Waveguide and augmented reality device including same

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a waveguide and an augmented reality device comprising same comprise: a guide body; a first diffraction element disposed on the guide body and configured to diffract light incident from an external light source in a first direction; and multiple second diffraction elements disposed on the guide body and configured to diffract light diffracted by the first diffractive element. Each of the multiple second diffractive elements may extend along the first direction and may be spaced apart from an adjacent second diffractive element by a designated interval or less in a second direction different from the first direction. Various other embodiments may be possible.

Description

Wave guide and augmented reality device including same

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a wave guide and an augmented reality device including the same.

[0002] Augmented reality (AR) devices are devices that allow users to experience augmented reality (AR), such as AR glasses. The image optical system of an AR device may include an image generation device that generates images and a waveguide that transmits the generated images to the eyes. These AR devices are expected to have a wide field of view and high-quality images, and to be lightweight and compact.

[0003] Recently, waveguide-based optical systems are being researched and developed for AR devices, such as AR glasses. Waveguides can utilize free-form reflection, multi-mirror reflection, or diffractive coupling elements, such as diffractive optical elements or holographic optical elements, to input, expand, and / or output light.

[0004] The above information may be provided as background art to aid in understanding the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the above is applicable as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a waveguide includes a guide body, a first diffractive element disposed in the guide body and configured to diffract light incident from an external light source in a first direction, and a plurality of second diffractive elements disposed in the guide body and configured to diffract light diffracted by the first diffractive element, wherein each of the plurality of second diffractive elements may extend along the first direction and be spaced apart from an adjacent second diffractive element by a specified distance or less along a second direction different from the first direction.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an augmented reality device includes a lens frame, a wearing member configured to be foldable with respect to the lens frame, a wave guide disposed on the lens frame, and a display engine disposed on the wearing member and configured to output light to the wave guide, wherein the wave guide includes a guide body, a first diffractive element disposed on the guide body and configured to diffract light incident from the display engine in a first direction, and a plurality of second diffractive elements disposed on the guide body and configured to diffract light diffracted by the first diffractive element, wherein each of the plurality of second diffractive elements may extend along the first direction and be spaced apart from an adjacent second diffractive element by a specified distance or less along a second direction different from the first direction.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of use of an augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a visual image provided to a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a wave guide of an augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a third diffractive element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a third diffractive element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a combined perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of an augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0022] In the present disclosure, 'Augmented Reality' may mean overlaying a virtual image generated by a computer onto a physical, real-world environment or real-world object to display it as a single image.

[0023] In the present disclosure, the term "Augmented Reality Device" refers to a device capable of expressing augmented reality, and may include not only augmented reality glasses in the form of glasses worn by a user, but also a head-mounted display apparatus, or an augmented reality helmet. Such augmented reality display devices can be usefully used in daily life, such as for information retrieval, route guidance, and camera shooting. In addition, the augmented reality glasses device, which is implemented in the form of glasses, can be worn as a fashion item and can be used for both indoor and outdoor activities.

[0024] In the present disclosure, a "real scene" refers to a scene of the real world viewed by an observer or user through an augmented reality display device, and may include real-world objects. Meanwhile, a "virtual image" may be an image generated by a display engine. The virtual image may include both static and dynamic images. Such a virtual image may be an image overlaid on a real scene, showing information about a real object in the real scene, information about the operation of an augmented reality device, or a control menu.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state of use of an augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a visual image provided to a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] The embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 2 can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 14.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the augmented reality device (100) (e.g., the augmented reality device (100) of FIG. 12) may be a glasses-type device configured to be wearable by a user. The augmented reality device (100) is not limited thereto, and may be provided as various types of devices that are wearable by a user and capable of providing augmented reality to the user.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) may include a display engine (110) for generating a virtual image composed of light generated from a light source.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) may include a wave guide (120) configured to guide a virtual image generated by the display engine (110) to the user's eyes (10). The wave guide (120) may be formed of a material that is transparent to the visible light band so that a real world scene can be viewed along with the virtual image, but is not limited thereto.

[0031] In one embodiment, the display engine (110) may be configured to generate light for a virtual image. The display engine (110) may be a projector including an image panel, an illumination optical system, or a projection optical system. For example, the display engine (110) is a device that emits light to output a virtual object at a predetermined viewing angle. For example, the display engine (110) may be a projector that projects light generated by the image panel or a projector that scans modulated light, but is not limited thereto.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the display engine (110) may include, but is not limited to, a left-eye display engine and a right-eye display engine corresponding to the user's left and right eyes, respectively. The display engine (110) may be disposed and / or positioned on the glasses temples of the augmented reality device (100) (e.g., the wearing member (1203) of FIGS. 12 to 14 ), but is not limited thereto.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the display engine (110) may be configured to output polarized light or unpolarized light depending on the method of the image panel or the illumination optical system. The display engine (110) may include, but is not limited to, a Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCoS) panel, an LED on Silicon (LEDoS) panel, or a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) panel.

[0034] According to one embodiment, light output from the display engine (110) may be configured to be incident on one side of the wave guide (120). The display engine (110) may be arranged or coupled to one side of the wave guide (120). According to an embodiment, a filter (not shown) that passes only a wavelength band and / or polarization of light output from the display engine (110) may be arranged between the display engine (110) and one side of the wave guide (120).

[0035] According to one embodiment, the wave guide (120) can receive light of a virtual image output from the display engine (120). The light input to the wave guide (120) can be diffracted at or within the wave guide (110) and output to the user's eye (10).

[0036] According to one embodiment, a scene (20) visible to the eyes (10) of a user wearing an augmented reality device (100) may include a real object (21) and a virtual object (22) (or a virtual image). For example, the wave guide (120) may enable a real object (21) located outside the augmented reality device (100) to be visually visible. In addition, the wave guide (120) may enable a virtual object (22) output from the display engine (110) to be visually visible.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) and / or the wave guide (120) may cause a virtual scene (e.g., a virtual scene (20b) of FIG. 2) to appear overlapped with a real scene (e.g., 20a of FIG. 2) by overlaying a real object (21) and a virtual object (22) in a scene (20) visible to the user's eyes (10). For example, the augmented reality device (100) and / or the wave guide (120) may cause a real object (21) and a virtual object (22) to appear overlapped. The wave guide (120) may be defined and / or referred to as an image combiner that overlays a real object (21) and a virtual object (22).

[0038] According to one embodiment, the user's eye (10) may be spaced apart from the wave guide (120) by a first distance (L1), but the virtual object (22) output from the wave guide (120) may be recognized as being located outside the augmented reality device (100) by a second distance (L2) greater than the first distance (L1) from the wave guide (120).

[0039] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a wave guide of an augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] The embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 4 can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 2, or the embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 14.

