Patent ID: 12216367

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One challenge with optical-see-through augmented reality (AR) devices has been the variation in the opacity and/or visibility of the virtual content under varying ambient light conditions. The problem worsens in extreme lighting conditions such as a completely dark room or outside in full bright sunlight. One solution is to dim the world light at different spatial locations within the field of view of the AR device. The portion of the field of view to which dimming is applied and the amount of dimming that is applied may each be determined based on various information detected by the AR device. This information may include detected ambient light, detected gaze information, and/or the detected brightness or location of the virtual content being projected.

For dimming systems that employ an optically-transmissive display with an array of pixels, such as an optically-transmissive controllable dimming assembly, an optically-transmissive liquid crystal display (LCD), and/or an optically-transmissive organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a user may observe spikes or streaks emanating from various light sources in the real world. More specifically, the array of pixels in an optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display may interact with light in a manner similar to that of a “cross screen” or a “star” photographic filter by virtue of its geometry, such that a distinct number of diffraction spikes are produced around light sources in the real world.

Embodiments described herein provide techniques that reduce the noticeability of diffraction spikes produced by optically-transmissive spatial light modulators or displays in see-through display systems. In some embodiments, dimming assemblies with pixels having curved geometries are provided. Each pixel may be comprised of an electrode with a shape having at least one curved side. The pixels may form a two-dimensional array that is disposed onto an optically-transmissive substrate. Dimming assemblies may further include conductors that run across the pixel arrays and adhere to the particular curved geometries. Control circuitry that is electrically coupled to a pixel array may apply electrical signals to generate electric fields across various layers of a dimming assembly.

FIG.1illustrates an AR scene100as viewed through a wearable AR device, according to some embodiments. AR scene100is depicted wherein a user of an AR technology sees a real-world park-like setting106featuring various real-world objects130such as people, trees, buildings in the background, and a real-world concrete platform120. In addition to these items, the user of the AR technology also perceives that they “see” various virtual objects102such as a robot statue102-2standing upon the real-world concrete platform120, and a cartoon-like avatar character102-1flying by, which seems to be a personification of a bumble bee, even though these elements (character102-1and statue102-2) do not exist in the real world. Due to the extreme complexity of the human visual perception and nervous system, it is challenging to produce a virtual reality (VR) or AR technology that facilitates a comfortable, natural-feeling, rich presentation of virtual image elements amongst other virtual or real-world imagery elements.

FIG.2Aillustrates various features of an AR device200, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, an AR device200may include an eyepiece202and a dynamic dimmer203configured to be transparent or semi-transparent when AR device200is in an inactive mode or an off mode such that a user may view one or more world objects230when looking through eyepiece202and dynamic dimmer203. As illustrated, eyepiece202and dynamic dimmer203may be arranged in a side-by-side configuration and may form a system field of view that a user sees when looking through eyepiece202and dynamic dimmer203. In some embodiments, the system field of view is defined as the entire two-dimensional region occupied by one or both of eyepiece202and dynamic dimmer203. AlthoughFIG.2Aillustrates a single eyepiece202and a single dynamic dimmer203for purposes of simplicity, it should be understood that AR device200may include two eyepieces and two dynamic dimmers, one for each eye of a user.

During operation, dynamic dimmer203may be adjusted to reduce an intensity of a world light232associated with world objects230impinging on dynamic dimmer203, thereby producing a dimmed area236within the system field of view. Dimmed area236may be a portion or subset of the system field of view, and may be partially or completely dimmed. Dynamic dimmer203may be adjusted according to a plurality of spatially-resolved dimming values for dimmed area236. Furthermore, during operation of AR device200, projector214may project a virtual image light222(i.e., light associated with virtual content) onto eyepiece202which may be observed by the user along with world light232.

Projecting virtual image light222onto eyepiece202may cause a light field (i.e., an angular representation of virtual content) to be projected onto the user's retina in a manner such that the user perceives the corresponding virtual content as being positioned at some location within the user's environment. For example, virtual image light222outcoupled by eyepiece202may cause the user to perceive character202-1as being positioned at a first virtual depth plane210-1and statue202-2as being positioned at a second virtual depth plane210-2. The user perceives the virtual content along with world light232corresponding to one or more world objects230, such as platform120.

In some embodiments, AR device200may include an ambient light sensor234configured to detect world light232. Ambient light sensor234may be positioned such that world light232detected by ambient light sensor234is similar to and/or representative of world light232that impinges on dynamic dimmer203and/or eyepiece202. In some embodiments, ambient light sensor234may be configured to detect a plurality of spatially-resolved light values corresponding to different pixels of dynamic dimmer203. In these embodiments, ambient light sensor234may, for example, correspond to an imaging sensor (e.g., CMOS, CCD, etc.) or a plurality of photodiodes (e.g., in an array or another spatially-distributed arrangement). In some embodiments, or in the same embodiments, ambient light sensor234may be configured to detect a global light value corresponding to an average light intensity or a single light intensity of world light232. In these embodiments, ambient light sensor234may, for example, correspond to a set of one or more photodiodes. Other possibilities are contemplated.

FIG.2Billustrates an example of AR device200in which dimmed area236is determined based on detected light information corresponding to world light232. Specifically, ambient light sensor234may detect world light232associated with the sun and may further detect a direction and/or a portion of the system field of view at which world light232associated with the sun passes through AR device200. In response, dynamic dimmer203may be adjusted to set dimmed area236to cover a portion of the system field of view corresponding to the detected world light. As illustrated, dynamic dimmer203may be adjusted so as to reduce the intensity of world light232at the center of dimmed area236at a greater amount than the extremities of dimmed area236.

FIG.2Cillustrates an example of AR device200in which dimmed area236is determined based on virtual image light222. Specifically, dimmed area236may be determined based on the virtual content perceived by the user resulting from the user observing virtual image light222. In some embodiments, AR device200may detect image information that includes a location of virtual image light222(e.g., a location within dynamic dimmer203through which the user perceives the virtual content) and/or a brightness of virtual image light222(e.g., a brightness of the perceived virtual content and/or the light generated at projector214), among other possibilities. As illustrated, dynamic dimmer203may be adjusted to set dimmed area236to cover a portion of the system field of view corresponding to virtual image light222or, alternatively, in some embodiments dimmed area236may cover a portion of the system field of view that is not aligned with virtual image light222. In some embodiments, the dimming values of dimmed area236may be determined based on world light232detected by ambient light sensor234and/or the brightness of virtual image light222.

