Wearable electronic device including waveguide

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wearable electronic device. A wearable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a housing; a display disposed in the housing; and a waveguide configured to transmit light generated from the display, wherein the waveguide comprises: a first waveguide facing the display; a first guide including a first portion connected to the first waveguide and a second portion located farther from the first waveguide than the first portion; a second guide extending in a direction intersecting the first guide and configured to output light; and a diffraction layer extending from the first portion toward the second portion and configured to refract light transmitted through the first guide. The diffraction layer may comprise: a plurality of patterns protruding toward the second guide and having a first refractive index; and a first coating layer partially disposed between the plurality of patterns and having a second refractive index less than the first refractive index.

Description

Wearable electronic devices including wave guides

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to wearable electronic devices, for example, wearable electronic devices including wave guides.

[0002] Portable electronic devices, such as electronic notebooks, portable multimedia players, mobile communication terminals, or tablet PCs, typically include a display and a battery, and have an exterior shape such as a bar type, a folder type, or a sliding type due to the shape of the display or battery. Recently, as the performance of display and battery has improved, they have become smaller, leading to the commercialization of wearable electronic devices that can be worn on parts of the body, such as the wrist or head. Since wearable electronic devices are directly worn on the body, portability and / or accessibility can be improved.

[0003] Among wearable electronic devices, an electronic device that a user can wear on their face, such as a head-mounted device (HMD), is disclosed. Head-mounted devices can be usefully utilized to implement virtual reality or augmented reality. For example, a wearable electronic device can implement virtual reality by providing a three-dimensional image of a virtual space in a game enjoyed through a television or computer monitor while blocking the image of the actual space in which the user is located. Another type of wearable electronic device can provide an environment in which the user can visually perceive an actual image of the space in which the user is located, while implementing a virtual image to provide the user with various visual information, thereby providing augmented reality.

[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 in connection with the present disclosure.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device includes a housing; a display disposed inside the housing; and a waveguide configured to transmit light generated from the display, wherein the waveguide includes: a first waveguide facing the display; a first guide including a first portion connected to the first waveguide and a second portion positioned further from the first portion than the first portion; a second guide extending in a direction intersecting the first guide and configured to output light; and a diffractive layer extending from the first portion toward the second portion and configured to refract light transmitted through the first guide, wherein the diffractive layer may include a plurality of patterns protruding toward the second guide and having a first refractive index; and a first coating layer partially disposed between the plurality of patterns and having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wearable electronic device includes a housing; a display disposed inside the housing; a guide configured to transmit light generated from the display; and a diffractive layer configured to refract light transmitted inside the guide, wherein the diffractive layer may include a plurality of patterns having a first refractive index; and a first coating layer disposed between each of the plurality of patterns and having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index.

[0007] The above-described aspects or other aspects, configurations and / or advantages of one embodiment of the present disclosure may be further clarified by the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment according to various embodiments.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the front side of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing the rear side of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a portion of a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the propagation of light through a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a diagram conceptually illustrating the propagation of light through a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a portion of a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a drawing of a first wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an exit pupil by a wearable electronic device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a part of a cross-sectional view of a wave guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 12 is a conceptual diagram of a guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating the effect on the exit pupil according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 14 is a part of a guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a drawing illustrating the effect of a guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating the effect of a guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating a type of guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating a type of guide according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Throughout the attached drawings, similar reference numbers may be assigned to similar parts, components and / or structures.

[0027] The following description of the accompanying drawings may provide an understanding of various exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, including the claims and their equivalents. While the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the following description include numerous specific details to aid understanding, they are to be considered as one example of various exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations of the various implementations described in this disclosure may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0028] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to their reference meanings and can be used to clearly and consistently describe one embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of various implementations of the disclosure is provided for illustrative purposes, not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure and its equivalents.

[0029] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms of "a," "an," and "the" should be understood to include plural meanings. Thus, for example, "a component surface" could be understood to include one or more of the surfaces of the component.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device (101) within a network environment (100) according to various embodiments.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network), or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device (104) or a server (108) via a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). In one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) via the server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), a memory (130), an input module (150), an audio output module (155), a display module (160), an audio module (170), a sensor module (176), an interface (177), a connection terminal (178), a haptic module (179), a camera module (180), a power management module (188), a battery (189), a communication module (190), a subscriber identification module (196), or an antenna module (197). In some embodiments, the electronic device (101) may omit at least one of these components (e.g., the connection terminal (178)), or may have one or more other components added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., the sensor module (176), the camera module (180), or the antenna module (197)) may be integrated into one component (e.g., the display module (160)).

[0032] The processor (120) may, for example, execute software (e.g., a program (140)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a sensor module (176) or a communication module (190)) in a volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory (132), and store result data in a non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a graphics processing unit, a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together with the main processor (121). For example, when the electronic device (101) includes the main processor (121) and the auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use less power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a given function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as a part thereof.

[0033] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least a portion of functions or states associated with at least one component (e.g., a display module (160), a sensor module (176), or a communication module (190)) of the electronic device (101), for example, on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as a part of another functionally related component (e.g., a camera module (180) or a communication module (190)). In one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., a neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing artificial intelligence models. The artificial intelligence models may be generated through machine learning. This learning can be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence model is executed, or can be performed through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm can include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model can include multiple artificial neural network layers.The artificial neural network may be one of a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to, or alternatively to, a hardware structure, an artificial intelligence model may include a software structure.

[0034] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)) of the electronic device (101). The data can include, for example, software (e.g., program (140)) and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (130) can include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0035] The program (140) may be stored as software in the memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0036] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., a processor (120)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The input module (150) can include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0037] The audio output module (155) can output audio signals to the outside of the electronic device (101). The audio output module (155) can include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker can be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver can be used to receive incoming calls. In one embodiment, the receiver can be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0038] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0039] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal, or vice versa, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150), output sound through the sound output module (155), or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphone) directly or wirelessly connected to the electronic device (101).

[0040] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) can include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0041] The interface (177) may support one or more designated protocols that may be used to directly or wirelessly connect the electronic device (101) with an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (102)). In one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0042] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) may be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0043] The haptic module (179) can convert electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that a user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic sensations. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) can include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulation device.