[0042] The configuration of the augmented reality device (100), display engine (110), or wave guide (120) of FIGS. 3 and 4 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the augmented reality device (100), display engine (110), or wave guide (120) of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, the wave guide (120) may include a body including a first side (120a) facing the user's eye (10) and a second side (120b) facing in an opposite direction to the first side (120a). According to one embodiment, the second side (120b) may face the direction in which the user's gaze is directed or the direction in which the augmented reality device (100) is directed.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the wave guide (120) may be a plate-shaped member having a predetermined thickness formed between the first surface (120a) and the second surface (120b), but is not limited thereto. For example, the wave guide (120) may have a flat plate shape or a curved plate shape.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the wave guide (120) may be formed as a single-layer or multi-layer structure of a transparent material through which light can be propagated while being reflected internally. The transparent material may be defined as a material through which light in the visible light band can pass, may not have 100% transparency, and may have a predetermined color.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the wave guide (120) may be configured to transmit light of a virtual image generated or output from the display engine (110) and light of a real object in a real scene to the user's eye (10).

[0047] According to one embodiment, the waveguide (120) may include at least one diffractive element (131, 132, 133) that diffracts light of a virtual image generated or output from the display engine (110). The at least one diffractive element (131, 132, 133) may include a first diffractive element (131), a second diffractive element (132) spaced apart from the first diffractive element (131), and a third diffractive element (133) spaced apart from the first diffractive element (131) and the second diffractive element (132).

[0048] According to one embodiment, at least one diffractive element (131, 132, 133) may be formed on a first surface (120a) of the wave guide (120), but is not limited thereto. For example, at least one diffractive element (131, 132, 133) may be formed on a second surface (120b) of the wave guide (120).

[0049] According to one embodiment, at least one diffractive element (131, 132, 133) may include, but is not limited to, a diffractive optical element (DOE), a holographic optical element (HOE), a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), a meta surface, or a meta grating.

[0050] According to one embodiment, light (L1) output from the display engine (110) may be incident toward the first diffractive element (131). The light (L1) may be diffracted by the first diffractive element (131) and propagate within the waveguide (120). The first diffractive element (131) may be defined and / or referred to as an input coupler.

[0051] According to one embodiment, light (L2) diffracted by the first diffractive element (131) may be reflected inside the wave guide (120) and transmitted to the second diffractive element (132). The light (L2) may be diffracted by the second diffractive element (132) and transmitted to the third diffractive element (133), and may be diffracted by the third diffractive element (133) and output to the user's eye (10).

[0052] According to one embodiment, the second diffractive element (132) may be defined and / or referred to as a fold-coupler, and the third diffractive element (133) may be defined and / or referred to as an output-coupler.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the light (L3) generated by the display engine (110) and output to the user's eye (10) may include a virtual object or a virtual image.

[0054] According to one embodiment, a virtual object or virtual image included in the light (L1) output from the display engine (110) may be relatively small in size, but may be relatively expanded in size as it is diffracted and propagated within the wave guide (110). For example, the size of a virtual object or virtual image included in the light (L3) output to the user's eye (10) may be expanded to correspond to the user's eyebox (EB).

[0055] Referring to FIG. 4, light output from the display engine (110) may be incident on a wave guide (120). For example, the direction (Kin) of the wave vector of light output from the display engine (110) may be perpendicular to one surface of the wave guide (120), but is not limited thereto.

[0056] According to one embodiment, light incident on the wave guide (120) may be diffracted by the first diffractive element (131), thereby changing the direction of the wave vector. For example, light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131) may propagate to the second diffractive element (132). For example, the direction (K1) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131) may be substantially perpendicular to the direction (Kin), but is not limited thereto.

[0057] According to one embodiment, light propagated to the second diffractive element (132) may be diffracted by the second diffractive element (132), thereby changing the direction of the wave vector. For example, light diffracted by the second diffractive element (132) may be propagated to the third diffractive element (133). For example, the direction (K2) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the second diffractive element (132) may be perpendicular to the direction (K1), but is not limited thereto.

[0058] According to one embodiment, light propagated to the third diffractive element (132) may be diffracted by the third diffractive element (133), thereby changing the direction of the wave vector. For example, light diffracted by the third diffractive element (133) may be output to the user's eye. For example, the direction (Kout) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the third diffractive element (133) may be perpendicular to the direction (K2), but is not limited thereto. The direction (Kout) of the wave vector of light output to the user's eye (10) by the third diffractive element (133) may be substantially parallel to the direction (Kin), but is not limited thereto.

[0059] The arrangement relationship of the first diffractive element (131), the second diffractive element (132), and the third diffractive element (133) illustrated in FIG. 4 is exemplary and is not limited thereto.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a third diffractive element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a third diffractive element according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] The embodiments of FIGS. 5 to 7 can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4, or the embodiments of FIGS. 8 to 14.

[0064] The configuration of the wave guide (120), the first diffractive element (131), the second diffractive element (132), or the third diffractive element (133) of FIGS. 5 to 7 may be partially or entirely the same as the configuration of the wave guide (120), the first diffractive element (131), the second diffractive element (132), or the third diffractive element (133) of FIGS. 3 to 4.

[0065] According to one embodiment, light output from a display engine (e.g., display engine (110) of FIGS. 1 to 4) may be incident or input to a first diffractive element (131).

[0066] According to one embodiment, the first diffractive element (131) can diffract the input light and propagate it to the second diffractive element (132). The first diffractive element (131) can have a first width (w1) in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) of the wave guide (120) and a second width (w2) in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) of the wave guide (120).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the direction (K1) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the first diffraction element (131) may be parallel to the horizontal direction (X-axis direction) of the wave guide (120), but is not limited thereto.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the second diffractive element (132) may include a plurality of second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324). The plurality of second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) may extend in a direction (X-axis direction) substantially the same as the direction (K1) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) may be spaced apart from each other by a specified distance or less.

[0070] The number of the illustrated second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) is exemplary and is not limited thereto. For example, the number of the second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) may be four, but may be three or less, or five or more.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) can diffract light diffracted and propagated by the first diffractive element (131) to the third diffractive element (133).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) may each have a width in the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) of the waveguide (120) that is smaller than a width in the horizontal direction (X-axis direction).

[0073] According to one embodiment, among the second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324), the 2-1 diffractive element (1321) may be arranged parallel to the first diffractive element (131) in the direction (K1) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131). For example, when the wave guide (120) is viewed from the side (e.g., when viewed in the X-axis direction), the 2-1 diffractive element (1321) may overlap with the first diffractive element (131) in the direction (K1) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the 2-2 diffractive element (1322), the 2-3 diffractive element (1323), and the 2-4 diffractive element (1324) may not be arranged parallel to the first diffractive element (131) in the direction (K1) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131). For example, when the wave guide (120) is viewed from the side (e.g., when viewed in the X-axis direction), the 2-2 diffractive element (1322), the 2-3 diffractive element (1323), and the 2-4 diffractive element (1324) may not overlap with the first diffractive element (131) in the direction (K1) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131).

