Lens 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 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 lens array positioned in a manner relative to the spatial light modulator such that a lens of the lens array receives light from a plurality of cells of the spatial light modulator, and wherein a first light beam received at the lens corresponds to a different angle than a second light beam received at the lens, and wherein the cells of spatial light modulator selectively attenuate light.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein an outside environment is viewed through the lens 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 , wherein the lens array comprises a plurality of lenses, and wherein the process controls the SLMs in a manner such light is attenuated as a function of the angles at which light beams are received at the plurality of lenses, thereby producing an aggregate light field. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the aggregate light field causes occlusion at a desired focal distance. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a selective attenuation layer selectively operable to attenuation transmission of light therethrough. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the selective attenuation layer comprises a liquid crystal array, digital light projector system, or spatial light modulator arrays which bear respective attenuation patterns. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the aggregate light field causes occlusion at a desired focal distance. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the aggregate light field corresponds to a particular focal plane. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , implemented as a system having means for implementing the method steps.