[0044] The camera module (180) can capture still images and videos. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0045] The power management module (188) can manage power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented as, for example, at least a part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0046] A battery (189) may power at least one component of the electronic device (101). In one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0047] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication first wave guide or a wireless communication first wave guide between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication first wave guide. The communication module (190) can operate independently from the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and can include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) can include a wireless communication module (192) (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device (104) via a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (WiFi) direct, or infrared data association (IrDA)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules can be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module (192) can verify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) by using subscriber information (e.g., an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0048] The wireless communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following the 4G network, such as NR access technology (new radio access technology). The NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (eMBB (enhanced mobile broadband)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (mMTC (massive machine type communications)), or high reliability and low latency (URLLC (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications)). The wireless communication module (192) can support, for example, a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate. The wireless communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in a high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO), full dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large scale antenna. The wireless communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device (104)), or a network system (e.g., the second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the wireless communication module (192) can support a peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, a loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or a U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less for downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), or 1 ms or less for round trip) for URLLC realization.

[0049] The antenna module (197) can transmit or receive signals or power to or from an external device (e.g., an external electronic device). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna including a radiator formed of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). In one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as the first network (198) or the second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by the communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. In some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, another component (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as a part of the antenna module (197).

[0050] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. In one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent a first side (e.g., a bottom side) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a designated high-frequency band (e.g., a mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna) disposed on or adjacent a second side (e.g., a top side or a side side) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the designated high-frequency band.

[0051] At least some of the above components can be interconnected and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., a bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface)).

[0052] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) via a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102 or 104) may be the same or a different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations executed in the electronic device (101) may be executed in one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, when the electronic device (101) is to perform a certain function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may, instead of or in addition to executing the function or service itself, request one or more external electronic devices to perform the function or at least a part of the service. One or more external electronic devices that receive the request may execute at least a portion of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may process the result as is or additionally and provide it as at least a portion of a response to the request. For this purpose, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used, for example. The electronic device (101) may provide an ultra-low latency service by using distributed computing or mobile edge computing, for example. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server utilizing machine learning and / or a neural network. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included in the second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0053] Electronic devices according to the various embodiments disclosed in this document may take various forms. Electronic devices may include, for example, portable communication devices (e.g., smartphones), computer devices, portable multimedia devices, portable medical devices, cameras, wearable devices, or home appliances. Electronic devices according to the embodiments of this document are not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0054] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, each of the phrases "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" can include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase among those phrases, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used merely to distinguish one component from another, and do not limit the components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0055] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0056] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program (140)) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., an internal memory (136) or an external memory (138)) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (120)) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device (101)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the method according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0058] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the internal configuration of a wearable electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, a wearable electronic device (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include at least one of a light output module (211), a display member (201), and a camera module (250).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) may be a body-worn device. For example, the wearable electronic device (200) may be a head-mounted device (HMD), smart glasses, or a video see-through (VST) device capable of providing images directly in front of the user's eyes. In the illustrated embodiment, the wearable electronic device (200) is illustrated as having the appearance of goggles, but the wearable electronic device (200) of the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may have various types of appearances. The wearable electronic device (200) may provide a pass-through function. The wearable electronic device (200) may be referred to as a pass-through device.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the light output module (211) may include a light source capable of outputting an image, and a lens for guiding the image to the display member (201). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the light output module (211) may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a digital mirror device (DMD), a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS), a light emitting diode (LED) on silicon (LEDoS), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), or a micro light emitting diode (micro LED). The light output module (211) may be referred to as a “display.”

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display member (201) may include an optical waveguide (e.g., a waveguide). The display member (201) may be referred to as a “display.” According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an output image of the optical output module (211) incident on one end of the optical waveguide may be propagated inside the optical waveguide and provided to a user. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the optical waveguide may include at least one of a diffractive optical element (DOE), a holographic optical element (HOE), or a reflective element (e.g., a reflective mirror). For example, the optical waveguide may include at least one of a diffractive optical element, a holographic optical element, or a reflective element (e.g., a reflective mirror), thereby guiding the output image of the optical output module (211) to the user’s eyes.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the camera module (250) can capture still images and / or moving images. According to one embodiment, the camera module (250) is disposed within a lens frame and can be disposed around the display member (201).

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first camera module (251) can capture and / or recognize the trajectory of the user's eye (e.g., pupil, iris) or gaze. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first camera module (251) can periodically or aperiodically transmit information related to the trajectory of the user's eye or gaze (e.g., trajectory information) to a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1). The first camera module (251) can receive light irradiated from a lamp (e.g., lamp (328) of FIG. 4) and reflected on the user's eye.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second camera module (253) can capture an external image.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third camera module (255) can be used for hand detection and tracking, and user gesture (e.g., hand movement) recognition. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the third camera module (255) can be used for 3 degrees of freedom (3DoF), 6DoF head tracking, position (space, environment) recognition, and / or movement recognition. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the second camera module (253) can also be used for hand detection and tracking, and user gesture recognition. According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the first camera module (251) to the third camera module (255) can be replaced with a sensor module (e.g., a LiDAR sensor). For example, the sensor module can include at least one of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), an infrared sensor, and / or a photodiode.

[0068] FIGS. 3 and 4 are drawings showing the front and back of a wearable electronic device (300) according to one embodiment.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a housing (301). The housing (301) may include a first side (310) and a second side (330).

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, in one embodiment, camera modules (311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316) and / or depth sensors (317) for obtaining information related to the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device (300) may be arranged on the first surface (310) of the housing (301).

[0071] In one embodiment, the camera modules (311, 312) can acquire images related to the surrounding environment of the wearable electronic device (300).

[0072] In one embodiment, the camera modules (313, 314, 315, 316) can acquire images while the wearable electronic device (300) is worn by the user. The camera modules (313, 314, 315, 316) can be used for hand detection, tracking, and recognition of user gestures (e.g., hand movements). The camera modules (313, 314, 315, 316) can be used for 3DoF, 6DoF head tracking, position (spatial, environmental) recognition, and / or movement recognition. In one embodiment, the camera modules (311, 312) can also be used for hand detection and tracking, and recognition of user gestures.

[0073] In one embodiment, a depth sensor (317) may be configured to transmit a signal and receive a signal reflected from a subject, and may be used for purposes such as time of flight (TOF) to determine the distance to an object. Instead of or in addition to the depth sensor (317), camera modules (313, 314, 315, 316) may determine the distance to an object.

[0074] According to one embodiment, a wearable electronic device (300) may include a display (319). The display (319) may output visual information through a lens assembly (320). The display (319) may be identical to the light output module (211) described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0075] According to one embodiment, a camera module (335, 336) for facial recognition and / or a lens assembly (320) (and / or a display) may be disposed on the second side (330) of the housing.

[0076] In one embodiment, a face recognition camera module (335, 336) adjacent to the display (319) may be used to recognize a user's face, or may recognize and / or track both eyes of the user.