FIG.2Dillustrates an example of AR device200in which dimmed area236is determined based on gaze information corresponding to an eye of a user. In some embodiments, the gaze information includes a gaze vector238of the user and/or a pixel location of dynamic dimmer203at which gaze vector238intersects with dynamic dimmer203. As illustrated, dynamic dimmer203may be adjusted to set dimmed area236to cover a portion of the system field of view corresponding to an intersection point (or intersection region) between gaze vector238and dynamic dimmer203or, alternatively, in some embodiments dimmed area236may cover a portion of the system field of view that does not correspond to the intersection point (or intersection region) between gaze vector238and dynamic dimmer203. In some embodiments, the dimming values of dimmed area236may be determined based on world light232detected by ambient light sensor234and/or the brightness of virtual image light222. In some embodiments, gaze information may be detected by an eye tracker240mounted to AR device200.

FIG.3illustrates a schematic view of an example wearable system300, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Wearable system300may include a wearable device301and at least one remote device303that is remote from wearable device301(e.g., separate hardware but communicatively coupled). Wearable device301as described in reference toFIG.3may correspond to AR device200as described above in reference toFIGS.2A-2D. While wearable device301is worn by a user (generally as a headset), remote device303may be held by the user (e.g., as a handheld controller) or mounted in a variety of configurations, such as fixedly attached to a frame, fixedly attached to a helmet or hat worn by a user, embedded in headphones, or otherwise removably attached to a user (e.g., in a backpack-style configuration, in a belt-coupling style configuration, etc.).

Wearable device301may include a left eyepiece302A and a left dynamic dimmer303A arranged in a side-by-side configuration and constituting a left optical stack. Similarly, wearable device301may include a right eyepiece302B and a right dynamic dimmer303B arranged in a side-by-side configuration and constituting a right optical stack. Each of the left and right optical stacks may further include various lenses, such as an accommodating lens on the user side of the optical stacks as well as a compensating lens on the world side of the optical stacks.

In some embodiments, wearable device301includes one or more sensors including, but not limited to: a left front-facing world camera306A attached directly to or near left eyepiece302A, a right front-facing world camera306B attached directly to or near right eyepiece302B, a left side-facing world camera306C attached directly to or near left eyepiece302A, a right side-facing world camera306D attached directly to or near right eyepiece302B, a left eye tracking camera326A directed toward the left eye, a right eye tracking camera326B directed toward the right eye, and a depth sensor328attached between eyepieces302. Wearable device301may include one or more image projection devices such as a left projector314A optically linked to left eyepiece302A and a right projector314B optically linked to right eyepiece302B.

Wearable system300may include a processing module350for collecting, processing, and/or controlling data within the system. Components of processing module350may be distributed between wearable device301and remote device303. For example, processing module350may include a local processing module352on the wearable portion of wearable system300and a remote processing module356physically separate from and communicatively linked to local processing module352. Each of local processing module352and remote processing module356may include one or more processing units (e.g., central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), etc.) and one or more storage devices, such as non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory).

Processing module350may collect the data captured by various sensors of wearable system300, such as cameras306, eye tracking cameras326, depth sensor328, remote sensors330, ambient light sensors, microphones, inertial measurement units (IUs), accelerometers, compasses, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) units, radio devices, and/or gyroscopes. For example, processing module350may receive image(s)320from cameras306. Specifically, processing module350may receive left front image(s)320A from left front-facing world camera306A, right front image(s)320B from right front-facing world camera306B, left side image(s)320C from left side-facing world camera306C, and right side image(s)320D from right side-facing world camera306D. In some embodiments, image(s)320may include a single image, a pair of images, a video comprising a stream of images, a video comprising a stream of paired images, and the like. Image(s)320may be periodically generated and sent to processing module350while wearable system300is powered on, or may be generated in response to an instruction sent by processing module350to one or more of the cameras.

Cameras306may be configured in various positions and orientations along the outer surface of wearable device301so as to capture images of the user's surrounding. In some instances, cameras306A,306B may be positioned to capture images that substantially overlap with the field of views (FOVs) of a user's left and right eyes, respectively. Accordingly, placement of cameras306may be near a user's eyes but not so near as to obscure the user's FOV. Alternatively or additionally, cameras306A,306B may be positioned so as to align with the incoupling locations of virtual image light322A,322B, respectively. Cameras306C,306D may be positioned to capture images to the side of a user, e.g., in a user's peripheral vision or outside the user's peripheral vision. Image(s)320C,320D captured using cameras306C,306D need not necessarily overlap with image(s)320A,320B captured using cameras306A,306B.

In some embodiments, processing module350may receive ambient light information from an ambient light sensor. The ambient light information may indicate a brightness value or a range of spatially-resolved brightness values. Depth sensor328may capture a depth image332in a front-facing direction of wearable device301. Each value of depth image332may correspond to a distance between depth sensor328and the nearest detected object in a particular direction. As another example, processing module350may receive eye tracking data334from eye tracking cameras326, which may include images of the left and right eyes. As another example, processing module350may receive projected image brightness values from one or both of projectors314. Remote sensors330located within remote device303may include any of the above-described sensors with similar functionality.

Virtual content is delivered to the user of wearable system300using projectors314and eyepieces302, along with other components in the optical stacks. For instance, eyepieces302A,302B may comprise transparent or semi-transparent waveguides configured to direct and outcouple light generated by projectors314A,314B, respectively. Specifically, processing module350may cause left projector314A to output left virtual image light322A onto left eyepiece302A, and may cause right projector314B to output right virtual image light322B onto right eyepiece302B. In some embodiments, projectors314may include micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) spatial light modulator (SLM) scanning devices. In some embodiments, each of eyepieces302A,302B may comprise a plurality of waveguides corresponding to different colors. In some embodiments, lens assemblies305A,305B may be coupled to and/or integrated with eyepieces302A,302B. For example, lens assemblies305A,305B may be incorporated into a multi-layer eyepiece and may form one or more layers that make up one of eyepieces302A,302B.

FIG.4illustrates an example method400for operating an optical system (e.g., AR device200or wearable system300). Steps of method400may be performed in a different order than that shown inFIG.4, and not all of the steps need be performed. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of steps406,408, and410may be omitted during performance of method400. One or more steps of method400may be performed by a processor of processing module350or by some other component within wearable system300.

