Planar waveguide apparatus configured to return light therethrough
US9651368B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 16, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06V40/113
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A waveguide apparatus includes a planar waveguide and at least one optical diffraction element (DOE) that provides a plurality of optical paths between an exterior and interior of the planar waveguide. A phase profile of the DOE may combine a linear diffraction grating with a circular lens, to shape a wave front and produce beams with desired focus. Waveguide apparati may be assembled to create multiple focal planes. The DOE may have a low diffraction efficiency, and planar waveguides may be transparent when viewed normally, allowing passage of light from an ambient environment (e.g., real world) useful in AR systems. Light may be returned for temporally sequentially passes through the planar waveguide. The DOE(s) may be fixed or may have dynamically adjustable characteristics. An optical coupler system may couple images to the waveguide apparatus from a projector, for instance a biaxially scanning cantilevered optical fiber tip.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.