direction 195(48), the outer pixels 222T and 222B are located in the light cone 491A. T A, 491A TDefine the outer limit of B, which propagates at an angle τ on either side of the light rays 460CA, 460CB. The tapered surface 18 forms the optical cone 491A T A is provided so as not to be deflected in the vicinity of the input surface 2A, and advantageously achieves crosstalk reduction and high efficiency. The optical cone 491A T A, 491A T After B passes through the boundary 19, they then recombine and propagate along the extraction waveguide 1B.

[0182] Here, for the propagation of the transverse optical cone 491A along the input waveguide 1A in the first direction 191A, we will refer to FIG. 3B, where the extraction reflector 270 is omitted for clarity of explanation. T FIG. 3B further shows the propagation of the corresponding reflected optical cone 493

[0183] in the optical inversion component 140 after reflection. T 、493 T The on-axis ray 37 from the central pixel 222 of the spatial light modulator 48 is directed to the input waveguide 1A via the transverse anamorphic component 60.

[0184] The direction 199(60) of the optical axis passing through the transverse anamorphic component 60 is inclined at an angle δ, which is inclined at an angle 90 - δ with respect to the first direction 191A along the input waveguide 1A.

[0185] After the boundary 19, the optical cone 491A T is incident on the first optical guide surface 6 at an incident angle δ and is reflected by total internal reflection so that the replicated optical cone 491A T f propagates along the input waveguide 1A in the direction 191A.

[0186] In the transverse direction, the lateral anamorphic component 110 desirably has a surface normal direction n4 that has no refractive power and is parallel to the direction 191A. The visibility of artifacts resulting from stray light including double images and ghost images can be reduced.

[0187] ​ Reflected light cone 491B T 、491B T f propagates along the second direction 191B at an angle τ centered on the optical axes 199(60) and 199f(60). The corresponding transverse directions 197(60), 197f(60) are also shown.

[0188] Both cones 491B T 、491B T f is image data and the cone 491B T 、491B T f is inverted about the direction 191A between the f's, and thus includes image data that provides a degeneracy in the ray direction for a given pixel 222 on the spatial light modulator 48. Cone 491B T 、491B T It is desirable to remove such degeneracy so that only one of the f's is extracted and the secondary image is not directed towards the pupil 44 of the eye 45.

[0189] The central output ray 37 propagates by total internal reflection within the opposing surfaces 6, 8 until it is incident on an intermediate surface 272 where at least some of the light is reflected, and then, as will be further explained herein, at an extraction reflector 270 where at least some of the light is further reflected, the light cone 491B T is preferentially directed towards the second light guide surface 8. After refraction at the light guide surface 8, the light of the cone 495 T is extracted towards the eye 45 at a cone angle with an increased size compared to the cone 491B T 。

[0190] Since the extraction reflectors 170A - E are tilted at the same angle α, as a result, for each of the light extraction reflectors 170A - E in Fig. 1A, the light cones 491B T are parallel, and the image blur of the light extracted from different extraction reflectors 270 across the waveguide to the pupil 44 is advantageously reduced.

[0191] For comparison, the light cone 491B around the central ray 460C that incident on surface 8 and then directly incident on the extraction reflector 270 without first reflecting off the intermediate surface 272. T f has an incident angle different from the incident angle δ. The difference in incident angles provides preferential transmission through the extraction reflector 270 and the light cone 491B. T f is not directed toward eye 45. Degeneracy is reduced or eliminated, and image crosstalk is favorably reduced.

[0192] Therefore, the inclined input surface 2A and the inclined transverse anamorphic component 60 are located at the cone 491B. T , 491B T Cone 491B that is f and does not overlap with one of the cones preferentially extracted toward eye 45 and the other cone preferentially held within the extracted waveguide. T , 491B T f is provided. Thus, the inclined input surface 2A and the inclined transverse anamorphic component 60 advantageously achieve a single image visible to the eye 45 and minimize double images. In some of the following exemplary embodiments of this specification, the surface normal of the input surface 2A is not inclined with respect to the first direction 191A, which is not a typical arrangement and is for the sake of simplifying the following description of this specification.

[0193] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the central output ray 37 is, for example, an extracted light cone 495 T To adjust the angular position of the center of the field of view, it can be tilted with respect to the surface normal to the optical guide surface 8.

[0194] Figure 3C is similar to the embodiment in Figure 1A and includes an input tapered surface 18 and a transverse anamorphic component 60 including a composite lens 61 containing lens elements 61A, 61B, and 61C. Advantageously, an improvement in aberration can be provided in the transverse direction 197 compared to the single component in Figure 1A.

[0195] Now, let's explain pupil dilation in the transverse direction.

[0196] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the light output from the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 for a single extracting reflector 270; Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the light output from the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 for multiple extracting reflectors 170A-N to achieve a full ray cone input in the transverse direction 197(44) to the observer's pupil 44; and Figure 4C is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the light output from the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 for multiple positions of a moving observer 47 in the transverse direction 197(44). Features of embodiments of Figures 4A-C that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features having equivalent reference numbers to those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0197] As described here, the array of extraction reflectors 270 has an eyebox size of 40 with a transverse direction of 197 e T It is distributed along the extraction waveguide 1B to provide an increased dilation of the exit pupil 40.

[0198] Considering Figure 4A, a single extraction reflector 170 is directed toward the pupil 44, and the light cone 495 T It is positioned to output. However, the limited size of the pupil 44 is a partial light cone 496 T Since it is determined that only those rays within the field are received by the eye 45, the field of view of the image observed on the retina in the transverse direction 197 (44) is smaller than the input to the extraction waveguide 1B. It is desirable to increase the field of view of observation.

[0199] Considering Figure 4B, multiple extraction reflectors 170A~M form a complete cone 495 TThe pupil 44 is provided with sufficient light to deliver rays 37C, 37T, and 37B. The pupil 44 has a height greater than the pitch of the extraction reflectors 270. For example, the pitch of the extraction reflectors 270 may be 1 mm, and the nominal diameter of the pupil 44 may be 3 mm to 6 mm. The pupil receives light from multiple extraction reflectors 170A to M, so the observed field of view φ T This is the same as the input to the extracted waveguide 1B at the input end. The exit pupil 40 is the same size as the height of the pupil 44 within this limited case. T It holds.

[0200] Considering Figure 4C, further extraction reflectors 170A~N are provided such that they are sufficient to move the pupil 44 between pupil position 44A and pupil position 44B. In this way, e T This increases, achieving transverse pupil dilation. Transverse field of view φ T However, the enlarged pupil is provided across 44 positions, advantageously achieving increased comfort of use and full image visibility.

[0201] As shown in Figures 5A-E of this specification, the lateral anamorphic component 110 has a size e of the eyebox 40 in the lateral direction 195. L This further provides increased lateral exit pupil 40 enlargement.

[0202] Here, we will further investigate the imaging characteristics of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 in the lateral direction 195.

[0203] Figures 5A–C are schematic diagrams showing the front view of the optical output from the anamorphic near-eye display device of Figure 1A. Features of the embodiments of Figures 5A–C, which are not discussed in further detail, can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0204] Figure 5A shows that the non-extraction light induction region 178A is located between the input surface 2B of the extraction waveguide 1B and the first extraction reflector 270 of the array of extraction reflectors 170A-N, and the non-extraction light induction region 178B is located between the array of extraction reflectors 170A-N and the lateral anamorphic component 110. The non-extraction induction sections 178A and 178B can provide an increase in the height of the extraction waveguide 1B in direction 191B without the extraction reflector 270. Extraction efficiency is advantageously improved, and the aberration performance of the lateral anamorphic component 110 is further improved.

[0205] In the embodiment shown in Figure 5A, the eyes 45 are aligned in a planar view, and out-of-plan rays are not shown; however, this description provides insight into the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 in the lateral direction 195. Two or more extraction reflectors 270 overlap the pupils 44 of the eyes 45. For example, since the pitch of the extraction reflectors 270 is 1 mm, three to six extraction reflectors 270 are provided across the pupils 44 of the eyes 45, depending on the dilation of the pupils 44 of the eyes 45. Advantageously, luminance fluctuations associated with the eye position 45 can be reduced.

[0206] The pupil 44 sees off-axis rays from the pixels 222L at the edge of the spatial light modulator 48 after reflection from region 478L of the lateral anamorphic component 110. The lateral anamorphic component 110 is a relatively fast optical element as a whole and is therefore prone to aberrations, especially from its edges. However, since the region 478 of the lateral anamorphic component 110 that directs light into the pupil 44 for any one eye 45 position is small, the aberrations from the lateral anamorphic component 110 are correspondingly reduced. Considering Figure 1I, a preferably small width 455 of the blurred ellipse 452 can be achieved.

[0207] In the embodiment of Figure 5B, the eye 45 is aligned with the out-of-plane ray to illustrate the lateral dilation of the exit pupil 40 in the lateral direction 195. Figures 5B-C further show that the length and width of the extraction waveguide 1B may differ from the length and width of the input waveguide 1C. Advantageously, the display device 100 may be positioned to provide a desired physical size and pupil 40 size.

[0208] Light rays 470 and 471 are directed from the central pixel 222M in the lateral direction 195 of the spatial light modulator 48 and transmitted through a transverse anamorphic component 60 formed by a transverse lens 61 that has no refractive power in the lateral direction 195, into the extraction waveguide 1B. The light rays 470 and 471 propagate in the direction 191A of the input waveguide 1A to the input surface 2B of the extraction waveguide 1B, which is provided with positive refractive power in the lateral direction 195 by an optical reversal reflector that provides a lateral anamorphic component 110.

[0209] These rays 470 and 471 are reflected by the extraction reflector 170A away from the plane of the extraction waveguide 1B, and the viewing distance e R The light rays are reflected by the pupil 44 of the eye 45A located therein. The eye 45 focuses the light rays 470, 471 and directs them to the same point on the retina 46, providing a virtual pixel position as described elsewhere in this specification.

[0210] Similarly, for off-axis pixels 222L offset in the lateral direction 195(48), rays 472 and 473 are provided at the edge of the spatial light modulator 48, which are directed into the extraction waveguide 1B, directed to region 478LA of the lateral anamorphic component 110, and reflected by the eye 45A by the extraction reflector 170A to provide off-axis image points on the retina 46 in the lateral direction 195(44).

[0211] The lateral anamorphic component 110 has a positive refractive power that provides parallelized optical rays from each image point 222L, 222M in the lateral direction 195. In this way, the lateral distribution of field points is provided across the retina 46 by the refractive power of the lateral anamorphic component 110, while the transverse anamorphic component 60 has a refractive power that provides the transverse distribution of field points across the retina 46. With respect to imaging of pixel 227, at the diagonal field angle shown in Figure 1H, the field points are provided by the combination of the lateral and transverse refractive powers of the lateral anamorphic component 110 and the transverse anamorphic component 60, respectively.

[0212] Figure 5C shows the exit pupil expansion in the lateral direction 195 and the transverse direction 197. Rays 474 and 475 from pixels 222R and 222L are directed to the pupil 44B by reflection from regions 478RB and 478LB, respectively, of the lateral anamorphic component 110. The pupil 44B is offset from the pupil 44A in the lateral direction 195, where rays 474 and 475 are reflected at least by the extraction reflector 170A. Thus, the width e of the exit pupil 40 is L This increases the relatively large width of the lateral anamorphic component 110, allowing the region 478 to be positioned over the desired width. This increases the degree of freedom of vision of the eye 45 within the exit pupil 40, and advantageously increases the visual comfort of the eye 45 while achieving a full field of view in the lateral direction.

[0213] Figure 5C further illustrates pupil dilation in the transverse direction 197. The light reflected from the extraction reflector 170D is directed to pupil 44C, which has a different height from pupil 44A, as discussed above with respect to Figure 4C.

[0214] Here, we will further explain the 40mm dilation of the exit pupil.

[0215] Figure 5D is a schematic top view of an imaging system arranged to image in the transverse direction 197, provided with a reflection extraction feature 169 (e.g., an extraction reflector 270); Figure 5E is a schematic top view of an imaging system arranged to image in the lateral direction; and Figure 5F is a schematic top view of an imaging system arranged to image in the transverse direction, provided with an array of extraction reflectors 270, although this description is similarly applicable to other reflection extraction features. Features in Figures 5D-F, which are not discussed in further detail, can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0216] Considering Figure 5D, light from the spatial light modulator 40 illuminates the transverse anamorphic component 60 and inputs the ray into the input waveguide 1A in direction 191A. The light passes through the lateral anamorphic component 110 without modification and enters the extraction waveguide 1B in direction 191B. Light beams 420T, 420C, and 420B are supplied across the transverse direction to pixels 222T, 222C, and 222B on the spatial light modulator 48, respectively. The complete ray cone is observed only if the pupil 44 of the eye 45 is located within the cone 422, which is close to the lens and therefore inaccessible to the eye 45. This is analogous to the exemplary embodiment in Figure 4A.

[0217] Considering Figure 5E, light from the spatial light modulator 40 illuminates the lateral anamorphic component 110, inputting rays into the input waveguide 1A in direction 191A. Lateral directional light cones from pixels 222L, 222M, and 222R are parallelized by the lateral anamorphic component 110 and pass into the extraction waveguide 1B in direction 191B. Light beams 420L, 420M, and 420R are provided in the transverse direction. Because the width of the lateral anamorphic component 110 is much larger than that of the transverse anamorphic component 60, the pupil 44 of the eye 45 observes the complete ray cone only if it is located within the eye-accessible cone 424 outside the extraction waveguide 1B. This is analogous to the exemplary embodiment in Figure 5B.

[0218] Here, we will further explain the effect of the extraction reflector 270 on pupil dilation in the transverse direction 197.

[0219] In comparison with Figure 5D, Figure 5F shows an array of extraction reflectors 270 distributed along the extraction waveguide 1B to provide an enlargement of the exit pupil 40. Each of the extraction reflectors 170A-N effectively provides replicated images 48R, 60R of the spatial light modulator 48 and the transverse anamorphic component 60, respectively. These replicated images 48R, 60R further provide the replicated light cone 420 in Figure 5D, enlarging the effective width of the final light cones 420TR, 420BR. These replicates provide a replicated cone 426, from which the pupil 44 receives light across the entire field of view.

[0220] Cones 422, 424, and 426 schematically represent the exit pupil 40 of the anamorphic near-eye display device in the lateral direction 195 or the transverse direction 197. Thus, by comparison, compared to the exit pupil 40 represented by cone 422 which would be provided in a conventional microprojector without pupil dilation, exit pupil dilation 40 is achieved by the lateral anamorphic component 110 and by the array of extraction reflectors 170A-N that form the reflective extraction feature 169.

[0221] Here, we will describe an alternative arrangement of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100.

[0222] Figure 6A is a schematic diagram showing a schematic side perspective view of an alternative anamorphic near-eye display device. Features of the embodiment of Figure 6A that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0223] In comparison with Figure 1A, in the alternative embodiment of Figure 6A, the air gap 3CB is omitted, and the partial reflection mirror 7 can be formed on or inside the extraction waveguide 1B, such that the mirror waveguide 1D is not a separate element. Advantageously, alignment costs and complexity are reduced, stray light is reduced, and improved image fidelity can be achieved.

[0224] Here, we will describe an alternative arrangement of the reflection extraction feature 169.

[0225] Figure 6B is a schematic diagram showing an exploded perspective view of an alternative near-in-the-eye anamorphic display device in which a partial reflection mirror is provided between the optical guide surfaces of the extraction waveguide and the extraction feature is provided on the optical guide surfaces of the extraction waveguide; Figure 6C is a schematic diagram showing a schematic front perspective view of an alternative near-in-the-eye anamorphic display device in which the partial reflection mirror and the extraction feature are provided between the optical guide surfaces of the extraction waveguide; and Figure 6D is a schematic diagram showing a schematic exploded front perspective view of the embodiment of Figure 6C. Features of the embodiments of Figures 6B-D, which are not discussed in further detail, can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0226] In comparison with Figure 1A, in the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 6B-D, the front and rear guide surfaces 8B, 6B of the extraction waveguide 1B are planar and parallel, and the light extraction feature 169 may be disposed internally within the extraction waveguide 1B, as will be further described below. The extraction waveguide 1B comprises an array of extraction reflectors 170 disposed internally within the extraction waveguide 1B, the extraction reflectors 170 being positioned to extract light induced along the extraction waveguide 1B in direction 191B toward the viewer's eye 45. The array of extraction reflectors 170 is distributed along the extraction waveguide 1B to provide exit pupil dilation. The extraction reflectors 170 are inclined with respect to direction 191B along the optical axis 199 of the extraction waveguide 1B and also extend partially across the extraction waveguide 1B between the opposing rear and front guide surfaces 6B, 8B.

[0227] Here, we will explain the folding configuration of the near-eye anamorphic display device 100.

[0228] Figure 6E is a schematic top view of a foldable near-eye anamorphic display device 100, further comprising a rotating prism and having an extraction waveguide positioned between the input waveguide and the eye, and Figure 6F is a schematic top view of a foldable near-eye anamorphic display device, further comprising an input waveguide with an optical rotating surface and having the input waveguide positioned between the extraction waveguide and the eye. Features of embodiments of Figures 6E-F that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0229] In comparison with Figure 6A, the alternative embodiment in Figure 6E shows that a further rotating prism 1E may be provided, which may be a rotating waveguide having edges 22E, 24E and separated by gaps 3AE, 3EB. A partial reflection mirror 7 is provided within the extraction waveguide 1B.

[0230] Light rays 32 from a real-world object point 31 are transmitted through waveguides 1A and 1B, respectively. Advantageously, compactness is improved and the rear surface 6B can be protected from damage.

[0231] In comparison with Figure 6E, the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6F illustrates an embodiment in which the input waveguide 1A is positioned adjacent to the front surface 8B of the extraction waveguide 1B. Advantageously, the planar guide surfaces 8B, 6A can be protected. Furthermore, the end 4A of the input waveguide 1A is inclined to direct the light from the input waveguide 1A toward the partial reflection mirror 7. Advantageously, cost and complexity can be reduced.

[0232] Figure 6F further shows that the lighting system 240 can be positioned at the observer's eyebrows. This can improve compactness.

