System and apparatus for deflection optics

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/204,567 filed Sep. 4, 2008, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention is related to optics and, more specifically, is directed toward optical processing of display information and non-display information using a contact lens and deflection optics.

[0003] Current systems for optical processing of display information provided by a head-mounted display and non-display information provided by objects other than the head-mounted display may have characteristics that make them unattractive solutions for some applications. The twin requirements of a large field of view and a comfortable eye-to-system distance for the viewer results in multi-component optical systems where the final optical component has a large diameter. Such systems tend to be large and bulky and ill suited for applications where little space is available for processing the display information and the non-display information. For example, such systems are unattractive solutions for processing display and non-display information in a fighter pilot's helmet where the space for the optical system is limited.

[0004] Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and apparatuses directed toward using a contact lens and deflection optics to process display information and non-display information.

[0005] In one embodiment of the invention, a contact lens assembly is provided, comprising a substrate including optical path optics and configured to receive optical information within an optical path, wherein the optical path optics is configured to be partially deflective such that the optical information is transmitted to the human visual system with deflection.

[0006] In another embodiment of the invention, a contact lens assembly is provided, comprising a substrate including optical path optics and configured to receive display information emitted from a display within a display information optical path, wherein the optical path optics is configured to be partially deflective such that the display information is transmitted to the human visual system with deflection. In additional such embodiments, the substrate is further configured to receive non-display information not emitted from the display, and the optical path optics is configured to be partially deflective such that the non-display information is transmitted to the human visual system without deflection. The optical path optics of the substrate in such embodiments is further configured to be partially deflective such that the non-display information is transmitted to a human visual system without deflection.

[0007] In some embodiments, the optical path optics is further configured with three concentric regions where (i) a first region allowing for transmission of an ambient view, (ii) a secondary region having deflection elements allowing for transmission of a virtual image, and (iii) a third region allowing for transmission a display image. In some other embodiments, the optical path optics is configured with a center region comprising a deflection region and a non-deflection region, and a surrounding region, wherein (i) the deflection region and the non-deflection region are side-by-side, (ii) the deflection region allows for transmission of a virtual image, (iii) the non-deflection region allows for transmission of a display image, and (iv) the surrounding region allows for transmission of an ambient view.

[0008] Depending on the embodiment, the optical path optics may comprise a reflective element, a refractive element, a diffractive element, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the optical path optics facilitates deflection of the optical information to the human visual system.

[0009] For some embodiments that utilize a reflective element, this element is configured such that the optical information transmitted to the human visual system is reflected once prior to reaching the human visual system. Alternatively, in some embodiments the reflective element is configured such that the optical information transmitted to the human visual system is reflected more than once prior to reaching the human visual system. Embodiments utilizing a reflective element may comprise an array of full reflectors, an array of partial reflectors, a polarization reflector, a narrow band spectral reflector, a wide band spectral reflector, or some combination thereof. In addition, embodiments may further comprise one or more surfaces that absorb or disperse light rays emitted from, for example, a display.

[0010] In further embodiments of the invention, the substrate may further include a polarization, broadband, narrow band, or variable attenuation filter for the optical information path, for the display information optical path, for the non-display information optical path, or some combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments a bandpass filter is included in the display information optical path to allow only narrow bands of light, and a notch filter passes is included in a non-display information optical path to allow all but narrow bands of light. In some such embodiments, the purpose of the notch filter in the non-display path is to pass the ambient light (i.e., broadband light), but to block the light from the display (i.e., narrow band).

[0011] For embodiments that utilize a refractive element, this element may comprise one or more prisms. Embodiments that utilize a refractive element may be configured such that the refractive element causes colors of light rays within the display information optical path to converge in a first direction, and the display is configured to diverge colors of light rays emitted by the display in a second direction. Further, in some such embodiments, the first direction of divergence may be opposite of the second direction of convergence. In order to diverge colors for light rays emitted by the display, some embodiments may configure the display with a front mounted refractive element that diverges, or separates, colors of light rays as they are emitted by the display. Alternatively, in some embodiments the display may be configured with an algorithm that offsets the color pixels in the display to compensate for the divergence of light by the refractive elements within the optical path optics.

[0012] For embodiments that utilize a diffractive element, this element may comprise a diffraction grating, a holographic lens, or a combination thereof.

