Using a plurality of waveguides coupled with edge reflectors 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 transmitting light beams for display of virtual content, comprising;
 at least one waveguide, the at least one waveguide having a first end, a second end spaced from the first end across a length of the at least one waveguide, the length along which light entering the respective waveguide at defined angles propagates via total internal reflection;   at least one reflector positioned at least proximate a first end of the at least one waveguide to optically reflectively couple light back to the first end of the at least one waveguide; and   at least one reflector positioned at least proximate a second end of the at least one waveguide to optically reflectively couple light back to the second end of the at least one waveguide.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one waveguide has a number of transverse reflective and/or diffractive surfaces internal to the waveguide that redirect at least a portion of the light transversely outward of the waveguide. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the transverse reflective and/or diffractive surfaces are low diffraction efficiency diffractive optical elements (DOEs). 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein at least one reflector positioned at least proximate a first end of the at least one waveguide comprises a plurality of reflectors positioned at least proximate the first end of the at least one waveguide. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  wherein at least one reflector positioned at least proximate a second end of the at least one waveguide comprises a plurality of reflectors positioned at least proximate the second end of the at least one waveguide. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the at least one waveguide comprises a single waveguide. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one waveguide comprises a plurality of waveguides. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least a portion of the light is delivered to a user's eyes. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an accommodation tracking module to track an accommodation of a user's eyes, wherein at least one waveguide is selected based at least in part on the tracked accommodation of the user's eyes. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  implemented as a method.