At step402, light (e.g., world light232) associated with a world object (e.g., world objects230) is received at the optical system. The world object may be any number of real-world objects, such as a tree, a person, a house, a building, the sun, etc., that is viewed by a user of the optical system. In some embodiments, the light associated with the world object is first received by a dynamic dimmer (e.g., dynamic dimmers203or303) or by an external cosmetic lens of the optical system. In some embodiments, the light associated with the world object is considered to be received at the optical system when the light reaches one or more components of the optical system (e.g., when the light reaches the dynamic dimmer).

At step404, virtual image light (e.g., virtual image light222or322) is projected onto an eyepiece (e.g., eyepieces202or302). The virtual image light may be projected onto the eyepiece by a projector (e.g., projectors214or314) of the optical system. The virtual image light may correspond to a single image, a pair of images, a video comprising a stream of images, a video comprising a stream of paired images, and the like. In some embodiments, the virtual image light is considered to be projected onto the eyepiece when any light associated with the virtual image light reaches the eyepiece. In some embodiments, projecting the virtual image light onto the eyepiece causes a light field (i.e., an angular representation of virtual content) to be projected onto the user's retina in a manner such that the user perceives the corresponding virtual content as being positioned at some location within the user's environment.

During steps406,408, and410, information may be detected by the optical system using, for example, one or more sensors of the optical system. At step406, light information corresponding to the light associated with the world object is detected. The light information may be detected using a light sensor (e.g., ambient light sensor234) mounted to the optical system. In some embodiments, the light information includes a plurality of spatially-resolved light values. Each of the plurality of spatially-resolved light values may correspond to a two-dimensional position within the system field of view. For example, each of the light values may be associated with a pixel of the dynamic dimmer. In other embodiments, or in the same embodiments, the light information may include a global light value. The global light value may be associated with the entire system field of view (e.g., an average light value of light impinging on all pixels of the dynamic dimmer).

At step408, gaze information corresponding to an eye of a user of the optical system is detected. The gaze information may be detected using an eye tracker (e.g., eye trackers240or326) mounted to the optical system. In some embodiments, the gaze information includes a gaze vector (e.g., gaze vector238) of the eye of the user. In some embodiments, the gaze information includes one or more of a pupil position of the eye of the user, a center of rotation of the eye of the user, a pupil size of the eye of the user, a pupil diameter of the eye of the user, and cone and rod locations of the eye of the user. The gaze vector may be determined based on one or more components of the gaze information, such as the pupil position, the center of rotation of the eye, the pupil size, the pupil diameter, and/or the cone and rod locations. When the gaze vector is determined based on the cone and rod locations, it may further be determined based on the light information (e.g., the global light value) so as to determine an origin of the gaze vector within a retinal layer of the eye containing the cone and rod locations. In some embodiments, the gaze information includes a pixel or group of pixels of the dynamic dimmer at which the gaze vector intersects with the dynamic dimmer.

At step410, image information corresponding to the virtual image light (e.g., virtual image light222or322) projected by the projector onto the eyepiece is detected. The image information may be detected by the projector, by a processor (e.g., processing module350), or by a separate light sensor. In some embodiments, the image information includes one or more locations within the dynamic dimmer through which the user perceives the virtual content when the user observes the virtual image light. In some embodiments, the image information includes a plurality of spatially-resolved image brightness values (e.g., brightness of the perceived virtual content). For example, each of the image brightness values may be associated with a pixel of the eyepiece or of the dynamic dimmer. In one particular implementation, when the processor sends instructions to the projector to project the virtual image light onto the eyepiece, the processor may determine, based on the instructions, the spatially-resolved image brightness values. In another particular implementation, when the projector receives the instructions from the processor to project the virtual image light onto the eyepiece, the projector sends the spatially-resolved image brightness values to the processor. In another particular implementation, a light sensor positioned on or near the eyepiece detects and sends the spatially-resolved image brightness values to the processor. In other embodiments, or in the same embodiments, the image information includes a global image brightness value. The global image brightness value may be associated with the entire system field of view (e.g., an average image brightness value of all of the virtual image light).

At step412, a portion of the system field of view to be at least partially dimmed is determined based on the detected information. The detected information may include the light information detected during step406, the gaze information detected during step408, and/or the image information detected during step410. In some embodiments, the portion of the system field of view is equal to the entire system field of view. In various embodiments, the portion of the system field of view may be equal to 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, or 75%, etc., of the system field of view. In some embodiments, the different types of information may be weighted differently in determining the portion to be at least partially dimmed. For example, gaze information, when available, may be weighted more heavily in determining the portion to be at least partially dimmed than light information and image information. In one particular implementation, each type of information may independently be used to determine a different portion of the system field of view to be at least partially dimmed, and subsequently the different portions may be combined into a single portion using an AND or an OR operation.

In some embodiments, the information used to determine a portion of the system field of view to be at least partially dimmed includes information associated with one or more objects that are presented within the virtual content. For example, the virtual content may include text, navigational indicators (e.g., arrows), and/or other content. The portion of the field of view in which such content is to be presented, and/or the field of view proximal to the content, can be dimmed such that the user can more easily read perceive and understand the content, and distinguish the content from world object(s). The dimmer can selectively dim one or more pixels and/or zone(s) of pixels, or enhance viewing of the content. In one example, a section of the lower portion of the field of view can be selectively and dynamically dimmed to make is easier for the user to see directional (e.g., navigation) arrows, text messages, and so forth. Such dimming may be performed while the content is being displayed in response to a determination that such content is to be displayed, and the dimming may be removed when the content is no longer displayed. In some instances, the dimming may be performed to mitigate artifacts caused by the pixel structure that enables dimming over the entire field of view.

At step414, a plurality of spatially-resolved dimming values for the portion of the system field of view are determined based on the detected information. In some embodiments, the dimming values are determined using a formulaic approach based on a desired opacity or visibility of the virtual content. In one particular implementation, the visibility of the virtual content may be calculated using the following equation:

V=Imax(1-1C)Imax(1+1C)+2⁢Iback
where V is the visibility, Imaxis the brightness of the virtual image light as indicated by the image information, Ibackis related to a light value associated with the world object as indicated by the light information (which may be modified by the determined dimming value), and C is a desired contrast (e.g., 100:1). For example, the visibility equation may be used at each pixel location of the dimmer to calculate a dimming value for the particular pixel location using the brightness of the virtual image light at the particular pixel location and the light value associated with the world object at the particular pixel location. In some embodiments, Ibackmay be defined using the following equation:
Iback=Tv*Iworld
where Tvis the percentage of light that is allowed to pass through one or more pixels of the dimmer, and Iworldis the brightness of ambient light from the world as indicated by the light information. In some examples, Tvmay be representative of or related to a dimming value.