[0013] In particular embodiments, the substrate may include an optical power for the optical information path, for the display information optical path, the non-display information optical path, or some combination thereof. For instance, in one embodiment, the substrate includes an optical power of substantially zero for the display information optical path. In another instance, the substrate includes a normal optical power for the non-display information optical path. In yet another instance, the substrate includes a close optical power for the display information optical path. In a further instance, the substrate includes an optical power of substantially zero for the non-display information optical path.

[0014] In addition, various embodiments include a display that is positioned off-axis with respect to the human visual system. Optionally, the display may be attached to a head borne apparatus, such as eyewear (e.g., glasses, spectacles, etc.).

[0015] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached hereto.

[0047] The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

[0048] The present invention is directed toward systems and apparatuses using a contact lens to implement deflection optics. In some embodiments, a contact lens assembly in accordance with the present invention is configured to combine and process non-display information originating from the real world environment, with display information emanating from a display that may be positioned off-axis with respect to the human visual system (e.g., human eye).

[0049] For example, in one embodiment of the invention, deflection optics embedded into a contact lens assembly makes it possible for viewing a display indirectly (as a virtual image) or directly. In another instance, an embodiment of the invention, an area within a contact lens assembly is provided such that the area enables indirect viewing of a display. In further instances, a contact lens assembly in accordance with an embodiment is configured with three concentric regions where the center region having deflection optics provides indirect viewing of display information, the intermediary region provides direct viewing of display information, and the outside region provides ambient viewing. In yet a further instance, a contact lens assembly in accordance with an embodiment is configured with a direct viewing region and indirect viewing region having deflection optics positioned side-by-side in the center of the contact lens assembly, with a surrounding ambient viewing region. In yet one more embodiment, a contact lens assembly in accordance with an embodiment is configured with deflective optics and a filter (e.g., broadband filter, narrowband filter, polarizer filter, etc.) such that the deflective optics and the filter work together to enhance direct viewing and indirect viewing.

[0050] The term contact lens as used in this description is any optical system that has optical elements and is in contact with the ocular tissue. This includes any hybrid, gas permeable, soft, hard, corneal, or scleral contact lens, and any inter-ocular or intra-ocular device. Though the embodiments to follow are described in terms of a contact lens, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate after reading the following description that any of the optical systems described above could be used in place of a contact lens without deviating from the scope or principles of the present invention.

[0051] The term substrate as used in the following description includes any material or substance used to form an optical component such as a contact lens. The term zone plate includes an optical component that focuses light by diffraction. The term display information optical path includes the optical path traversed in a substrate by display information. The term non-display information optical path includes the optical path traversed in a substrate by non-display information. For some embodiments, non-display information may include what is perceived in the real world by a human eye. The term optically coupled includes two or more optical components connect by an optical path.

[0052] The term non-display information path optical power includes the optical power provided in a substrate for an optical signal passing through the non-display information path. The term substantially zero power includes an optical power that has substantially no effect on an optical signal. The term normal power is the optical power necessary to provide correction in an optical system, such as a human visual system, for defects in the optical system. The term close power is the optical power necessary to provide correction in an optical system, such as a human visual system, for viewing at a close distance.

[0053] The term optical path optics in this description includes objects and laminates disposed on or within a contact lens such that the object or laminate affects light rays in a given optical path. Such objects can be fully or partially embedded within a contact lens, or laminates disposed on or within a contact lens.

[0054] The term electromagnetic radiation includes energy in the form of transverse electric and magnetic waves. The term electromagnetic radiation includes electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. The term illuminating includes directing or transmitting electromagnetic radiation to a target.

[0055] The term filter includes apparatus or methods for selectively transmitting electromagnetic radiation. The term characteristic feature includes detectable traits, such as narrow bandwidth or polarization, by which signals can be distinguished.

[0056] The term notch filter includes a filter that blocks electromagnetic radiation over a substantially continuous narrow band of frequencies. The term non-display path notch filter includes a notch filter included in the non-display path of a substrate.

[0057] The term bandpass filter includes a filter that transmits electromagnetic radiation over a substantially continuous but finite band of frequencies. The term display path bandpass filter includes a bandpass filter included in the display path of a substrate.

[0058] The term polarizing filter includes a filter that polarizes electromagnetic radiation. The term display path polarizing filter includes a polarizing filter included in the display information path of a substrate. The term non-display path polarizing filter includes a polarizing filter included in the non-display information path of a substrate. The term shutter includes a controllable polarizing filter. The term substantially opaque filter includes a filter that blocks all or nearly all of the information received by the filter.

