Coupling optical elements to an array of microprojectors for augmented or virtual reality

Abstract

Configurations are disclosed for presenting virtual reality and augmented reality experiences to users. The system may comprise an image-generating source to provide one or more frames of image data in a time-sequential manner, a light modulator configured to transmit light associated with the one or more frames of image data, a substrate to direct image information to a user's eye, wherein the substrate houses a plurality of reflectors, a first reflector of the plurality of reflectors to reflect transmitted light associated with a first frame of image data at a first angle to the user's eye, and a second reflector to reflect transmitted light associated with a second frame of the image data at a second angle to the user's eye.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system comprising:
 an array of microprojectors to project light associated with one or more frames of image data to be presented to a user, wherein the array of microprojectors is positioned relative to a location of the user's pupil, and wherein the light is projected into the user's pupil; and   an optical element coupled to the array of microprojectors to modify the light projected into the user's pupil.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the array of microprojectors is polished at a critical angle. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the light exiting the polished array of microprojectors comprises at least a first light beam and a second light beam. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second light beams are superimposed. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the first and second light beam are deflected based at least in part on the critical angle. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the polished array of microcprojectors is used to increase a resolution of the display. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the critical angle is 42 degrees. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first light beam and the second light beam are longitudinally out of phase. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the first light beam corresponds to a first path length of light and the second light beam corresponds to a second path length of light. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein a perceived focus corresponding to the first light beam is different from the perceived focus corresponding to the second light beam.