[0077] In one embodiment, the lens assembly (320) (and / or the display) may be disposed on the second side (330) of the wearable electronic device (300). In one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may not include camera modules (315, 316) among the plurality of camera modules (313, 314, 315, 316). Although not illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the wearable electronic device (300) may further include at least one of the configurations illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0078] As described above, according to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (300) may have a form factor for being worn on a user's head. The wearable electronic device (300) may further include a strap and / or a wearing member for being secured to a body part of the user. The wearable electronic device (300) may provide a user experience based on augmented reality, virtual reality, and / or mixed reality while being worn on the user's head.

[0079] Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a portion of a wearable electronic device (101). Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the propagation of light through a wave guide (410). Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating optical paths (P1, P2, P3, P4) through a wave guide (410). Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating the propagation of light through a first wave guide (411) and guides (412, 413). The components described with reference to Figs. 5 to 8 may be partly or entirely identical to the components described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. The components described with reference to Figs. 5 to 8 may be partly or entirely identical to the components described with reference to Figs. 9 to 18.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may include a housing (401). The housing (401) may have a space therein. The housing (401) may form the outer shape of the wearable electronic device (101). The description of the housing (401) may be identical to the description of the housing (301) described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may include a display (402). The display (402) may be disposed within the housing (401). The display (402) may output light. The description of the display (402) may be identical to the description of the light output module (211) described with reference to FIG. 2. The description of the display (402) may be identical to the description of the display (319) described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may include a waveguide (410). The waveguide (410) may reflect, refract, and diffract light. Light output from the display (402) may travel through the waveguide (410). The waveguide (410) may include a transparent material. At least a portion of the waveguide (410) may be bendable. The waveguide (410) may guide light output from the display (402) toward the user's eye (E). Light output from the display (402) may travel toward the eye (E) through the waveguide (410). The waveguide (410) may be referred to as a "lightguide." The waveguide (410) may be referred to as a "first waveguide."

[0083] According to one embodiment, the waveguide (410) may include a first waveguide (411). The first waveguide (411) may reflect, refract, and diffract light. The first waveguide (411) may face the display (402). Light output from the display (402) may be irradiated to the first waveguide (411). Light output from the display (402) may travel along the first waveguide (411). Light output from the display (402) may be reflected within the first waveguide (411). The first waveguide (411) may be referred to as a “light-incident portion.” The first waveguide (411) may be referred to as a “first passage.”

[0084] According to one embodiment, the wave guide (410) may include a second wave guide (412, 413). The second wave guide (412, 413) may reflect, refract, and diffract light. The second wave guide (412, 413) may be connected to the first wave guide (411). Light traveling inside the first wave guide (411) may travel toward the guide (412, 413). The second wave guide (412, 413) may guide the direction of travel of light passing through the first wave guide (411). The second wave guide (412, 413) may refract light passing through the first wave guide (411). The second wave guide (412, 413) may diffract a portion of the light passing through the first wave guide (411). The second wave guide (412, 413) may be referred to as a "progress portion." The guide (412, 413) may be referred to as a "second passage." The second wave guide (412, 413) may be referred to as a "guide."

[0085] According to one embodiment, the guides (412, 413) may include a first guide (412) and a second guide (413). The first guide (412) and the second guide (413) may be substantially orthogonal. The first guide (412) may be connected to the first wave guide (411). The first guide (412) may be extended by bending from the first wave guide (411). Light passing through the first wave guide (411) may be irradiated to the first guide (412). The second guide (413) may be connected to the first guide (412). The second guide (413) may be extended by bending from the first guide (412). Light passing through the first guide (412) may be irradiated to the second guide (413).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the wave guide (410) may include a display area (414). The display area (414) may be an area that faces the user's eyes (E). Light output from the display (402) may be transmitted to the display area (414) through the first wave guide (411) and the guides (412, 413). The light transmitted to the display area (414) may be visually exposed to the user's eyes (E). The display area (414) may be referred to as a "light-emitting area." The display area (414) may be referred to as a "third passage."

[0087] According to one embodiment, light output from the display (402) may travel along optical paths (P1, P2, P3, P4). The optical paths (P1, P2, P3, P4) may be formed inside a wave guide (410).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the optical paths (P1, P2, P3, P4) may include a first optical path (P1). The first optical path (P1) may be formed from the display (402) toward the first wave guide (411). Light output from the display (402) may travel along the first optical path (P1) to the first wave guide (411).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the optical paths (P1, P2, P3, P4) may include a second optical path (P2). The second optical path (P2) may be formed from the first wave guide (411) toward the first guide (412). Light traveling inside the first wave guide (411) may travel along the second optical path (P2) to the first guide (412). The second optical path (P2) may be formed when light traveling along the first optical path (P1) is reflected inside the first wave guide (411).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the optical paths (P1, P2, P3, P4) may include a third optical path (P3). The third optical path (P3) may be formed from the first guide (412) toward the second guide (413). Light traveling inside the first guide (412) may travel along the third optical path (P3) to the second guide (413). The third optical path (P3) may be formed by light traveling along the second optical path (P2) being refracted inside the first guide (412). A portion of the light traveling along the second optical path (P2) may be diffracted inside the first guide (412).

[0091] According to one embodiment, the optical paths (P1, P2, P3, P4) may include a fourth optical path (P4). The fourth optical path (P4) may extend from the second guide (413) toward the display area (414). Light traveling inside the second guide (413) may travel along the fourth optical path (P4) to the display area (414). The fourth optical path (P4) may be formed by light traveling along the third optical path (P3) being refracted inside the second guide (413). A portion of the light traveling along the third optical path (P3) may be diffracted inside the second guide (413).

[0092] Fig. 9 is a drawing illustrating the propagation of light within the first wave guide (411). The components described with reference to Fig. 9 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8. The components described with reference to Fig. 9 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to Figs. 10 to 18.

[0093] According to one embodiment, light output from the display (402) may be incident on the first waveguide (411). The light output from the display (402) may be incident on the first waveguide (411) along a first optical path (P11, P12). The first optical paths (P11, P12) may include a 1-1 optical path (P11) and a 1-2 optical path (P12). The 1-1 optical path (P11) and the 1-2 optical path (P12) may be distinguished according to an incident angle (A) at which light enters the first waveguide (411). For example, the 1-1 optical path (P11) may be incident on the first waveguide (411) at a first incident angle (A1). For example, the 1-2 optical path (P12) may be incident on the first waveguide (411) at a second incident angle (A2).

[0094] According to one embodiment, light may be reflected within the first wave guide (411). The first wave guide (411) may include a first wave guide pattern (4111). The first wave guide pattern (4111) may be formed on one surface of the first wave guide (411). The light may be reflected by the first wave guide pattern (4111) of the first wave guide (411).