[0059] The term display includes any apparatus capable of generating information in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The term organic light emitting diode display includes one or more light-emitting diodes whose light emitting layer includes a film of one or more organic compounds. The term display information includes information provided by a display.

[0060] The term controllable optical materials includes materials whose optical properties, such as opacity, can be controlled. The term photochromic material includes materials whose optical properties can be controlled by an optical signal. The term electrochromic material includes an optical material whose properties can be controlled by an electrical signal. The term optical material activation signal includes signals to control the optical properties of a controllable optical material.

[0061] The term a pattern of pixel sites includes the organization of pixel sites on a substrate. The term substantial transparent pixel unit includes a portion of a display that transmits electromagnetic radiation generated outside the display. The term checkerboard pattern includes an alternating pattern similar to the pattern of a checkerboard.

[0062] In some embodiments, as illustrated and described herein, information provided by a head-mounted display, referred to as display information, and information provided by objects other than the head-mounted display, referred to as non-display information, are received at a contact lens included in a human visual system. A head-mounted display may include an organic light emitting diode display to provide the display information. The contact lens in combination with the human visual system provides images of the display information and the non-display information to the retina of the human visual system. The display information may include, for example, text information, non-text information or other visual information. The non-display information may include, for example, landscape information, non-landscape information, and other visual information.

[0063] The contact lens includes a display information optical path and a non-display information optical path. The display information optical path provides a contact lens transmission path between the head-mounted display and the human visual system for the display information transmitted by the head-mounted display. The display information optical path forms a substantially cylindrical central region of the contact lens. The display information optical path in the contact lens can provide power to assist the human visual system in focusing objects positioned close to the human lens.

[0064] The non-display information optical path provides a contact lens transmission path between the source of the non-display information and the human visual system for the non-display information. The non-display information optical path forms a substantially annular ring surrounding the cylindrical central region of the display information optical path. A filter is included in the non-display information optical path to substantially block display information from being transmitted through the non-display information optical path. The non-display information optical path in the contact lens may provide correction for defects, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism in the human visual system.

[0065] The display information and the non-display information may be polarized to different polarizations to provide for distinguishing between the display information and the non-display information. Polarizing the display information and the non-display information enables independent processing of the display information and non-display information at the contact lens and enables time-domain multiplexing in the transmission of the display information and the non-display information to the contact lens. The time-domain multiplexed display information and non-display information when processed by the human visual system are perceived as a single image. Further detailed description of these and other embodiments is provided below.

[0066] FIG. 1A shows a block diagram of an apparatus 101 to receive and process display information 103 and non-display information 105 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 101 includes a substrate 107 including a display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including a non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes a display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes one or more filters 115 and a non-display information path optical power 117.

[0067] The substrate 107 is not limited to being formed from a particular material or combination of materials. Materials suitable for use in forming optical components, such as lenses, may be used in forming the substrate 107. Exemplary materials suitable for use in forming the substrate 107 include gels, such as silicone hydrogels, glasses, plastics, and polymers, such as polymethyl methacrylate and polymacon. The substrate 107 is not limited to a particular type of optical component. In some embodiments, the substrate 107 includes a substrate or blank suitable for forming one lens, such as a contact lens. In some embodiments, the substrate 107 includes one or more optical components or lenses, such as focusing lenses, formed from one or more optical materials. In some embodiments, the substrate 107 is formed from a flexible material conformable to the shape of a human cornea. In some embodiments, the substrate 107 is formed by filling a contact lens mold with one or more liquid polymers.

[0068] The display information 103 includes electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, having at least one characteristic feature lacking in the non-display electromagnetic radiation of the non-display information 105. For example, in some embodiments, the display information 103 includes electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth while the non-display information 105 includes electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth. Narrow spectral bandwidth and broad spectral bandwidth are relative terms. In some embodiments, for two signals, the signal having the narrower spectral bandwidth information is the signal having a narrow spectral bandwidth and the signal having the broader spectral bandwidth information is the signal having a broad spectral bandwidth. In some embodiments, narrow spectral bandwidth information includes information having a bandwidth of between about a few nanometers and a few tens of nanometers. In some embodiments, broad spectral bandwidth information includes information having a bandwidth greater than about a few tens of nanometers. Thus, the non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth lacks the characteristic feature—narrow spectral bandwidth—included in the display information 103.