[0075] According to one embodiment, the second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) may be spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, since the second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) are arranged with a minimum area in the path of light propagating within the wave guide (120), the light transmission efficiency of the wave guide (120) may be improved.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the spacing between the second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) may be less than or equal to a specified spacing. Hereinafter, the specified spacing will be described using the 2-1 diffractive element (1321) as an example, but the description thereof may be applied and / or understood in the same and / or similar manner to the 2-2 diffractive element (1322), the 2-3 diffractive element (1323), and the 2-4 diffractive element (1424).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the second-first diffractive element (1321) may have a third width (w3) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the waveguide (120). The third width (w3) may be smaller than the first width (w1) of the first diffractive element (131).

[0078] According to one embodiment, when the third width (w3) of the 2-1 diffractive element (1321) is substantially equal to the width of the 2-2 diffractive element (1322) (or the 2-4 diffractive element (1324)), the distance (d) between the 2-1 diffractive element (1321) and the 2-2 diffractive element (1322) (or the 2-4 diffractive element (1324)) may be smaller than the first width (w1) of the first diffractive element (131). For example, when a plurality of second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) have substantially the same width, the plurality of second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) may be spaced apart from each other by a specified interval or less, and the specified interval may be smaller than the first width (w1) of the first diffractive element (131).

[0079] According to one embodiment, when the third width (w3) of the 2-1 diffractive element (1321) is different from the width of the 2-2 diffractive element (1322) (or the 2-4 diffractive element (1324)), the distance (d) between the 2-1 diffractive element (1321) and the 2-2 diffractive element (1322) (or the 2-4 diffractive element (1324)) may be smaller than the first width (w1) of the 1st diffractive element (131). For example, when a plurality of second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) have different widths, the plurality of second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) may be spaced apart from each other by a specified interval or less, and the specified interval may be smaller than the width of the first diffractive element (131).

[0080] According to one embodiment, the specified interval (d) may be a value designed or defined to improve the uniformity of the brightness of light output to the user.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the direction (K2) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the second diffraction element (132) may be parallel to the vertical direction (Y-axis direction) of the wave guide (120), but is not limited thereto.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the third diffractive element (133) may include a plurality of third diffractive elements.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 5, the third diffractive element (133) may extend in the direction (K2) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the second diffractive element (132). The third diffractive elements (133) may be spaced apart from each other. Light propagated to the third diffractive element (133) may be diffracted through the third diffractive element (133) and output to the user's eyes. According to one embodiment, the third diffractive elements (133) may be spaced apart from each other. According to one embodiment, the third diffractive elements (133) may have a large width in the direction (K2) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the second diffractive element (132), but is not limited thereto.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the third diffractive elements (133) may be spaced apart from each other. Accordingly, the light transmission efficiency of the wave guide (120) may be improved as the third diffractive elements (133) are arranged with a minimal area in the path of light propagating within the wave guide (120).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the third diffractive elements (133) may be provided in a plurality, for example, including the third-first diffractive element (1331) and having substantially the same shape as the third-first diffractive element (1331). Depending on the spacing or arrangement of the third diffractive elements (133), the size and / or shape of the eyebox (e.g., the eyebox (EB) of FIG. 3) may be defined.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the size and / or shape of the eyebox may be defined by the fourth width (w4) and the fifth width (w5) of the third diffractive elements (133). The fourth width (w4) may be greater than the second width (w2), and the fifth width (w5) may be greater than the first width (w1).

[0087] According to one embodiment, light incident from the display engine through the first diffractive element (131) into the wave guide (120) may have a first width (w1) and a second width (w2), but light output to the user's eyes may have a fourth width (w4) and a fifth width (w5).

[0088] According to one embodiment, light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131) can be expanded in the transverse direction (X direction) of the waveguide (120) by second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) arranged longitudinally in the transverse direction (X direction) of the waveguide (120). In addition, light diffracted by the second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) can be expanded in the vertical direction (Y direction) of the waveguide (120) by third diffractive elements (131) and output to the user's eyes.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 6, the third diffractive elements (133) may be provided in multiple pieces, including a 3-1 diffractive element (1332) having a square shape and having substantially the same shape as the 3-1 diffractive element (1332).

[0090] Referring to FIG. 7, the third diffractive elements (133) may be provided in multiple pieces, including a hexagonal 3-1 diffractive element (1333), and having substantially the same shape as the 3-1 diffractive element (1333).

[0091] The shapes of the third diffraction elements (133) described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7 as examples are exemplary and are not limited thereto.

[0092] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] The embodiment of FIG. 8 can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 7, or the embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 14.

[0094] The configuration of the wave guide (120), the first diffractive element (131), the second diffractive element (132), or the third diffractive element (133) of FIG. 8 may be partially or entirely the same as the configuration of the wave guide (120), the first diffractive element (131), the second diffractive element (132), or the third diffractive element (133) of FIGS. 5 to 7.

[0095] Using Fig. 8 as an example, the operation of light output from the display engine being output to the user's eyes is explained.

[0096] According to one embodiment, light input from a display engine (e.g., display engine (110) of FIG. 1) to a first diffractive element (131) may be diffracted to a second diffractive element (132). Hereinafter, the 2-2 diffractive element (1322) will be described as an example, but the description thereof may be equally applied and / or understood to the remaining second diffractive elements (1321, 1323, 1324).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the direction (K1) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the 2-2 diffraction element (1322) may be a direction from the 1st diffraction element (131) toward the 2-2 diffraction element (1322).

[0098] According to one embodiment, light diffracted by the second-second diffractive element (1322) may propagate within the waveguide (120) and be diffracted at multiple points of the second-second diffractive element (1322). For example, light diffracted by the second-second diffractive element (1322) may be widely expanded along the width or length of the second-second diffractive element (1322).

[0099] According to one embodiment, the direction (K2) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the 2-2 diffraction element (1322) may be a direction from the 2-2 diffraction element (1322) toward the 3rd diffraction element (133).

[0100] According to one embodiment, light diffracted by the third diffractive elements (133) may propagate within the waveguide (120) and be diffracted by each of the third-first diffractive elements (1331). For example, light diffracted by the third diffractive elements (133) may be widely expanded along the width or length of the third diffractive elements (133), depending on the spacing and arrangement of the third diffractive elements (133).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the direction (Kout) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the third diffraction element (133) may be a direction from the third diffraction element (133) toward the user's eye.

[0102] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] The embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 10 can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 8 or the embodiments of FIGS. 11 to 14.

