Outer Rim Archives
Archives · 2017 · 20170330376

Application (pre-grant publication)

OCCLUDED VIRTUAL IMAGE DISPLAY

Number
20170330376
Published
2017-11-16
Filed
2016-05-10
Assignee
Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Inventors
HASELTINE; Eric C., SMITHWICK; Quinn Yorklun Jen
CPC
G06F3/012; G06T19/006; G02B30/34; G02B27/017; G02B27/0172; G06F3/011
Verdict
High Hardware
Source
Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

An augmented reality optical display system defining a field of view around an optical reference point to correctly occlude virtual imagery behind real objects.

Abstract

Embodiments described herein include an augmented reality (AR) optical system, and associated method and computer program product, defining a field of view relative toan optical reference point. The optical system comprises an imagery display configured todisplay images using a received first display signal, and a beam-splitter disposed withinthe field of view and configured to cause the displayed images to appear in a first focalplane within the field of view. The optical system further comprises an occluding displaydisposed within the field of view and configured to display, based on the first display signal, occluding images in a second focal plane nearer to the beam-splitter than the firstfocal plane, thereby reducing environmental light at the optical reference point for at least a portion of the displayed images.

Background

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited aspects are attained and can be understood in detail, a more particular description of embodiments of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary interactive environment, according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an augmented reality (AR) headset configured to interact with a mobile device, according to embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate exemplary arrangements of an augmented reality (AR) optical system, according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates the visual effects of combining displayed images with occluding images, according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method foroperating an augmented reality (AR) optical system, according to embodiments described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method for updating an occluding display, according to embodiments described herein.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is con

Claims

1. An augmented reality (AR) optical system defining a field of view relative to an optical reference point, the optical system comprising: an imagery display configured to display images using a received first display signal; a beam-splitter disposed within the field of view and configured to cause the displayed images to appear in a first focal plane within the field of view; and an occluding display disposed within the field of view and configured to display, based on the first display signal, occluding images in a second focal plane nearer to the beam-splitter than thefirst focal plane, thereby reducing environmental light at the optical reference point for at least a portion of the displayed images. 8. A method for operating an augmented reality (AR) optical system for a viewer within an environment, the viewer having a field of view, the method comprising: updating an imagery display using a first display signal, the imagery display configured to display images that are coupled by a beam-splitter into the field of view, the displayed images appearing in a first focal plane relative to the viewer; and updating, in synchronization with updating the imagery display, an occluding displaybased on the first display signal, the occluding display disposed within the field of view and configured to display occluding images in a second focal plane nearer to the viewer than the first focal plane, thereby reducing environmental light viewed by the viewer for at least a portion of the displayed images. 15. A computer program product for operating an augmented reality (AR) optical system defining a field of view relative to an optical reference point, the computer program product comprising: a computer-readable device having computer-readable program code embodied therewith, the computer-readable program code executable by one or more computer processors to: update an imagery display using a first display signal, the imagery display configured to display images that are caused by a beam-splitter to appear in a first focal plane within the field of view; and update, in synchronization with updating the imagery display, an occluding display based on the first display signal, the occluding display disposed within the field of view and configured to display occluding images in a second focal plane nearer to the beam-splitter than the first focal plane, thereby reducing environmental light at the optical reference point for at least a portion of the displayed images.