[0233] Here, we will describe an alternative arrangement for reorienting the induced light cone.

[0234] Figure 6G is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a rotating prism positioned to reorient an optical cone induced at an angle different from 90 degrees; Figure 6H is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a rotating prism with a gap positioned to redirect an optical cone induced at 90 degrees; Figure 6I is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a rotating prism with a gap positioned to redirect an optical cone induced at 180 degrees; Figure 6J is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a rotating prism without a gap positioned to redirect an optical cone induced at 90 degrees; and Figure 6K is a schematic diagram showing a top view of a rotating prism without a gap positioned to redirect an optical cone induced at 180 degrees. Features of embodiments of Figures 6G-K that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0235] Figure 6G shows a partial folding of an optical system 250 comprising a first waveguide 1X and a second waveguide 1Y, each having a rotating component 1T positioned between them, separated by gaps 3XT and 3TY, respectively. An input ray 401 is guided along waveguide 1X, redirected by the mirror surface 17 (which may include a specular reflective coating such as a metallic coating) of the rotating component 1T, and output to waveguide 1Y. As shown in the figure, different rotating components 1T have internal angles θ and 45°-θ / 2.

[0236] Figure 6H shows the effect of the air gap 3XT, 3TY on the transmission of induced rays 401 from waveguide 1X to waveguide 1Y. In comparison, Figure 6J shows that the absence of air gap 3XT, 3TY means that induced rays from waveguide 1X may be undesirably lost from the system. Therefore, the highly selective air gap boundary 3XT, 3TY provides internal total internal reflection for light reflected from the mirror surface 17 within the rotating component 1T, achieving efficient coupling to waveguide 1Y. Alternatively, rays from waveguide 1X can be output directly to waveguide 1Y. Thus, the air gap 3XT, 3TY further preserves the angular distribution of rays from waveguide 1X to waveguide 1Y, achieving high transmission efficiency. Advantageously, image fidelity is increased and pixel blur and distortion are reduced.

[0237] The light ray 401 can pass through the gap 3XT, 3TY with small reflection loss, and it is desirable that this loss can be reduced by adding an anti-reflective coating to the surface facing the gap.

[0238] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6I, the gap 3XT A , 3T A T B and 3T B Y is the rotating component 1T A , 1T BIt is positioned between waveguides 1X and 1Y. The light ray 401 is redirected to waveguide 1Y with small losses, preserving the angular distribution of the input light, and with small losses in each of the gaps 3. For comparison, Figure 6K shows that when gap 3 is omitted, the light ray 401 may not be coupled to waveguide 1Y.

[0239] Such gaps 3 are advantageously provided between the elongated waveguide 1 and the rotating components or waveguide 1 of embodiments described elsewhere in this specification, thereby achieving high efficiency, improved compactness, and high image fidelity.

[0240] Figures 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing top views of polarization state propagation in alternative configurations of anamorphic near-eye display devices. Features of embodiments of Figures 7A and 7B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0241] In comparison with Figure 1B, the alternative embodiment in Figure 7A includes an extraction reflector 170 disposed internally within the extraction waveguide 1B. However, the polarization of light suitable for efficient reflection at the partial reflection mirror 7 is the same in both Figure 1B and Figure 7A.

[0242] The extraction reflector 170 extends partially into the extraction waveguide 1B, continuously shifting its position between the opposing rear guide surfaces and front guide surfaces 6 and 8 of the extraction waveguide 1B. The continuously shifting position is located along the waveguide in direction 191B. In other words, the extraction reflector 170 extends partially into the extraction waveguide 1B, continuously shifting its position in the transverse direction 197.

[0243] The input linear polarizer 70 is positioned between the spatial light modulator 48 and, in the embodiment of Figure 1B, between the transverse anamorphic component 60 and the input waveguide 1A, which is a partial reflection mirror 7. The input linear polarizer 70 is an absorbing polarizer, such as a dichroic iodine polarizer, which is positioned to transmit linear polarization states 904 and 902 and absorb the respective orthogonal polarization states 902 and 904.

[0244] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 7A, the polarizer 70 may be positioned to transmit an s-polarized polarization state 904 that can be preferentially reflected from the partial reflection mirror 7 toward the intermediate waveguide 1C. A polarization conversion phaser 72C is positioned between the partial reflection mirror 7 and the optical reversal reflector 140, and is positioned to convert the polarization state of light passing through it between a linearly polarized state 904 and a circularly polarized state 924, and the polarization conversion phaser 72C has a quarter-wavelength retardation at a visible light wavelength, for example, 550 nm, i.e., the polarization conversion phaser 72C may have a quarter-wavelength retardation at a visible wavelength such as 550 nm, and may comprise a stack of composite phasers positioned to achieve quarter-wavelength phaser operation over an increased spectral band, for example, a Pancharatnam stack. An improvement in output chromaticity can be achieved.

[0245] After reflection by the optical reversal reflector 140, an orthogonal circular polarization state 922 is provided, and a p-polarized linear state 902 is provided so that the polarization conversion phaser 72C returns towards the partial reflection mirror 7, which is preferentially transmitted toward the extraction waveguide 1B. Increased transmission through the partial reflection mirror 7 can be achieved for light rays propagating toward the extraction waveguide 1B.

[0246] The optical system 250 further comprises a further polarization-converting phase element 72B disposed between the partial reflection mirror 7 and the extraction waveguide 1B, wherein the polarization-converting phase element 72B is arranged to convert the polarization state of light passing through it between a linearly polarized state 902 and an orthogonal linearly polarized state 904, and the further polarization-converting phase element 72B has a half-wavelength retardation at the wavelength of visible light. As described below, the further polarization-converting phase element 72B provides the polarization state 904 incident on the extraction reflector 170. Advantageously, improved efficiency can be achieved as described below.

[0247] In comparison with Figure 1E, the alternative embodiment in Figure 7B includes an extraction reflector 170 disposed internally within the extraction waveguide 1B. The input linear polarizer 70 is positioned between the spatial light modulator 48 and the transverse anamorphic component 60.

[0248] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 7B, the polarizer 70 may be configured to transmit a p-polarized state 902 that can be preferentially transmitted toward the intermediate waveguide 1C by the partial reflection mirror 7. A polarization conversion phaser is configured to convert the polarization state of the light passing through it between a linearly polarized state 902 and a circularly polarized state 922. After reflection at the optical reversal reflector 140, an orthogonal circularly polarized state 924 is provided, and the polarization conversion phaser 72C provides an s-polarized linear state 904 so that it returns toward the partial reflection mirror 7 that preferentially reflects toward the extraction waveguide 1B. With respect to light rays propagating toward the extraction waveguide 1B, an increase in the reflectivity of the partial reflection mirror 7 can be achieved.

[0249] Since the additional polarization conversion phase element 72C in Figure 7A is omitted, the polarization state 904 is preferentially reflected by the reflection extractor 170. Advantageously, efficiency is increased.

[0250] Now, let's further explain the operation of the extraction reflector 170.

[0251] Figures 7C-D are schematic diagrams showing top views of polarization propagation in the extraction waveguide 1B around the extraction reflector 170, which comprises an extraction waveguide 1B and a single dielectric partial reflective layer 184, and Figure 7E is a schematic diagram showing top views of polarization propagation in the extraction waveguide 1B around an optical reflective feature comprising stacked dielectric layers. Features of the embodiments of Figures 7C-E that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0252] In the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 7D and 7E, the extraction waveguide 1B comprises a plurality of components 11A, 11B having opposing stepped surfaces 7A, 7B mounted together, wherein the stepped surfaces of the components 11A, 11B alternately form extraction surfaces 170 extending in the transverse direction 197(60) and intermediate surfaces 172 extending along the extraction waveguide 1B, and the extraction reflector 170 comprises opposing extraction surfaces 7A, 7B.

[0253] In an exemplary manufacturing method, the extraction waveguide 1B may comprise a first plurality of components 11A having an optical guide surface 8 and a stepped surface 7A, and having a dielectric coating 184A formed on the stepped surface 7A. A second plurality of components 11B having an optical guide surface 6 and a stepped surface 7B are aligned with the first plurality of components 11A to provide an adhesive layer 184B that bonds the two stepped waveguides so that the extraction reflector 170 is disposed internally within the extraction waveguide 1B.

[0254] In the embodiments shown in Figures 7C to 7E, the extraction reflector 170 comprises extraction surfaces 167A and 167B separated by a partial reflective coating 184. Furthermore, the intermediate reflector 172 comprises intermediate surfaces 182A and 182B separated by a partial reflective coating 184.

[0255] The partial reflection coating 184 comprises at least one dielectric layer 186, and in the embodiments shown in Figures 7C-D, it comprises a primary dielectric layer 186 and an adhesive layer 187. In the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 7C-E, the adhesive layer 187 is a refractive index matching layer that matches the refractive index of the stepped waveguides 1A and 1B, and does not contribute to the reflectance of the partial reflection coating 184.

[0256] In this embodiment, the extraction reflector 170 includes a partial reflective coating 184 comprising a set of layers comprising articles 11A, 186, 187, and 11B.

[0257] In an alternative embodiment, the adhesive layer 187 may comprise a dielectric material having a different refractive index from that of the components 11A and 11B in order to alter the reflectivity of the partial reflection coating 184. Thus, the set of layers may alternatively comprise an adhesive layer 187 positioned between the components 11A and 11B, where the refractive index of the adhesive layer 187 is different from that of the components 11A and 11B, and further dielectric layers are omitted. In other words, the dielectric layer 186 may include the adhesive layer 187.

[0258] In Figure 7C, referring to Figure 3A above, a ray 460C propagating along the extraction waveguide 1B in direction 191B has an incidence angle δ at the opposing rear guide surface and front guide surfaces 6, 8. The ray 460C then enters the extraction reflector 170 at an incidence angle θ1, which is 90 degrees in the embodiment shown in Table 1. Some of the light is reflected by the Fresnel reflector at the extraction surfaces 167A, 167B, so as to return along the ray 35 towards the input surface 2B. The ray 460C is also transmitted so as to continue induction along the extraction waveguide 1B.

[0259] When θ1 is perpendicular to surfaces 167A and 167B, the transmission of the p-polarized state 902 is the same as the transmission of the s-polarized state. Ray 461C shows reflection from the intermediate surface 172, which is inclined at an angle δ and therefore has a lower reflectivity in the p-polarized state 192 compared to the s-polarized state, as will be further explained below. Thus, ray 460C having the p-polarized state 192 is preferentially transmitted through the intermediate surface. Advantageously, the light is not trapped by the multiple components 11B or multiple components 11A, increasing efficiency.

[0260] In other words, the extraction waveguide 1B comprises at least two components 11A, 11B having corresponding stepped surfaces 7A, 7B formed as alternating risers and treads, the stepped surfaces 7A, 7B being optically coupled together such that the risers are optically coupled and the treads are optically coupled, and the extraction reflector 170 is formed between the optically coupled risers 167 of the stepped surfaces 7A, 7B of the components 11A, 11B.

[0261] In Figure 7D, a portion of the ray 460C is extracted as rays 37A-D. Ray 37A, propagating along the extraction waveguide 1B in the second direction 191B, is reflected at the mid-surface 172 with an incident angle δ by the Fresnel reflectivity at the boundary between the dielectric layer 186 and the material of the multiple components 11A. The light is then reflected from the extraction surface 167A of the extraction reflector 170 and output through the second optical guide surface 8. In the embodiment shown in Table 2, the angle θ2 is the same as the angle α, and ray 37A is output along the normal to the surface 8. The s-polarization state 904 is preferentially reflected in the extraction reflector 170 compared to the p-polarization state 902 in Figure 7C, as will be described below with respect to Figure 8A. The further reflected output light 37B-D results from their respective reflections at the rear surface 167B.

[0262] Therefore, the extracted waveguide 1B preferentially outputs light. Advantageously, efficiency is increased and glare from the light output from the waveguide away from the eye 45 is reduced.

[0263] As described here, the partial reflection extraction reflector 170 achieves improved uniformity by reducing or eliminating dark bands over the transverse direction 197. In comparison to this embodiment, for example, if the extraction reflector 170 is positioned to be completely opaque to light from the input surface 2B propagating in direction 191B, they may block some angles of the input light cone measured by a detector positioned in the lateral anamorphic component 110, and thus may form a “hole” in the angular distribution of light over the transverse direction 197. The reflected light distribution in the extraction waveguide 1B, including the hole, is directed toward the position of the pupil 44 in the exit pupil 40. If such a hole is present, it will be visible as a dark band in the image over the transverse direction 197. Such a partial reflection extraction reflector 170 provides light onto the lateral anamorphic component 110, which provides some light intensity over the entire cone of the input angle directed from the transverse lens 61 through the input end. Therefore, a reduction in the visibility of the hole in the light output distribution to the pupil 44 and an improvement in image uniformity with respect to angles across the lateral direction 197 are achieved.

[0264] It may be desirable to further increase the reflection efficiency from the extraction reflector 170.

[0265] In an alternative embodiment, the partial reflective coating 184 may be metallic. The thickness of the metallic layer may be adjusted during manufacturing to optimize the reflectivity of the extraction reflector 170 and the intermediate surface 172.

[0266] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 7E, the partial reflection coating 184 comprises a lamination 185 of dielectric layers 186A-E having alternating high and low refractive indices. Exemplary embodiments are provided in Table 2. The lamination 185 of dielectric layers 186A-E may be formed, for example, on one or both of a plurality of components 11A, 11B by vapor deposition or sputtering, and the extraction waveguide 1B may be assembled by aligning the plurality of components 11A, 11B. [Table 2] Table 2

[0267] Such stacking can advantageously increase the reflectivity at each extraction surface 183 by increasing the number of Fresnel reflections, and the reflections can be arranged so that they interfere with the extracted light rays 37 at a desirable angle.

[0268] Considering the materials of the multiple components 11A and 11B, materials with a higher refractive index, such as polycarbonate or high refractive index glass, may be used. Advantageously, the field of view φ T However, it may be provided in the transverse direction.

[0269] Here, we will further investigate the polarization selectivity of the reflection at the extraction surface 180.

[0270] Figure 8A is a schematic graph showing the variation in reflectance with respect to wavelength for the exemplary embodiments in Table 2.

[0271] Profile 810 shows the total reflectance of the p-polarized state 902 for a single reflection from the dielectric stack 185, while profile 812 shows the total reflectance of the s-polarized state 904 for a single reflection from the dielectric stack 185, with the thicknesses in Table 2 arranged to yield approximately 25% reflectance for each reflection. By adjusting the thickness and / or increasing the number of layers, the reflectance can be adjusted to achieve the desired reflectance of the ray 37 in the s-polarized state 904.

[0272] Referring to Figure 3A, cone 491A T Some variation may exist in the reflectance with transverse ray angles within the range. It is desirable to provide uniform brightness with a field of view for the pupil 44.

[0273] Figure 8B is a flowchart illustrating the compensation of pixel data with respect to the pixel position in the transverse direction. For each transverse pixel angle (for example, for each row 221T in Figure 2A), the incident angle θ2 onto the surface dielectric stack 185 changes, and subsequently the reflectance also changes. The total output reflectance for each row 221T can be adjusted to compensate for the variation in reflectance.

[0274] Here, we will further explain alternative configurations for extracted waveguide 1.

[0275] Figures 9A–E are schematic diagrams showing top views of alternative arrangements of the extracted waveguide 1. Features of the embodiments shown in Figures 9A–E, which are not discussed in further detail, can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0276] In the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 6A and 9A, the extraction reflector 170 does not extend to the opposing rear guide surfaces and front guide surfaces 6, 8 of the extraction waveguide 1B.

[0277] In contrast to the embodiment in Figure 6A, the extraction waveguide 1B in Figure 9A has opposing rear guide surfaces and front guide surfaces 6 and 8 having an anti-reflective coating 189. This anti-reflective coating 189 does not alter the internal total internal reflection of the light rays induced in the waveguide. However, the light rays 37 and other light rays extracted from the extraction waveguide 1B may produce a double image due to Fresnel reflection at surfaces 6 and 8. The anti-reflective coating 189 advantageously achieves a reduction in double images and an increase in image contrast.

[0278] Furthermore, the embodiment in Figure 9A illustrates the position of the adhesive layer 187. The multiple components 11A, 11B may be manufactured separately, for example, by molding. A partial reflective coating 184 may be provided on at least one portion 320 of the multiple components 11A, 11B. After coating, the stepped waveguide may be bonded in alignment with the adhesive layer 187. The rear guide surface and the front guide surface 6, 8 may be formed during the molding of the multiple components 11A, 11B, advantageously achieving high optical quality for light guidance.

[0279] In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 6A, in the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 9B, the extraction reflector 170 extends to the opposing rear guide surface and front guide surface 6, 8 of the extraction waveguide 1B. During the assembly process, the coated components 11A, 11B can be aligned with the adhesive layer. After bonding, the rear guide surface and front guide surface 6, 8 can be further polished to provide the desired optical quality for light guidance. The efficiency of light extraction can be advantageously increased, and stray light directed back toward the input end can be advantageously reduced.

[0280] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), one of the rear guide surface and the front guide surfaces 6, 8 may be formed during the molding of one of the plurality of components 11A, 11B, and the other of the rear guide surface and the front guide surfaces 6, 8 may be formed after assembly by polishing the other optical guide surface 6, 8.

[0281] Size of extraction reflector 170 and size of exit pupil in the transverse direction e T It may be desirable to increase this.

[0282] In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 6A, the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 9C comprises sets 177A and 177B of multiple extraction reflectors 170, where within each set 177A and 177B, the extraction reflectors 170 extend partially into the extraction waveguide 1B while continuously shifting their position in the transverse direction 197(60), and the extraction reflectors 170 of different sets 177A and 177B overlap to some extent in the transverse direction 197.

[0283] In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 6A, the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 9D comprises sets 177A and 177B of extraction reflectors 170, where within each set 177A and 177B of extraction reflectors 170, the extraction reflectors 170 extend across the extraction waveguide 1B, facing rear guide surfaces and front guide surfaces, while continuously shifting their position in the transverse direction 197(60), and the extraction reflectors 170 of different sets 177A and 177B overlap to some extent in the transverse direction 197.