At step416, the dimmer is adjusted to reduce an intensity of the light associated with the object in the portion of the system field of view. For example, the dimmer may be adjusted such that the intensity of the light associated with the object impinging on each pixel location of the dimmer is reduced according to the dimming value determined for that particular pixel location. As used in the present disclosure, adjusting the dimmer may include initializing the dimmer, activating the dimmer, powering on the dimmer, modifying or changing a previously initialized, activated, and/or powered on dimmer, and the like. In some embodiments, the processor may send data to the dimmer indicating both the portion of the system field of view and the plurality of spatially-resolved dimming values.

At step418, the projector is adjusted to adjust a brightness associated with the virtual image light. For example, in some embodiments it may be difficult to achieve a desired opacity or visibility of the virtual content without increasing or decreasing the brightness of the virtual object. In such embodiments, the brightness of the virtual image light may be adjusted before, after, simultaneously, or concurrently with adjusting the dimmer.

FIG.5illustrates an AR device500with an eyepiece502and a pixelated dimming element503consisting of a spatial grid of dimming areas (i.e., pixels) that can have various levels of dimming. Each of the dimming areas may have an associated size (i.e., width) and an associated spacing (i.e., pitch). As illustrated, the spatial grid of dimming areas may include one or more dark pixels506providing complete dimming of incident light and one or more clear pixels508providing complete transmission of incident light. Adjacent pixels within pixelated dimming element503may be bordering (e.g., when the pitch is equal to the size) or may be separated by gaps (e.g., when the pitch is greater than the size). In various embodiments, pixelated dimming element503may employ liquid crystal technology such as dye doped or guest host liquid crystals, twisted nematic (TN) or vertically aligned (VA) liquid crystals, or ferroelectric liquid crystals. In some embodiments, pixelated dimming element503may comprise an electrochromic device, among other possibilities. In some implementations, pixelated dimming element503may employ electrically controlled birefringence (“ECB”) technology, such as an ECB cell.

FIG.6illustrates a side view of a controllable dimming assembly603, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Controllable dimming assembly603may form all or part of an external cover of an AR system and/or may be integrated within an optical stack of an AR system. In some implementations, controllable dimming assembly603ofFIG.6may correspond to one or more of components203,303A,303B, and503as described above with reference toFIGS.2A-2C,3, and5. In the example ofFIG.6, controllable dimming assembly603includes a liquid crystal layer618sandwiched between an outer electrode layer616A and an inner electrode layer616B, which are in turn sandwiched between an outer polarizer612A and an inner polarizer612B. In some examples, controllable dimming assembly603may further include an outer compensation film layer614A (or waveplate) positioned between outer polarizer612A and outer electrode layer616A, an inner compensation film layer614B (or waveplate) positioned between inner polarizer612B and inner electrode layer616B, or both. Additional examples of controllable dimming assembly architectures and control schemes are described in further detail in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/725,993, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/731,755, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/858,252, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In operation, outer polarizer612A may impart a first polarization state (e.g., vertical polarization) to ambient light propagating therethrough toward a user's eye. Next, liquid crystal molecules contained within liquid crystal layer618may further rotate/polarize the polarized ambient light in accordance with one or more electric fields applied across outer and inner electrode layers616A,616B. It follows that the polarization rotation imparted by the pair of electrode layers616A,616B and liquid crystal layer618may serve to effectively alter the polarization state of ambient light passing therethrough. In some examples, retardation and/or additional polarization rotation may be imparted by way of outer and/or inner compensation film layers614A,614B. Lastly, inner polarizer612B may impart a second, different polarization state (e.g., horizontal polarization) to ambient light propagating therethrough toward a user's eye. The second polarization state may be configured to be nearly orthogonal to the cumulative polarization state imparted on the ambient light by the combined effects of outer polarizer612A, liquid crystal layer618, and optionally outer and/or inner compensation film layers614A,614B. Accordingly, inner polarizer612B may allow portions of ambient light in the second polarization state to pass therethrough unaffected, and may attenuate portions of ambient light in polarization states other than the second polarization state.

In some implementations, controllable dimming assembly603ofFIG.6may be configured to generate a segmented or pixelated tinting/dimming pattern to attenuate ambient light incident thereon. In such implementations, one of outer electrode layer616A and inner electrode layer616B may correspond to a layer of individually-addressable electrodes arranged in a two-dimensional array. For instance, in some examples, outer electrode layer616A may correspond to an array of electrodes that may each be selectively controlled by controllable dimming assembly603to generate a respective electric field/voltage in tandem with outer electrode layer616B, which may correspond to a single planar electrode. Controllable dimming assembly603ofFIG.6may be configured to generate a dimming pattern upon application of one or more electric fields/voltages across outer and inner electrode layers616A,616B. In some examples, the electrodes of one or both of outer and inner electrode layers616A,616B may be made out of an optically-transmissive conducting material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

In some examples, controllable dimming assembly603may be configured to attenuate ambient light passing therethrough in accordance with a gradient tinting/dimming pattern by way of at least one component thereof (e.g., outer polarizer612A, inner polarizer612B, outer compensation film layer614A, inner compensation film layer614B, outer electrode layer616A, inner electrode layer616B, circuitry electrically coupled to outer electrode layer616A and/or inner electrode layer616B, substrate material disposed adjacent liquid crystal layer618, outer electrode layer616A, and/or inner electrode layer616B, etc.) that is configured to impart polarization states that vary on the basis of the location and/or angle at which the ambient light is incident such a component. In some implementations in which controllable dimming assembly603includes at least one compensation film layer (e.g., one or both of outer and inner compensation film layers614A,614B), such a compensation film layer614A,614B may be configured so as to polarize/rotate/retard ambient light passing therethrough in a manner varying on the basis of the location and/or angle at which the ambient light is incident compensation film layer614A,614B. An angle attenuation component may be arranged on at least a portion of a surface of eyepiece(s) of the display system. For example, in some implementations, the angle attenuation component may be arranged adjacent to a controllable dimming assembly of a display system, such as one or more of components203,303a,303B,503, and603as described herein with reference toFIGS.2A-2C,3,5, and6.

When viewing the real world through an optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display with an array of pixels, such as an optically-transmissive controllable dimming assembly, an optically-transmissive LCD, and/or an optically-transmissive OLED display, one may see spikes or streaks emanating from various light sources in the real world. More specifically, the array of pixels in an optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display may interact with light in a manner similar to that of a “cross screen” or a “star” photographic filter by virtue of its geometry, such that a distinct number of diffraction spikes are produced around light sources in the real world.