[0095] According to one embodiment, light may be totally reflected inside the first waveguide (411). The first waveguide (411) may include a glass material. The first waveguide (411) may include a ceramic material. The first waveguide (411) may have a first refractive index (n1). The first refractive index (n1) of the first waveguide (411) may be greater than the refractive index of air. Light inside the first waveguide (411) may be totally reflected at the boundary surface of the first waveguide (411).

[0096] According to one embodiment, light can travel along a second optical path (P21, P22, P23) inside the first wave guide (411). The light can be reflected inside the first wave guide (411) and travel along a second optical path (P21, P22, P23). The second optical paths (P21, P22, P23) can include a 2-1 optical path (P21), a 2-2 optical path (P22), and a 2-3 optical path (P23). The light can travel along any one of the 2-1 optical path (P21), the 2-2 optical path (P22), and the 2-3 optical path (P23) depending on the incident angle (A1, A2) at which the light is incident on the first wave guide (411).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the second-first optical path (P21), the second-second optical path (P22), and the second-third optical path (P23) may have different reflection angles (B1, B2, B3). For example, the second-first optical path (P21) may have a first reflection angle (B1). For example, the second-second optical path (P22) may have a second reflection angle (B2). For example, the second-third optical path (P23) may have a third reflection angle (B3). The second-first reflection angle (B1) may be greater than the second-second reflection angle (B2). The second-second reflection angle (B2) may be greater than the second-third reflection angle (B3).

[0098] FIG. 10 is a drawing explaining the difference in the exit pupils (Q1, Q2, Q3) in the display area (414) according to the optical paths (P21, P22, P23) illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a drawing explaining the propagation of light to the first wave guide (411), the guides (412, 413), and the display area (414). FIG. 12 is a drawing explaining the diffraction efficiency by the diffraction layer (420) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a drawing explaining the difference in the exit pupils (QS, QS1, QE, QE1) in the display area (414) according to the diffraction efficiency distribution by the diffraction layer (420). The components explained with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13 may be some or all the same as the components explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. The components described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 13 may be partially or entirely the same as the components described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 18.

[0099] According to one embodiment, a "diffraction efficiency" may be defined. The diffraction efficiency may be defined as a ratio of the amount of light diffracted by the diffraction layer (420) to the total amount of light transmitted to the diffraction layer (420). For example, referring to FIG. 12 , the diffraction layer (420) may have a first diffraction efficiency (E1) at a position corresponding to the first portion (4121) of the first guide (412). For example, referring to FIG. 12 , the diffraction layer (420) may have a second diffraction efficiency (E5) at a position corresponding to the second portion (4122) of the first guide (412).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the exit pupils (Q1, Q2, Q3) in the display area (414) may vary depending on the optical paths (P21, P22, P23) of light traveling inside the first wave guide (411). Referring to FIG. 11, the light inside the first wave guide (411) may enter the first guide (412) along the optical paths (P21, P22, P23). The light that enters the first guide (412) may travel along the optical paths (P21, P22), and the traveling optical path may be changed to the third optical path (P31, P32) by the diffraction layer (420) disposed inside the guides (412, 413). Light can be incident on the display area (414) along the third optical path (P31, P32) and can form exit pupils (Q1, Q2) in the display area (414). Light can be incident on the display area (414) along the 3-1 optical path (P31) or the 3-2 optical path (P32), and the exit pupils (Q1, Q2) formed in the display area (414) can vary depending on the optical path (P31 or P32) along which the light is incident. Light can travel along the first wave guide (411) and the first guide (412) along the 2-1 optical path (P21) or the 2-2 optical path (P22), and the optical path (P31, P32) of the light traveling inside the second guide (413) can vary depending on the optical path (P21 or P22) along which the light travels. Depending on the optical path (P21, P22, P23) of light traveling inside the first wave guide (411), the optical path (P31, P32) of light traveling inside the second guide (413) may vary, and depending on the optical path (P31, P32) of light traveling inside the second guide (413) varies, the exit pupil (Q1, Q2) displayed in the display area (414) may vary.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the number of exit pupils (Q1, Q2, Q3) formed in the display area (414) may vary depending on the optical paths (P21, P22, P23) along which light travels inside the first wave guide (411) and the first guide (412). Referring to FIG. 10, it can be confirmed that the number of exit pupils (Q1, Q2, Q3) in the display area (414) varies depending on the optical paths along which light travels inside the first wave guide (411) and the first guide (412) as the 2-1 optical path (P21), the 2-2 optical path (P22), and the 2-3 optical path (P23). For example, the number of exit pupils (Q1) when light proceeds to the 2-1 optical path (P21) inside the first wave guide (411) and the first guide (412) may be smaller than the number of exit pupils (Q2) when light proceeds to the 2-2 optical path (P22) inside the first wave guide (411) and the first guide (412).

[0102] According to one embodiment, a direction of propagation of light (D1) can be defined. The direction of propagation of light (D1) can refer to an actual direction of propagation of light within the first wave guide (411). The direction of propagation of light (D1) can refer to an actual direction of propagation of light within the first guide (412). The direction of propagation of light (D1) can be parallel to an extension direction of the first wave guide (411). The direction of propagation of light (D1) can be parallel to an extension direction of the first guide (412).

[0103] In one embodiment, the first wave guide (411) and the first guide (412) may be integral. The first wave guide (411) and the first guide (412) may extend in parallel directions. Light may propagate within the first wave guide (411) and the first guide (412) along the propagation direction (D1).

[0104] According to one embodiment, the wearable electronic device (101) may include a diffraction layer (420). The waveguide (410) may include the diffraction layer (420). The diffraction layer (420) may be disposed at a boundary between the first guide (412) and the second guide (413). The diffraction layer (420) may be disposed at a boundary between the second guide (413) and the display area (414). The diffraction layer (420) may refract light traveling along the first guide (412). The diffraction layer (420) may diffract light traveling along the first guide (412). The diffraction layer (420) may refract light traveling along the second guide (413). The diffraction layer (420) may diffract light traveling along the second guide (413).

[0105] According to one embodiment, light traveling within the waveguide (410) may be diffracted by the diffraction layer (420) to form exit pupils (Q1, Q2). The number of exit pupils (Q1, Q2) may vary depending on the angle at which the light is incident on the diffraction layer (420). The number of exit pupils (Q1, Q2) may vary depending on the position at which the light is incident on the diffraction layer (420).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the first guide (412) may include a first portion (4121) and a second portion (4122). The first portion (4121) may be positioned closer to the first wave guide (411) than the second portion (4122). The second portion (4122) may be positioned further from the first wave guide (411) along the propagation direction (D1) than the first portion (4121).