[0284] During manufacturing, the arrangements shown in Figures 9C to 9D can be provided with multiple components 11A, 11B, and 11C using the same method as described for Figures 9A to 9B.

[0285] Embodiments in Figures 9C-D achieve an increase in the area over which light is extracted to the eye. Transverse direction of exit pupil size e T This is advantageously increased. Furthermore, the size of the extraction reflector 170, determined by direction 191B, increases due to the given pitch of the extraction reflector 170 and the thickness t of the extraction waveguide 1B. Considering Figure 1I, the height 454 of the pixel blur ellipse 452, caused by the diffraction of light reflected from the extraction reflector 170 in the transverse direction, is advantageously reduced.

[0286] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 9E, the intermediate surfaces 172 are optically bonded together. An adhesive layer 187 may be placed between the extraction reflectors 170, which may be layers having a refractive index similar to that of the multiple components 11A, 11B. During manufacturing, the intermediate region between the extraction reflectors may be masked so as not to result in a partial reflector 184. During the alignment of the multiple components 11A, 11B, the intermediate region is optically removed. Advantageously, light capture is reduced, and extraction efficiency may be increased.

[0287] The arrangements in Figures 9A to E can be used in alternative combinations of those shown. For example, the optically coupled intermediate surface 172 in Figure 9E can be used in the arrangements in Figures 9A to D.

[0288] It may be desirable to reduce the manufacturing cost of the optical coatings shown in Figures 9A to E.

[0289] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the extracted waveguide 1B including the gap 175. Features of the embodiment of Figure 10 that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0290] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 10, the extraction waveguide 1B comprises a plurality of components 11A, 11B having opposing stepped surfaces 7A, 7B separated by a gap 175, wherein the stepped surface 11 alternately has an extraction surface 170 extending in the transverse direction 197(60) and an intermediate surface 172 extending along the extraction waveguide 1B, and the extraction reflector 170 comprises opposing extraction surfaces 7A, 7B.

[0291] In other words, the extraction reflector 170 comprises extraction surfaces 170AA and 170BA, 170AB and 170BB, as well as 170AC and 170BC, separated by a gap 175, and the intermediate reflector 172 comprises intermediate surfaces 172AA and 172BA, 172AB and 172BB, as well as 172AC and 172BC, separated by a gap 181.

[0292] The gap may typically contain air or another substance such as an inert gas. The gap achieves internal total internal reflection for most or all of the input light rays from the input surface 2A, as will be further described below in this specification with reference to Figures 11A-E.

[0293] Compared to the embodiment in Figure 9B, the embodiment in Figure 10 advantageously reduces complexity. Furthermore, the reflections from the extraction reflector 170 and the intermediate surface 172 are provided by internal total internal reflection rather than Fresnel reflection, thus reducing variation or reflectivity with respect to wavelength and field of view. Image uniformity to the eye 45 is improved.

[0294] The extraction surface 170, the intermediate surface 172, and the opposing rear guide surface and front guide surface 6, 8 are further provided with an optional anti-reflective coating 189. Advantageously, stray light and double images from light not guided within the extraction waveguide 1B can be reduced.

[0295] Here, we will describe alternative placement materials for the extraction reflector 170 and the intermediate surface.

[0296] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the vicinity of an extraction reflector 170, which includes a partial reflective material 171 and an adjacent intermediate surface 172 comprising an intermediate surface material 173. Features of the embodiments of Figure 11 that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0297] As described above, the surface reflectivity from the extraction reflector 170 can be provided by (i) a single dielectric layer, (ii) a dielectric stack, (iii) a metallic material, or (iv) a gap such as an air gap, and the surface reflectivity from the intermediate reflector 172 can be provided by (i) a single dielectric layer, (ii) a dielectric stack, (iii) a metallic material, (iv) a gap such as an air gap, or (v) optical coupling. The extraction reflector 170 and the intermediate surface 172 can be provided with various combinations of surface reflectivity to achieve different optical and mechanically desirable properties, as discussed above and illustrated in Table 3. [Table 3] Table 3

[0298] In addition to Table 3, the materials and composition of the materials in each extraction reflector 170 and each intermediate surface 172 may vary along the direction 191B of the extraction waveguide 1B, for example, as will be further described below in relation to Figure 18B.

[0299] Figure 11 further illustrates an extraction reflector 170 having an inclination angle α and a height h along the extraction waveguide 1B in direction 199(44), a range w along the extraction waveguide 1B in direction 191B, and a pitch s along the extraction waveguide 1B in direction 191B.

[0300] Here, we will describe an exemplary arrangement of the stepped surface 7, which includes the extraction reflector 170 and the intermediate surface 172.

[0301] Here, we will describe an alternative configuration for extracted waveguide 1B.

[0302] Figure 13A is a schematic diagram showing a perspective front view of an extraction waveguide having a non-stepped mounted surface relief structure; Figure 13B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an extraction waveguide having a non-stepped mounted surface relief structure; Figure 13C is a schematic diagram showing a perspective front view of an extraction waveguide having a non-stepped mounted surface relief structure; Figure 13D is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an extraction waveguide having a non-stepped surface relief structure; Figure 13E is a schematic diagram showing a perspective front view of an extraction waveguide having a non-stepped surface relief diffraction structure; and Figure 13F is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an extraction waveguide having a non-stepped surface relief diffraction structure. Features of embodiments of Figures 13A-F that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0303] Alternative embodiments shown in Figures 13A-B illustrate that the film component 111BB may be provided on a planar substrate 111BA and comprises an inclined extraction reflector 1170 having an intermediate region 1172 and a reflective facet 1173. Advantageously, the extraction waveguide 1B can be manufactured conveniently at low cost. The reflector 1170 may be provided to achieve desirable uniformity of output brightness at angles and positions within the exit pupil 40.

[0304] In comparison with Figures 13A-B, the embodiments shown in Figures 13C-D are formed as a single, integrated body. Advantageously, losses and stray light from the film component 111B are reduced, and image contrast may be improved.

[0305] In comparison with the embodiments shown in Figures 13C, 13D, and 13F, the embodiments in Figures 13E and 13F are provided with a pitch p that is arranged to provide the diffraction output of light from waveguide 1B. Advantageously, improved uniformity of the output can be achieved.

[0306] Figure 13G is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an extraction waveguide comprising a surface relief light extraction structure, a stepped surface relief extraction structure, and a partial reflector positioned between the forward and backward light guide surfaces. Features of embodiments of Figure 13G that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0307] In comparison to the extraction waveguide 1B described above, the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 13G comprises a different combination of extraction reflectors 270, 174, and 1170. Such an arrangement can advantageously achieve increased spatial and angular uniformity.

[0308] Figure 12A is a schematic diagram of the variation in the profile of the stepped surface 7 at position in direction 191B along the extracted waveguide 1B for various exemplary arrangements of the stepped surface 7 of the extracted waveguide; Figure 12B is a schematic graph of the variation 371, 373 of the small face width w at position along the extracted waveguide 1A in direction 191B; and Figure 14A is a schematic diagram showing a front view arrangement of a chirp extracted reflector for a monocular near-eye anamorphic display device. Features of embodiments of Figures 14A-C, which are not discussed in further detail, can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0309] Profile 370 in Figure 12A shows a stepped surface 7 with 60-degree inclined extraction reflectors 170 arranged at a uniform 1 mm pitch, as illustrated by profile 371 in Figure 12B, where the step height h is approximately 0.49 mm and the step range w is a uniform 0.28 mm. The step range w provides a diffraction aperture for rays 37 directed toward the pupil 44 of the eye, so diffraction blur is added to the image data in the transverse direction 197. To minimize the height 454 of the blurred ellipse in the transverse direction 197 in Figure 1I, it is desirable to increase the range w, thereby reducing diffraction blur in the transverse direction.

[0310] Profile 372 in Figure 12A, Profile 373 in Figure 12B, and Figure 14A illustrate an alternative embodiment in which the extraction reflector 170 has a pitch s that varies along the extraction waveguide 1B in direction 191B. Furthermore, the extraction reflector 170 has a range w that varies along the extraction waveguide 1B in direction 191B. Thus, considering the central extraction reflector 170C, the range w is 0.5 mm, while the upper extraction reflector 170T has a range of 0.15 mm. With respect to light from the center of the extraction waveguide 1B, which may be the preferred viewing position of the pupil 44, diffraction blur is reduced. Thus, high image quality can be achieved for the preferred viewing position, although off-axis images from the upper and lower extraction reflectors 170T and 170B are degraded to some extent. The best image quality is provided in the preferred viewing direction, and high image performance is advantageously achieved for the most commonly used image data.

[0311] Profile 374 in Figure 12A illustrates an alternative embodiment in which two sets of extraction reflectors 170 are provided, as further illustrated in the alternative embodiment in Figure 9D, for example. The range w increases in stages while maintaining a constant 1 mm pitch. Advantageously, diffraction blur is reduced compared to the embodiment of profile 370. Furthermore, for a given range w, the total thickness t of the extraction waveguide 1B can be advantageously reduced while achieving a desired pitch p such that the multiple extraction reflectors 170 overlap the pupil 44.

[0312] It is desirable to further reduce the appearance of image blur caused by diffraction in the lateral direction 197 from the range w of the extraction reflector 170.

[0313] Figure 14B is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of the chirp extraction reflector 170 for the binocular near-eye anamorphic display device 1 in a front view. Features of the embodiment of Figure 14B that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0314] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 14B, the extraction reflectors 170RA-RN of the pupil 44R of the right eye 45R have a first profile of pitch s and range w in a second direction 191B along the extraction waveguide 1B. Furthermore, the extraction reflectors 170LA-LN have a second profile of pitch s and range w different from the first profile.

[0315] In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 14B, the upper extraction reflector 170RT for directing light toward the right pupil 44R has a large pitch and therefore less diffraction blur, while the lower extraction reflector 170RB for directing light toward the right pupil 44R has a small pitch and therefore increased diffraction blur. Furthermore, the upper extraction reflector 170LT for directing light toward the left pupil 44L has a small pitch and therefore greater diffraction blur, while the lower extraction reflector 170LB for directing light toward the left pupil 44L has a larger pitch and therefore reduced diffraction blur. During operation, the human visual system can combine two different blurs of the left-eye image and the right-eye image. Such combinations can achieve a perceived blur that is improved compared to an arrangement where the first and second profiles of pitch s and range w are the same. Advantageously, improved image quality can be perceived.

[0316] Here, we will describe a headwear 600 equipped with an anamorphic near-eye display device 100.

[0317] Figure 15A is a schematic diagram showing an oblique front view of an augmented reality head-mounted display device 600, which includes a monocular anamorphic display device in which a transverse anamorphic component 60 formed by a spatial light modulator 48 and a transverse lens 61 is positioned at the eyebrow level. Figure 15B is a schematic diagram showing an oblique front view of an augmented reality head-mounted display device 600, which includes binocular anamorphic display devices 100L and 100R in which spatial light modulators 48R and 48L and transverse anamorphic components 60R and 60L are positioned at the eyebrow level. Features of the embodiments of Figures 15A and 15B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0318] The head-mounted display device 600 may comprise a pair of eyeglasses 600 having an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, as described elsewhere herein, which is positioned to extend over at least one eye 45 of a viewer 47 when the head-mounted display device 600 is worn. The head-mounted display device 600 may comprise a pair of eyeglasses having a spectacle frame 602 having a rim 603 and an arm 604, and function as a head-mounted arrangement that is positioned to mount the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 on the wearer's head, with the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 extending over at least one eye of the wearer. In general, any other head-mounted arrangement may be provided as alternatives. The rim 603 and / or arm 604 may comprise an electrical system for at least power, sensing, and control of the lighting system 240. The anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of this embodiment may be provided at low weight and may also be transparent. The head-mounted display device 600 may be connected by wire to a remote control system or may not be connected by wireless control. One advantage is that it can provide a comfortable viewing experience for augmented reality content.

[0319] In alternative embodiments of head-mounted display devices not shown, the input waveguide 1A may extend away from the eye 45, and the intermediate waveguide 1C may be located at the eyebrow position rather than the temple position. In such cases, the top views specified herein may be side views.

[0320] It is desirable to provide a virtual reality head-mounted display device 600 in which the head-mounted display device is not transparent to external images.

[0321] Figure 16A is a schematic front view of a virtual reality head-mounted display device 600 equipped with anamorphic display devices 100R and 100L for the left and right eyes, and Figure 16B is a schematic top view of a virtual reality head-mounted display device 600 equipped with an anamorphic near-eye display device 100. Features of the embodiments of Figures 16A-B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0322] An alternative embodiment of the head-mounted display device 600 in Figure 16A may comprise display devices 100R, 100L mounted on a headgear 601, which is preferably larger in size than the head-mounted display device 600 for eyeglasses in Figure 15B. Referring to Figure 1I, aberrations with respect to a given field of view can be reduced, and the field of view with respect to the boundary of a given elliptical blur 452 can be increased. Furthermore, image brightness can be increased.

[0323] Figure 16B shows an alternative arrangement in which the light-catching layer 609 is provided between the housing 606 of the head-mounted display device 600 and the extraction waveguide 1B to receive stray light 607 output from the extraction waveguide 1B. Advantageously, image contrast is improved.

[0324] It may be desirable to reduce the number of lighting systems within binocular near-eye displays.

[0325] Figure 16C is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, which features a single extraction waveguide 1B suitable for binocular use by the display user. Features of the embodiment of Figure 16C that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0326] The array of extraction reflectors 170 includes two separate regions 177L and 177R, each region 177L and 177R positioned to extract light guided along the extraction waveguide 1B toward each of the viewer's eyes 45L and 45R. Non-extraction regions 178A to C are located within the extraction waveguide 1B outside the separate regions 177L and 177R.

[0327] Therefore, a single illumination system 240 equipped with a spatial light modulator 48 can be arranged to provide illumination to both eyes 45R, 45L. Advantageously, cost and complexity are reduced.

[0328] It may be desirable to improve the performance and functionality of the head-mounted display device 600.

[0329] Figure 16D is a schematic top view of an anamorphic near-eye display device comprising two anamorphic display devices, and Figure 16E is a schematic view of a composite image provided to the eye 45 by the head-mounted display device 600 of Figure 16D. Features of the embodiments of Figures 16D-E that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0330] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 16D, the anamorphic near-eye display device 100A is a first near-eye display device, and the head-mounted display device 600 further comprises a second near-eye display device 100B, the second near-eye display device 100B being arranged in series with the first near-eye display device 100A and receiving light from the first near-eye display device 100A.

[0331] Near-eye anamorphic display device 100A comprises an extraction waveguide 1BA having a spatial light modulator 48A having a first size and pixel density of 222, a transverse anamorphic component 60A having a first transverse refractive power, and a lateral anamorphic component 110A having a first lateral refractive power. Near-eye anamorphic display device 100B comprises an extraction waveguide 1BA having a spatial light modulator 48B having the same or different size and pixel density of 222 as the spatial light modulator 48A, a transverse anamorphic component 60B having a second transverse refractive power that may be the same as or different from the first transverse refractive power, and a lateral anamorphic component 110A having a second lateral refractive power that may be the same as or different from the first lateral refractive power.

[0332] The spatial light modulators 48A, 48B, the transverse anamorphic components 60A, 60B, the lateral anamorphic components 110A, 110B, and the extraction reflector 170 may be arranged to provide desirablely enhanced optical performance, including (i) increased image resolution, (ii) increased brightness, (iii) increased exit pupil 40 size, (iv) reduced image diffraction, (v) increased field of view, and (vi) at least one of a plurality of focal planes.

[0333] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 16D, the spatial light modulators 48A and 48B are identical, but the transverse anamorphic components 60A and 60B and the lateral anamorphic components 110A and 110B differ in that they provide different magnifications, respectively, to the anamorphic display devices 100A and 100B. Figure 16E shows that the outer image region 448A with boundary 449A is provided by the anamorphic near-eye display device 100A, and the central image region 448B with boundary 449B is provided by the anamorphic near-eye display device 100B. Advantageously, a high-resolution image can be provided to the central region 448A and superimposed on the lower-resolution image of the outer region 448B. Such an arrangement can advantageously achieve increased image fidelity for the most common viewing directions while providing a larger field of view.

[0334] Figure 16D also illustrates that the extraction reflector 170 may be provided with different alignments to achieve an increased exit pupil size of 40 and reduce diffraction blur.

[0335] It may be desirable to improve the performance of virtual reality display systems.

[0336] Figure 16F is a schematic top view of a virtual reality head-mounted display device 600, which includes an anamorphic near-eye display device 100 positioned to receive light from a magnifying lens 610, and Figure 16G is a schematic top view of a virtual reality head-mounted display device, which includes an anamorphic near-eye display device positioned between an anamorphic spatial light modulator and a magnifying lens of a non-anamorphic display device. Features of embodiments of Figures 16F-G that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0337] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 16D, the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 is a first near-eye display device, and the head-mounted display device 600 further comprises a non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610, the non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610 comprising a non-anamorphic spatial light modulator 648 and a non-anamorphic magnifying optical system 660, and at least one near-eye display device 100 is arranged in series with the non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610 and to receive light from the non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610.

[0338] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 16G, the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 may be arranged in series with the non-anamorphic spatial light modulator 648 and positioned between the non-anamorphic spatial light modulator 648 and the non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610. The anamorphic near-eye display device may be positioned substantially in the pupil of the magnifying optical system 660 and may not provide refractive power to the light from the non-anamorphic near-eye display device 100. Alternatively, it may provide some small refractive power to the light from the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 to change the virtual image distance. The total thickness of the optical system may be reduced, advantageously achieving a reduction in bulkiness.

[0339] In the embodiments shown in Figures 16F-G, the non-anamorphic magnification optical system 660 may comprise a lens such as a Fresnel lens, a pancake lens, or other known non-anamorphic magnification lens, and is arranged to provide a virtual image of the spatial light modulator 648 to the eye 45. Compared to the anamorphic near-eye display device 100, the non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610 provides magnification of pixels 622 on the non-anamorphic spatial light modulator 648, which are equal in the lateral and transverse directions 195, 197. The non-anamorphic magnification optical system 660 is typically circularly symmetric.