FIGS.7A-7Cillustrate example images700of a scene as captured using various techniques, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.7Aillustrates an example image700A of a scene as captured by a camera.FIG.7Billustrates an example image700B of the same scene as captured by the same camera through an optically-transmissive spatial light modulator with an array of pixels. The optically-transmissive spatial light modulator through which example image700B was captured is described in further detail below with reference toFIGS.8A and8B. The scene captured in both of example images700A and700B features an illuminated light source (e.g., a light on a mobile phone). However, it can be seen that a distinct number of diffraction spikes (e.g., four diffraction spikes) are present around the light source in example image700B that are not present in example image700A. While the optical effect exhibited in example700B may be desirable in certain applications (e.g., artistic photography, etc.), through developing the systems and techniques described herein, it has been found that such an effect can sometimes be seen as an annoyance or a distraction to users of see-through display systems. As such, in some examples, it may be desirable to reduce the noticeability of diffraction spikes produced by optically-transmissive spatial light modulators or displays in see-through display systems.

In some implementations, the noticeability of diffraction spikes produced in see-through display systems may be reduced by employing an optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display, such as an optically-transmissive controllable dimming assembly, that is configured to produce a relatively high number of diffraction spikes per light source. While this may appear to be counterintuitive, the number of diffraction spikes or streaks that are produced per light source may be inversely proportional to the intensity and/or length of each streak. For example,FIG.7Cshows an example image700C of the same scene as shown inFIGS.7A and7Band as captured by the same camera through an optically-transmissive spatial light modulator configured to produce a relatively high number of diffraction spikes per light source. The optically-transmissive spatial light modulator through which example image700C was captured is described in further detail below with reference toFIGS.9A-9B.

It can be seen that a greater number of diffraction spikes are present around the light source in example image700C than are present around the light source in example image700B. However, given the inverse relationship between the number of diffraction spikes or streaks produced per light source and the intensity and/or length of each streak, the diffraction spikes in example image700C are less defined and are shorter than the diffraction spikes in example image700B. Furthermore, the diffraction spikes or streaks exhibited around the light source in example image700C appear to be much more condensed or localized than those exhibited around the light source in example image700B, which are relatively far-reaching. Through developing the systems and techniques described herein, it has been found that many users of see-through display systems consider the optical effect exhibited in example image700C to be less of an annoyance and/or a distraction than the optical effect exhibited in example image700B. As such, in some implementations, an optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display of a see-through display system may be configured to produce a relatively high number of diffraction spikes per light source so as to provide enhanced user experience.

The number of diffraction spikes or streaks that are produced around a given light source in the real world is proportional to the number of sides or edges of the aperture through which light from said given light source passes, which may also correspond to the number of sides or edges of the diaphragm that surrounds and/or defines the aperture through which light from said given light source passes. The pattern of diffraction spikes or streaks produced around a given light source in the real world corresponds to the Fourier Transform of the geometry of the aperture-diaphragm with which light from said given light source interacts. As such, an aperture-diaphragm geometry with n edges may yield n diffraction spikes or streaks if n is even, and may yield2ndiffraction spikes or streaks if n is odd. This also means that the angular orientation of a given edge of an aperture-diaphragm geometry may at least in part dictate the angular orientation of the diffraction spike or streak that it yields. Through developing the systems and techniques described herein, it has been found that each pixel in an array of pixels in an optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display can act as a sort of aperture through which light from the real world passes, and that the components that surround each pixel (e.g., conductors, circuitry, light-blocking masks or matrices, etc.) in the array can act as a sort of corresponding diaphragm.

FIGS.8A and8Billustrate an example array of pixels810A and a corresponding point spread function (PSF)820B, respectively, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Given that pixels are most often square or rectangular in shape, which are quadrilaterals (i.e., four-sided shapes), it follows that many optically-transmissive spatial light modulators and displays may produce four diffraction spikes around each real world light source, as was the case in the example ofFIG.7B. For example,FIG.8Adepicts array of pixels810A with such geometry, andFIG.8Bdepicts PSF820B associated therewith. PSF820B may, for example, correspond to the Fourier Transform of example pixel array810A. As shown inFIG.8B, PSF820B features four distinct spikes or streaks that are not unlike those exhibited in example image700B ofFIG.7B.

FIGS.9A and9Billustrate an example array of pixels910A and a corresponding PSF920B, respectively, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the relationship between aperture-diaphragm geometry and diffraction spike patterning may be leveraged in one or more of the systems and techniques described herein so as to produce an increased number of diffraction spikes per light source and thus enhance user experience. For example,FIG.9Adepicts array of pixels910A according to some of such implementations, andFIG.9Bdepicts PSF920B associated therewith. PSF920B may, for example, correspond to the Fourier Transform of pixel array910A.

As shown inFIG.9A, each pixel in array of pixels910A has a curved geometry. More specifically, each pixel in array of pixels910A is bounded by a series of arcs, semicircles, or serpentine segments. In some implementations, the curved geometry of each pixel in array of pixels910A is approximated by many straight line segments. Each pixel better approximates a curved geometry the more straight line segments that can be utilized in forming the pixel. In some implementations, each curved side of the pixel may be formed using 50, 100, 500, or 1000 straight line segments, among other possibilities. As such, as used herein, a side of a pixel or electrode that is comprised of multiple straight lines that in the aggregate have the appearance of a curved side when the side is viewed in its entirety is considered to be “curved”. Such a side may be partially curved (e.g., only a portion of the side has the appearance of being curved when the side is viewed in its entirety) or completely curved (e.g., each and every portion of the side has the appearance of being curved when the side is viewed in its entirety).

The aperture-diaphragm geometry associated with each pixel in array of pixels910A can be said to have an infinite or near infinite number of edges. Furthermore, as shown inFIG.9B, the pattern exhibited in PSF920B, which is not unlike the diffraction pattern exhibited in image700C ofFIG.7C, features an indistinguishable (presumably near infinite) number of spikes or streaks and bears a relatively strong resemblance to an Airy pattern. In addition, because a relatively large range of different angular components are represented in the geometry associated with array of pixels910A, and further because the distribution of such different angular components represented in the geometry associated with array of pixels910A is relatively uniform, the pattern exhibited in PSF920B features diffraction spikes or streaks that radiate or emanate from the origin at a large range of different angles and in a manner such that individual spikes or streaks stand out less.