[0107] According to one embodiment, the diffraction layer (420) can extend from a position corresponding to the first portion (4121) of the first guide (412) toward a position corresponding to the second portion (4122) of the first guide (412). The diffraction layer (420) can refract and diffract light incident on the diffraction layer (420) between the first portion (4121) and the second portion (4122) of the first guide (412).

[0108] According to one embodiment, light inside the first guide (412) may be incident on the diffraction layer (420) at a first approach angle (B1) along the second-first optical path (P21). Light inside the first guide (412) may be incident on the diffraction layer (420) at a second approach angle (B2) along the second-second optical path (P22). The first approach angle (B1) may be greater than the second approach angle (B2). The first approach angle (B1) may be the same as the first reflection angle (B1) of FIG. 9. The second approach angle (B2) may be the same as the second reflection angle (B2) of FIG. 9. The first approach angle (B1) may be in a range of 65 degrees to 70 degrees. The first approach angle (B1) may be 68 degrees. The second approach angle (B2) may be within a range of 35 to 40 degrees. The second approach angle (B2) may be 37 degrees.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the diffraction layer (420) may extend from a position corresponding to the first portion (4121) to a position corresponding to the second portion (4122). A first width (W1) from the first portion (4121) to the second portion (4122) may be greater than a second width (W2) of the display area (414). Light traveling inside the first guide (412) may be refracted and diffracted by the diffraction layer (420) between the first portion (4121) and the second portion (4122), and transmitted to the display area (414).

[0110] According to one embodiment, light incident on the diffraction layer (420) from the first guide (412) may not be transmitted to the display area (414) and may be lost depending on the entry angle (B1, B2) and the entry position. For example, when light incident on the diffraction layer (420) at the first entry angle (B1) is incident on the diffraction layer (420) at a position corresponding to the second portion (4122), the light diffracted through the diffraction layer (420) may proceed within the third guide (413) along the 3-1 path (P31) from the position corresponding to the second portion (4122) and may not reach the display area (414). For example, when light incident on the diffraction layer (420) at the second approach angle (B2) is incident on the diffraction layer (420) at a position corresponding to the first portion (4121), the light diffracted through the diffraction layer (420) may proceed within the third guide (413) along the 3-2 path (P32) from the position corresponding to the first portion (4121) and may not reach the display area (414). That is, when light incident on the diffraction layer (420) at the first approach angle (B1) is incident on the diffraction layer (420) at the first portion (4121) rather than the second portion (4122), the amount of light lost without reaching the display area (414) may be reduced. In addition, when light incident on the diffraction layer (420) at the second angle of incidence (B2) is incident on the diffraction layer (420) from the second portion (4122) rather than the first portion (4121), the amount of light that is lost without reaching the display area (414) can be reduced.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the number of exit pupils (Q1, Q2) in the display area (414) may vary depending on the angle (B1, B2) at which the light enters the diffraction layer (420). The number of exit pupils (Q1, Q2) replicated in the diffraction layer (420) may vary depending on the angle (B1, B2) at which the light enters the diffraction layer (420). As the entry angle (B1, B2) at which the light enters the diffraction layer (420) increases, the number of replicated exit pupils (Q1, Q2) may decrease. For example, the first number of replicated exit pupils (Q1) formed by light entering the diffraction layer (420) at a first entry angle (B1) may be smaller than the second number of replicated exit pupils (Q2) formed by light entering the diffraction layer (420) at a second entry angle (B2).

[0112] The wearable electronic device (101) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can uniformly form the brightness of the exit pupils (Q1, Q2) distributed over the entire area of ​​the display area (414) by forming the diffraction efficiency differently depending on the position of the diffraction layer (420). The wearable electronic device (101) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can uniformly form the brightness of the exit pupils (Q1, Q2) distributed over the entire area of ​​the display area (414) by forming the diffraction efficiency of the diffraction layer (420) differently depending on the position, considering that the incidence angles (B1, B2) of light incident through the first part (4121) and the second part (4122) are different.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 12, light traveling inside the first guide (412) can enter the diffraction layer (420) at a first entrance angle (B1) along the 2-1 path (P21). Light traveling inside the first guide (412) can enter the diffraction layer (420) at a second entrance angle (B2) along the 2-2 path (P22). Light traveling from the first portion (4121) to the diffraction layer (420) at the second entrance angle (B2) can be lost without reaching the display area (414) because it travels along the 3-2 path (P32). The diffraction layer (420) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can form a diffraction suppression region (4131). The diffraction suppression region (4131) can be a part of the second guide (413). The diffraction suppression region (4131) may be a part of the second guide (413) in which the diffraction efficiency (E1, E2, E3, E4, E5) is relatively lower than that of other regions. The diffraction suppression region (4131) may be a part of the second guide (413) corresponding to the first part (4121) of the first guide (412). The diffraction efficiency (E1, E2, E3, E4, E5) by the diffraction layer (420) may increase as it moves away from the diffraction suppression region (4131). The diffraction efficiency (E1, E2, E3, E4, E5) by the diffraction layer (420) may increase along the propagation direction (D1). The amount of light incident from the first guide (412) to the diffraction layer (420) and diffracted may increase as it moves away from the diffraction suppression region (4131). The wearable electronic device (101) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may form a diffraction suppression area (4131) adjacent to the first part (4121) of the first guide (412), which is an area where light entering the diffraction layer (420) at the second entrance angle (B2) is lost without reaching the display area (414), considering that the number of exit pupils (Q2) that replicate light entering the diffraction layer (420) at the second entrance angle (B2) is greater than that of light entering the diffraction layer (420) at the first entrance angle (B1).

[0114] Referring to FIG. 13, the brightness of the exit pupils (QS, QE, QS1, QE2) displayed in the display area (414) may vary depending on the diffraction efficiency distribution of the diffraction layer (420). For example, when the diffraction efficiencies (E11, E51) of the diffraction layer (420) are formed uniformly along the propagation direction (D1), the brightness of the exit pupil (QS1) in the first display area (4141) may be formed brighter than the brightness of the exit pupil (QE1) in the second display area (4142). For example, when the diffraction efficiencies (E1, E5) of the diffraction layer (420) are formed differently along the propagation direction (D1), the brightness of the exit pupil (QS) in the first display area (4141) may be formed to be substantially the same as the brightness of the exit pupil (QE) in the second display area (4142).

[0115] Fig. 14 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cross-section of a first guide (412) and a diffraction layer (420). The components described with reference to Fig. 14 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to Figs. 1 to 13. The components described with reference to Fig. 14 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to Figs. 15 to 18.

