Invention:
This invention involves beam steering to increase the field of view (FOV) of augmented reality headsets or smart-glasses while maintaining true RGB color with minimal distortion. The invention uses angle-dependent image projection with micro-mirrors operating at 30 hz to create a 90 degree x 30 degree FOV with 1 arcmin/pixel resolution at 24-bit RGB color.
The goal of the invention is to build a proof of concept demonstrating a design to achieve a full color, wide FOV, high resolution display with a large eye-box and high photon throughput to maintain brightness.
Background:
Current virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) headsets have a limited field of view that restricts them from reaching their full capabilities. These headsets are currently being used widely for entertainment, creative purposes, designing, medicine, therapy, business management and training. This research will allow for integration of current product goals in to packaging the size of a typical pair of glasses.
Earlier technology, like in Google Glass, used polarized beam combiners to combine a digital display with a see-through real world scene. However, the field of view was small: 13-20 degrees. Meta 2 used off-axis semi-spherical combiner and achieved almost 90 degree FOV but the headsets were bulky. Waveguides use diffraction gratings to bend light through total internal reflection and direct the digital graphics to the eye. Magic Leap headsets have a 120 degree x 90 degree FOV. However, waveguides require precision construction and they are sensitive to environmental conditions like temperature. Plus, the angular resolution suffers with larger displays in the typical trade-off between image crispness and FOV.
Applications:
- Gaming
- Work applications
- Design
- Entertainment
- Therapy
- Medicine
- Remote work
Advantages:
- Increased field of view (FOV)
- Maintains full color and brightness
- High resolution display