[0105] The configuration of the wave guide (120), the first diffractive element (131), or the second diffractive element (132) of FIGS. 9 to 10 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the wave guide (120), the first diffractive element (131), or the second diffractive element (132) of FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 9, among the second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324), the second-first diffractive element (1321) may be arranged parallel to the first diffractive element (131) in the direction (K1) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131). The second-first diffractive element (1321) may extend in the direction (K1) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131). The second diffractive elements (1321, 1322, 1323, 1324) may be configured to diffract light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131) and output the diffractive light to the user's eyes.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 10, among the second diffractive elements (1321a, 1322, 1323, 1324), the second-first diffractive element (1321a) may be arranged parallel to the first diffractive element (131) in the direction (K1) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131). The second-first diffractive element (1321a) may extend in a direction inclined with respect to the direction (K1) of the wave vector of light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131). For example, the second-first diffractive element (1321a) may be inclined with respect to other second diffractive elements (1322, 1323, 1324). The second diffractive elements (1321a, 1322, 1323, 1324) can be configured to diffract the light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131) and output it to the user's eyes.

[0108] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] The embodiment of FIG. 11 can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 10, or the embodiments of FIGS. 12 to 14.

[0110] The configuration of the wave guide (120), the first diffractive element (131), the second diffractive element (132), or the third diffractive element (133) of FIG. 11 may be partially or entirely the same as the configuration of the wave guide (120), the first diffractive element (131), the second diffractive element (132), or the third diffractive element (133) of FIGS. 5 to 8.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the first diffractive element (131), the second diffractive element (132), or the third diffractive element (133) may have a meta surface or a meta grating. The meta surfaces of each of the first diffractive element (131), the second diffractive element (132), or the third diffractive element (133) may have a structure different from that of the other diffractive elements.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the first metasurface (131a) of the first diffractive element (131) may have a different structure from the metasurface of the second diffractive element (132) or the third diffractive element (132).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the second metasurface (132a, 132b) of the second diffractive element (132) may have a different structure from the metasurface of the first diffractive element (131) or the third diffractive element (133). In addition, the second metasurface (132a, 132b) of the second diffractive element (132) may have a 2-1 metasurface (132a) and a 2-2 metasurface (132b) having different structures.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the third metasurface (133a, 133b) of the third diffractive element (133) may have a different structure from the metasurface of the first diffractive element (131) or the second diffractive element (132). In addition, the third metasurface (133a, 133b) of the third diffractive element (133) may have a 3-1 metasurface (133a) and a 3-2 metasurface (133b) having different structures.

[0115] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] The embodiment of FIG. 12 can be combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 11, or the embodiments of FIGS. 13 to 14.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 12, an augmented reality device (100) (e.g., the augmented reality device (100) of FIG. 1) is an electronic device in the form of glasses, which allows a user to visually perceive surrounding objects or environments while wearing the augmented reality device (100). For example, the augmented reality device (100) may be smart glasses, a head mounting device (HMD), or smart glasses that can directly provide images in front of the user's eyes. The configuration of the augmented reality device (100) of FIG. 12 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the augmented reality device (100) of FIG. 1.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) may include a housing (1210) that forms the exterior of the augmented reality device (100). The housing (1210) may provide a space in which components of the augmented reality device (100) may be placed. For example, the housing (1210) may include a lens frame (1202) and at least one wearing member (1203).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) may be disposed within a housing (1210) and may include a display member (1201) capable of outputting a visual image. For example, the augmented reality device (100) may include at least one display member (1201) capable of providing visual information (or images) to a user. For example, the display member (1201) may include a module equipped with a lens, a display, a wave guide (e.g., the wave guide (120) of FIGS. 1 to 11), and / or a touch circuit. According to one embodiment, the display member (1201) may be formed transparently or translucently. According to one embodiment, the display member (1201) may include a window member whose light transmittance may be adjusted as a glass of a translucent material or a coloring concentration is adjusted.

[0120] In one embodiment, the lens frame (1202) can accommodate at least a portion of the indicator member (1201). For example, the lens frame (1202) can surround at least a portion of an edge of the indicator member (1201). In one embodiment, the lens frame (1202) can position at least one of the indicator members (1201) to correspond to a user's eye. In one embodiment, the lens frame (1202) can be a rim of a typical eyeglass structure. In one embodiment, the lens frame (1202) can include at least one closed curve surrounding the indicator member (1201). In one embodiment, the lens frame (1202) can include a first end (1202c) and a second end (1202d) opposite the first end (1202c). The first end (1202c) may be positioned adjacent to the first wearing member (1203a), and the second end (1202d) may be positioned adjacent to the second wearing member (1203b).

[0121] In one embodiment, the wearing member (1203) may extend from the lens frame (1202). For example, the wearing member (1203) may extend from an end of the lens frame (1202) and, together with the lens frame (1202), may be supported or positioned on the user's body (e.g., an ear). In one embodiment, the wearing member (1203) may be rotatably coupled to the lens frame (1202) via a hinge structure (1229). In one embodiment, the wearing member (1203) may include an inner side (1231c) configured to face the user's body and an outer side (1231d) opposite the inner side (1231c). In one embodiment (not shown), at least a portion of the wearing member (1203) may be formed of a flexible material (e.g., rubber). For example, at least a portion of the wearable member (1203) may be formed in a band shape that surrounds at least a portion of the user's body (e.g., an ear).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) may include a hinge structure (1229) configured to fold the wearing member (1203) relative to the lens frame (1202). The hinge structure (1229) may be positioned between the lens frame (1202) and the wearing member (1203). When the user is not wearing the augmented reality device (100), the user may fold the wearing member (1203) so that a portion overlaps the lens frame (1202) and carry or store the device. In one embodiment, the hinge structure (1229) may include a first hinge structure (1229a) connected to a portion of the lens frame (1202) (e.g., a first end (1202c)) and a first wearing member (1203a) and a second hinge structure (1229b) connected to a portion of the lens frame (1202) (e.g., a second end (1202d)) and a second wearing member (1203b).

[0123] FIG. 13 is a combined perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of an augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of an augmented reality device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0125] The configuration of the display member (1201), the lens frame (1202), the wearing member (1203), and the hinge structure (1229) of FIG. 13 and / or FIG. 14 may be partially or entirely identical to the configuration of the display member (1201), the lens frame (1202), the wearing member (1203), and the hinge structure (1229) of FIG. 12.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, an augmented reality device (100) (e.g., the augmented reality device (100) of FIG. 1) may include a display member (1201), a lens frame (1202), a wearing member (1203), a hinge structure (1229), at least one circuit board (1241), at least one battery (1243), at least one power transmission structure (1246), a camera module (1250), and / or a sensor module (1280).