[0116] In one embodiment, the diffractive layer (420) may be a portion of the first guide (412). The diffractive layer (420) may be a portion of the first guide (412) extending from the first portion (4121) of the first guide (412) to the second portion (4122) of the first guide (412). However, the diffractive layer (420) may be a component independent of the first guide (412) and may be a component that is combineable with the first guide (412).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the diffractive layer (420) may include a pattern (421). The pattern (421) may include a plurality of patterns (4211, 4212). Each of the plurality of patterns (4211, 4212) may be spaced apart from each other. The pattern (421) may include a polymer material. The pattern (421) may include a resin material.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the pattern (421) may include a first pattern (4211) and a second pattern (4212). The first pattern (4211) and the second pattern (4212) may be spaced apart from each other in the direction of travel (D1). The first pattern (4211) may be positioned closer to the first wave guide (e.g., the first wave guide (411) of FIG. 11) than the second pattern (4212). The second pattern (4212) may be positioned further away from the first pattern (4211) in the direction of travel (D1). The first pattern (4211) may be positioned corresponding to the first portion (4121). The second pattern (4212) may be positioned corresponding to the second portion (4122). The pattern (421) may have an inclination angle (C1) with respect to the direction of travel (D1).

[0119] According to one embodiment, the first height (H1) of the first pattern (4211) may be smaller than the second height (H2) of the second pattern (4212). The first and second heights (H1, H2) may be lengths by which the patterns (4211, 4212) extend away from the first guide (412).

[0120] According to one embodiment, the diffraction layer (420) may include a coating layer (422, 423). The coating layer (422, 423) may be arranged to surround the pattern (421). A portion of the coating layer (422, 423) may be arranged between the pattern (421) and the first guide (412).

[0121] According to one embodiment, the diffraction layer (420) may include a first coating layer (422). The first coating layer (422) may be arranged to surround the pattern (421). The first coating layer (422) may be positioned between a plurality of patterns (4211, 4212) that are spaced apart from each other. The first coating layer (422) may fill the spaces between the plurality of patterns (4211, 4212) that are spaced apart from each other. The first coating layer (422) may include a ceramic material. The first coating layer (422) may include silicon dioxide (SiO2).

[0122] According to one embodiment, the first coating layer (422) may include a first coating portion (4221) and a second coating portion (4222). The first coating portion (4221) may be arranged to surround the first pattern (4211). The first coating portion (4221) may fill spaces between a plurality of first patterns (4211) that are spaced apart from each other. The first coating portion (4221) may be positioned to correspond to the first portion (4121) of the first guide (412). The second coating portion (4222) may be arranged to surround the second pattern (4212). The second coating portion (4222) may fill spaces between a plurality of second patterns (4212) that are spaced apart from each other. The second coating portion (4222) may be positioned to correspond to the second portion (4122) of the first guide (412). The first thickness (t21) of the first coating portion (4221) may be smaller than the second thickness (t22) of the second coating portion (4222). The first and second thicknesses (t21, t22) may be the lengths of the first coating layer (422) extending in a direction away from the first guide (412).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the diffraction layer (420) may include a second coating layer (423). The second coating layer (423) may be disposed between the pattern (421) and the first guide (412). The second coating layer (423) may be disposed between the first coating layer (422) and the first guide (412). The second coating layer (423) may include a metal compound. The second coating layer (423) may include titanium dioxide (TiO2). The second coating layer (423) may extend from a position corresponding to the first portion (4121) toward a position corresponding to the second portion (4122). A third thickness (t3) of the second coating layer (423) may be smaller than thicknesses (t21, t22) of the first coating layer (422).

[0124] According to one embodiment, the first refractive index (n21) of the pattern (421) and the second refractive index (n22) of the first coating layer (422) may be different. The first refractive index (n21) of the pattern (421) may be greater than the second refractive index (n22) of the first coating layer (422). For example, the first refractive index (n21) of the pattern (421) may be in a range of 1.6 to 2.4. For example, the second refractive index (n22) of the first coating layer (422) may be in a range of 1.3 to 1.5.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the first refractive index (n21) of the pattern (421) and the third refractive index (n23) of the second coating layer (423) may be different. The first refractive index (n21) of the pattern (421) may be smaller than the third refractive index (n23) of the second coating layer (423). For example, the first refractive index (n21) of the pattern (421) may be in a range of 1.6 to 2.4. For example, the third refractive index (n23) of the second coating layer (423) may be in a range of 2.2 to 2.5.

[0126] The diffraction layer (420) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can form a diffraction suppression region (4131) described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13 by arranging a first coating layer (422) between a plurality of patterns (421) and arranging a second coating layer (423) between the pattern (421) and the first guide (412). For example, the diffraction layer (420) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can form a diffraction suppression region (4131) by controlling the direction of propagation of light transmitted from the first guide (412) to the diffraction layer (420) by forming the refractive indices of the plurality of patterns (421), the first coating layer (422), and the second coating layer (423) to be different from each other.

[0127] Fig. 15 is a drawing explaining the effects for each case in which the second coating layer (423) is disposed and the case in which the second coating layer (423) is not disposed. The components explained with reference to Fig. 15 may be partially or entirely the same as the components explained with reference to Figs. 1 to 14. The components explained with reference to Fig. 15 may be partially or entirely the same as the components explained with reference to Figs. 16 to 18.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the diffraction layer (520) on which the second coating layer (423) is not disposed may include a pattern (521) and a first coating layer (522). It can be confirmed that a diffraction suppression region (5131) is formed in the second guide (513) by the diffraction layer (520) on which the second coating layer (423) is not disposed.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the diffraction layer (420) on which the second coating layer (423) is disposed may include a pattern (421), a first coating layer (422), and a second coating layer (423). It can be confirmed that a diffraction suppression region (4131) is formed in the second guide (413) by the diffraction layer (420) on which the second coating layer (423) is disposed. It can be confirmed that in the case of the diffraction layer (420) on which the second coating layer (423) is disposed, a larger diffraction suppression region (4131) is formed compared to the diffraction suppression region (5131) of the diffraction layer (520) on which the second coating layer (423) is not disposed.

[0130] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating the effect of a diffractive layer (620) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The components described with reference to FIG. 16 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. The components described with reference to FIG. 16 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the diffraction layer (620) may include a pattern (621), a first coating layer (622), and a second coating layer (623). The description of the pattern (621), the first coating layer (622), and the second coating layer (623) may be identical to the description of the pattern (421), the first coating layer (422), and the second coating layer (423) described with reference to FIG. 14.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the shape of the cross-section of the pattern (621) may be triangular. Unlike the pattern (421) illustrated in FIG. 14, which has a rectangular cross-section, the shape of the pattern (621) illustrated in FIG. 16 may be triangular.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 16, it can be confirmed that a diffraction suppression region (6131) is formed in the second guide (613) by a diffraction layer (620) including a pattern (621) having a triangular cross-sectional shape.

