Spherical interface for binocular display

• US 9,488,836 B2
• Filed: 05/02/2013
• Issued: 11/08/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 05/02/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing LLC (Microsoft Corporation)
• Inventors: Bohn, David D., Robbins, Steve
• Primary Examiner(s): Sugarman, Scott J
• Assistant Examiner(s): Patel, Vipin
• Application Number:
  US13/886,161
• Publication Number:
  US 20140327970A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,286 Days
• Field of Search: 359630-633, 385/15, 385/31, 385/37, 385/39, 385/47, 385/133, 385/146, 385/147
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0132 comprising binocular systems
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0154 with movable elements
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0178 Eyeglass type eyeglass details G02C
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0172 characterised by optical features
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0179 Display position adjusting means not related to the information to be displayed
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/10 of the optical waveguide type G02B6/02, G02B6/24 take precedence; devices or arrangements for the control of light by electric, magnetic, electro-magnetic or acoustic means G02F1/00; transferring the modulation of modulated light G02F2/00; optical logic elements G02F3/00; optical analogue/digital converters G02F7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/34 utilising prism or grating G02B6/293 takes precedence

Abstract

A binocular display includes a waveguide. A convex spherical mount has a fixed position relative to the waveguide. A light engine includes a concave spherical mount that adjustably mates with the convex spherical mount.

Claims

1. A display, comprising:

a waveguide;

a convex spherical mount having a fixed position relative to the waveguide; and

a light engine including a concave spherical mount that adjustably mates with the convex spherical mount, wherein an entrance grating of the waveguide is located at a center of curvature of the convex spherical mount and a center of curvature of the concave spherical mount when the convex spherical mount is mated to the concave spherical mount.

2. The display of claim 1, wherein the waveguide is a left eye waveguide or a right eye waveguide.

3. The display of claim 1, wherein the concave spherical mount adjustably mates with the convex spherical mount to change a horizontal entrance angle of light projected into the waveguide from the light engine.

4. The display of claim 1, wherein the concave spherical mount adjustably mates with the convex spherical mount to change a vertical entrance angle of light projected into the waveguide from the light engine.

5. The display of claim 1, wherein the concave spherical mount adjustably mates with the convex spherical mount to change a rotation angle of light projected into the waveguide.

6. The display of claim 1, wherein an exit pupil of the light engine is located at a center of curvature of the convex spherical mount and a center of curvature of the concave spherical mount when the convex spherical mount is mated to the concave spherical mount.

7. The display of claim 6, wherein the exit pupil is a projected exit pupil.

8. The display of claim 7, wherein the light engine projects collimated light via the projected exit pupil.

9. The display of claim 1, wherein light from the light engine is output from the waveguide as a viewable image.

10. The display of claim 1, wherein the convex spherical mount defines a window through which light from the light engine travels into the waveguide.

11. The display of claim 1, wherein the convex spherical mount is positioned on a side of the waveguide.

12. The display of claim 1, wherein the convex spherical mount is positioned on a face of the waveguide.

13. A binocular head mounted display, comprising:

a first waveguide for a first eye including an entrance grating;

a second waveguide for a second eye;

a convex spherical mount having a fixed position relative to the first waveguide; and

a light engine including a concave spherical mount that adjustably mates with the convex spherical mount to selectively change a horizontal entrance angle, a vertical entrance angle, and a rotation angle of collimated light from the light engine into the first waveguide, the light engine having a projected exit pupil located at a center of curvature of the convex spherical mount and a center of curvature of the concave spherical mount when the convex spherical mount is mated to the concave spherical mount;

the entrance grating of the first waveguide located at the center of curvature of the convex spherical mount and the center of curvature of the concave spherical mount when the convex spherical mount is mated to the concave spherical mount.