[0127] According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) may acquire and / or recognize visual images of objects or environments viewed by the user or in a direction (e.g., -Y direction) toward which the augmented reality device (100) is directed using a camera module (1250), and may receive information about the objects or environments from an external electronic device via a network. In another embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) may provide the user with information about the objects or environments in an acoustic or visual form. The augmented reality device (100) may provide the user with information about the objects or environments in a visual form using a display module through a display member (1201). For example, the augmented reality device (100) may implement information about objects or environments in a visual form and combine it with an actual image of the user's surroundings, thereby implementing augmented reality.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the display member (1201) may be provided as a pair and may be arranged to correspond to the left and right eyes of the user, respectively, when the augmented reality device (100) is worn on the user's body. For example, the display member (1201) may include a first display member (1201a) and a second display member (1201b) arranged spaced apart from the first display member (1201a). The first display member (1201a) may be arranged to correspond to the user's right eye, and the second display member (1201b) may be arranged to correspond to the user's left eye.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the display member (1201) may include a first side (F1) facing a direction in which external light is incident (e.g., a -Z direction) and a second side (F2) facing an opposite direction (e.g., a +Z direction) of the first side (F1). When a user wears the augmented reality device (100), at least a portion of light or images incident through the first side (F1) may pass through the second side (F2) of the display member (1201) arranged to face the user's left eye and / or right eye and be incident on the user's left eye and / or right eye.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the lens frame (1202) may include at least two frames. For example, the lens frame (1202) may include a first frame (1202a) and a second frame (1202b). According to one embodiment, when a user wears the augmented reality device (100), the first frame (1202a) may be a frame that faces the user's face, and the second frame (1202b) may be a part of the lens frame (1202) that is spaced apart from the first frame (1202a) in a direction of the user's gaze (e.g., -Z direction).

[0131] According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) may include a light output module (1211) configured to provide images and / or videos to a user (e.g., the display engine (110) of FIG. 1). For example, the light output module (1211) may include a display panel (not shown) capable of outputting videos and a lens (not shown) corresponding to a user's eye and guiding the videos to a display member (1201). For example, the user may obtain videos output from the display panel of the light output module (1211) through the lens of the light output module (1211). According to one embodiment, the light output module (1211) may include a device configured to display various pieces of information. For example, the light output module (1211) may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital mirror device (DMD), a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or a micro light emitting diode (micro LED). According to one embodiment, when the light output module (1211) and / or the display member (1201) include one of a liquid crystal display, a digital mirror display, or a silicon liquid crystal display, the augmented reality device (100) may include a light source that irradiates light to a display area of ​​the light output module (1211) and / or the display member (1201). According to another embodiment, when the light output module (1211) and / or the display member (1201) include one of an organic light emitting diode or a micro LED, the augmented reality device (100) may provide a virtual image to a user without including a separate light source.

[0132] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the light output module (1211) may be disposed within the housing (1210). For example, the light output module (1211) may be connected to the display member (1201) and may provide an image to the user through the display member (1201). For example, an image output from the light output module (1211) may be incident on the display member (1201) through an input optical member (not shown) positioned at one end of the display member (1201), and may be radiated toward the user's eyes through a wave guide (e.g., a wave guide (120) of FIG. 1) and an output optical member (not shown) positioned at at least a portion of the display member (1201).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) may include a circuit board (1241) (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB), a printed board assembly (PBA), a flexible PCB (FPCB), or a rigid-flexible PCB (RFPCB)) that accommodates components for driving the augmented reality device (100). For example, the circuit board (1241) may include at least one integrated circuit chip, and at least one of a processor (not shown), a memory (not shown), a power management module (not shown), or a communication module (not shown) may be provided on the integrated circuit chip. According to one embodiment, the circuit board (1241) may be disposed within a wearing member (1203) of a housing (1210). For example, the circuit board (1241) may include a first circuit board (1241a) positioned within the first wearing member (1203a) and a second circuit board (1241b) positioned within the second wearing member (1203b). According to one embodiment, the communication module may be mounted on the first circuit board (1241a) positioned within the first wearing member (1203a), and the processor may be mounted on the second circuit board (1241b) positioned within the second wearing member (1203b). According to one embodiment, the circuit board (1241) may be electrically connected to a battery (1243) via a power transmission structure (1246). According to one embodiment, the circuit board (1241) may be an interposer board.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the battery (1243) may be electrically connected to components of the augmented reality device (100) (e.g., the light output module (1211), the circuit board (1241), the speaker module (1245), the microphone module (1247), and / or the camera module (1250)) and may supply power to the components of the augmented reality device (100).

[0135] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the battery (1243) may be disposed in the wearable member (1203). In one embodiment, the battery (1243) may include a first battery (1243a) disposed within a first wearable member (1203a) and a second battery (1243b) disposed within a second wearable member (1203b). In one embodiment, the battery (1243) may be disposed adjacent to an end (1203c, 1203d) of the wearable member (1203).

[0136] In one embodiment, the speaker module (1245) can convert an electrical signal into sound. At least a portion of the speaker module (1245) can be disposed within the wearable member (1203) of the housing (1210). In one embodiment, the speaker module (1245) can be positioned within the wearable member (1203) to correspond to the user's ear. In one embodiment (e.g., FIG. 13), the speaker module (1245) can be disposed next to the circuit board (1241). For example, the speaker module (1245) can be disposed between the circuit board (1241) and the battery (1243). In another embodiment (not shown), the speaker module (1245) can be disposed on the circuit board (1241). For example, the speaker module (1245) can be disposed between the circuit board (1241) and an inner case (e.g., the inner case (1231) of FIG. 14).

[0137] According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) may include a power transmission structure (1246) configured to transmit power from a battery (1243) to an electronic component (e.g., an optical output module (1211)) of the augmented reality device (100). For example, the power transmission structure (1246) may be electrically connected to the battery (1243) and / or a circuit board (1241), and the circuit board (1241) may transmit power received through the power transmission structure (1246) to the optical output module (1211). According to one embodiment, the power transmission structure (1246) may be a configuration capable of transmitting power. For example, the power transmission structure (1246) may include a flexible printed circuit board or a wire. For example, the wire may include a plurality of cables (not shown). In one embodiment, the shape of the power transmission structure (1246) may be variously modified in consideration of the number and / or type of cables.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the microphone module (1247) can convert sound into an electrical signal. According to one embodiment, the microphone module (1247) can be disposed within the lens frame (1202). For example, at least one microphone module (1247) can be disposed at the bottom (e.g., in the direction facing the -Y axis) and / or the top (e.g., in the direction facing the +X axis) of the augmented reality device (100). According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) can recognize the user's voice more clearly by using voice information (e.g., sound) acquired from the at least one microphone module (1247). For example, the augmented reality device (100) can distinguish voice information from ambient noise based on the acquired voice information and / or additional information (e.g., low-frequency vibration of the user's skin and bones). For example, the augmented reality device (100) can clearly recognize the user's voice and perform a function of reducing ambient noise (e.g., noise canceling).