[0340] During operation, the upper pixel 620T of the non-anamorphic spatial light modulator 648 provides ray 662T, the central pixel 620C provides ray 662C, and the lower pixel 620B provides ray 662B. The observer's eye 45 focuses rays 460T, 460C, and 460B, generating an image on the retina of the eye such that the image is perceived at an enlarged angular size compared to the angular size of the spatial light modulator 48.

[0341] The spatial light modulators 48, 648, the non-anamorphic magnifying optical system 660, the transverse anamorphic component 60, the lateral anamorphic component 110, and the extraction reflector 170 may be arranged to provide desirable enhanced optical performance, including (i) increased image resolution, (ii) increased brightness, (iii) increased exit pupil 40 size, (iv) reduced image diffraction, (v) increased field of view, and (vi) at least one of a plurality of focal planes.

[0342] Figure 16H is a schematic diagram showing a top view arrangement of virtual image distances for a virtual reality display device. Features of the embodiment of Figure 16H that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0343] Considering the embodiment shown in Figure 16F, the virtual image distance 61 from the eye 44 to the virtual image 34 provided by the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 can be a distance 663 on an infinite conjugate plane 33, while the virtual image 634 provided by the non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610 can be a distance 661 on a finite conjugate plane 633, by controlling the inverse distance F of the spatial light modulator 648 to the non-anamorphic magnification system 660.

[0344] More specifically, the virtual image distance of light from the first near-eye display device 100A, 100 may differ from the virtual image distance of light from the second near-eye display device 100B or the non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610, respectively.

[0345] One advantage is that the user experience of the display may be enhanced.

[0346] Figures 16I-J are schematic diagrams showing a virtual image displayed in the configuration of Figure 16H. Features of the embodiments in Figures 16I-J that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0347] Figure 16I shows image 448A with a boundary 449A provided by the anamorphic near-eye display device 100, and Figure 16J shows image 448B with a boundary 449B provided by the non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610.

[0348] The background image 448A and the foreground image 448B are provided such that image 448A may further include an occluding image 77 that is aligned in operation with respect to the foreground image 448B which is superimposed on the background image. An opaque foreground image can be advantageously achieved.

[0349] Here, embodiments including alternative forms of the reflection extraction feature 169 will be described.

[0350] Figure 17A is a schematic diagram showing an alternative arrangement of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 in a perspective front view, in which the reflective extraction feature comprises extraction reflectors 174A-D having multiple constituent plates 180A-E. Features of the embodiment of Figure 17A that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0351] In the alternative embodiment of Figure 17A compared to Figure 1A, the extraction waveguide 1B comprises a plurality of component plates 180A-E optically coupled together, with extraction reflectors 174A-D formed between the component plates 180A-E. The extraction reflectors 174A-D extend between the opposing rear guide surfaces and front guide surfaces 6, 8 of the extraction waveguide 1B. In other words, the extraction reflectors 174A-E extend over the entire extraction waveguide 1B between the opposing rear guide surfaces and front guide surfaces 6, 8, although typically, some regions 178A, 178B along the extraction waveguide 1B may be provided without the extraction reflectors 174, as discussed above in this specification.

[0352] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 17A, each extraction reflector 174 has the same reflective area. Advantageously, luminance fluctuations associated with the viewing angle can be reduced.

[0353] Figure 17B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the optical input to the anamorphic near-eye display device of Figure 17A. Features of the embodiment of Figure 17B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0354] During manufacturing, multiple component plates 180 are coated and joined together as a stack of plates 180A to N. The stack of plates 180A to N can then be die-cut at an angle α and polished to provide inclined plates 180A to N.

[0355] The outer boundaries shown in Figure 17B as extraction reflectors 174A and 174D can, alternatively, be provided by coupling them to non-extraction waveguide regions 178A and 178B, so that extraction is not provided. Advantageously, the complexity of the non-extraction waveguide components 178A and 178B is reduced, and costs are lowered.

[0356] Compared to Figure 6A, the multiple component plates 180 in Figures 17B-C provide extraction reflectors 174A-D, each extending between opposing rear and front guide surfaces 6, 8. The extraction reflectors 174A-D may be positioned at an inclination angle α and may have a width w determined by the waveguide thickness t and angle α. Increasing the range w in direction 191B along the extraction waveguide 1B is advantageous in reducing diffraction blur in the transverse direction.

[0357] During operation, the extracted light rays 37 are incident on the optical guide surface 6 before entering the partial extraction reflectors 174A-D, providing the corresponding output light rays 37A-D. Advantageously, the size of the headbox is increased.

[0358] Figure 17C is a schematic diagram showing an alternative arrangement of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 in a perspective front view, comprising an extraction waveguide 1B having an extraction member 711 and a partial reflective layer 702 positioned on the rear surface 706 of the waveguide member 701. Features of the embodiment of Figure 17C that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0359] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 17C, compared to Figure 17B, the extraction reflector 174 is positioned outside the waveguide member 701.

[0360] The partial reflective layer 702 may be at least one of a reflective polarizer, a dielectric multilayer, a thin metal layer, or a combination thereof. Further polarizers may be provided to the partial reflective layer 702 to achieve appropriate manipulation of the polarization state at the partial reflective layer 702, thereby providing desirable reflective properties to achieve improved uniformity.

[0361] During operation, the light ray 37 is guided along the waveguide member 701. In the partial reflective layer 702, some of the light may be reflected, and some of the light may be transmitted through the partial reflective layer 702. The reflected light propagates along the waveguide member 701 and is extracted by an extraction reflector 174 that is different from that for the transmitted light. Advantageously, the uniformity of the extraction of the light ray 37 in the direction 191 along the waveguide 1B can be improved.

[0362] Figure 17D is a schematic diagram showing an alternative arrangement of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 in a perspective front view, comprising an extraction waveguide 1B having an extraction member 711 and a partial reflective layer 702 positioned on the front surface 708 of the waveguide member 701. Features of the embodiment of Figure 17D that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0363] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 17D, compared to Figure 17C, the extraction reflector 174 is positioned on the front surface 708 of the waveguide member 701. Advantageously, the visibility of stray light from the extraction reflector 714 can be reduced.

[0364] The propagation of polarization is similar to that shown in Figures 7C-E, but the intermediate plane 172 is not provided, so we will explain it further here.

[0365] Figure 18A is a schematic diagram showing a top view of polarization propagation in the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 17A. Features of the embodiments of Figures 18A-B, which are not discussed in further detail, can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0366] Extraction reflector 174A comprises a dielectric stack comprising dielectric layers 186AA to 186AC, and extraction reflector 174B comprises a dielectric stack comprising dielectric layers 186BA to 186AE, wherein the dielectric layers may comprise a dielectric stack different from that of extraction reflector 174A, and may provide different reflectivity.

[0367] The dielectric stacks 186A-N may be formed on one or both surfaces of adjacent plates 180. In other embodiments, the dielectric stacks may be replaced by a single dielectric layer, a metal, or a gap.

[0368] During operation, some p-polarized light 464 is reflected from the light 460C propagating in a second direction 191B along the extraction waveguide 1B. However, as shown in Figure 8A, the reflectivity of the p-polarized light can be minimized by the appropriate design of each dielectric stack 186A-N.

[0369] In the extracted waveguide 1B, the polarization conversion phase element 72 provides an s-polarization state 908 that is reflected toward the pupil 44 by the dielectric stacks 186AA~AC and 186BA~186BE.

[0370] Figure 18B is a schematic diagram showing the variation in reflectivity of the extraction reflector 174 in the direction 191B along the extraction waveguide 1B of Figure 17A, and has exemplary embodiments shown in Table 4 when the extraction waveguide comprises four extraction reflectors 174A to D. Features of the embodiment of Figure 18B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features. [Table 4] Table 4

[0371] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 18B, the extraction reflector 174 extends across the extraction waveguide 1B, and the extraction reflector has the same reflective area. The reflectivity of the extraction reflector 174 is defined over its entire area and increases with increasing distance along the optical axis 199(60) of light within the extraction waveguide 1B. In other words, the reflectivity of the extraction reflector 174 is defined over its entire area and increases with increasing distance along the direction 191B of the extraction waveguide 1B.

[0372] The reflectance profiles of the stacks shown in Table 4 achieve a uniform intensity δ of the output to the light rays 37A-D, and consequently, uniform image brightness is observed across the exit pupil 40 for different pupil positions 44. Such reflectance profiles can be achieved by adjusting the dielectric stacks 186A-N differently in each extraction reflector 174A-N. These differences can be achieved by adjusting the number, thickness, and material of the dielectric layers 186.

[0373] The exemplary embodiments in Table 4 provide desirable output characteristics for the polarized illumination in Figures 18A-B because the extraction reflector 174 is substantially transparent to the light ray 460C, which is in the p-polarized state 902. That is, the reflector 174D is substantially blocked to the transmitted s-polarized state 904 but transmits to the p-polarized state 902, and is therefore partially transmittance in a general sense.

[0374] Here, we will describe an alternative arrangement of the extraction reflector 174.

[0375] Figure 19A is a schematic diagram in a perspective front view showing an alternative configuration of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 17A, in which a portion of the polarizing beam splitter 200 does not extend across the entire thickness of the extracted waveguide 1B, and Figure 19B is a schematic diagram in a top view showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 19A. Features of the embodiments of Figures 19A-B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0376] In the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 19A-B, the extraction reflector 174 extends over a portion of the extraction waveguide 1B, and the array of extraction reflectors 174 has a defined reflectance over its entire area that increases with increasing distance along the waveguide and along the optical axis 199 in direction 191B. In other words, the extraction reflector 174 is patterned to have different reflective areas that provide a defined reflectance over its entire area that increases with increasing distance along the optical axis 199(60).

[0377] These extraction reflectors 174 can be manufactured, for example, by deposition, by masking the plate 180 during the formation of dielectric layers 186A-N. Therefore, some areas 181 on the surface of the plate may not have dielectric lamination. As shown in Table 4, the total intensity δ extracted at each small facet may be constant across the array of extraction reflectors 174A-D. Compared to Figure 18A, the composition of the dielectric lamination may be the same for each of the extraction reflectors 174A-D. Advantageously, the cost and complexity of deposition on the plate 180 can be reduced.

[0378] Figure 20A is a schematic diagram in a perspective front view showing an alternative arrangement of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 17A, in which the polarizing beam splitter 200 is equipped with a patterned reflector, and Figure 20B is a schematic diagram in a top view showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 20A. Features of the embodiments of Figures 20A-B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0379] In the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 20A-B, the extraction reflector 174 has a density per area of ​​pattern formation that increases with distance along the extraction waveguide 1B in direction 191B in order to achieve a desired reflection profile, as shown in Table 4, for example.

[0380] Pattern formation of the extraction reflector 174 can reduce the complexity of manufacturing the plate 180.

[0381] Furthermore, the extraction reflector 174 may include a highly reflective metal compared to the dielectric stacks discussed elsewhere in this specification. In such cases, the input linear polarizer 70 and the polarization conversion phase element 72 may be omitted. Advantageously, costs may be reduced.

[0382] Figure 21A is a schematic diagram in a perspective front view showing an alternative arrangement of the anamorphic near-eye display device of Figure 17A, comprising a plurality of partially reflective metal extraction reflectors 174, and Figure 21B is a schematic diagram in a top view showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 21A. Features of the embodiments of Figures 21A-B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0383] In the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 21A-B, the extraction reflectors 174A-D are partial reflective mirrors that may include a metal coating placed on the plate 180. The metal coating is tuned to different reflectances during manufacturing to achieve the desired reflectance. Compared to Table 4, the maximum reflectance of the extraction reflector 174D may be 50% or less, so that the input light 460C is transmitted through the input waveguide 1A.

[0384] The input linear polarizer 70 and polarization conversion phase element 72 are omitted, which advantageously reduces cost and complexity.

[0385] Figure 22A is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100 comprising a plurality of stepped configuration plates 188. Features of the embodiment of Figure 22A that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of said features.

[0386] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 22A, the extraction region 177 comprises a plurality of component plates 188, and the extraction reflector 169 is formed between the component plates 188. The stepped component plate 188 further comprises support members 189A, 189B extending in a second direction 191B along the extraction waveguide 1B. Outer support members 167A, 167B are provided to form a rear guide surface and a front guide surface 6, 8.

[0387] Compared to the embodiment in Figure 17B, the extraction reflector partially extends between the rear guide surface and the front guide surfaces 6, 8, with each step overlapping in direction 199(44) and the transverse direction 197(60). The range w of the extraction reflector 169 is larger than, for example, that of the stepped surfaces 7A, 7B in Figure 12A. Advantageously, blurring in the transverse direction 197 is reduced.

[0388] Figure 22B is a schematic diagram showing a method for fabricating the extraction region 177 of the extraction waveguide in Figure 22A. Features of the embodiment of Figure 22B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0389] In the first step S1, a stepped configuration plate 188, which includes support members 189A and 189B, is manufactured, for example, by injection molding.

[0390] In step S2, the surface of the stepped configuration plate 188 is coated with a coating 168, such as a dielectric layer as described elsewhere in this specification.

[0391] In step S3, the stacked stepped configuration plates 188A to C are aligned and bonded together such that the extraction reflectors formed between them have a common inclination α with respect to direction 191B along the extraction waveguide 1B.

[0392] In step S4, outer support members 167A and 167B are added to provide the extraction region 177 portion of the extracted waveguide 1B. In the final step (not shown), the non-extracted waveguide portion 178 is added. The outer surfaces 6 and 8 may be polished to achieve desired flatness and parallelism.

[0393] The method in Figure 22B does not use expensive plate construction methods, such as those that may be used in the arrangement in Figure 17A. Advantageously, costs can be reduced.

[0394] It may be desirable to provide a further enlargement of the exit pupil 40 while reducing diffraction blur and manufacturing costs.

[0395] Figures 22C–D are schematic diagrams showing top views of alternative arrangements of the extraction waveguide 1, comprising two types of partial reflection extraction reflectors 170, 174. Features of the embodiments shown in Figures 22C–D, which are not discussed in further detail, can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0396] The extraction waveguide 1 shown in Figures 22C-D comprises first and second extraction sections 13A and 13B. The extraction sections 13A and 13B are equipped with extraction reflectors 170 and intermediate surfaces 172 of the same type as those in Figure 9C. The extraction reflectors 170 and intermediate surfaces 172 may be of the type illustrated in Table 3 or at least in Figures 9A-11E disclosed above.

[0397] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 22C, a further extraction reflector 174 is positioned between the extraction unit 13A, which includes a component plate 180A, and the extraction unit, which includes a component plate 180B. The extraction reflector 174 may be at least one of the types shown in any of the embodiments of Figures 17A to 22A disclosed above.

[0398] During operation, the stepped extraction reflector 170 provides extraction for the region toward the edge of the exit pupil 40, while the extraction reflector 174 provides extraction for the central region of the exit pupil 40. Advantageously, diffraction blur in the central region is reduced, improving image quality for the most common viewing directions. Furthermore, the manufacturing cost of the multiple component plates 180A and 180B is reduced.

[0399] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 22D, additional extraction reflectors 174A, 174B, and an additional component plate 180C are positioned between the extraction unit 13A, which includes component plate 180A, and the extraction unit, which includes component plate 180B. Compared to Figure 22D, this advantageously increases the region of the exit pupil 40 in which diffraction blur is reduced.

[0400] In exemplary manufacturing methods, embodiments shown in Figures 22C-D may be formed by manufacturing the extraction sections 13A, 13B as described elsewhere in this specification, coating the ends 163A, 163B of the extraction sections 13A, 13B, and bonding the ends 163A, 163B with, for example, an adhesive. Optionally, the surfaces 6, 8 may then be polished to provide desired light-guiding properties.

[0401] It may be desirable to reduce the cost and complexity of the extracted waveguide 1B.

[0402] Figure 23A is a schematic diagram in a perspective front view showing an alternative arrangement of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100, in which the extraction waveguide 1B comprises the diffractive optical element 112B described herein; Figure 23B is a schematic diagram in a top view showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 23A; and Figure 24A is a schematic diagram in a front view showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 23A. Features of embodiments of Figures 23A-C that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0403] Considering an alternative embodiment of Figure 23A, the extraction waveguide 1B comprises a transmissive element 1A and a diffractive optical element 112B optically coupled to the transmissive element 1A. The operation of the transverse anamorphic component 60 and the lateral anamorphic component 110 is as described elsewhere in this specification.

[0404] Considering Figures 23B-C, the diffractive optical element 112B is positioned to provide extraction of a portion of the light induced in the extraction waveguide 1B between the opposing rear guide surface and the front guide surfaces 6, 8. The central ray 460C on the optical axis 199(60) along the second direction 191B of the extraction waveguide 1B is partially reflected by the diffractive optical element 112B, outputting light 464 away from the eye 45.

[0405] Figure 24B is a schematic diagram showing the operation of a waveguide equipped with a diffraction output beam deflection element 216 in a top view. Features of the embodiment of Figure 24B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0406] The extraction waveguide 1B comprises a transmissive element 1A and a diffractive optical element 112B that are optically coupled together, and the reflective extraction feature 169 comprises a portion 218 of the diffractive optical element 112B. The diffractive optical element 112B is an example of an extraction reflection feature and comprises a combination of iso-index layers 217, 219 provided to a continuum 223 of material that is a feature for extracting light.

[0407] In other words, the extraction waveguide 1B comprises an array of portions 218 disposed internally within the extraction waveguide 1B, the portions 218 being arranged to transmit light 400 induced along the extraction waveguide 1B in a second direction 191B and to extract light induced along the extraction waveguide 1B in a second direction 191B toward the viewer's eye 45. The array of portions 218 is distributed along the extraction waveguide 1B to provide exit pupil dilation.

[0408] Figure 24B shows that the extraction waveguide 1B comprises a transmissive element 1A optically coupled to a transmissive element 1A by an adhesive layer 214 and a diffractive optical element 112B, the diffractive optical element 112B comprising an array of portions 218. Light rays 460C are guided into the extraction waveguide 1B by internal total internal reflection at the opposing rear guide surface and front guide surface 6, 8 of the extraction waveguide 1B. Thus, at least some of the light rays 460C are transmitted through portions 218 of the diffractive optical element 112B. The proportion of light reflected by portions 218 can be controlled by controlling the modulation depth of portions 218 along the extraction waveguide 1B in direction 191B.