Notably, it can be seen that the change in intensity as a function of distance from the center or origin is much more rapid in PSF920B than in PSF820B. Indeed, by employing curved geometries in arrays of pixels, an advantageous diffraction pattern may be achieved. As described in further detail below, advantageous diffraction patterns may be achieved in a see-through display system with an optically-transmissive spatial light modulator and display by employing curved geometries in pixel components (e.g., electrodes) and/or one or more of components that surround pixel components (e.g., conductors, circuitry, light-blocking masks or matrices, etc.) of the optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display.

FIG.10depicts an example optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display1000for a see-through display system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display1000may, for example, correspond to an optically-transmissive controllable dimming assembly that is similar or equivalent to one or more of the dimming assemblies described herein, an optically-transmissive LCD, an optically-transmissive OLED display, and the like. As shown inFIG.10, optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display1000includes an array of pixels1002, each of which has a curved geometry (as shown by inset1004) and is spaced apart from one or more neighboring pixels (as shown by inset1006).

Each pixel in array of pixels1002of optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display1000is also electrically coupled to a corresponding thin film transistor (TFT)1008, which in turn is electrically coupled to a corresponding pair of metal line traces or conductors1010. Such metal line traces or conductors1010are positioned in transmissive gap regions1012between pixels, and are further electrically coupled to one or more circuits for controlling the state of each pixel of the example optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display1000. In the example ofFIG.10, such one or more circuits may include a chip on glass (COG)1014laterally offset from array of pixels1002. In this way, COG1014of optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display1000may be positioned outside of a user's FOV, obscured by housing or other components of the see-through display system, or a combination thereof.

FIG.11depicts an example curved geometry1100, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Curved geometry1100includes a “quarter circle” curvature design in which a radius R1of curvature is used, which may be defined as R1=pixel pitch(p)×√{square root over (2)}/4. In one example, p=500 μm and R1=176.7 μm. In some implementations, the example curved geometry1100ofFIG.11may be employed in optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display1000ofFIG.10or other similar system.

FIG.12Adepicts an example pixel layout1200A including pixel electrodes E(1,1)to E(M,N), circuit modules T(1,1)to T(M,N), and conductors R1to RMand C1to CN, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, in the example ofFIG.12A, pixel layout1200A includes pixel electrodes E(1,1)to E(M,N)arranged in an array with N rows and M columns. In some examples, pixel electrodes E(1,1)to E(M,N)may be made out of an optically-transmissive conductive material, such as ITO. Each one of pixel electrodes E(1,1)to E(M,N)is electrically coupled to a corresponding one of circuit modules T(1,1)to T(M,N). In some implementations, pixel electrodes E(1,1)to E(M,N)may correspond to a pixel array similar or equivalent to array of pixels1002described above with reference toFIG.10. In some implementations, each one of circuit modules T(1,1)to T(M,N)may correspond to a TFT circuit similar or equivalent to TFTs1008described above with reference toFIG.10. In some examples, each TFT circuit may include one or more electronic components in addition to the thin-film transistor.

Each one of circuit modules T(1,1)to T(M,N)is in turn electrically coupled to a corresponding one of conductors R1to RM, and to a corresponding one of conductors C1to CN. In some examples, conductors R1to RMand C1to CNmay correspond to metal trace lines or conductors1010described above with reference toFIG.10. Conductors R1to RMand C1to CNmay be electrically coupled to circuitry configured to drive or otherwise control operation of the spatial light modulator or display to which example pixel layout1200A corresponds. In some examples, such circuitry may correspond to COG1014described above with reference to FIG.10. As shown inFIG.12A, pixel electrodes E(1,1)to E(M,N)and conductors R1to RMand C1to CNadhere to a particular curved geometry similar to that which is depicted inFIGS.9A,10, and11.

FIG.12Bdepicts an example pixel layout1200B including pixel electrodes E(1,1)to E(M,N), circuit modules T(1,1)to T(M,N), and conductors R1to RMand C1to CN, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some examples, pixel electrodes E(1,1)to E(M,N), circuit modules T(1,1)to T(M,N), and conductors R1to RMand C1to CNof pixel layout1200B may be functionally similar or equivalent to pixel electrodes E(1,1)to E(M,N), circuit modules T(1,1)to T(M,N), and conductors R1to RMand C1to CNof the example pixel layout1200A, as described above with reference toFIG.12A. However, in pixel layout1200B, pixel electrodes E(1,1)to E(M,N)and conductors R1to RMand C1to CNadhere to a curved geometry different from that of the example pixel layout1200A.

FIG.13Adepicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display assembly1300A for a see-through display system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Assembly1300A may, for example, correspond to an optically-transmissive controllable dimming assembly, an optically-transmissive LCD assembly, an optically-transmissive OLED display assembly, and the like. More specifically, the portion of assembly1300A depicted inFIG.13Aincludes a first optically-transmissive substrate1302, a first pixel electrode1305A, a second pixel electrode1307A, a conductor1309, a liquid crystal layer1318, a common planar electrode1316, a light-blocking mask1320A, and a second optically-transmissive substrate1322.

In some implementations, one or both of first and second optically-transmissive substrates1302,1322may be made of glass. Pixel electrodes1305A and1305B may, for example, be neighboring pixel electrodes in an array of electrodes. For example, within the context ofFIGS.12A and12B, first and second pixel electrodes1305A,1305B may correspond to pixel electrodes E(1,1)and E(1,2), respectively. Similarly, in this example, conductor1309may correspond to conductor C2, which is disposed between pixel electrodes E(1,1)and E(1,2)inFIGS.12A and12B. In another example, elements1305A,1307A, and1309of assembly1300A may correspond to pixel electrodes E(1,1), E(2,1), and conductor R2as described above with reference toFIGS.12A and12B, respectively. As shown inFIG.13A, there may be gaps or channels between each of elements1305A,1307A, and1309.

Light-blocking mask1320A may be positioned in alignment with the conductor1309and, in some implementations, may be wider than the spacing between pixel electrodes1305A and1307A. In this way, light-blocking mask1320A may effectively interact with any light that might pass through the gap(s) or channel(s) between pixel electrodes1305A and1307A. In general, light-blocking mask1320A may be configured to absorb, reflect, or otherwise impede the transmission light incident thereon to some extent. As such, light-blocking mask1320A may serve to prevent crosstalk between neighboring pixel electrodes1305A and1307A, and may serve to block or attenuate light that might pass between pixel electrodes1305A and1307A. Such functionality can be useful in both spatial light modulators and displays of see-through display systems alike.

