Modifying a curvature of light rays to produce multiple depth planes

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 method for displaying virtual content to a user, the method comprising:
 delivering, through a first waveguide, light rays associated with a first frame of image data to the user, the light rays having a first wavefront curvature; and   delivering, through a second waveguide, light rays associated with a second frame of image data to the user, the light rays having a second wavefront curvature, wherein the first waveguide and second waveguide are stacked along a z axis facing the user's eyes.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first wavefront curvature and the second wavefront curvature are delivered simultaneously. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first wavefront curvature and the second wavefront curvature are delivered sequentially. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second wavefront curvatures are perceived as a first and second depth plane by the user. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second waveguides are coupled to one or more optical elements. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising compensating for an effect of the one or more optical elements through a compensation lens. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising determining an accommodation of the user's eyes. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising delivering light rays through at least one of the first and second waveguides based at least in part on the determined accommodation. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the first wavefront curvature is different from the second wavefront curvature. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , implemented as a system having means for implementing the method steps.