20240045215. SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING IMAGE CONTENT ON MULTIPLE DEPTH PLANES BY PROVIDING MULTIPLE INTRA-PUPIL PARALLAX VIEWS simplified abstract (Magic Leap, Inc.)

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING IMAGE CONTENT ON MULTIPLE DEPTH PLANES BY PROVIDING MULTIPLE INTRA-PUPIL PARALLAX VIEWS

Organization Name

Magic Leap, Inc.

Inventor(s)

Michael Anthony Klug of Austin TX (US)

Robert Konrad of Palo Alto CA (US)

Gordon Wetzstein of Palo Alto CA (US)

Brian T. Schowengerdt of Seattle WA (US)

Michal Beau Dennison Vaughn of Round Rock TX (US)

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING IMAGE CONTENT ON MULTIPLE DEPTH PLANES BY PROVIDING MULTIPLE INTRA-PUPIL PARALLAX VIEWS - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240045215 titled 'SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING IMAGE CONTENT ON MULTIPLE DEPTH PLANES BY PROVIDING MULTIPLE INTRA-PUPIL PARALLAX VIEWS

Simplified Explanation

An augmented reality display system is described in this patent application. The system is designed to direct multiple parallactically-disparate intra-pupil images into a viewer's eye. These intra-pupil images provide different parallax views of a virtual object and impinge on the pupil from different angles. The wavefronts of light forming the images approximate a continuous divergent wavefront, creating selectable accommodation cues for the user based on the amount of parallax disparity between the intra-pupil images.

• The system uses a light source that outputs light for different images from different locations.
• Spatial differences in the locations of the light output result in differences in the paths that the light takes to the eye.
• These differences in light paths provide varying amounts of parallax disparity.
• The amount of parallax disparity can be adjusted by selecting the spatial separation between the locations of light output.
• By varying the parallax disparity, the wavefront divergence and accommodation cues provided to the user's eye can be controlled.

Potential applications of this technology:

• Augmented reality displays: This system can be used to enhance augmented reality experiences by providing more realistic and immersive visual effects.
• Virtual reality headsets: The technology can be applied to improve the visual quality and depth perception in virtual reality headsets, making the virtual environment more convincing.
• Medical imaging: The system can be utilized in medical imaging devices to provide more accurate and detailed 3D representations of internal structures, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning.

Problems solved by this technology:

• Limited depth perception: Traditional displays often lack the ability to provide accurate depth perception, resulting in less immersive and realistic experiences. This technology solves this problem by providing different parallax views, enhancing depth perception.
• Eye strain and discomfort: By providing accommodation cues that match the natural focusing behavior of the eye, this technology reduces eye strain and discomfort associated with prolonged use of augmented or virtual reality devices.

Benefits of this technology:

• Enhanced user experience: The system improves the realism and immersion of augmented and virtual reality experiences by providing more accurate depth perception.
• Reduced eye strain: By providing accommodation cues that match the natural focusing behavior of the eye, this technology reduces eye strain and discomfort, allowing for longer and more comfortable use of augmented or virtual reality devices.
• Improved medical imaging: The system can enhance the accuracy and detail of 3D representations in medical imaging, leading to more precise diagnoses and treatment planning.

Original Abstract Submitted

an augmented reality display system is configured to direct a plurality of parallactically-disparate intra-pupil images into a viewer's eye. the parallactically-disparate intra-pupil images provide different parallax views of a virtual object, and impinge on the pupil from different angles. in the aggregate, the wavefronts of light forming the images approximate a continuous divergent wavefront and provide selectable accommodation cues for the user, depending on the amount of parallax disparity between the intra-pupil images. the amount of parallax disparity is selected using a light source that outputs light for different images from different locations, with spatial differences in the locations of the light output providing differences in the paths that the light takes to the eye, which in turn provide different amounts of parallax disparity. advantageously, the wavefront divergence, and the accommodation cue provided to the eye of the user, may be varied by appropriate selection of parallax disparity, which may be set by selecting the amount of spatial separation between the locations of light output.