[0409] The diffractive optical element 216 is a volume hologram in which a portion 218 comprises an equirefractive index plane 217 with an increased refractive index and an equirefractive index plane 217 with a decreased refractive index. Refractive index modulation between the equirefractive index planes 217 and 219, the inclination β and pitch ω of the equirefractive index planes 217 and 219 provide the portion 218 with a desirable extraction of light rays 37 from the diffractive optical element 112B.

[0410] Figure 24B is a schematic diagram in a perspective front view showing an alternative configuration of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100, further comprising a diffractive optical deflection element 217, the diffractive optical deflection element having refractive power in the transverse direction 197. Features of the embodiment of Figure 24B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0411] Figure 24B shows that the transverse lens 61 is omitted, and the optical function of the transverse anamorphic component 60 is provided to the isorefractive index profile of the diffractive optical deflection element 215 together with the optical function of the optical deflection element 215. Advantageously, the size of the input optical system can be reduced.

[0412] The diffractive optical elements 1B, 215, and 217 described above are well-suited for monochrome displays because they exhibit limited bandwidth and efficiency.

[0413] It may be even more desirable to provide a full-color display device equipped with a diffractive optical element.

[0414] Figure 24C is a schematic top view of a full-color anamorphic display device 100 comprising three waveguides 1R, 1G, and 1B, each equipped with a diffractive optical element, and Figure 24D is a schematic top view of a full-color anamorphic display device 100 comprising two waveguides 1RB and 1G, each equipped with a diffractive optical element. Features of the embodiment of Figure 24C that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0415] The anamorphic near-eye display device 100 comprises separate red display device 100R, green display device 100G, and blue display device 100B, each comprising red, green, and blue illumination systems 240R, 240G, and 240B, transverse anamorphic components 60R, 60B, and 60G, and diffractive optical elements 1BR, 1BG, and 1BR, respectively, arranged on transmissive elements 1AR, 1AG, and 1AB. Output rays 37B and 37G are transmitted through the extraction waveguide 1BR. A color image can be advantageously provided.

[0416] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 24D, the first extraction waveguide may be provided with a green diffractive optical element 1AG and a transmissive element 1AA, and the second extraction waveguide may be provided with red and blue diffractive optical elements 1BR, 1BB and a transmissive element 1BA. The second waveguide is illuminated with red and blue light from illumination system 240RB, while illumination system 240G provides green illumination to the first extraction waveguide. The thickness may be reduced compared to a laminate (not shown) with red, green, and blue diffractive optical elements, and crosstalk between the red and blue diffractive optical elements may be reduced. Color reproduction may be improved.

[0417] It may be desirable to provide a further enlargement of the exit pupil 40 while reducing diffraction blur and manufacturing costs.

[0418] Figures 24E–G are schematic diagrams showing top views of alternative arrangements of extraction waveguides comprising different combinations of reflection extraction features 169. Features of embodiments of Figures 24E–G that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0419] The extraction waveguide 1 in Figures 24E-G includes a transmissive element 1A which has a reflection extraction feature that is an extraction reflector, and a reflection extraction feature 169 which is a diffractive optical element 112B.

[0420] Figure 24E shows an alternative embodiment in which the extraction reflector comprises a plurality of component plates 180A-D and an extraction reflector 174 as described above. The central region of the exit pupil 40 in the transverse direction 197 can be provided by the extraction reflector 174 with advantageously low diffraction blur. The number of component plates 180 determines the desired exit pupil size e in the transverse direction 197. T This can be reduced, and advantageously, costs are reduced.

[0421] The outer region of the exit pupil 40 in the transverse direction 197 may be provided by the diffractive optical element 112B. The size of the exit pupil 40 can be advantageously increased.

[0422] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 24F, a stepped extraction reflector 170 provides extraction to the region toward the center of the exit pupil 40, while the diffractive optical element 1B provides extraction to the region outside the exit pupil 40. Advantageously, high efficiency is obtained in the central region. The size w of the extraction reflector 170 can be increased to advantageously reduce diffraction blur. Furthermore, manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0423] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 24G, compared to the arrangement in Figure 22D, an additional reflection extraction feature 169 comprising a portion of the diffractive optical element 112B is provided. The size of the exit pupil 40 is advantageously increased, and manufacturing costs are reduced.

[0424] The alternative embodiments shown in Figures 24E-G illustrate non-limiting arrangements comprising different types of reflective extraction features 169. Various embodiments of the reflective extraction features 169 described elsewhere in this specification may be combined in further arrangements to achieve optimization of the manufacturing cost, exit pupil size, image blur, stray light, and other desired display characteristics of the near-eye anamorphic display 100 of this disclosure.

[0425] It may be desirable to provide a reduction in aberrations from the lateral anamorphic component 110. Several approaches to aberration reduction are implemented in the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, specific examples of refractive extraction features 169 are shown (e.g., the extraction reflector 170 in Figure 25A and the extraction reflectors 174 in Figures 25B-D), but this is not limiting, and generally any of the refractive extraction features 169 disclosed herein may be applied in the following embodiments. Similarly, various features of the following embodiments may be combined together in any combination.

[0426] Figure 25A is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, in which the lateral anamorphic component 110 comprises a curved optical reversal reflector 140 at the end 4C of the intermediate waveguide 1C, and further comprises a refraction component, particularly surfaces 91, 92 and intermediate materials 93, 94, forming part of the intermediate waveguide 1C. Features of the embodiment of Figure 25A that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0427] In the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 25A and 25B, the side view shows the partial reflection mirror 7, the intermediate waveguide 1C, and the extraction waveguide 1B, while the input waveguide 1A is not shown.

[0428] Figure 25A shows that the lateral anamorphic component 110 may further comprise a lens 95 having surfaces 91, 92 and intermediate materials 93, 94 in this embodiment. The lens 95 may be arranged with a rear guide surface and a front guide surface that are coplanar with the opposing optical guide surfaces 6C, 8C of the intermediate waveguide 1C. Advantageously, high efficiency and high image fidelity can be achieved.

[0429] During operation, lens 95 has a wider exit aperture e L It can be positioned to provide aberration correction in the lateral direction 195 over the range. Thus, image blur 455 as shown in Figure 1I can be advantageously reduced.

[0430] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 25A, the extraction waveguide 1B is illustrated with a stepped extraction reflector 170, but the embodiments in Figures 25A-B are not limited to the stepped extraction reflector 170, and any other reflection extraction feature 169 described above may be provided as an alternative.

[0431] It may be desirable to reduce the size of the reflective end 4 of the intermediate waveguide 1C.

[0432] Figure 25B is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, in which the lateral anamorphic component 110 comprises an end 4C of an intermediate waveguide 1C, which in this embodiment is arranged as a Fresnel surface 97. Features of the embodiment of Figure 25B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0433] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 25B, the Fresnel surface 97 is positioned to favorably eliminate the sag of the dome-shaped input surface 2B in Figure 25A. The extraction waveguide 1B is illustrated with an extraction reflector 174 positioned between a plurality of plates 180, but other extraction reflectors described above may be provided as alternatives.

[0434] Figure 25C is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, in which the lateral anamorphic component 110 comprises a refractive component 95 having a gap and a gap mirror 96, and Figure 25D is a schematic top view of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 25C. Features of the embodiments of Figures 25C-D that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0435] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 25C, compared to Figure 25A, the intermediate material 93 is replaced by a void 97, with surfaces 91 and 92 facing the void 97. The refractive power of surfaces 91 and 92 can be modified, advantageously providing increased control over lateral aberrations 195. Surfaces 91 and 92 may have circular, elliptical, or other aspherical top view profiles, advantageously maximizing image performance directed towards the eye 45.

[0436] The void 97 has an edge 83, and the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 further comprises a reflector which is a void mirror 96 extending across the edge 83 of the void 97. The void mirror 96 provides capture of guide light within the region of the void 97. Advantageously, efficiency is increased and spatial uniformity is improved.

[0437] It may be desirable to reduce image blur at a wider lateral field of view.

[0438] Figure 26A is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, in which the input surface 2A of the input waveguide 1A has a curvature in the lateral direction 195 (one of surfaces 4A, 2B may be planar). Features of the embodiment of Figure 26A that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0439] In the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 26A to E, the side view shows the partial reflection mirror 7, the intermediate waveguide 1C, and the extraction waveguide 1B, but the extraction waveguide 1B is not shown.

[0440] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1A described herein, the input surface 2A of the input waveguide 1A does not have curvature in the lateral direction 195. In practice, aberrations, including those of the lateral anamorphic component 110, can provide Petzval image plane curvature, as shown in Figure 26A, which provides an exemplary curved image plane 98A. Image pixels on the image plane 98A provide the maximum modulation transfer function (MTF) when viewed by the eye 45. Image pixels separated from the image plane 98A in direction 191A have a reduced MTF and appear more blurred. It is desirable to provide pixels 222 of the spatial light modulator 48 on the image plane 98 of the optical system.

[0441] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 26A, the input end 2A of the input waveguide 1A has a lateral curvature 195 that compensates for the Petzval image plane curvature of the lateral anamorphic component 110. Thus, the desired image plane 98B provided by Figure 26B is more closely aligned with the plane of the spatial light modulator 48. The MTF of off-axis field points is increased, and advantageously, image blur is reduced.

[0442] Here, we will describe an alternative embodiment for reducing image field curvature.

[0443] Figure 26B is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100 in which the input surface 2A of the input waveguide 1A is curved in the lateral direction 195, and the transverse anamorphic component 60 is curved in the lateral direction 195. Figure 26C is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100 in which the input surface 2A of the input waveguide 1A and the transverse anamorphic component 60 are curved in the lateral direction 195, and the spatial light modulator 48 is curved in the lateral direction 195. Figure 26D is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100 in which the input surface 2A of the input waveguide 1A is curved in the lateral direction 195, the transverse anamorphic component 60 is curved in the lateral direction 195, and the spatial light modulator 48 is curved in the lateral direction 195 Figure 26E is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, in which the input surface 2A of the input waveguide 1A, the transverse anamorphic component 60, and the spatial light modulator 48 each have a curvature of 195 degrees, and the curvature directions of these components are opposite to those in Figure 26C. Figure 26E is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, in which the input surface 2A of the input waveguide 1A has a curvature of 195 degrees in the lateral direction, the transverse anamorphic component 60 has a curvature of 195 degrees in the lateral direction, the spatial light modulator 48 has a curvature of 195 degrees in the lateral direction, the curvature directions of the input surface 2A and the transverse anamorphic component 60 are opposite to those in Figure 26C, and the curvature direction of the spatial light modulator 48 is the same as that in Figure 26C. Features of embodiments of Figures 26B-E, which are not discussed in further detail, can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0444] The alternative embodiments shown in Figures 26B-E are examples in which at least one of the input surface 2A of the input waveguide 1A, the transverse anamorphic component 60, and the spatial light modulator 48 has a curvature in the lateral direction 195 in such a manner as to compensate for the Petzval image plane curvature of the lateral anamorphic component 110. The curvature direction of each element 2, 60, and 48 can be modified to achieve optimized image performance such that the MTF of off-axis fields of view is further increased and, advantageously, image blur is reduced.

[0445] Compared to non-anamorphic components, curvature can be arranged around only one axis. In particular, the spatial light modulator 48 may have a silicon or glass backplane. Such backplanes are typically not suitable for curvature around two axes. However, in this embodiment, uniaxial curvature can achieve the desired correction for image field curvature. Advantageously, the cost of achieving a suitably curved spatial light modulator 48 can be reduced.

[0446] It is desirable to provide further improvement in aberrations from the lateral anamorphic component 110.

[0447] Figure 27A is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, in which the lateral anamorphic component 110 further comprises a planar reflective linear polarizer 99 and a polarization conversion phase element 89 positioned between the optical reversal reflector 140, which is a reflective end 4C, and the reflective linear polarizer 99. Figure 27B is a schematic diagram showing the alignment direction of the optical axes via the polarization control component of Figure 27A. Features of the embodiments of Figures 27A-B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0448] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 27A, the lateral anamorphic component 110 is an optical reversal reflector 140 comprising a reflective linear polarizer 99 disposed between the optical reversal reflector 140, which is curved in the lateral direction 195, and an array of extraction reflectors 174A-C, and a polarization conversion phase element 89 disposed between the reflective linear polarizer 99 and the optical reversal reflector 140, the polarization conversion phase element 89 being arranged to convert the polarization state of light passing through it between a linearly polarized state and a circularly polarized state.

[0449] A reflective linear polarizer 99 is positioned between portions 911A and 911B of the intermediate waveguide 1C, and a polarization-converting phaser 89 is positioned between portions 911B and 911C of the intermediate waveguide 1C. In an alternative embodiment as shown in Figure 27F below, the polarization-converting phaser 89 may be positioned on the reflective linear polarizer 99 or on the optical reversal reflector 140 such that portion 911C of the intermediate waveguide 1C is omitted.

[0450] Figure 27B shows exemplary arrangements of the polarization conversion phaser 89 in the optical axis direction 889, and the linear polarization state transmission axes 870 and 899 of the polarizers 70 and 99, respectively. For illustrative purposes, the geometric shape is unfolded after reflection at the optical reversal reflector 140.

[0451] Considering ray 489, the input linear polarizer 70 brings the intermediate waveguide 1C1 to a p-polarized state 902. Ray 489 is transmitted by the reflecting linear polarizer 99. The polarization-converting phaser 89 has a quarter-wavelength retardation at a visible wavelength, i.e., the polarization-converting phaser 89 may have a quarter-wavelength retardation at a visible wavelength such as 550 nm, and may comprise a stack of composite phasers arranged to achieve quarter-wavelength phaser operation over an increased spectral band, for example, a Pancharatnam stack. The retardation of the polarization-converting phaser 89 may be different from a quarter-wavelength but is selected to provide the same effect. For example, the polarization-converting phaser 89 may have a three-quarter-wavelength or five-quarter-wavelength retardation.

[0452] The optical system 250 further comprises an input linear polarizer 70 positioned between the spatial light modulator 48 and the array of extraction reflectors 174A-C, wherein the input linear polarizer 70 and the reflective linear polarizer 99 of the lateral anamorphic component 110 are arranged to pass through a common polarization state.

[0453] The reflective linear polarizer 99 may be a wire grid polarizer or a multilayer polarizing film such as 3M's APF reflective polarizer, and may be coupled between portions 911A and 911B of the intermediate waveguide 1C.

[0454] The polarization conversion phase element 89 in Figure 27A outputs a circularly polarized state 980. After reflection by the optical reversal reflector 140, a circularly polarized state 982 is obtained due to the phase shift during reflection, and this is converted to an s-polarized state 984 reflected by the reflective linear polarizer 99. Next, the light ray 489 is reflected a second time by the optical reversal reflector 140, transmitted through the reflective linear polarizer 99, and provides a polarization state 902 that is reflected by the extraction reflectors 174A~C. Therefore, the polarization conversion phase element 89 has a different function from, for example, the polarization conversion phase element 72 in Figure 6A.

[0455] In other words, the light ray 489 is incident twice on the optical inversion reflector 140. This arrangement can reduce the slack of the optical inversion reflector 140 compared to the optical inversion reflector 140B that would be used when the reflective linear polarizer 99 and the polarization conversion phaser 89 are omitted. Aberrations of the optical system are reduced, and the MTF can be increased. Furthermore, the refractive power is achromatic, minimizing color blur. Advantageously, the eye 45 can observe a reduction in image blur in the off-axis direction. The field of view can be increased for higher image quality.

[0456] In alternative embodiments to those described elsewhere in this specification, the polarization state 902 may be provided by another polarization state, such as a linearly polarized s-polarized state or a circularly polarized state. To achieve similar operation, a corresponding polarization state propagating through the system may be provided. The polarization state 902 may be provided to achieve desirable low glare for light exiting the extraction waveguide 1B away from the viewer's eye 45 and efficient reflection from the reflected extraction feature 169 after reflection from the optical reversal reflector 140. Further improvements in aberration, as described below, may be achieved.

[0457] Figure 27C is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, in which the lateral anamorphic component 110 further comprises a curved reflective linear polarizer 99 and a polarization-converting phase element 89 positioned between the optical reversal reflector 140, which is a reflective end 4, and the reflective linear polarizer 99. Features of the embodiment of Figure 27C that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0458] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 27C, compared to the embodiment in Figure 27A, the reflecting polarizer 99 is curved in the lateral direction 195. Reflection occurs sequentially on surface 140, then surface 99, and then again on surface 140. Refractive power is provided at each reflection so that the curvature of each surface is reduced and the desired refractive power of the lateral anamorphic component 110 can be achieved. Aberrations of the optical system are further reduced and the MTF may be increased. Furthermore, the refractive power is achromatic, minimizing color blur. Advantageously, the eye 45 can see a reduction in image blur with respect to the off-axis direction. The optical inversion reflector 140 in this embodiment may be aspherical. The field of view may be further increased for higher image quality.

[0459] Furthermore, the reflective linear polarizer 99 may be provided during manufacturing by curving the surface of the reflective linear polarizer 99 around a single axis. Distortion of the reflective linear polarizer 99 can be advantageously reduced.

[0460] Figure 27D is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, wherein the lateral anamorphic component 110 further comprises a planar light reversal reflector 140 which is a reflective end 4, a curved reflective linear polarizer 99, and a polarization conversion phase element 89 positioned between the planar light reversal reflector 140 which is the reflective end 4 and the reflective linear polarizer 99. Figure 27E is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, wherein the lateral anamorphic component 110 further comprises a curved light reversal reflector 140 which is a reflective end 4, a curved reflective linear polarizer 99, a polarization conversion phase element 89 positioned between the planar light reversal reflector 140 which is the reflective end 4 and the reflective linear polarizer 99, and a refractive lens positioned between the input end 2 and the reflective linear polarizer 99. Features of the embodiments of Figures 27D-E that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0461] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 27D, the optical inversion reflector 140 is planar and not curved in the lateral direction 195, and the reflective linear polarizer 99 is arranged to provide the refractive power of the lateral anamorphic component 110. Advantageously, the length L of the input waveguide 1A can be reduced with respect to the desired focal length of the optical inversion reflector. Aberrations can be advantageously improved in a smaller package.