[0139] In one embodiment, the camera module (1250) can capture still images and / or moving images. The camera module (1250) may include at least one of a lens, at least one image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash. In one embodiment, the camera module (1250) may be disposed within a lens frame (1202) and may be disposed around the display member (1201).

[0140] According to one embodiment, the camera module (1250) may include at least one first camera module (1251). According to one embodiment, the first camera module (1251) may capture a trajectory of a user's eye (e.g., pupil) or gaze. For example, the first camera module (1251) may include a light-emitting unit (e.g., IR LED) (not shown) configured to emit light in an infrared band and a camera structure (not shown) configured to capture a reflection pattern of light emitted by the light-emitting unit toward the user's eye. According to one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) may adjust the position of the virtual image projected on the display member (1201) so that the virtual image corresponds to a direction in which the user's pupil is looking. According to one embodiment, the first camera module (1251) may track a trajectory of the user's eye or gaze by using a plurality of first camera modules (1251) having the same specifications and performance.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the first camera module (1251) may periodically or aperiodically transmit information related to the trajectory of the user's eyes or gaze (e.g., trajectory information) to the processor. According to another embodiment, the first camera module (1251) may transmit the trajectory information to the processor when it detects that the user's gaze has changed (e.g., the eyes move more than a reference value while the head is still) based on the trajectory information.

[0142] In one embodiment, the camera module (1250) may include a second camera module (1253). In one embodiment, the second camera module (1253) may capture an external image. In one embodiment, the second camera module (1253) may capture an external image through a second optical hole (1223) formed in the second frame (1202b). For example, the second camera module (1253) may include a high-resolution color camera, and may be a high-resolution (HR) or photo video (PV) camera. In one embodiment, the second camera module (1253) may provide an auto focus (AF) function and an optical image stabilizer (OIS) function.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) may include a flash (not shown) positioned adjacent to the second camera module (1253). For example, the flash (not shown) may provide light to increase the brightness (e.g., illuminance) around the augmented reality device (100) when the second camera module (1253) acquires an external image, and may reduce difficulties in acquiring images due to dark environments, mixing of various light sources, and / or reflection of light.

[0144] In one embodiment, the camera module (1250) may include at least one third camera module (1255). In one embodiment, the third camera module (1255) may capture a user's action through a first optical hole (1221) formed in the lens frame (1202). For example, the third camera module (1255) may capture a user's gesture (e.g., a hand gesture). The third camera module (1255) and / or the first optical hole (1221) may be respectively disposed at opposite side ends of the lens frame (1202) (e.g., the second frame (1202b)), for example, at opposite ends of the lens frame (1202) (e.g., the second frame (1202b)) in the X direction. In one embodiment, the third camera module (1255) may be a global shutter (GS) type camera. For example, the third camera module (1255) can provide 360-degree space (e.g., omnidirectional), position recognition, and / or movement recognition with a camera that supports 3DoF (degrees of freedom) or 6DoF. According to one embodiment, the third camera module (1255) can perform a movement path tracking function (simultaneous localization and mapping, SLAM) and a user movement recognition function using a plurality of global shutter type cameras with the same specifications and performance as a stereo camera. According to one embodiment, the third camera module (1255) can include an infrared (IR) camera (e.g., a time of flight (TOF) camera or a structured light camera). For example, the IR camera can operate as at least a part of a sensor module for detecting a distance to a subject.

[0145] In one embodiment, at least one of the first camera module (1251) or the third camera module (1255) may be replaced with a sensor module. For example, the sensor module may include at least one of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), an infrared sensor, and / or a photodiode. For example, the photodiode may include a positive intrinsic negative (PIN) photodiode or an avalanche photodiode (APD). The photodiode may be interpreted as a photo detector or a photo sensor.

[0146] According to one embodiment, at least one of the first camera module (1251), the second camera module (1253), or the third camera module (1255) may include multiple camera modules (not shown). For example, the second camera module (1253) may be configured with multiple lenses (e.g., wide-angle and telephoto lenses) and image sensors and may be arranged on one side (e.g., the side facing the -Z direction) of the augmented reality device (100). For example, the augmented reality device (100) may include multiple camera modules, each having a different property (e.g., angle of view) or function, and may be controlled to change the angle of view of the camera module based on a user's selection and / or trajectory information. For example, at least one of the multiple camera modules may be a wide-angle camera, and at least another may be a telephoto camera.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the processor may determine the movement of the augmented reality device (100) and / or the movement of the user by using information of the augmented reality device (100) acquired using at least one of a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, or an acceleration sensor of the sensor module and a user's motion (e.g., approach of the user's body to the augmented reality device (100)) acquired using the third camera module (1255). According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) may include, in addition to the described sensors, a magnetic (geomagnetic) sensor capable of measuring a direction using a magnetic field and magnetic force lines, and / or a Hall sensor capable of acquiring movement information (e.g., a movement direction or a movement distance) using the strength of a magnetic field. For example, the processor may determine the movement of the augmented reality device (100) and / or the movement of the user based on information acquired from the magnetic (geomagnetic) sensor and / or the Hall sensor.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) can perform an input function (e.g., a touch and / or pressure sensing function) that enables interaction with a user. For example, a component configured to perform a touch and / or pressure sensing function (e.g., a touch sensor and / or a pressure sensor) may be disposed on at least a portion of the wearable member (1203). The augmented reality device (100) can control a virtual image output through the display member (1201) based on information acquired through the component. For example, the sensor related to the touch and / or pressure sensing function may be configured in various ways, such as a resistive type, a capacitive type, an electromagnetic induction (EM) type, or an optical type. According to one embodiment, the component configured to perform the touch and / or pressure sensing function may have some or all of the same configuration as the input module (150) of FIG. 1.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the augmented reality device (100) may include a reinforcing member (1260) disposed in the internal space of the lens frame (1202) and formed to have a higher rigidity than the rigidity of the lens frame (1202).

[0150] In one embodiment, the electronic device (1200) may include a lens structure (1273). The lens structure (1273) may refract at least a portion of light. For example, the lens structure (1273) may be a prescription lens having a specified refractive power. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the lens structure (1273) may be positioned behind (e.g., in the +Z direction) the display member (1201). For example, the lens structure (1273) may be positioned between the display member (1201) and a user's eye.

[0151] In one embodiment, the housing (1210) may include a hinge cover (1227) that may conceal a portion of the hinge structure (1229). Another portion of the hinge structure (1229) may be accommodated or concealed between an inner cover (1231) and an outer cover (1233), which will be described later.

