Pinhole array operatively coupled to a spatial light modulator 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 for display virtual content to a user, the system comprising:
 a light generating source to provide light associated with one or more frames of image data, wherein the light generating source is a spatial light modulator; and   a pinhole array positioned in a manner relative to the spatial light modulator such that a pinhole of the pinhole array receives light from a plurality of cells of the spatial light modulator, and wherein a first light beam passing through the pinhole corresponds to a different angle than a second light beam passing through the pinhole, and wherein the cell of spatial light modulator selectively attenuate light.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein an outside environment is viewed through the pinhole array and the SLMs, and wherein light beams are selectively attenuated based at least in part on the angle of incidence of the light beams. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein light from different portions of a visual field is selectively attenuated. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a selective attenuation layer selectively operable to attenuation transmission of light therethrough, the selective attenuation layer optically in series with the pinhole layer. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the selective attenuation layer comprises a liquid crystal array, digital light projector system, or spatial light modulator arrays which bear respective attenuation patterns. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pinhole array placed at a distance of approximately 30 mm from a cornea of an eye of the user, and the selective attenuation panel is located opposite the pinhole array from the eye. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the pinhole array comprises a plurality of pinholes, and wherein the process controls the SLMs in a manner such light is attenuated as a function of the angles at which light beams pass through the plurality of pinholes, thereby producing an aggregate light field. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the aggregate light field causes occlusion at a desired focal distance. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the aggregate light field corresponds to a particular focal plane. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , implemented as a method.