[0462] Furthermore, the reflective linear polarizer 99 has an aspherical profile, which can advantageously achieve improved aberrations.

[0463] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 27E, the polarization conversion phaser 89 is curved in the lateral direction and positioned between portions 911C, 911D of the intermediate waveguide 1C having different refractive indices and / or different dispersions of refractive indices due to wavelength. Advantageously, further correction of aberrations can be achieved.

[0464] An alternative embodiment in Figure 27E further illustrates a refractive lens 95 comprising a surface 91 between portions 911A and 911B of the intermediate waveguide 1C, a surface 92 of the reflective linear polarizer 99, and a material 93 having a different refractive index than the material of portion 911A of the intermediate waveguide 1C. Such an arrangement may provide further increased aberration control. The off-axis field of view may be further increased for desired image blur.

[0465] Embodiments in Figures 27A to G show that the same polarization state 902 propagates in the first and second directions 191 and 193 of the intermediate waveguide 1C. Reducing stray light may be desirable.

[0466] Figure 27F is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, in which the lateral anamorphic component 110 further comprises an absorbing polarizer 85, a reflective linear polarizer 99, a polarization conversion phase element 89 positioned between the reflective end 4, which is an optical reversal reflector 140, and the reflective linear polarizer 99, and a polarization control phase element 87 positioned between the input end 2 and the reflective linear polarizer 99. Figure 27G is a schematic diagram showing the propagation of exemplary polarization states through the polarization control component of Figure 27F. Features of embodiments of Figures 27F-G that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0467] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 27F, the optical system 250 comprises an input linear polarizer 70 positioned between a spatial light modulator 48 and an array of extraction reflectors 170, and the lateral anamorphic component 110 comprises a polarization control phase 87 positioned between a reflection linear polarizer 99 and an array of extraction reflectors 170, wherein the polarization control phase 87 is positioned to change the polarization state of light passing through it, and an absorbing linear polarizer 85 positioned between the polarization control phase 87 and the reflection linear polarizer 99, wherein the absorbing linear polarizer 85 and the reflection linear polarizer 99 are positioned to pass a common linear polarization state, which is a component of the polarization state output from the polarization control phase 87 in direction 191C along the intermediate waveguide 1C.

[0468] In Figure 27F, the polarization control phase element 87 may be a Pancharatnam phase element having a quarter-wavelength retardation at a visible light wavelength such as 550 nm. The polarization control phase element 87 is positioned to convert the polarization state of light passing through it between linearly polarized states 902, 997 and circularly polarized states 990, 998. The polarization control phase element 87 has retardation and an optical axis direction 887 positioned to provide this conversion.

[0469] The optical system 250 includes an input linear polarizer 70 positioned between the spatial light modulator 48 and the array of extraction reflectors 170, and a polarization conversion phaser 89 is curved in the lateral direction 195.

[0470] Figure 27G shows exemplary arrangements of the quarter-wavelength phasers 71, 87, and 89 in their respective optical axis directions 871, 887, and 889, respectively, and the linear polarization state transmission axes 870, 885, and 899 of the polarizers 70, 85, and 99, respectively. For illustrative purposes, the geometric shapes are unfolded after reflection at the optical reversal reflector 140. At least some of the quarter-wavelength phasers 71, 87, and 89 may have quarter-wavelength retardation at visible wavelengths such as 550 nm, and may include a stack of composite phasers arranged to achieve quarter-wavelength phaser operation over an increased spectral band, for example, a stack of Pancharatnam.

[0471] Considering the propagation of polarization states along ray 489 in Figure 27F, the linearly polarized state is then converted to a circularly polarized state 990 in front of an absorbing polarizer 85 having an electric vector transmission direction parallel to the electric vector transmission direction of the reflecting linear polarizer 99.

[0472] Half of the light is transmitted through the reflective linear polarizer 99, and polarization states 991, 992, 993, 994, 995, 996, and 997 are provided by various reflections as it passes through the polarization conversion phaser 89 as shown in Figure 27A above. The polarization control phaser 87 provides a circular polarization state 998, and some of the light in polarization state 999S is reflected by the polarization selective extraction reflectors 174A-C, while the light in polarization state 999P is transmitted to the input end 2.

[0473] As described elsewhere in this specification, the polarization conversion phaser 71 may be positioned to reflect residual transmitted light absorbed by the input linear polarizer 70. Advantageously, the visibility of unextracted light is reduced.

[0474] Figure 27F further illustrates alternative arrangements of the polarizer and phase element positions. Such alternative exemplary arrangements of the polarizer and phase element positions may be provided together or individually in other embodiments described elsewhere in this specification.

[0475] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 27F, the input linear polarizer 70 is not located at the input end 2, and a region 178 of the extraction waveguide 1 is provided between the input end 2 and the input linear polarizer 70. During operation, the linear polarizer 70 is located near the extraction reflector 174C to provide improved polarization uniformity for the input ray 489 before it enters the extraction reflector 174C. Furthermore, a polarizer 85 is located near the extraction reflector 174A.

[0476] In regions 178A and 178B, some residual birefringence may exist in the bulk material of the extraction waveguide 1, which can cause some change in the polarization state of the input linearly polarized state, for example. The arrangement in Figure 27F achieves a more uniform polarization state 902 for the light rays 489 incident on the extraction reflectors 174A-C. Advantageously, the increased uniformity can reduce the loss of light due to glare to the external environment.

[0477] Furthermore, the polarization conversion phase element 89 is curved and positioned on the optical reversal reflector 140. Advantageously, manufacturing complexity is reduced.

[0478] Figure 27H is a schematic front view of an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, in which the lateral anamorphic component 110 further comprises an absorbing polarizer 85, a plane reflecting linear polarizer 99, a polarization conversion phase element 89 positioned between the reflecting end 4, which is an optical reversal reflector 140, and the reflecting linear polarizer 99, and a further half-wavelength phase element 88 positioned between the input end 2 and the reflecting linear polarizer 99. Figure 27I is a schematic diagram showing the propagation of exemplary polarization states through the polarization control component of Figure 27H. Features of embodiments of Figures 27H-I that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0479] Compared with Figures 27F to G, in the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 27H to I, the polarization control phaser 87 is positioned to rotate the linear polarization states, for example, between linear polarization state 902 and linear polarization state 971, and between linear polarization state 998 and linear polarization state 979, with half-wavelength retardation at the wavelength of visible light.

[0480] Polarization control phase element 87 has retardation and optical axis direction 887, positioned to provide a linear polarization state 971 tilted at 45 degrees with respect to the electrical vector transmission direction of the reflecting linear polarizer 99 and the absorbing polarizer 85. Half of the light is transmitted as polarization state 992, which provides a linear polarization state 998 transmitted through the reflecting linear polarizer 99 and the absorbing polarizer 85, as shown in Figure 27F. Polarization control phase element 87 converts this to a 45-degree linear state 979. Some of the light having polarization state 999S is reflected by polarization selective extraction reflectors 174A~C, while the light in polarization state 999P is transmitted to the input end 2.

[0481] The polarization control phaser 87 may have half-wavelength retardation at visible wavelengths such as 550 nm and may comprise a stack of composite phasers arranged to achieve half-wavelength phaser operation over an increased spectral band, for example, a Pancharatnam stack.

[0482] Embodiments in Figures 27A-F achieve a reduction in the loss of light propagating along the direction 191 through the intermediate waveguide 1C. Advantageously, brightness is reduced.

[0483] Here, we will describe the lenses to be used in the anamorphic near-eye display device 100.

[0484] Figure 28A is a schematic side view showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 1, further comprising a lens 290. Features of the embodiment of Figure 28A that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0485] The aforementioned anamorphic near-eye display device 100 provides a virtual image 36 located in the far field of view, and as a result, the nominal viewing distance Z v The distance Z from the virtual image plane 33 to the virtual image 36 provided by the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 is infinite. v It may be desirable to provide changes to this.

[0486] The head-mounted display device 600 further comprises at least one lens 290 which may be a corrective lens having refractive power to correct visual acuity. Visual acuity correction may be, for example, to correct visual acuity, for example, to correct presbyopia, astigmatism, myopia or hyperopia of the display user 45.

[0487] Lens 290 can also, or alternatively, adjust the distance Z vA focal plane changing lens may be used to provide a virtual image 33 such that the distance is finite. Such an arrangement may provide a suitable accommodative cue for the display user 47, thereby providing a virtual image that is desirablely close to the user 47 at a desired accommodative distance. In stereoscopic display applications, the accommodative correction of the lens 290 may be arranged to approximate the convergence distance of the image. The mismatch between accommodative and convergent vision is reduced, which can advantageously reduce visual stress and increase comfort of use.

[0488] Such lenses 290 can be used, for example, in the eyeglasses head-mounted display device 600 shown in Figures 14A-B or the virtual reality head-mounted display device 600 shown in Figure 16A.

[0489] The accommodation distance Z of the eye in the virtual image v It may be desirable to adjust this.

[0490] Figure 28B is a schematic side view showing the operation of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 1, further comprising a Pancharatnam Berry lens 386. Features of the embodiment of Figure 28B that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of said features.

[0491] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 28B, the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 is positioned to direct the output ray 37 to a lens 290 having a switchable optical stack.

[0492] The switchable optical stack comprises an input polarizer 380, transparent substrates 381A, 381B with an electrically switchable liquid crystal layer 384 provided between them, and a quarter-wavelength phaser 382. In the first state, the liquid crystal layer 384 is positioned so as not to provide polarization rotation of the polarization from the polarizer 380, and the switchable optical stack provides a first circularly polarized output polarization state 383A. In the second state, the liquid crystal layer 384 is positioned so as to provide polarization rotation of the polarization from the polarizer 380, and the switchable optical stack provides a second circularly polarized output polarization state 383B orthogonal to polarization state 383A.

[0493] The Pancharatnam Berry lens 386 has a circularly symmetric orientation of liquid crystal molecules, similar to that illustrated in Figure 30A above over the lateral direction 195, but with different orientations over each radius of the circularly symmetric orientation. Thus, the Pancharatnam Berry lens 386 provides a circularly symmetric first phase radial profile similar to profile 358A in Figure 30B for light in polarization state 383A, and a circularly symmetric second phase radial profile similar to profile 358B in Figure 30B for light in polarization state 383B. The output polarization state from the Pancharatnam Berry lens 386 is analyzed by a quarter-wavelength phaser 387 and a linear polarizer 388.

[0494] Next, the output light from lens 290A, which involves a change in the positive or negative refractive power of the wavefront from the anamorphic near-eye display device 100, is incident on the fixed lens 290B so that the eye 45 observes one of the two refractive power corrections.

[0495] Considering the virtual image 34, if lens 290A is not present, the distance Z v This will provide a virtual image. In the first state of the liquid crystal layer 384, the virtual image 334A has a distance Z v Separation from ΔZ A Provided, in the second state of the liquid crystal layer 384, the virtual image 334B has a distance Z v Separation from ΔZ BIt will be provided.

[0496] In an alternative embodiment, lens 290B may be provided by a Pancharatnam Berry lens. Advantageously, the thickness can be reduced.

[0497] Accordingly, lenses 290A and 290B achieve an adjustable ocular accommodation distance for virtual images 334A and 334B. To achieve increased fidelity at the position of the virtual image 334, a stack of lenses 290A having, for example, a geometric sequence of refractive power adjustments may be provided. The mismatch between the eye's accommodation and the provided image can be advantageously reduced, and image comfort can be increased. The comfortable usage time of the head-mounted display device 600 can be extended.

[0498] Magnification or distance Z of the actual image 30 R It may be desirable to provide a virtual image 34 that does not have an infinite number of conjugate surfaces without changing the original image.

[0499] Figure 29A is a schematic side view of a head-mounted display device 600, comprising a first focal plane changing lens and second focal plane changing lenses 290A and 290B. Features of the embodiment of Figure 29A that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0500] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 29A, the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 is positioned between focal plane changing lenses 290A and 290B. Lens 290A is positioned at a distance Z to the virtual image 34 by the optical deflection of rays 482 from the anamorphic near-eye display device 100. v This is a focal plane changing lens positioned to alter the focal plane.

[0501] Lens 290B is a corrective lens positioned to correct the refractive power of lens 290A so that light rays 484 from the real image 30 are not deflected by the head-mounted display device 600. Advantageously, the virtual image 34 may be provided near the eye, for example, to provide a user interface and to overlay it with the real-world image to advantageously reduce the degradation of the real-world image 30.

[0502] Lenses 290A and 290B may be Pancharatnam Berry lenses as described above, such that the distance Zv can be changed in accordance with the desired image data. Lenses 290A and 290B may have the same optical design, and lens 290B may be driven with an output opposite to that of lens 290A to achieve the resulting zero refractive power of lenses 290A and 290B. Advantageously, cost and complexity may be reduced.

[0503] Figure 29B is a schematic side view of a head-mounted display device 600, which comprises multiple extraction waveguides and further includes first and second focal plane changing lenses. Features of the embodiment of Figure 29B that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0504] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 29B, two anamorphic near-eye display devices 100A, 100B are provided to achieve multiple virtual images 34A, 34B. The performance of the head-mounted display device can be increased, for example, as described herein with respect to Figure 16D. Furthermore, the focal plane changing lenses 290A, 290B are provided with the operation described in Figure 29A. Advantageously, the real-world image 30 may suffer from reduced degradation.

[0505] Different focal lengths Z v A, Z v It may be desirable to provide virtual images 34A and 34B in B.

[0506] Figure 29C is a schematic side view of a head-mounted display device 600, comprising multiple extraction waveguides and three focal plane changing lenses 290A, 290B, and 290C. Features of the embodiment of Figure 29C that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0507] In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 29B, the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 29C provides an additional focal plane changing lens 290C to receive light from an anamorphic near-eye display device 100A and transmit the light to a further anamorphic near-eye display device 100B. The virtual image distance Z of the light from one of the anamorphic near-eye display devices 100A. v A is the virtual image distance Z of light from at least one other near-eye display device 100B. v This is different from B. Multiple focal planes 33A and 33B can advantageously increase image comfort.

[0508] Lens 290C works in conjunction with lens 290A to provide a second virtual image 34B, and lens 290B works in conjunction with lenses 290A and 290C to reduce the total refractive power to zero. In alternative embodiments (not shown), lens 290B may be omitted, for example in virtual reality applications. Advantageously, cost and complexity may be reduced.

[0509] It may be desirable to improve the performance of the virtual reality head-mounted display device by providing increased control over the focal planes 33 and 633.

[0510] Figure 29D is a schematic side view of a head-mounted display device 600 comprising a non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610 and an anamorphic near-eye display device 100. Features of the embodiment of Figure 29D that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0511] In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 16F, the alternative embodiment in Figure 29D includes an actuator 612 positioned to adjust the magnification of the non-anamorphic near-eye display device 100 by moving an additional spatial light modulator 648 relative to the non-anamorphic magnification optical system 660. The virtual image distance 663 of light from the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 provided by the ray 482 is different from the virtual image distance 661 of light from the non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610 provided by the ray 482. The distance F can be adjusted in accordance with desired image data that may respond to the measured viewing direction of the eye 45.

[0512] One advantage is that it can increase user comfort.

[0513] Figure 29E is a schematic side view of a head-mounted display device 600 comprising a non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610, an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, and a focal plane changing lens 290. Features of the embodiment of Figure 29E that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0514] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 29D, an additional focal plane changing lens 290 is provided between the non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610 and the anamorphic near-eye display device 100. The lens 290 may include a controllable Pancharatnam Berry lens. The actuator 612 may be optionally omitted. Focal length range ΔZ v A can be increased, and the control speed can be increased. Advantageously, user comfort can be increased.

[0515] Figure 29F is a schematic side view of a head-mounted display device comprising a non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610, an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, and a focal plane changing lens 290 positioned to receive light from the non-anamorphic near-eye display device and the anamorphic near-eye display device. Features of the embodiment of Figure 29F that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0516] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 29F, the focal plane changing lens 290 is positioned to provide a finite virtual image distance 33, 633. Furthermore, the focal plane changing lens 290 provides a variable focal plane distance ΔZ from the display devices 610, 100, respectively. v A, ΔZ v It may be possible to control the process to achieve B. Advantageously, user comfort may increase.

[0517] Figure 29G is a schematic side view of a head-mounted display device 600 comprising a non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610, an anamorphic near-eye display device 100, and two focal plane changing lenses 290A and 290B. Features of the embodiment of Figure 29F, which are not discussed in further detail, can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0518] Compared to the embodiments shown in Figures 29E to 32F, in the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 29G, the focal plane changing lenses 290A and 290B are arranged with an anamorphic near-eye display device 100 provided between them. Focal plane control of both virtual images 33 and 633 can be provided. Advantageously, user comfort may be further increased.

[0519] Figure 29H is a schematic top view of a head-mounted display device 600 comprising a non-anamorphic near-eye display device 610, two anamorphic extraction waveguides 1100A and 100B, and focal plane changing lenses 290A, 290B, and 290C. Features of the embodiment of Figure 29G, which are not discussed in further detail, can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0520] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 29H, multiple images 33A, 33B, and 634 show multiple overlapping focal ranges ΔZ. v A, ΔZ v B, ΔZ v C may be provided. Focal plane control of virtual images 33A, 33B, and 633 may be provided. Advantageously, user comfort may be further increased.

[0521] Here, we will describe alternative arrangements of the lighting system and the transverse anamorphic component 60.