[0069] As a second example, in some embodiments, the display information 103 includes electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization, such as right-handed circular polarization, and the non-display information 105 includes unpolarized information. Thus, the non-display information 105 including the non-display electromagnetic radiation having the unpolarized information lacks the characteristic feature—right handed circular polarization—included in the display information 103.

[0070] The display information optical path 109 is included in the substrate 107 and is formed from an optical material or combination of materials. The display information optical path 109 is not limited to being formed from a particular optical material or combination of materials. Materials suitable for use in forming the substrate 107 are suitable for use in forming the display information optical path 109. The materials used to form the display information optical path 109 may differ from the one or more materials used to form the substrate 107.

[0071] In operation, the display information optical path 109 receives and transmits electromagnetic information, such as the display information 103. When coupled to a human visual system (as shown in FIG. 1B), the display information optical path 109 receives the display information 103 and assists the human visual system to substantially focus the display information 103 to a retina in the human visual system.

[0072] The non-display information optical path 111 is included in the substrate 107 and is formed from an optical material or combination of materials. The non-display information optical path 111 is not limited to being formed from a particular optical material or combination of materials. Materials suitable for use in forming the substrate 107 are suitable for use in forming the non-display information optical path 111. The materials used to form the non-display information optical path 111 may differ from the one or more materials used to form the substrate 107.

[0073] In operation, the non-display information optical path 111 receives the non-display information 105 and when coupled to a human visual system (as shown in FIG. 1B) substantially focuses the non-display information 105 to a retina in the human visual system. The non-display information 105 includes any information, such as visible objects, not included in the display information 103. In some embodiments, the non-display information 105 is provided from objects more distant from the human visual system than the source of the display information 103. For example, in some embodiments, the display information 103 is provided to a human visual system from a head-mounted display located between about 5 millimeters and about 200 millimeters from the cornea, and the non-display information 105 is provided to the human visual system from a source located at a distance of greater than about 200 millimeters from the cornea.

[0074] The one or more filters 115 included in the non-display information optical path 111 substantially block the display information 103 while substantially transmitting the non-display information 105. Each of the one or more filters 115 is sensitive to a physical characteristic, such as wavelength, frequency, or polarization, of the display information 103. Thus, the one or more filters 115 may include any filter or combination of filters or other optical components capable of substantially blocking the display information 103 while substantially transmitting the non-display information 105.

[0075] Optical power is the degree to which a lens or mirror converges or diverges light or electromagnetic radiation. A lens or mirror having substantially zero optical power neither converges nor diverges electromagnetic radiation. Normal power is the power necessary to provide correction in an optical system, such as a human visual system, for defects in the optical system. For example, normal power includes a power to correct for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism in a human visual system. In some embodiments, a normal power is between about 0.25 and about 10 diopters.

[0076] Close power is the power necessary to provide correction in an optical system, such as a human visual system, for viewing at a close distance. In a human visual system, a close distance is a distance of less than about 250 millimeters. For objects closer than about 250 millimeters, the human visual system cannot form a sharp image on the retina. A focusing lens can provide close power to assist a human visual system in viewing objects at distances of less than about 250 millimeters. In some embodiments, the close power is between about 5 and about 200 diopters.

[0077] In some embodiments, the apparatus 101 includes combinations of optical powers. In some embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes substantially zero power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes substantially zero power. In other embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes substantially zero power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes a normal power. In further embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes a close power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes substantially zero power. In additional embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes a close power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes normal power. In additional embodiments, the non-display information path includes two or more optical powers. For example, some embodiments may use the two or more optical powers for correction of presbyopia or for enabling the eye to properly focused for two or more distances other than the display path.

[0078] FIG. 1B shows a block diagram of the apparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A) coupled to a human visual system 131 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 101 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one or more filters 115 and the non-display information path optical power 117.

[0079] In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 has an aperture 119. The aperture 119 may be sized to assist in focusing the display information 103. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 is sized to increase the depth of focus in the display information optical path 109. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 has a diameter of about one millimeter.

[0080] In operation, the display information optical path 109 and the non-display information optical path 111 assist the human visual system 131 in forming a focused image of the display information 103 and a focused image of the non-display information 105 on a retina 133. The display information optical path 109 in cooperation with the human visual system 131, including the human lens 134, substantially focuses the display information 103 to the retina 133 to form retinal display information image 135. The non-display information optical path 111 in cooperation with the human visual system 131, including the human lens 134, substantially focuses the non-display information 105 to the retina 133 to form retinal non-display information image 137. At least one of the one or more filters 115 in the non-display information optical path 111 substantially blocks the display information 103 from entering the human visual system 131 from the non-display information optical path 111.

