Abstract: An example device may include an electronic display configured to generate an augmented reality image element and an optical combiner configured to receive the augmented reality image element along with ambient light from outside the device. The optical combiner may be configured to provide an augmented reality image having the augmented reality image element located within a portion of an ambient image formed from the ambient light. The device may also include a dimmer element configured to selectively dim the portion of the ambient image in which the augmented reality image element is located.

Abstract: A near eye display (NED) includes an electronic display configured to output image light. Further, the NED includes an eye tracking module and multiple optical elements that are combined to form an optical system to allow for changes in position of one or both eyes of a user of the NED. Various types of such optical elements, which may have optical states that are switchable, may be used to steer a light beam toward the user's eye. A direction of the steering may be based on eye tracking information measured by the eye tracking module.

Abstract: A lens assembly includes two or more polarization-dependent lenses sensitive to either linear or circular polarization, and at least one switchable polarization converter. The switchable polarization converter is configured to rotate linearly polarized light or change the handedness of circularly polarized light when switched on. The lens assembly is configurable to project displayed images on two or more different image planes. For example, when the switchable polarization converter is switched off, the lens assembly projects a displayed image on a first image plane. When the switchable polarization converter is switched on, the lens assembly projects a displayed image on a second image plane different from the first image plane.

Abstract: A polarizing waveguide plate includes a pair of spaced transparent plates that define a gap therebetween. Disposed within the gap is a composite material formed of a mixture of polymer mater and liquid crystal material. Positioned proximate to one edge of the gap is an edge light, while a reflector/converter is positioned proximate to another edge of the gap. During operation, unpolarized light is emitted from the edge light and is received within the gap. As such, a portion of the light polarized in a first direction is permitted to exit the waveguide, while the remaining portion of the light that is polarized in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, is converted by the converter/reflector so that its polarization is also in the first direction. As such, substantially all of the unpolarized light from the edge light is emitted by the polarizing waveguide plate as polarized light.

Abstract: A polarizing waveguide plate includes a pair of spaced transparent plates that define a gap therebetween. Disposed within the gap is a composite material formed of a mixture of polymer mater and liquid crystal material. Positioned proximate to one edge of the gap is an edge light, while a reflector/converter is positioned proximate to another edge of the gap. During operation, unpolarized light is emitted from the edge light and is received within the gap. As such, a portion of the light polarized in a first direction is permitted to exit the waveguide, while the remaining portion of the light that is polarized in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, is converted by the converter/reflector so that its polarization is also in the first direction. As such, substantially all of the unpolarized light from the edge light is emitted by the polarizing waveguide plate as polarized light.