Bae Systems, Inc.

Snap Inc.

Rory Thomas Alexander Mills

Ian Thomas Macken

Michael David Simmonds

James Raymond Leighton

Jonathan Paul Freeman

Samuel William Harris

Described herein is an improved optical display system for a head or helmet mounted display (HMD). The optical display system comprises an intermediate reflective element that comprises an array of microstructures. Separate image generators are provided which generate images which are projected onto a user's left and right eyes and by use of the intermediate reflective element, the image generator located on the left side of the HMD generates an image for the user's left eye and the image generator located on the right side of the HMD generates an image for the user's right eye. As described below, this improved optical display system may, in various examples, be coupled with a vision enhancement system.

Binocular optical display system

A folded optical arrangement to transmit an image from an image plane to a user's eye through a folded optical transmission path including a collimating element having a first optical element with optically powered surfaces and a second optical element with at least one optically powered surface to receive light from an image source and to collimate and output the light. The first optically powered surfaces and the second optically powered surface to define multiple interfaces along the folded optical path. A refractive index change at each interface controls a direction of light passing through each interface. One surface of the first optical element and the second optical element are adjacent to one another. The adjacent surfaces have dissimilar shapes and each defines an angle with a respective other surface of the relevant optical element at opposing ends of the adjacent surfaces. The opposing angles are not equal.

Optical arrangement for a display

A folded optical arrangement for use in a look-through display to transmit an image from an image plane to a user's eye, the arrangement providing a folded optical transmission path and comprising: an optical system having a first optical element comprising a first plurality of optically powered surfaces; and a second optical element comprising at least one optically powered surface, the optical system configured to receive light forming the image from an image source, and to focus the light to have an apparent optical focus between a predetermined distance and optical infinity and output the light; wherein the first plurality of optically powered surfaces and the at least one optically powered surface of the second optical element are arranged to define a plurality of interfaces along the folded optical path and wherein a refractive index change at each interface is predetermined to control the direction of light passing through the or each interface; and wherein one surface of the first optical element and one surface of the second optical element are adjacent to one another and the adjacent surfaces are dissimilar and each define an angle with a respective other surface of the relevant optical element at opposing ends of the adjacent surfaces and wherein the opposing angles are not equal; and a combiner element located to receive the output light from the optical system and a further external image for combination for transmission to the user.

A folded optical arrangement for use in a view-through display to transmit an image from an image source to a user's eye, the arrangement providing a folded optical transmission path and comprising: an optical system having a first optical element comprising a first plurality of optically powered surfaces; and a second optical element comprising at least one optically powered surface, the optical system configured to receive light forming the image from an image source, and to present a virtual image of the image source to the user with an apparent focus between a predetermined distance and optical infinity; wherein the first plurality of optically powered surfaces and the at least one optically powered surface of the second optical element are arranged to define a plurality of interfaces along the folded optical path and wherein a refractive index change at each interface is predetermined to control the direction of light passing through the or each interface; and wherein one surface of the first optical element and one surface of the second optical element are adjacent to one another and the adjacent surfaces are dissimilar and each define an angle with a respective other surface of the relevant optical element at opposing ends of the adjacent surfaces and wherein the opposing angles are not equal; and a compensator element located between the first optical element and an external view to receive the external view for combination with the image output from the optical system.

A modular wearable optics device including: at least one wearable support element; one or more active optical elements adapted in use to display an image to a user; one of a plurality of bridging elements selected to position or orientate the one or more active optical elements in a predetermined location based on one or more anthropometric characteristics of the user.

Wearable optical devices

A wearable head-up display which allows for convenient and safe stowage when not in use. A hinge component is positioned within the optical path from an image projector to a display component which ensures optical alignment for projection. A detection means is provided to signal when the wearable device is in a folded position in order to deactivate the projector.

Wearable devices

A method is provided for adjusting a luminance profile of an image displayed on a look-through display to a user. The method comprises: determining a field of view of the user based on a spatial configuration of the user's head. Determining one or more lighting conditions in the field of view. Adjusting the luminance profile for the image based on the field of view, wherein, as a result of the adjusted luminance profile, the image is reconciled with the field of view.

Method and system for adjusting luminance profiles in head-mounted displays

An image projection system utilising a digital mirror device with pivotable mirrors and an asymmetric angular illumination of the mirrors.

Axially asymmetric image source for head-up displays

A waveguide structure for a head up display in which a reflective output coupling structure is formed of a separate, but connected, component to a main waveguide. Light is coupled from the main waveguide to the output coupling structure by evanescent wave coupling. In a method of manufacture for such a waveguide the output coupling structure is attached to the main waveguide using an optical feedback technique.

Waveguide for head-up display, including reflective output coupling structure

An optical system for a colour head up display, the optical system being for guiding image light from an image projection system to an exit pupil. First and second waveguides are utilised, each waveguide guiding a predetermined set of wavelengths.

Multiple waveguide structure for colour displays

A waveguide structure for a head up display in which a reflective output coupling structure is formed of a separate, but connected, component to a main waveguide. In a method of manufacture for such a waveguide the output coupling structure may be formed by depositing a material on a main waveguide, impressing the reflective structure into that material, and curing the material.

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Rochester, United Kingdom

Rory Thomas Alexander Mills