Space-efficient optical structures for wide field-of-view augmented reality (AR) eyewear
This invention comprises novel optical structures for Augmented Reality (AR) eyewear which can potentially improve virtual image quality, reduce eyewear size, selectively mask environmental light, and enable multiple focal planes. An optical structure for AR eyewear can comprise an annular array of light-energy emitters around a lens in front of a person's eye, wherein the lens has a plurality of nested annular light guides. This optical structure can also include an array of selectively-movable light reflectors.
1. An optical structure for augmented reality eyewear comprising:
a virtual image display which emits light rays which form virtual images in a person's field of vision;
a transparent optical structure which is configured to be worn within 4″ in front of the person's eye;
an array of movable light reflectors which is part of, or attached to, the transparent optical structure;
wherein the array includes a first movable light reflector in the array of movable light reflectors, wherein the first movable light reflector has a first configuration in which the plane which best fits a surface of the first movable light reflector is substantially parallel to light rays from the person's environment, wherein the first movable light reflector has a second configuration in which the plane which best fits a surface of the first movable light reflector intersects the light rays from the person's environment at an angle within the range of 30 to 90 degrees and in which a surface of the first movable light reflector reflects light rays from the virtual image display toward the person's eye, and wherein the first movable light reflector can be selectively moved from its first configuration to its second configuration in order to display a first portion of a virtual image in the person's field of view; and
a second movable light reflector in the array of movable light reflectors, wherein the second movable light reflector has a third configuration in which the plane which best fits a surface of the second movable light reflector is substantially parallel to light rays from the person's environment, wherein the second movable light reflector has a fourth configuration in which the plane which best fits a surface of the second movable light reflector intersects the light rays from the person's environment at an angle within the range of 30 to 90 degrees and in which a surface of the second movable light reflector reflects light rays from the virtual image display toward the person's eye, and wherein the second movable light reflector can be selectively moved from its third configuration to its fourth configuration in order to display a second portion of a virtual image in the person's field of view.