Given the functionality of light-blocking mask1320A, the geometry of light-blocking mask1320A may also be curved and/or follow the contours of one or more of elements1305A,1307A, and1309. In some examples, light-blocking mask1320A as depicted inFIG.13Amay represent a portion of a larger light-blocking mask or matrix spanning throughout an array of pixels. In some implementations, light-blocking mask1320A may take the form of a quantity of one or more materials deposited over the optically-transmissive substrate1322. Such one or more materials may, for example, include resins, chromium, and other materials configured to absorb and/or reflect light. In some examples, light-blocking mask1320A may be implemented at another layer of assembly1300A. For instance, in some implementations, the light-blocking mask1320A may be deposited over conductor1309, the gaps or channels to either side of conductor1309, and/or portions of pixel electrodes1305A and1307A. In such implementations, light-blocking mask1320A may be in direct contact with optically-transmissive substrate1302and/or liquid crystal layer1318.

In some implementations, a display system is provided that includes an assembly (e.g., assembly1300A). The assembly may include a first optically-transmissive substrate (e.g., first optically-transmissive substrate1302) upon which a first set of one or more electrodes (e.g., pixel electrodes1305A and1307A) are disposed. The assembly may also include a second optically-transmissive substrate (e.g., second optically-transmissive substrate1322) upon which a second set of one or more electrodes (e.g., common planar electrode1316) are disposed. The assembly may further include one or more layers (e.g., liquid crystal layer1318) that are positioned between the first set of one or more electrodes and the second set of one or more electrodes that respond to electric fields. The assembly may further include a quantity of material (e.g., light-blocking mask1320A) disposed in a particular geometric pattern over the second optically-transmissive substrate, where the particular geometric pattern includes a plurality of curved segments. The assembly may further include control circuitry (e.g., COG1014ofFIG.10) that is electrically coupled to the first set of one or more electrodes and the second set of one or more electrodes. The control circuitry may be configured to apply electrical signals to one or both of the first and second sets of one or more electrodes to selectively generate one or more electric fields across the one or more layers

FIG.13Bdepicts a cross-sectional view of a portion of an optically-transmissive spatial light modulator or display assembly1300B for a see-through display system, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, the portion of assembly1300B depicted inFIG.13Bincludes a first optically-transmissive substrate1302, a first pixel electrode1305B, a second pixel electrode1307B, a first conductor1308, a second conductor1310, a liquid crystal layer1318, a common planar electrode1316, a light-blocking mask1320B, and a second optically-transmissive substrate1322.

In some examples, elements1302,1318,1316, and1322of assembly1300B may correspond to elements1302,1318,1316, and1322of assembly1300A as described above with reference toFIG.13A. The primary difference between assembly1300A and assembly1300B is that, in assembly1300B, two conductors (e.g., conductors1308and1310) are disposed between neighboring pixel electrodes (e.g., pixel electrodes1305B and1307B), whereas in assembly1300A, a single conductor is (e.g., conductor1309) is disposed between neighboring electrodes (e.g., pixel electrodes1305A and1307A). As such, the spacing between pixel electrodes1305B and1307B is greater than the spacing between pixel electrodes1305A and1307A. The configuration ofFIG.13Bmay, for instance, be employed in examples where certain pixel array wiring and control schemes, such as “dual gate” wiring and control schemes, are implemented. Given the relatively large spacing between pixel electrodes1305B and1307B, it follows that light-blocking mask1320B may be relatively wide.

Beyond the abovementioned differences, elements1305B,1307B, and1320B of assembly1300B may function in a manner similar or equivalent to elements1305A,1307A, and1320A of assembly1300A as described above with reference toFIG.13A. As such, in some examples, elements1305B and1307B of assembly1300B may correspond to pixel electrodes E(1,1)and E(1,2)as described above with reference toFIGS.12A and12B, respectively. In other examples, elements1305B and1307B of assembly1300B may correspond to pixel electrodes E(1,1)and E(2,1)as described above with reference toFIGS.12A and12B, respectively. In some implementations, assemblies1300A and1300B may represent different portions of the same assembly. For example, in such implementations, elements1305A and1307A of assembly1300A may correspond to pixel electrodes E(1,1)and E(1,2)as described above with reference toFIGS.12A and12B, respectively, and elements1305B and1307B of assembly1300B may correspond to pixel electrodes E(1,1)and E(2,1)as described above with reference toFIGS.12A and12B, respectively, or vice versa. In these implementations, the width of each pixel electrode may differ from the height of the same pixel due to the difference in the size of the gaps or channels between horizontally- and vertically-neighboring pixel electrodes. Such a difference in width and height may, however, allow the pixel pitch to be maintained at a constant value throughout an entire array of pixels.

FIGS.14A,14B,14C, and14Dshow example curved geometries1400A,1400B,1400C, and1400D, respectively, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some implementations, one or more of example curved geometries1400A,1400B,1400C, and1400D may be employed in one or more of the systems described herein in place the curved geometry ofFIG.12Aor the curved geometry ofFIG.12B. In some implementations, the lines that define each of one or more of example curved geometries1400A,1400B,1400C, and1400D may be representative of the outer perimeters of pixel electrodes, the path taken by conductors between neighboring pixel electrodes, and/or the pattern of a light-blocking mask or matrix.

Similar to the curved geometries ofFIGS.12A and12B, curved geometries1400A,1400B,1400C, and1400D may correspond to patterns of concatenated semi-circles, such as half circles and/or quarter circles. In addition, it can be seen that the lines of example curved geometries1400A,1400B,1400C, and1400D define arrays of shapes that tessellate in much the same way as the lines of the curved geometries ofFIGS.12A and12Bdo. And, also like the curved geometries ofFIGS.12A and12B, a relatively large range of different angular components may be represented in curved geometries1400A,1400B,1400C, and1400D, such that the diffraction spikes or streaks associated with such geometries appear to radiate or emanate from each light source at a large range of different angles. Furthermore, the distribution of different angular components represented in curved geometries1400A,1400B,1400C, and1400D may be relatively uniform, such that individual spikes or streaks are less distinguishable in the diffraction patterns associated with such geometries.