[0134] Fig. 17 is a table showing the structure of a diffraction layer according to various embodiments. The components described with reference to Fig. 17 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to Figs. 1 to 16. The components described with reference to Fig. 17 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to Fig. 18.

[0135] In one embodiment, the diffractive layer (420) may include a third coating layer (724, 7240). The third coating layer (724, 7240) may be combined with the first coating layer (722, 7220). The first coating layer (722, 7220) may be disposed between the second coating layer (723, 7230) and the third coating layer (724, 7240).

[0136] Referring to the first case (M1) illustrated in FIG. 17, the cross-section of the pattern (621) may have a triangular shape. Referring to the second case (M2) illustrated in FIG. 17, one side of the pattern (4210) may be aligned with one side of the first coating layer (4220). Referring to the third case (M3) illustrated in FIG. 17, an end of the pattern (42100) may be located outside the first coating layer (42200). The fourth case (M4) illustrated in FIG. 17 may be identical to the diffraction layer (420) described with reference to FIG. 14. Referring to the fifth case (M5) illustrated in FIG. 17, the third coating layer (724) may be included. Referring to the sixth case (M6) illustrated in FIG. 17, a portion of the pattern (7210) may be surrounded by a first coating layer (7220) and the remainder of the pattern (7210) may be surrounded by a third coating layer (7240).

[0137] Fig. 18 is a table showing the structure of a diffraction layer according to various embodiments. The components described with reference to Fig. 18 may be partially or entirely identical to the components described with reference to Figs. 1 to 17.

[0138] In one embodiment, the diffractive layer may have patterns of various shapes. The thickness of the diffractive layer may vary along the propagation direction (D1). The thickness of the diffractive layer may be constant along the propagation direction (D1).

[0139] Referring to the first case (S1) illustrated in FIG. 18, the diffraction layer may include a third coating layer (72400) disposed between the first coating layer (72200) and the second coating layer (72300). Referring to the second case (S2) illustrated in FIG. 18, the diffraction layer may include a third coating layer (724). Referring to the third case (S3) illustrated in FIG. 18, one side of the pattern (821) disposed at the edge of the diffraction layer may be aligned with one side of the first coating layer (822). Referring to the fourth case (S4) illustrated in FIG. 18, the shape of the cross-section of the pattern (621) may be a triangle. Referring to the fifth case (S5) illustrated in FIG. 18, the shape of the cross-section of the pattern (921) may be a square. Referring to the sixth case (S6) illustrated in FIG. 18, the shape of the pattern (9210) may be a trapezoid.

[0140] A wearable electronic device may include a housing and a display disposed within the housing. The wearable electronic device may transmit light output from the display to the user's eyes. The wearable electronic device may include a waveguide through which light output from the display propagates. The uniformity of the exit pupil formed in the display area that transmits light toward the user's eyes may vary depending on the guide structure and diffraction structure disposed in the waveguide.

[0141] The problem to be solved in the present disclosure may be to uniformly form an exit pupil in the display area of ​​a wave guide.

[0142] A problem to be solved in the present disclosure may be to reduce light loss through a wave guide.

[0143] 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.

[0144] An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can uniformly form an exit pupil in a display area of ​​a wave guide by disposing a coating layer on a diffraction layer.

[0145] Electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce light loss through a wave guide by forming different refractive indices between a pattern and a coating layer.

[0146] 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.

[0147] A wearable electronic device (e.g., 101 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing (e.g., 401 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0148] A wearable electronic device (e.g., 101 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display (e.g., 402 of FIGS. 1 to 18) disposed inside the housing (e.g., 401 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0149] A wearable electronic device (e.g., 101 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a wave guide (e.g., 410 of FIGS. 1 to 18) configured to transmit light generated from the display (e.g., 402 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0150] The wave guide (e.g., 410 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first wave guide (e.g., 411 of FIGS. 1 to 18) facing the display (e.g., 402 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0151] The wave guide (e.g., 410 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first guide (e.g., 412 of FIGS. 1 to 18) including a first part (e.g., 4121 of FIGS. 1 to 18) connected to the first wave guide (e.g., 411 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and a second part (e.g., 4122 of FIGS. 1 to 18) located further from the first part (e.g., 4121 of FIGS. 1 to 18) than the first part (e.g., 4121 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0152] The wave guide (e.g., 410 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second guide (e.g., 413 of FIGS. 1 to 18) extending in a direction intersecting the first guide (e.g., 412 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0153] The wave guide (e.g., 410 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a display area (e.g., 414 of FIGS. 1 to 18) configured to output light transmitted through the first wave guide (e.g., 411 of FIGS. 1 to 18), the first guide (e.g., 412 of FIGS. 1 to 18), and the second guide (e.g., 413 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0154] The wave guide (e.g., 410 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a diffractive layer (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) extending from the first portion (e.g., 4121 of FIGS. 1 to 18) toward the second portion (e.g., 4122 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and configured to refract light transmitted through the first guide (e.g., 412 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0155] The diffractive layer (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of patterns (e.g., 421 of FIGS. 1 to 18) protruding toward the second guide (e.g., 413 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and having a first refractive index.

[0156] The diffractive layer (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first coating layer (e.g., 422 of FIGS. 1 to 18) disposed between each of the plurality of patterns (e.g., 421 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index.

[0157] The diffraction layer (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure diffracts light transmitted through the first guide (e.g., 412 of FIGS. 1 to 18), and the second guide (e.g., 413 of FIGS. 1 to 18) may include a diffraction suppression region (e.g., 4131 of FIGS. 1 to 18) formed at a position corresponding to the first portion (e.g., 4121 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0158] The display area (e.g., 414 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first display area (e.g., 4141 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0159] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the display area (e.g., 414 of FIGS. 1 to 18) may include a second display area (e.g., 4142 of FIGS. 1 to 18) spaced apart from the first display area (e.g., 4141 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0160] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first number of first exit pupils within the first display area (e.g., 4141 of FIGS. 1 to 18) may be substantially equal to the second number of second exit pupils within the second display area (e.g., 4142 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0161] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first diffraction efficiency of the diffraction layer (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) at a position corresponding to the first portion (e.g., 4121 of FIGS. 1 to 18) may be smaller than the second diffraction efficiency of the diffraction layer (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) at a position corresponding to the second portion (e.g., 4122 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0162] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first coating layer (e.g., 422 of FIGS. 1 to 18) may be arranged to surround the plurality of patterns (e.g., 421 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0163] The plurality of patterns (e.g., 421 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first pattern (e.g., 4211 of FIGS. 1 to 18) positioned corresponding to the first portion (e.g., 4121 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and having a first height.

