Using an array of spatial light modulators for selective attenuation

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 displaying virtual content, the system comprising:
 an array of spatial light modulators, the array of spatial light modulators configured to generate light patterns, and wherein the array of spatial light modulators comprises at least two modulators; and   a processor to control the array of spatial modulators in a manner such that the at least two spatial modulators form a Moiré pattern.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the spatial light modulator arrays comprise at least two spatial light modulator arrays optically coupled to one another, and which are control passage of light via moiré effects. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the at least two spatial light modulator arrays each bear a respective attenuation pattern. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the at least two spatial light modulator arrays each bear a respective fine-pitch sine wave pattern printed, etched, or other inscribed thereon or therein. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the at least two spatial light modulator arrays are in registration with one another. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the at least two spatial light modulator arrays each bear a respective attenuation pattern. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the Moire pattern is a periodic spatial pattern that attenuates light at a different period than a period of the light patterns forms on the at least two spatial light modulators. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the light patterns correspond to one or more virtual objects to be presented to a user. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the one or more virtual objects is a dark virtual object, and wherein the Moire pattern is formed in a manner such that the dark virtual object is better viewed by the user. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  implemented as a method.