[0522] Figure 30A is a schematic top view showing the details of the arrangement of the transverse lens 61 forming the transverse anamorphic component 60, and Figure 30B is a schematic side view showing the details of the arrangement of the transverse lens 61 in Figure 30A. Features of the embodiments of Figures 30A-B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0523] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 30A, the transverse lens 61 forming the transverse anamorphic component 60 comprises composite lenses 61A-C. Furthermore, the composite lens may include a lens 61D having a curved input surface 2A of the input waveguide 1A. Figure 30B shows that the illumination system 240 and the transverse anamorphic component 60 do not provide refractive power in the lateral direction 195, i.e., the composite lenses 61A-D are cylindrical or elongated shapes with aspherical profiles, as indicated by the shapes of lenses 61A-B, so as to achieve, for example, improved field aberration and an MTF advantageously increased at higher field angles.

[0524] Advantageously, the transverse aberration at 197 (60) can be improved.

[0525] Furthermore, the lighting system may include a reflective spatial light modulator 48, a lighting array 302 comprising light sources 304, and a beam combiner cube positioned to illuminate the spatial light modulator 48. The lighting array 302 may include different colored light sources so that the spatial light modulator 48 can provide time-sequential color illumination.

[0526] Figure 30A further shows that the transverse anamorphic component 60 may include a transverse diffraction component 67 that provides refractive power in the transverse direction 197. Component 67 may have angularly variable chromatic aberration to compensate for chromatic aberration from the refractive components 60A-D in the transverse direction 197. Color blurring in the transverse direction 197 can be advantageously reduced.

[0527] Figure 30C is a schematic top view of a spatial light modulator arrangement 50 for use in the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 1, comprising separate red, green, and blue spatial light modulators 48R, 48G, and 48B, and a beam coupling element 82. Features of the embodiment of Figure 30C that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0528] An alternative embodiment in Figure 30C shows that the illumination system 240 may comprise red, green, and blue spatial light modulators 48R, 48G, and 48B, and a color-coupling prism positioned to direct the rays 412R, 412G, and 412B toward the transverse anamorphic component 60. Such an arrangement may be used, for example, to provide a high-resolution color image from the light-emitting spatial light modulator 48. The light-emitting display may be, for example, an OLED-on-silicon or microLED-on-silicon spatial light modulator 48. Advantageously, a high-resolution color virtual image may be provided.

[0529] Figure 30D is a schematic top view showing a lighting system 240 and a transverse anamorphic component 60 for use with the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 of Figure 1A, with a foldable birdbath configuration. Features of the embodiment of Figure 15B, which are not discussed in further detail, can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0530] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 30D, the spatial light modulator 48 illuminates a reflective / refracting illumination system 240 comprising an input lens 79, a curved mirror 86A, and a partial reflection mirror 81, such that the light ray 412 is directed toward the input surface 2A of the input waveguide 1A. Advantageously, chromatic aberration in the transverse direction 197 can be reduced. The partial reflection mirror 81 may be a polarizing beam splitter or, for example, a thin metallized layer.

[0531] Additionally or alternatively, a curved mirror 86B may be provided to increase operational efficiency.

[0532] Here, we will describe an alternative arrangement of the transverse anamorphic component 60 equipped with an input reflector 62.

[0533] Figure 31A is a schematic diagram showing a front perspective view of the input waveguide 1A equipped with an input reflector 62, Figure 31B is a schematic diagram showing a top view of the input waveguide 1A in Figure 31A, and Figure 31C is a schematic diagram showing a front view of the input waveguide 1A in Figure 31A. Features of the embodiments of Figures 31A to C that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0534] In the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 31A-C compared to Figure 1, the optical system 250 comprises an input section 12 which includes an input reflector 62 that is a transverse anamorphic component 60 and is positioned to reflect light from the illumination system 240 and direct the light along the input waveguide 1A. The input section 12 further comprises an input surface 122 positioned on the front or rear side 8, 6 of the input waveguide 1A and facing the input reflector 62, and the input section 12 is positioned to receive light from the illumination system 240 via the input surface 122, the input surface 122 being positioned outward on one of the front guide surface or the rear guide surface 8, 6, and the input section 12 being integral with the input waveguide 1A. The input section 12 further comprises a separation surface 28 extending outward from one of the front guide surface or the rear guide surface 8, 6 to the input surface 122. The extraction features of the extraction region 284 may be of the type shown elsewhere in this specification.

[0535] Embodiments shown in Figures 31A-G may be fabricated using a molding process and reflective material 66 formed on a curved surface 65 to provide an input reflector, for example by sputtering, vapor deposition, or other known coating method. Alternatively, the reflective material 66 may include a reflective film such as ESR® from 3M Corporation. Advantageously, manufacturing costs and complexity can be reduced.

[0536] It may be desirable to provide further control over optical aberrations in the transverse direction 197.

[0537] Figure 31D is a schematic diagram showing a top view of an alternative input waveguide assembly 11A, which includes an alternative input reflector 62 and lens 61. Features of the embodiment of Figure 31D that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0538] In an alternative embodiment of Figure 31D, the input waveguide 1A has an input surface 2A, which is an input surface through which the input waveguide 1A receives light from the lighting system 240, and the input section 12 is a separate element from the input waveguide 1A, further comprising an output surface 23 and arranged to direct the light reflected by the input reflector 62 through the output surface 23 and subsequently into, for example, the mirror waveguide 1D in Figure 1A.

[0539] The transverse anamorphic component 60 further comprises a lens 61, the lens 61 of the transverse anamorphic component 60 being a composite lens 61. The lens 61 may include a refractive element 61A. Furthermore, the lens 61 may include a lens 61B comprising a curved input surface 2A of the input waveguide 1A. Furthermore, the lens 61 may comprise a curved surface 61C and a material 61D which may be a material having a refractive index different from that of air or the extraction waveguide 1B material. Lenses 61A to 61D may be arranged to reduce the aberrations of the input reflector 62 shown in Figures 1A to 1D. Thus, the transverse anamorphic component 60 is a reflector-refractor optical element with refractive and reflector optical functions. Advantageously, image fidelity can be improved in the transverse direction.

[0540] Figure 31D further illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the input reflector 62 is located on the surface of member 68A. The surface of the input reflector 62 can be advantageously further protected. Figure 31D further illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the lateral anamorphic component 110 is a reflector located on the surface of member 68B. Coatings 66 and 67 can be formed on members 68A and 68B, respectively. Higher processing conditions than those for coating the polymer waveguide 1 can be achieved. Advantageously, costs can be reduced and operating efficiency can be increased.

[0541] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 31D, the input section 12 is not integrated with the input waveguide 1A. The input waveguide 1A has an end which is an input surface 2A through which the input waveguide 1A receives light from the lighting system 240, and the input section 12 is a separate element from the input waveguide 1A, further comprising an output surface 23 and positioned to direct the light reflected by the input reflector 62 into the input waveguide 1A via the output surface 23 and via the input surface 2A of the input waveguide 1A. Furthermore, a transverse anamorphic component 60 is disposed outside the input waveguide 1A, and the input waveguide 1A is positioned to receive light 400 from the transverse anamorphic component 60 via the input surface 2. In other words, Figure 31D further illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the input section 12 and guide section 10 of the input waveguide 1A are formed by separate members 69A and 69B, respectively, and aligned across a gap 69C which may contain air or a bonding material such as adhesive. The members 69A and 69B are formed separately during manufacturing, which can reduce the complexity of processing the surface of the input waveguide 1A and potentially increase the yield.

[0542] It may be desirable to increase the size of the spatial light modulator 48 in the transverse direction.

[0543] Figures 31E–G are schematic diagrams showing alternative embodiments of the anamorphic near-eye display device 100, equipped with an input reflector 62, in a top view. Features of the embodiments shown in Figures 31E–G, which are not discussed in further detail, can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0544] In the alternative embodiments shown in Figures 31E-F, the input surface 122 extends parallel to the front guide surface 8A when the input surface 122 is on the front side of the input waveguide 1A, or parallel to the rear guide surface 6A when the input surface 122 is on the rear side of the input waveguide 1A. Figure 31E includes an input surface 122 that is coplanar with the front guide surface 8 when the input surface 122 is on the front side of the input waveguide 1A, or coplanar with the rear guide surface 6 when the input surface 122 is on the rear side of the input waveguide 1A. Advantageously, the spatial light modulator 48 can be mounted on a larger drive substrate.

[0545] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 31F, the input surface 122 is stepped and parallel to the front guide surface 8 when the input surface 122 is on the front side of the input waveguide 1A, or stepped and parallel to the rear guide surface 6 when the input surface 122 is on the rear side of the input waveguide 1A. Advantageously, the spatial light modulator 48 may be provided within or near the arm 604 of the headwear 600.

[0546] In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 31G, the input surface 122 extends at an acute angle θ with respect to the front guide surface 8 when the input surface 122 is on the front side of the input waveguide 1A, or extends at an acute angle θ with respect to the rear guide surface 6 when the input surface 122 is on the rear side of the input waveguide 1A. Advantageously, a more convenient mechanical arrangement may be provided.

[0547] Figure 32A is a schematic diagram showing an alternative arrangement of the input focal lens 61 in a perspective front view. Features of the embodiment of Figure 32A that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0548] The spatial light modulator 48 is aligned with the lenses of a transverse anamorphic component 60, which is a composite lens comprising an active region 49A and a boundary 49B, and lenses 60A to F. Some of the lenses 60A to F may have surfaces with a constant radius, while others may have surfaces with a variable radius so that aberration correction is advantageously improved when combined.

[0549] Here, we will describe alternative arrangements of the spatial light modulator 48, the illumination system 240, and the optical system 250.

[0550] Figure 32B is a schematic top view of a spatial light modulator configuration for use in the anamorphic near-eye display device of Figure 1, comprising a spatial light modulator 48 with a laser 50, a scanning arrangement 51, and a light scattering screen 52. Features of the embodiment of Figure 32B that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0551] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figure 32B, the spatial light modulator 48 includes a laser 50 positioned to direct a beam 490 toward a scanning arrangement 51, which may be a rotating mirror, accompanied by vibrations 53 synchronized with, for example, image data.

[0552] The beam 490 is positioned to illuminate the screen 52 and provide a scattered light source 55 to the screen. The screen 52 may have a scattering arrangement such that the transmitted light is scattered into a light cone 491A, which is positioned to provide the input ray 492 into the transverse anamorphic component 60 and the input waveguide 1A.

[0553] The screen 52 may alternatively include a photoelectron emission layer, such as a phosphor laser, in which the laser beam 490 is arranged to produce radiation from the photoelectron emission layer. The output color may, advantageously, be independent of the laser emission wavelength 50. Furthermore, laser speckle may be reduced.

[0554] The laser 50 may comprise a one-dimensional array of laser-emitting pixels 222 spanning rows 221T, and the scanning arrangement 51 may provide a one-dimensional array of light sources 55 in the screen 52 for each addressable row of the spatial light modulator 48. The scanning speed of the scanning arrangement 51 is reduced, which advantageously achieves cost and complexity reductions.

[0555] Alternatively, the laser 50 may comprise a single laser-emitting element, and the scanning arrangement 51 may provide two-dimensional scanning of the beam 490 to achieve a two-dimensional pixel array of the light-emitting elements 55 on the screen 52. Advantageously, the cost of the laser 50 may be reduced.

[0556] Here, we will describe a further arrangement that includes a laser source.

[0557] Figure 33A is a schematic top view showing the input to the input waveguide 1A, comprising a spatial light modulator 48 with a laser source and a scanning arrangement 51; Figure 33B is a schematic front view showing the spatial light modulator 48 with a row of laser light sources 172 for use in the arrangement of Figure 33A; and Figure 33C is a schematic diagram showing an alternative illumination arrangement. Features of embodiments of Figures 33A-C that are not discussed in further detail can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in those features.

[0558] An alternative embodiment of Figure 33A includes a transverse anamorphic component 60 formed by an optical deflection element 50 comprising a scanning mirror 51.

[0559] Figure 33B illustrates a spatial light modulator 48 suitable for use in the arrangement shown in Figure 33A, which comprises a one-dimensional array of pixels 222A to N, each equipped with a laser source. The control system 500 is configured to supply line-at-a-time images to the spatial light modulator 48 controller 505, which outputs pixel data to the laser pixels 222A to N via a driver 509, and position data to the scanning arrangement 51 via a scanner driver 511. The laser pixels 222A to N have the same pitch P in the lateral direction 195 as shown, for example, in Figure 2D. L It is then placed within a single line.

[0560] Returning to the description of Figure 33A, during operation, the scanning configuration 51 is adjusted so that the image data for a first addressed row of the image data is applied to the laser pixels 222A-N, directing the laser light from the spatial light modulator 48 as a ray 490A in the first direction across the transverse direction 197. At different points in time, the scanning configuration 51 is adjusted so that the image data for different addressed rows of the image data is applied to the laser pixels 222A-N, directing the laser light from the spatial light modulator 48 as a ray 490B in a different direction across the transverse direction 197. Thus, the transverse anamorphic component 60 is positioned to receive light from the spatial light modulator 48, and the illumination system 240 is positioned so that the light output from the transverse anamorphic component 60 is directed in the direction indicated by the rays 490A and 490B distributed in the transverse direction in the cone 491A.

[0561] In other words, the scanning arrangement 51 scans around the lateral direction 197(60) and sequentially provides exemplary rays 490A and 490B. Through sequential scanning, the scanning arrangement 51 effectively exerts a positive refractive power in the transverse direction 197(60) with respect to the light from the spatial light modulator 48, sequentially achieving the output cone 491A. In this way, the scanning arrangement 51 directs the light in a direction distributed in the transverse direction and can function as a transverse anamorphic component 60. The scanning of the scanning arrangement 51 can be arranged so as not to direct light that is substantially parallel to direction 191A along the input waveguide 1A. Advantageously, double images are reduced.

[0562] Advantageously, the cost and complexity of the lighting system 240 and the transverse anamorphic component 60 can be reduced.

[0563] An alternative embodiment in Figure 33C provides beam expanders 61A, 61B that increase the width 63 of the output beam from the illumination system 240. In Figure 33C, the illumination system 240 further comprises an optical deflection element 50 positioned to deflect the light output from the transverse anamorphic component 60 by a selectable amount, and the optical deflection element 50 is selectively operable to direct the light output from the transverse anamorphic component 60 in a direction distributed in the transverse direction 197. Advantageously, uniformity of the output image from the entire exit pupil 40 is provided.

[0564] The lighting system 240 and optical system 250 of the above embodiment may be provided as a directional lighting device for illuminating an external scene.

[0565] Figure 34A is a schematic front perspective view of an anamorphic directional lighting device 1000 positioned to illuminate an external scene 479. Features of the embodiment of Figure 34A that are not discussed in further detail may be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations of those features.

[0566] An alternative embodiment shown in Figure 34A illustrates an anamorphic directional lighting device 1000 comprising a lighting system 240 having a light source array 948, arranged so that the lighting system outputs light. The light source array 948 may comprise, for example, an array of light-emitting diodes, or may be provided by a spatial light modulator 48, as described elsewhere in this specification.

[0567] The optical system 250 is positioned to direct light from the lighting system 240. The light from the light cone 499 can be directed toward an externally illuminated scene 479. The illuminated scene 479 may include, but is not limited to, a human body in a road, room, outdoor space, processing equipment, building environment, theater stage, or face illumination for face detection and measurement purposes.

[0568] The optical system 250 has an optical axis 199 and has anamorphic properties in a lateral direction 195 and a transverse direction 197 which are perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the optical axis 199, and the light source array 948 comprises light sources 949a to n distributed in the lateral direction 195 and may be further distributed in the transverse direction 197 as described elsewhere in this specification.

[0569] The optical system 250 further comprises a transverse anamorphic component 60 having a positive refractive power in the transverse direction 197, the transverse anamorphic component 60 being positioned to receive light from the light source array 948, and the illumination system 250 being positioned so that the light output from the transverse anamorphic component 60 is directed in a direction that is distributed in the transverse direction 197.

[0570] The optical system 250 further comprises an input waveguide 1A positioned to receive light from a transverse anamorphic component 60 in the form of a light cone 491A, and a partial reflection mirror 7. The input waveguide 1A is positioned to guide the light cone 491A from the transverse anamorphic component 60 along the input waveguide 1A to the partial reflection mirror 7, and the partial reflection mirror 7 is positioned to reflect at least a portion of its light to the light cone 491C.

[0571] The intermediate waveguide 1C is positioned to receive at least a portion of the light cone 491C reflected by the partial reflection mirror 7. The lateral anamorphic component 110 has a positive refractive force in the lateral direction 195, and the intermediate waveguide is positioned to guide the light cone 491C received from the partial reflection mirror 7 to the lateral anamorphic component 110 along the intermediate waveguide 1C in the first direction 191C.

[0572] The optical reversal reflector 140 is positioned to reflect the optical cone 491C, which is guided along the intermediate waveguide 1C in the first direction 191C so as to guide the reflected optical cone 493C along the intermediate waveguide 1C to the partial reflection mirror 7 in the second direction 193C opposite to the first direction 191, the partial reflection mirror is positioned to transmit at least a portion of its light into the extraction waveguide 1B, and the extraction waveguide 1B is positioned to receive at least a portion of its light as the optical cone 491B transmitted by the partial reflection mirror 7 guided along the intermediate waveguide 1C in the second direction 193C.

[0573] The extraction waveguide 1 comprises at least one reflection extraction feature 970, the at least one reflection extraction feature 970 being arranged to transmit an optical guiding cone 491B along the extraction waveguide 1B in a first direction 191B, and to extract the optical cone 491B guiding along the extraction waveguide 1B to provide an output optical cone 499 that is directed toward the illuminated scene 479.

[0574] The anamorphic directional illumination device 1000 shown in Figure 29A may include various embodiments configured to improve efficiency, aberration, and image quality, as described elsewhere in this specification.

[0575] In comparison to the anamorphic near-eye display device 100 described herein, the output light from the directional illumination device 1000 is provided as illumination cones 951a-n for illuminating the scene 479, compared to angular pixel information for illuminating the pupil 44 and retina 46. High-resolution imaging of the illuminated scene 479 can be achieved in a compact package with high efficiency and low cost.

[0576] Light source 949 may output light that is visible light or infrared light. Advantageously, directional illumination of scene 479 may be provided for visible illumination or scene illumination for other detectors such as a LIDAR detector. Light source 949 may have different spectral outputs. Different spectral outputs may include white light spectra, multiple different white light spectra, red light, orange light, and / or infrared light. Visible illumination may be provided, and further illumination may be provided for detection purposes, which may have different illumination structures to achieve signal improvement against detection noise.