[0164] The plurality of patterns (e.g., 421 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second pattern (e.g., 4212 of FIGS. 1 to 18) positioned corresponding to the second portion (e.g., 4122 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and having a second height greater than the first height.

[0165] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first coating layer (e.g., 422 of FIGS. 1 to 18) may include a first coating portion (e.g., 4221 of FIGS. 1 to 18) positioned corresponding to the first portion (e.g., 4121 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and having a first thickness.

[0166] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first coating layer (e.g., 422 of FIGS. 1 to 18) may include a second coating portion (e.g., 4222 of FIGS. 1 to 18) positioned corresponding to the second portion (e.g., 4122 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and having a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

[0167] The diffractive layer (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a second coating layer (e.g., 423 of FIGS. 1 to 18) disposed between the plurality of patterns (e.g., 421 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and the first guide (e.g., 412 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and having a third refractive index greater than the first refractive index.

[0168] The diffractive layer (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a third coating layer (e.g., 724 of FIGS. 1 to 18) combined with the first coating layer (e.g., 722 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0169] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first coating layer (e.g., 722 of FIGS. 1 to 18) may be disposed between the second coating layer (e.g., 723 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and the third coating layer (e.g., 724 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0170] The diffraction layer (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be disposed between the first guide (e.g., 412 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and the second guide (e.g., 413 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and between the second guide (e.g., 413 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and the display area (e.g., 414 of FIGS. 1 to 18), respectively.

[0171] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, light transmitted through the first guide (e.g., 412 of FIGS. 1 to 18) may be configured to be transmitted along different optical paths within the second guide (e.g., 413 of FIGS. 1 to 18) depending on the angle at which it enters the diffractive layer (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0172] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first guide (e.g., 412 of FIGS. 1 to 18) and the second guide (e.g., 413 of FIGS. 1 to 18) may be substantially orthogonal.

[0173] The shape of the cross-section of the plurality of patterns (e.g., 621 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a triangle.

[0174] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one first surface of the plurality of patterns (e.g., 4210 of FIGS. 1 to 18) may be aligned with a second surface of the first coating layer (e.g., 4220 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0175] At least one end of the plurality of patterns (e.g., 42100 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be located outside the first coating layer (e.g., 42200 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0176] A wearable electronic device (e.g., 101 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide (e.g., 412, 413 of FIGS. 1 to 18) configured to transmit light generated from the display (e.g., 402 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0177] A wearable electronic device (e.g., 101 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a diffractive layer (e.g., 420 of FIGS. 1 to 18) configured to refract light transmitted within the guide (e.g., 412, 413 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0178] The guide (e.g., 412, 413 of FIGS. 1 to 18) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a diffraction suppression region (e.g., 4131 of FIGS. 1 to 18) that is a part of the guide (e.g., 412, 413 of FIGS. 1 to 18).

[0179] Although the detailed description of the present disclosure 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 the present disclosure.

[0180] While this disclosure has been described by way of example and example, it should be understood that the example is intended to be illustrative and not limiting. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the overall scope of this disclosure, including the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. In a wearable electronic device (101), Housing (401); A display (402) placed inside the housing (401); and It includes a wave guide (410) configured to transmit light generated from the display (402), The above wave guide (410) is A first wave guide (411) facing the above display (402); A first guide (412) including a first part (4121) connected to the first wave guide (411) and a second part (4122) positioned further from the wave guide (411) than the first part (4121); A second guide (413) extending in a direction intersecting with the first guide (412) and configured to output light; and A diffractive layer (420) extending from the first portion (4121) toward the second portion (4122) and configured to refract light transmitted through the first guide (412), The above diffraction layer (420) is A plurality of patterns (421) protruding toward the second guide (413) and having a first refractive index; and A wearable electronic device comprising a first coating layer (422) partially disposed between the plurality of patterns (421) and having a second refractive index lower than the first refractive index.

2. In paragraph 1, A wearable electronic device in which the diffraction layer (420) is configured to diffract light transmitted through the first guide (412), and the second guide (413) includes a diffraction suppression area (4131) formed at a position corresponding to the first portion (4121).

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, It includes a display area (414) configured to guide the light so that the light transmitted through the second guide (413) proceeds, The above display area (414) is First display area (4141); and Includes a second display area (4142) spaced apart from the first display area (4141), A wearable electronic device in which the first brightness of the first exit pupil within the first display area (4141) is substantially the same as the second brightness of the second exit pupil within the second display area (4142).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, A wearable electronic device in which the first diffraction efficiency of the diffraction layer (420) at a position corresponding to the first portion (4121) is smaller than the second diffraction efficiency of the diffraction layer (420) at a position corresponding to the second portion (4122).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 4, A wearable electronic device in which the first coating layer (422) is arranged to surround the plurality of patterns (421).

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, The above multiple patterns (421) are, A first pattern (4211) positioned corresponding to the first portion (4121) and having a first height; and A wearable electronic device comprising a second pattern (4212) positioned corresponding to the second portion (4122) and having a second height greater than the first height.

7. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 6, The above first coating layer (422) is A first coating portion (4221) positioned corresponding to the first portion (4121) and having a first thickness; and A wearable electronic device comprising a second coating portion (4222) positioned corresponding to the second portion (4122) and having a second thickness greater than the first thickness.

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above diffraction layer (420) is A wearable electronic device further comprising a second coating layer (423) disposed between the plurality of patterns (421) and the first guide (412) and having a third refractive index greater than the first refractive index.

9. In paragraph 8, The above diffraction layer (420) is Further comprising a third coating layer (724) combined with the first coating layer (722), A wearable electronic device in which the first coating layer (722) is disposed between the second coating layer (723) and the third coating layer (724).

10. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 9, The above diffraction layer (420) is A wearable electronic device disposed between the first guide (412) and the second guide (413) and at the end portion of the second guide (413).

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, A wearable electronic device configured so that light transmitted through the first guide (412) is transmitted along one of a plurality of optical paths within the second guide (413) depending on the angle at which the light enters the diffraction layer (420).

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 11, A wearable electronic device wherein the first guide (412) and the second guide (413) are substantially orthogonal.

13. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 12, A wearable electronic device in which the cross-section of the plurality of patterns (621) above has a triangular shape.

14. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 13, A wearable electronic device, wherein at least one first surface of the plurality of patterns (4210) is aligned with a second surface of the first coating layer (4220).

15. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 14, A wearable electronic device in which at least one end of the plurality of patterns (42100) is located outside the first coating layer (42200).

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