The ideal imaging AR waveguide

David J. Grey

doi:10.1117/12.2269776

26 June 2017 The ideal imaging AR waveguide

David J. Grey

Proceedings Volume 10335, Digital Optical Technologies 2017; 103350C (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2269776
Event: SPIE Digital Optical Technologies, 2017, Munich, Germany

Abstract

Imaging waveguides are a key development that are helping to create the Augmented Reality revolution. They have the ability to use a small projector as an input and produce a wide field of view, large eyebox, full colour, see-through image with good contrast and resolution. WaveOptics is at the forefront of this AR technology and has developed and demonstrated an approach which is readily scalable. This paper presents our view of the ideal near-to-eye imaging AR waveguide. This will be a single-layer waveguide which can be manufactured in high volume and low cost, and is suitable for small form factor applications and all-day wear. We discuss the requirements of the waveguide for an excellent user experience. When enhanced (AR) viewing is not required, the waveguide should have at least 90% transmission, no distracting artifacts and should accommodate the user’s ophthalmic prescription. When enhanced viewing is required, additionally, the waveguide requires excellent imaging performance, this includes resolution to the limit of human acuity, wide field of view, full colour, high luminance uniformity and contrast. Imaging waveguides are afocal designs and hence cannot provide ophthalmic correction. If the user requires this correction then they must wear either contact lenses, prescription spectacles or inserts. The ideal imaging waveguide would need to cope with all of these situations so we believe it must be capable of providing an eyebox at an eye relief suitable for spectacle wear which covers a significant range of population inter-pupillary distances. We describe the current status of our technology and review existing imaging waveguide technologies against the ideal component.

Citation Download Citation

David J. Grey "The ideal imaging AR waveguide", Proc. SPIE 10335, Digital Optical Technologies 2017, 103350C (26 June 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2269776

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KEYWORDS

Waveguides

Eye

Eyeglasses

Projection systems

Image resolution

Imaging systems

Manufacturing

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