[0577] In an alternative embodiment, scene 479 may include a projection screen, and an anamorphic directional illumination device 1000 may provide the projection of an image onto the projection screen. Advantageously, a highly efficient, lightweight, and portable image projector may be provided in a thin package.

[0578] Alternatively, the reflection extraction feature 970 in Figure 29A may be provided by an array of light extraction features 970a-n. Advantageously, the aesthetic appearance of the directional illumination can be modified. Alternatively, the reflection extraction feature 970 may be provided by at least one of the reflection extraction features 169 described elsewhere in this specification, and may comprise, but are not limited to, at least one feature such as extraction reflectors 170, 172, 174 and diffraction extraction feature 112B. Alternative embodiments of the light source array 948 may be provided, for example, by embodiments of the spatial light modulator 48 described above in this specification, in Figures 2A-D, 32B, and 33A-C. The transverse anamorphic component 60 may alternatively be as shown, for example, with reference to Figures 3A, 30A-D, and 31A-G. The lateral anamorphic component 110 may alternatively comprise the arrangement shown, for example, with reference to Figures 25A-D and 27A-I. Image field curvature can be improved by arrangements such as those shown in Figures 26A-E. The above-mentioned features can be provided individually or in combination.

[0579] Alternative embodiments of the waveguide 1 configuration, the transverse anamorphic component 60 configuration, the lateral anamorphic component 110 configuration, and the extracted feature 970 configuration may be provided as described elsewhere in this specification.

[0580] Figure 34B is a schematic side view of a road scene 479, including a vehicle 600 equipped with a vehicle external lighting device 106 having an anamorphic directional lighting device 1000 of Figure 34B, which is not discussed in further detail, and which can be assumed to correspond to features having the same reference numbers as those discussed above, including any potential variations in the feature.

[0581] An alternative embodiment in Figure 34B shows an external vehicle light device 106 comprising an anamorphic directional illumination device 1000, as shown in Figure 34A, which is an external vehicle light device mounted in a housing 108 for fitting into a vehicle 600. The external vehicle light device 106 is positioned to illuminate an external scene 479, such as the road environment. The external vehicle light device 106 provides an output light cone 499 so that the horizon 499 and the road surface 494 can be illuminated. In the example in Figure 34B, the cross-section of the light cone 499 is distributed over the transverse direction 197. In an alternative embodiment, the cross-section of the light cone 499 may be distributed over the lateral direction 195.

[0582] The light source array 948 can be controlled by the controller 500 according to the location of objects, such as other drivers or road hazards, within the illuminated scene 479. The light cones 499 can be arranged to illuminate a two-dimensional array of light cones 951, each corresponding to a light source 949. The light sources 949a-n can be controlled individually or collectively so that some parts of the scene 479 are illuminated and others are illuminated at different illuminances, or not illuminated at all. Advantageously, this can reduce glare to other drivers while increasing the illuminance level of the road scene 479.

[0583] While various embodiments of the principles disclosed herein have been described above, it should be understood that these are presented merely as examples and not as limitations. Therefore, the scope and breadth of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined solely by any claims issued from this disclosure and their equivalents. Furthermore, while the above advantages and features are provided in the described embodiments, this does not limit the application of such issued claims to processes and structures that achieve any or all of the above advantages.

[0584] Furthermore, section headings in this specification are provided to align with recommendations under U.S. Patent Rule 1.77 (37 CFR 1.77) or otherwise to provide structural cues. These headings shall not limit or characterize any embodiments described in any claim that may be issued from this disclosure. Specifically and as an example, headings refer to a certain “technical field,” but the claims shall not be limited by the wording selected under this heading to describe the so-called field. Furthermore, the description of the technology in “Background Art” shall not be construed as an acknowledgment that a particular technology is prior art to any embodiment of this disclosure. Nor shall the “Abstract” be considered a characterization of any embodiment described in any issued claims. Furthermore, any reference to the singular “invention” in this disclosure shall not be used to assert that there is only one novel point in this disclosure. Multiple embodiments may be described in accordance with the limitations of multiple claims issued from this disclosure, which shall define the embodiments protected thereby and their equivalents. In all instances, the scope of such claims shall be considered on a basis of their own interests in light of this disclosure, but shall not be limited by the headings set forth herein.

Claims

1. An anamorphic near-eye display device, A lighting system equipped with a spatial light modulator, the lighting system being arranged to output light, An optical system arranged to direct light from the illumination system toward the viewer's eyes, comprising an optical axis having anamorphic properties in a lateral direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the optical axis, wherein the spatial light modulator comprises pixels distributed in the lateral direction, and the optical system, A transverse anamorphic component having a positive refractive power in the transverse direction, wherein the transverse anamorphic component is arranged to receive light from the spatial light modulator, and the illumination system is arranged so that the light output from the transverse anamorphic component is directed in a direction that distributes the light in the transverse direction, An input waveguide is arranged to receive light from the transverse anamorphic component, A partial reflection mirror, wherein the input waveguide is arranged to guide light from the transverse anamorphic component along the input waveguide to the partial reflection mirror, and the partial reflection mirror is arranged to reflect at least a portion of that light. An intermediate waveguide is arranged to receive at least a portion of the light reflected by the partial reflection mirror, A lateral anamorphic component having a positive refractive force in the lateral direction, wherein the intermediate waveguide is arranged to guide light received from the partial reflection mirror to the lateral anamorphic component along the intermediate waveguide in a first direction, A light reversal reflector arranged to reflect light, wherein the reflected light is guided along the intermediate waveguide in the first direction to the partial reflection mirror in the second direction opposite to the first direction, and the partial reflection mirror is arranged to transmit at least a portion of the light. The system comprises an extraction waveguide, which is guided along the intermediate waveguide in the second direction and is arranged to receive at least a portion of the light transmitted by the partial reflection mirror, An anamorphic near-eye display device, wherein the extraction waveguide comprises an array of reflective extraction features, the reflective extraction features are arranged to extract light directed toward the viewer's eye along the extraction waveguide, and the array of reflective extraction features is distributed along the extraction waveguide to provide exit pupil dilation.

2. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 1, wherein the reflection extraction feature is disposed internally within the extraction waveguide.

3. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reflection extraction feature comprises an extraction reflector extending over at least a portion of the extraction waveguide between the forward guide surface and the rear guide surface of the extraction waveguide.

4. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 3, wherein the array of reflective extraction reflectors has a reflectance defined over its entire area, which increases with increasing distance along the second direction.

5. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the extraction reflector comprises extraction surfaces separated by a partial reflective coating.

6. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 5, wherein the partial reflective coating comprises at least one dielectric layer.

7. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 6, wherein the at least one dielectric layer comprises a stack of dielectric layers.

8. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 5, wherein the partial reflective coating is made of metal.

9. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 3, wherein the extraction reflector comprises extraction surfaces separated by a gap.

10. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 9, wherein the extraction surface has an anti-reflective coating.

11. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein the extraction reflector extends partially over the extraction waveguide while continuously shifting its position between the forward guide surface and the rear guide surface of the extraction waveguide.

12. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 11, wherein the extraction reflector extends to the forward guide surface and the rear guide surface of the extraction waveguide.

13. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 12, wherein the extraction reflector does not extend to the forward guide surface and the rear guide surface of the extraction waveguide.

14. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising an intermediate reflector extending along the extraction waveguide between adjacent pairs of extraction reflectors.

15. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 14, wherein the intermediate reflector comprises intermediate surfaces separated by a partial reflective coating.

16. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 15, wherein the partial reflective coating comprises at least one dielectric layer.

17. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 16, wherein the at least one dielectric layer comprises a stack of dielectric layers.

18. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 15, wherein the partial reflective coating is made of metal.

19. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 14, wherein the intermediate reflector comprises intermediate surfaces separated by a gap.

20. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 19, wherein the intermediate surface has an anti-reflective coating.

21. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the extraction waveguide comprises a plurality of components having opposing stepped surfaces attached together, the stepped surfaces alternately formed with an extraction surface extending in the transverse direction and an intermediate surface extending along the extraction waveguide, and the extraction reflector comprises the opposing extraction surfaces.

22. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 21, wherein the intermediate surfaces are optically coupled together.

23. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein the extraction reflector comprises a set of a plurality of extraction reflectors, and within each set of extraction reflectors, the extraction reflectors extend partially over the extraction waveguide while continuously shifting their position in the transverse direction, and the extraction reflectors of different sets overlap to some extent in the transverse direction.

24. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein at least a portion of the extraction waveguide comprises a plurality of component plates optically coupled together, and the extraction reflector is formed between the component plates.

25. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 3 to 10 or 24, wherein the extraction reflector extends between the forward guide surface and the rear guide surface of the extraction waveguide.

26. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 3 to 10, 24, or 25, wherein the extraction reflector has the same reflective area.

27. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 3 to 10, 24, or 25, wherein the extraction reflector is patterned to have different reflective areas that provide a defined reflectance over its entire area, increasing with increasing distance along the optical axis.

28. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 3 to 27, wherein the extraction reflector has a surface normal direction that is inclined by an angle in the range of 20 to 40 degrees, preferably in the range of 25 to 35 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 27.5 to 32.5 degrees, with respect to the direction along the extraction waveguide.

29. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extraction waveguide comprises a transmissive element and a diffractive optical element optically coupled together, and the reflection extraction feature comprises a portion of the diffractive optical element.

30. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 29, wherein the diffractive optical element is a volume hologram.

31. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the forward guide surface and the rear guide surface of the extraction waveguide have an anti-reflective coating.

32. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 1, wherein the extraction waveguide has a forward guide surface and a rear guide surface, and the rear guide surface comprises an extraction surface which is the reflection extraction feature.

33. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 32, wherein the optical reversal reflector is the reflective end of the intermediate waveguide.

34. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the lateral anamorphic component comprises the light reversal reflector.

35. The aforementioned optical system An input linear polarizer is disposed between the spatial light modulator and the partial reflection mirror, The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 34, comprising a polarization conversion phase element disposed between the partial reflection mirror and the light reversal reflector, wherein the polarization conversion phase element is arranged to convert the polarization state of light passing through it between a linearly polarized state and a circularly polarized state.

36. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 35, wherein the polarization conversion phase element has a retardation of one-quarter wavelength in the wavelength of visible light.

37. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 36, further comprising a polarization conversion phase element disposed between the partial reflection mirror and the extraction waveguide, wherein the polarization conversion phase element is arranged to convert the polarization state of light passing through it between a linearly polarized state and an orthogonal linearly polarized state.

38. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 37, wherein the further polarization conversion phase element has a half-wavelength retardation at the wavelength of visible light.

39. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 35 or 38, wherein the input linear polarizer is arranged to allow light in the s-polarized state to pass through the extraction waveguide.

40. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the lateral anamorphic component comprises a lens.

41. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the input waveguide and the intermediate waveguide do not have extraction features arranged to extract light induced along them.

42. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the optical system comprises an input section comprising an input reflector which is the transverse anamorphic component and is arranged to reflect the light from the illumination system and direct the light along the input waveguide.

43. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 42, wherein the transverse anamorphic component further comprises a lens.

44. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the input section further comprises an input surface disposed in front of or behind the input waveguide and facing the input reflector, and the input section is arranged to receive the light from the illumination system via the input surface.

45. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 44, wherein the input surface extends at an acute angle with respect to the front guide surface when the input surface is on the front side of the input waveguide, or extends at an acute angle with respect to the rear guide surface when the input surface is on the rear side of the input waveguide.

46. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 44, wherein the input surface extends parallel to the front guide surface when the input surface is on the front side of the input waveguide, or extends parallel to the rear guide surface when the input surface is on the rear side of the input waveguide.

47. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 46, wherein the input surface is coplanar with the front guide surface when the input surface is on the front side of the input waveguide, or coplanar with the rear guide surface when the input surface is on the rear side of the waveguide.

48. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 44 to 46, wherein the input surface is disposed outward from one of the front guide surface or the rear guide surface.

49. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 48, wherein the input section further comprises a separation surface extending outward from one of the front guide surface or the rear guide surface to the input surface.

50. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 42 to 49, wherein the input section is integrated with the input waveguide.

51. The input waveguide has an end which is an input surface through which the waveguide is positioned to receive light from the lighting system. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 42 to 49, wherein the input section is an element separate from the waveguide, further comprising an output surface and arranged to direct light reflected by the input reflector into the waveguide via the output surface and via the input surface of the waveguide.

52. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein the transverse anamorphic component comprises a lens and optionally a composite lens.

53. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 40 or 52, wherein the input waveguide has an end which is an input surface through which the input waveguide is positioned to receive light from the lighting system.

54. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 53, wherein the transverse anamorphic component is disposed outside the waveguide, and the input waveguide is arranged to receive light from the transverse anamorphic component via the input surface.

55. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 53 or 54, wherein the direction of the optical axis passing through the transverse anamorphic component is inclined with respect to the forward guide surface and the rear guide surface of the input waveguide.

56. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein the input end of the input waveguide is inclined with respect to the front guide surface and the rear guide surface of the input waveguide.

57. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 56, wherein the pixels of the spatial light modulator are also distributed in the transverse direction such that the light output from the transverse anamorphic component is directed in a direction that is distributed in the transverse direction.

58. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 57, wherein the spatial light modulator comprises pixels having pitches in the lateral and transverse directions at a ratio equal to the reciprocal of the ratio of the refractive powers of the lateral anamorphic optical element and the transverse anamorphic optical element.

59. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 56, wherein the lighting system further comprises an optical deflection element arranged to deflect the light output from the transverse anamorphic component by a selectable amount, and the optical deflection element is selectively operable to direct the light output from the transverse anamorphic component in a direction that distributes it in the transverse direction.

60. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 59, wherein the forward guide surface and the rear guide surface of the input waveguide are planar and parallel.

61. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 60, wherein the forward guide surface and the rear guide surface of the extraction waveguide are planar and parallel.

62. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 61, wherein the forward guide surface and the rear guide surface of the intermediate waveguide are planar and parallel.

63. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 62, wherein the reflection extraction feature is inclined with respect to a first direction and a second direction along the optical axis.

64. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to claim 63, wherein the reflection extraction features are tilted at the same angle.

65. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 64, wherein the reflection extraction feature has a pitch that changes along the extraction waveguide.

66. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 65, wherein the reflection extraction feature has a range of variation between the forward guide surface and the rear guide surface of the extraction waveguide.

67. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 66, further comprising a control system arranged to operate the lighting system to provide light input according to image data representing an image.

68. The anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 67, wherein the reflection extraction arrangement comprises two separate regions, each region being arranged to extract light that is guided along the extraction waveguide toward each of the viewer's eyes.

69. A head-mounted display device comprising an anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 68, and a head-mounted configuration disposed to mount the anamorphic near-eye display device on the wearer's head, which is equipped with the anamorphic near-eye display device extending over at least one of the wearer's eyes.

70. The head-mounted display device according to claim 69, further comprising a lens having refractive power, wherein the anamorphic near-eye display device overlaps one lens or each lens.

71. The head-mounted display device according to claim 69 or 70, wherein the head-mounted display device comprises a pair of glasses.

72. The head-mounted display device according to any one of claims 69 to 71, wherein the anamorphic near-eye display device is a first anamorphic near-eye display device, and the head-mounted display device further comprises a second anamorphic near-eye display device according to any one of claims 1 to 53, wherein the second anamorphic near-eye display device is arranged in series with the first anamorphic near-eye display device.

73. The head-mounted display device according to claim 72, wherein the virtual image distance of light from the second anamorphic near-eye display device is different from the virtual image distance of light from the first anamorphic near-eye display device.

74. It is further equipped with a non-anamorphic near-eye display device, The non-anamorphic near-eye display device comprises a non-anamorphic spatial light modulator and a non-anamorphic magnifying optical system, The head-mounted display device according to any one of claims 69 to 73, wherein the non-anamorphic near-eye display device is arranged in series with the anamorphic near-eye display device.

75. The head-mounted display device according to any one of claims 72 to 74, wherein the virtual image distance of light from the non-anamorphic near-eye display device is different from the virtual image distance of light from the anamorphic near-eye display device.

76. An anamorphic directional lighting device, A lighting system comprising a light source array, the lighting system being arranged to output light, An optical system arranged to direct light from the illumination system, comprising an optical axis having anamorphic properties in a lateral direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to the optical axis and perpendicular to each other, wherein the light source array comprises light sources distributed in the lateral direction, and the optical system, A transverse anamorphic component having a positive refractive power in the transverse direction, wherein the transverse anamorphic component is arranged to receive light from the light source array, and the illumination system is arranged so that the light output from the transverse anamorphic component is directed in a direction that distributes in the transverse direction, An input waveguide is arranged to receive light from the transverse anamorphic component, A partial reflection mirror, wherein the input waveguide is arranged to guide light from the transverse anamorphic component along the input waveguide to the partial reflection mirror, and the partial reflection mirror is arranged to reflect at least a portion of that light. An intermediate waveguide is arranged to receive at least a portion of the light reflected by the partial reflection mirror, A lateral anamorphic component having a positive refractive force in the lateral direction, wherein the intermediate waveguide is arranged to guide light received from the partial reflection mirror to the lateral anamorphic component along the intermediate waveguide in a first direction, A light reversal reflector arranged to reflect light, wherein the reflected light is guided along the intermediate waveguide in the first direction to the partial reflection mirror in the second direction opposite to the first direction, and the partial reflection mirror is arranged to transmit at least a portion of the light. The system comprises an extraction waveguide, which is guided along the intermediate waveguide in the second direction and is arranged to receive at least a portion of the light transmitted by the partial reflection mirror, An anamorphic directional lighting device wherein the extraction waveguide comprises at least one reflection extraction feature, and the at least one reflection extraction feature is arranged to extract light induced along the extraction waveguide.

77. An external vehicle light device comprising the anamorphic directional lighting device described in claim 76.

78. Vehicle external lighting device, A housing for fitting into the vehicle, An external vehicle optical device comprising: an external vehicle optical device according to claim 77, mounted on the housing;

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