17932154. NEAR-EYE DISPLAY SYSTEMS UTILIZING AN ARRAY OF PROJECTORS simplified abstract (MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC)

NEAR-EYE DISPLAY SYSTEMS UTILIZING AN ARRAY OF PROJECTORS

Organization Name

MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC

Inventor(s)

Joel Steven Kollin of Seattle WA (US)

Andreas Georgiou of Cambridge (GB)

Ishan Chatterjee of Mountain View CA (US)

Bernard Charles Kress of Redwood City CA (US)

Maria Esther Pace of Palo Alto CA (US)

Mario Possiwan of Reultingen (DE)

NEAR-EYE DISPLAY SYSTEMS UTILIZING AN ARRAY OF PROJECTORS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17932154 titled 'NEAR-EYE DISPLAY SYSTEMS UTILIZING AN ARRAY OF PROJECTORS

Simplified Explanation

The present disclosure describes near-eye display systems including an array of projectors and a one-dimensional exit pupil expander. The array of projectors can be arranged along a first dimension and can output image light towards an input coupler within a waveguide that provides one-dimensional exit pupil expansion. In some implementations, arrays of monochromatic projectors are implemented and arranged in offset columns. The input coupler in-couples the image light from the array of projectors into a TIR path within the waveguide. Different optical elements, including diffractive and reflective optics, may be implemented as the input coupler. The image light travels within the waveguide until it interacts with an output coupler. Upon interaction with the output coupler, the image light is expanded in a second dimension transverse to the first dimension and is coupled out of the waveguide.

• Near-eye display systems with array of projectors
• One-dimensional exit pupil expander within a waveguide
• Arrays of monochromatic projectors arranged in offset columns
• Input coupler in-couples image light into TIR path
• Output coupler expands image light in a second dimension

Potential Applications

The technology described in this patent application could be used in:

• Virtual reality headsets
• Augmented reality glasses
• Heads-up displays in vehicles

Problems Solved

This technology solves the following problems:

• Providing a compact and efficient near-eye display system
• Enhancing image quality and resolution in head-mounted displays

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include:

• Improved image quality and clarity
• Compact design for comfortable wear
• Enhanced user experience in virtual and augmented reality applications

Potential Commercial Applications

The potential commercial applications of this technology could be in:

• Consumer electronics industry
• Gaming and entertainment sector
• Automotive industry for heads-up displays

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of waveguides in near-eye display systems to enhance image quality and resolution.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing near-eye display systems in terms of image quality?

This article does not provide a direct comparison with existing near-eye display systems in terms of image quality. Further research and testing may be needed to determine the exact differences.

What are the potential limitations or drawbacks of using an array of projectors in near-eye display systems?

The article does not discuss any potential limitations or drawbacks of using an array of projectors in near-eye display systems. Additional studies or experiments may be required to identify any such issues.

Original Abstract Submitted

The present disclosure describes near-eye display systems including an array of projectors and a one-dimensional exit pupil expander. The array of projectors can be arranged along a first dimension and can output image light towards an input coupler within a waveguide that provides one-dimensional exit pupil expansion. In some implementations, arrays of monochromatic projectors are implemented and arranged in offset columns. The input coupler in-couples the image light from the array of projectors into a TIR path within the waveguide. Different optical elements, including diffractive and reflective optics, may be implemented as the input coupler. The image light travels within the waveguide until it interacts with an output coupler. Upon interaction with the output coupler, the image light is expanded in a second dimension transverse to the first dimension and is coupled out of the waveguide.