[0152] In one embodiment, the wearable member (1203) may include an inner cover (1231) and an outer cover (1233). For example, the inner cover (1231) is a cover configured to face the user's body or to come into direct contact with the user's body, and may be made of a material with low thermal conductivity, for example, a synthetic resin. In one embodiment, the inner cover (1231) may include an inner side facing the user's body (for example, an inner side (1231c) of FIG. 12). For example, the outer cover (1233) may include a material capable of at least partially transmitting heat (for example, a metal material) and may be coupled to face the inner cover (1231). In one embodiment, the outer cover (1233) may include an outer side opposite the inner side (1231c) (for example, an outer side (1231d) of FIG. 12). In one embodiment, at least one of the circuit board (1241) or the speaker module (1245) may be accommodated in a space separate from the battery (1243) within the wearable member (1203). In the illustrated embodiment, the inner cover (1231) may include a first cover (1231a) that accommodates the circuit board (1241) and / or the speaker module (1245), and a second cover (1231b) that accommodates the battery (1243), and the outer cover (1233) may include a third cover (1233a) that is coupled to face the first cover (1231a), and a fourth cover (1233b) that is coupled to face the second cover (1231b). For example, a first cover (1231a) and a third cover (1233a) may be combined (hereinafter, “first cover portion (1231a, 1233a)”) to accommodate a circuit board (1241) and / or a speaker module (1245), and a second cover (1231b) and a fourth cover (1233b) may be combined (hereinafter, “second cover portion (1231b, 1233b)”) to accommodate a battery (1243).

[0153] According to one embodiment, the first cover portion (1231a, 1233a) is rotatably coupled to the lens frame (1202) via a hinge structure (1229), and the second cover portion (1231b, 1233b) can be connected or mounted to an end of the first cover portion (1231a, 1233a) via a connection structure (1235). According to one embodiment, a portion of the connection structure (1235) that comes into contact with the user's body can be made of a material having low thermal conductivity, for example, an elastic material such as silicone, polyurethane, or rubber, and a portion that does not come into contact with the user's body can be made of a material having high thermal conductivity, for example, a metal material. For example, when heat is generated in the circuit board (1241) or the battery (1243), the connection structure (1235) can block the heat from being transferred to a part that comes into contact with the user's body, and disperse or release the heat through a part that does not come into contact with the user's body. According to one embodiment, a part of the connection structure (1235) that comes into contact with the user's body can be interpreted as a part of the inner cover (1231), and a part of the connection structure (1235) that does not come into contact with the user's body can be interpreted as a part of the outer cover (1233). According to one embodiment, the first cover (1231a) and the second cover (1231b) can be configured as an integral part without the connection structure (1235), and the third cover (1233a) and the fourth cover (1233b) can be configured as an integral part without the connection structure (1235). According to one embodiment, in addition to the illustrated components, other components (e.g., an antenna module) may be further included, and information about objects or environments may be provided from external electronic devices via a network using a communication module.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the lens frame (1202) may include a connecting portion (1274) between the first display member (1201a) and the second display member (1201b). For example, the connecting portion (1274) may be interpreted as a portion corresponding to a nose pad of glasses.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (1200) may include a connection member (1205). According to one embodiment, the circuit board (1241) is connected to the connection member (1205) and may transmit electrical signals to components of the electronic device (1200) (e.g., the light output module (1211) and / or the camera module (1250)) through the connection member (1205). For example, a control signal transmitted from a processor located on the circuit board (1241) may be transmitted to the electronic components using at least a portion of the connection member (1205). For example, at least a portion of the connection member (1205) may include wiring (not shown) electrically connected to components of the electronic device (1200).

[0156] In one embodiment, the connecting member (1205) can include a first connecting member (1205a) at least partially disposed within the first wearing member (1203a) and a second connecting member (1205b) at least partially disposed within the second wearing member (1203b). In one embodiment, at least a portion of the first connecting member (1205a) and / or the second connecting member (1205b) can face the hinge structure (1229). For example, the first connecting member (1205a) can extend from the first circuit board (1241a) across the hinge structure (1229) into the interior of the lens frame (1202). The second connecting member (1205b) can extend from the second circuit board (1241b) across the hinge structure (1229) into the interior of the lens frame (1202). For example, a portion of the first connecting member (1205a) and a portion of the second connecting member (1205b) may be positioned within the wearing member (1203), and another portion may be positioned within the lens frame (1202).

[0157] In one embodiment, the first connecting member (1205a) and the second connecting member (1205b) may include structures that can be folded or unfolded based on the rotation of the hinge structure (1229). For example, the first connecting member (1205a) and / or the second connecting member (1205b) may include a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). In one embodiment, the first connecting member (1205a) may be electrically and / or mechanically connected to the first circuit board (1241a). In one embodiment, the second connecting member (1205b) may be electrically and / or mechanically connected to the second circuit board (1241b). In one embodiment, the first connecting member (1205a) and / or the second connecting member (1205b) may include structures (e.g., wiring and / or cables) for transmitting signals.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (1280) can detect light passing through the display member (1201). According to one embodiment, the sensor module (1280) can include a first sensor module (1281) capable of detecting light passing through the first display member (1201a) and a second sensor module (1282) capable of detecting light passing through the second display member (1201b). For example, the first sensor module (1281) can detect light from the rear (e.g., in the +Z direction) of the first display member (1201a), and the second sensor module (1282) can detect light from the rear of the second display member (1201b).

[0159] According to one embodiment, the sensor module (1280) may include a third sensor module (1283) capable of detecting light in front of the display member (1201) (e.g., in the -Z direction). For example, the third sensor module (1283) may detect light in front of the display member (1201) (e.g., in the -Z direction).

[0160] In one embodiment, the sensor module (1280) may be a light sensor. In one embodiment, the third sensor module (1283) may have some or all of the same configuration as the second camera module (1253).

[0161] Augmented reality devices, such as AR glasses, may be provided in a form factor similar to eyeglasses. The AR device may include a waveguide capable of presenting a combination of real and virtual objects to the user to enhance immersion. Furthermore, the AR device may include a display engine for outputting virtual objects through the waveguide. Within the waveguide, light output from the display engine may be diffracted and transmitted to the user's eyes.

[0162] In order to provide miniaturization and lightweighting of an augmented reality device, the thickness of the waveguide needs to be reduced. However, as the thickness of the waveguide is reduced, the number of times light is diffracted within the waveguide increases, which may result in significant light loss, and thus, it may be difficult to secure the brightness of the image output to the user. In addition, as the light loss becomes more severe, the size of the battery that provides power to the display engine needs to increase, or an external power source becomes necessary, which makes it difficult to miniaturize and lightweight the augmented reality device.