FIG.15shows an example pixel layout1500and a corresponding PSF1502, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, pixel layout1500includes the curved geometry ofFIG.12A, and further includes pixel electrodes1502, circuit modules1508, and conductors1510. In some embodiments, pixel layout1500may include a light-blocking mask that is at least partially curved and covers the footprint of one or more of elements1502,1508, and1510. In some embodiments, portions of the light-blocking mask may have a slightly larger footprint than the footprint of one or more of elements1502,1508, and1510. Alternatively or additionally, portions of the light-blocking mask may have a slightly smaller footprint than the footprint of one or more of elements1502,1508, and1510.

FIG.16shows an example pixel layout1600and a corresponding PSF1602, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, pixel layout1600includes a curved geometry similar to that shown inFIG.12A, and further includes pixel electrodes1602, circuit modules1608, and conductors1610. In some embodiments, pixel layout1600may include a light-blocking mask that is curved and covers the footprint of one or more of elements1602,1608, and1610. In some embodiments, portions of the light-blocking mask may have a slightly larger footprint than the footprint of one or more of elements1602,1608, and1610. Alternatively or additionally, portions of the light-blocking mask may have a slightly smaller footprint than the footprint of one or more of elements1602,1608, and1610.

Pixel layout1600differs from pixel layout1500in that the regions where circuit modules1608are located have curved geometries whereas the regions where circuit modules1508are located have straight edges and sharp corners. In some implementations, circuit modules1608themselves may include curved edges. In some implementations, the combination of circuit modules1608and conductors1610may form curved edges at the regions where circuit modules1608are located. In some implementations, the combination of the light-blocking mask, circuit modules1608, and conductors1610may form curved edges at the regions where circuit modules1608are located. In some implementations, the light-blocking mask may have a larger footprint than both circuit modules1608and conductors1610and may have a curved footprint at the regions where circuit modules1608are located.

FIG.17shows a portion of an example pixel layout1700, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, pixel layout1700may correspond to pixel layout1600. Pixel layout1700includes pixel electrodes1702, a circuit module1708, conductors1710, and a light-blocking mask1720. The footprint of light-blocking mask1720is curved and is larger than the collective footprint of circuit module1708and conductors1710at the region where circuit module1708is located. As shown, circuit module1708can be positioned so that conductors1710can be routed around circuit module1708so that each of these elements can fit within the curved footprint of light-blocking mask1720. It should be noted that conductors1710are obscured moving away from circuit module1708for illustrative purposes only (e.g., to illustrate that light-blocking mask1720may have a similar footprint to conductors1710at certain regions of pixel layout1700). In should be understood that conductors1710may continue to extend toward neighboring circuit modules of pixel layout1700.

FIGS.18A and18Bshow various example tilting configurations for pixel layouts that may be employed to reduce the “screen door” artifact, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG.18Ashows tilting of a pixel layout1802with a rectangular geometry at tilt angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°.FIG.18Bshows tilting of a pixel layout1804with a curved geometry (e.g., quarter circle) at tilt angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°.

FIG.19shows an example plot showing the effect of the different tilting configurations ofFIGS.18A and18Bon the visibility of the “screen door” artifact, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Specifically, the visibility of the “screen door” artifact as a percentage is plotted for orientations between 0° and 90° at 150 increments for pixel layout1802with a rectangular geometry and pixel layout1804with a curved geometry. A significant decrease in the visibility is shown for both geometries for tilt angels between 15° and 75°. A minimum visibility is observed for pixel layout1802at 45° and a minimum visibilities are observed for pixel layout1804at 150 and 75°.

FIG.20shows example images2000showing the visibility of the “screen door” artifact for the different tilting configurations ofFIG.18A, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As can be observed in example images2000, the visibility of the “screen door” artifact decreases significantly as the tilt angle increases between 0° and 45°.

FIG.21shows an example pixel layout2100including a first electrode2105, a second electrode2107, a conductor2109, and a light-blocking mask2120, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring again toFIG.13A, elements2105,2107,2109, and2120of pixel layout2100may, for example, correspond to elements1305A,1307A,1309, and1320A, respectively. As such, in some implementations, one or more glass substrate and/or liquid crystal layers may be positioned adjacent to one or more of2105,2107,2109, and2120of the example pixel layout2100. Notably, it can be seen that neighboring pixel electrodes2105and2107do not have curved geometries, but are square or rectangular in shape. Similarly, the conductor2109, which is positioned in the space between neighboring pixel electrodes2105and2107, is relatively straight.

For these reasons, elements2105,2107, and2109might be expected to yield diffraction patterns similar to those described above with reference toFIGS.7B,8A, and8B. However, as can be seen inFIG.21, in some implementations, light-blocking mask2120may have a curved geometry and be wide enough to intercept any light that might interact with one or both of the opposing edges of neighboring pixel electrodes2105and2107and/or conductor1309. As such, pixel layout2100may still yield an advantageous diffraction pattern by virtue of the size, positioning, and curved geometry of light-blocking mask2120. In some examples, light-blocking mask2120may represent a portion of a larger light-blocking mask or matrix spanning throughout an array of pixels.

Although described primarily within the context of optically-transmissive spatial light modulators and displays, such as controllable dimming assemblies, LCD systems, and OLED displays, it is to be understood that one or more of the configurations and techniques described herein may be leveraged in other systems with see-through pixel arrays. For example, in some implementations, one or more of the curved geometries and associated principles of operation described herein may be leveraged in optically-transmissive imaging devices, such as see-through CMOS sensors, which may be included as part of a see-through display system, camera, or other device.

The methods, systems, and devices discussed above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For instance, in alternative configurations, the methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and/or various stages may be added, omitted, and/or combined. Also, features described with respect to certain configurations may be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations may be combined in a similar manner. Also, technology evolves and, thus, many of the elements are examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure or claims.

Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary configurations including implementations. However, configurations may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the configurations. This description provides example configurations only, and does not limit the scope, applicability, or configurations of the claims. Rather, the preceding description of the configurations will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing described techniques. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure.

Also, configurations may be described as a process which is depicted as a schematic flowchart or block diagram. Although each may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the figure. Furthermore, examples of the methods may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium such as a storage medium. Processors may perform the described tasks.

Having described several example configurations, various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. For example, the above elements may be components of a larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the technology. Also, a number of steps may be undertaken before, during, or after the above elements are considered. Accordingly, the above description does not bind the scope of the claims.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a user” includes a plurality of such users, and reference to “the processor” includes reference to one or more processors and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

Also, the words “comprise”, “comprising”, “contains”, “containing”, “include”, “including”, and “includes”, when used in this specification and in the following claims, are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or steps, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, acts, or groups.

It is also understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and scope of the appended claims.