[0163] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a waveguide with improved light transmission efficiency even with a thin thickness and an augmented reality device including the same can be provided.

[0164] However, the problem to be solved in this disclosure is not limited to the problem mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0165] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an augmented reality device can be implemented with a waveguide having a thin thickness and improved light transmission efficiency, thereby providing miniaturization and weight reduction of the augmented reality device.

[0166] The effects that can be obtained from the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0167] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a waveguide includes a guide body (120), a first diffractive element (131) disposed in the guide body (120) and configured to diffract light incident from an external light source in a first direction, and a plurality of second diffractive elements (132) disposed in the guide body (120) and configured to diffract light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131), wherein each of the plurality of second diffractive elements (132) may extend along the first direction and be spaced apart from an adjacent second diffractive element by a specified distance or less along a second direction different from the first direction.

[0168] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of second diffractive elements (132) may have substantially the same width in the second direction, and the designated interval may be smaller than the width of the first diffractive element (131) in the second direction.

[0169] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of second diffractive elements (132) may have a different width in the second direction, and the designated interval may be smaller than the width of the first diffractive element (131) in the second direction.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the second-first diffraction element (1321) among the plurality of second diffraction elements (132) may be arranged parallel to the first diffraction element (131) in the first direction.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the second-first diffractive element (1321) may be parallel to the first direction.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the second-first diffractive element (1321a) may be inclined with respect to the first direction.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the wave guide may further include a third diffractive element (133) arranged in the guide body (120) and configured to diffract light diffracted by the plurality of second diffractive elements (132).

[0174] According to one embodiment, the light diffracted by the third diffraction element (133) may be configured to be output to the outside of the guide body (120).

[0175] According to one embodiment, the third diffractive element (133) may include one of a square shape or a hexagonal shape.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the third diffractive element (133) includes a plurality of third diffractive elements, each of which may extend in the second direction and be spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0177] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an augmented reality device includes a lens frame (1202), a wearing member (1203) configured to be foldable with respect to the lens frame (1202), a wave guide disposed on the lens frame (1202), and a display engine (110) disposed on the wearing member (1203) and configured to output light to the wave guide, wherein the wave guide includes a guide body (120), a first diffractive element (131) disposed on the guide body (120) and configured to diffract light incident from the display engine in a first direction, and a plurality of second diffractive elements (132) disposed on the guide body (120) and configured to diffract light diffracted by the first diffractive element (131), wherein each of the plurality of second diffractive elements (132) may extend along the first direction and be spaced apart from an adjacent second diffractive element by a specified distance or less along a second direction different from the first direction.

[0178] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of second diffractive elements (132) may have substantially the same width in the second direction, and the designated interval may be smaller than the width of the first diffractive element (131) in the second direction.

[0179] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of second diffractive elements (132) may have a different width in the second direction, and the designated interval may be smaller than the width of the first diffractive element (131) in the second direction.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the second-first diffraction element among the plurality of second diffraction elements (132) may be arranged parallel to the first diffraction element (131) in the first direction.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the second-first diffractive element (1321) may be parallel to the first direction.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the second-first diffractive element (1321a) may be inclined with respect to the first direction.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the wave guide may further include a third diffractive element (133) arranged in the guide body (120) and configured to diffract light diffracted by the plurality of second diffractive elements (132).

[0184] According to one embodiment, the light diffracted by the third diffraction element (133) may be configured to be output to the outside of the guide body (120).

[0185] According to one embodiment, the third diffractive element (133) may include one of a square shape or a hexagonal shape.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the third diffractive element (133) includes a plurality of third diffractive elements (133), and each of the plurality of third diffractive elements (133) may extend in the second direction and be spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0187] Although the detailed description of this document has described specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of this document.

Claims

1. In wave guide, Guide body (120); A first diffraction element (131) arranged in the above guide body (120) and configured to diffract light incident from an external light source in a first direction; It includes a plurality of second diffraction elements (132) arranged in the above guide body (120) and configured to diffract light diffracted by the first diffraction element (131), Each of the above plurality of second diffractive elements (132) A waveguide extending along the first direction and spaced apart from a second diffractive element adjacent thereto along a second direction different from the first direction by a specified distance or less.

2. In paragraph 1, Each of the above plurality of second diffractive elements (132) having substantially the same width in the second direction, The above specified interval is, A wave guide smaller than the width of the first diffractive element (131) in the second direction.

3. In either of paragraphs 1 and 2, Each of the above plurality of second diffractive elements (132) having different widths in the above second direction, The above specified interval is, A wave guide smaller than the width of the first diffractive element (131) in the second direction.

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, Among the plurality of second diffraction elements (132), the second-first diffraction element (1321) is A wave guide arranged parallel to the first diffraction element (131) in the first direction.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, The above 2-1 diffraction element (1321) is A wave guide parallel to the first direction.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above 2-1 diffraction element (1321a) is A wave guide inclined with respect to the first direction.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, A wave guide further comprising a third diffraction element (133) arranged in the above guide body (120) and configured to diffract light diffracted by the plurality of second diffraction elements (132).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The light diffracted by the third diffraction element (133) is A wave guide configured to be output to the outside of the above guide body (120).

9. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 8, The above third diffraction element (133) is A wave guide comprising either a square shape or a hexagonal shape.

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above third diffraction element (133) is Contains multiple third diffractive elements, Each of the plurality of third diffractive elements, Wave guides extending in the second direction and spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

11. In augmented reality devices, Lens frame (1202); A wearable member (1203) configured to be foldable with respect to the above lens frame (1202); A wave guide arranged in the above lens frame (1202); and It includes a display engine (110) arranged on the above-mentioned wearable member (1203) and configured to output light to the wave guide, The above wave guide, Guide body (120); A first diffraction element (131) arranged in the above guide body (120) and configured to diffract light incident from the display engine in a first direction; It includes a plurality of second diffraction elements (132) arranged in the above guide body (120) and configured to diffract light diffracted by the first diffraction element (131), Each of the above plurality of second diffractive elements (132) An augmented reality device extending along the first direction and spaced apart from a second diffractive element adjacent to the first direction by a specified distance or less.

12. In paragraph 11, Each of the above plurality of second diffractive elements (132) having substantially the same width in the second direction, The above specified interval is, An augmented reality device having a width smaller than that of the first diffractive element (131) in the second direction.

13. In either of paragraphs 11 and 12, Each of the above plurality of second diffractive elements (132) having different widths in the above second direction, The above specified interval is, An augmented reality device having a width smaller than that of the first diffractive element (131) in the second direction.

14. In any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, Among the plurality of second diffraction elements (132), the second-first diffraction element is An augmented reality device arranged parallel to the first diffraction element (131) in the first direction.

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, The above 2-1 diffraction element (1321) is An augmented reality device parallel to the first direction.

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