[0081] FIG. 1C shows a block diagram of an apparatus 141 including the apparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A), and further including a display 143 to provide the display information 103 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 101 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one or more filters 115 and the non-display information path optical power 117.

[0082] In some embodiments, the display information 103 includes information provided by the display 143. The display 143 includes any device or system that provides information in the form of electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light. For example, in some embodiments, the display information 103 is provided by a device including a single two-state source of visible light.

[0083] The display 143 is not limited to a particular type of display. In some embodiments, the display 143 includes micro-displays and other small displays, such as displays having a thickness of between about 100 microns and about two millimeters, flat screen displays, such as liquid crystal displays, and cathode ray tube displays. In some embodiments, the display 143 is mounted in an eyeglass frame. In operation, in some embodiments, the distance between the display and a human cornea is between about 5 millimeters and about 200 millimeters.

[0084] The display information 103 provided by the display 143 may include a characteristic feature related to the wavelength of the display information 103. In some embodiments, the display information 103 provided by the display 143 includes information having a narrow spectral bandwidth. Exemplary displays that provide the display information 103 having a narrow spectral bandwidth include organic light emitting diode displays and electroluminescent displays.

[0085] The display 143 is not limited to providing the display information 103. In some embodiments, the display 143 is substantially occluded, partially occluded, or substantially transparent. For a partially occluded or substantially transparent display, the display 143 may transmit the non-display information 105 in addition to providing the display information 103. An organic light emitting diode display is an exemplary display capable of providing substantially transparent, partially occluded, and substantially occluded operation.

[0086] FIG. 1D shows a block diagram of an apparatus 151 including the apparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A), wherein at least one of the one or more filters 115 includes a non-display path notch filter 153 or a non-display path polarizing filter 155 and further including the display 143 to provide the display information 103 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 101 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one or more filters 115 and the non-display information path optical power 117. In some embodiments, the display information optical path includes a display path bandpass filter 157. In other embodiments, the display information optical path includes a display path polarizing filter 159.

[0087] The non-display path notch filter 153 is selected to substantially block the display information 103 in the non-display information optical path 111. In some embodiments, the non-display path notch filter 153 is selected to block at least about 90% of the energy included in the display information 103. Blocking less than about 90% of energy included in the display information 103 may result in blurring of the display information 103 and the non-display information 105. The non-display path notch filter 153 is not limited to a particular type of notch filter. In some embodiments, the non-display path notch filter 153 includes a thin film interference filter, such as a rugate filter. Notch filters, such as the non-display path notch filter 153, are formed by periodically varying the refractive index in each of a plurality of discrete thin film layers included in a contact lens. Microlithographic processes can be applied to each of the plurality of discrete thin film layers to pattern the notch filters. The plurality of discrete thin film layers may be introduced into the contact lens during the molding of the lens.

[0088] In operation, the non-display path notch filter 153 is included in the non-display information optical path 111 to block narrow bandwidth electromagnetic radiation included in the display information 103. If the non-display information 105 includes broad spectral bandwidth electromagnetic radiation, the non-display path notch filter 153 has substantially no effect on the non-display information 105. The non-display information 105 passes through the non-display information optical path 111 substantially unchanged.

[0089] In some embodiments, the frequencies to be blocked by the non-display path notch filter 153 include the primary colors included in the spectrum of the display information 103. For example, for the display information 103 having primary colors red, green, and blue, the one or more filters 115 are selected to substantially block narrow spectrum red, green, and blue. In order to substantially block narrow spectrum red, green, and blue, the transmission curve includes “notches” or a transmission coefficient of substantially zero at the one or more bands of frequencies to be blocked. In some embodiments, the “notches” have a bandwidth that blocks a band of frequencies, such as, for example, a band of frequencies having a narrow spectrum of between about two and about thirty nanometers, centered on each of the primary colors, red, green, and blue.

[0090] The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to substantially block the display information 103 in the non-display information optical path 111. The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is not limited to a particular type of polarizing filter. In some embodiments, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 includes a filter to substantially block right-handed circularly polarized radiation. In other embodiments, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to substantially block left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation. In further embodiments, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to substantially block linearly polarized electromagnetic radiation. Pixelated micro-wires and birefringent polymers are suitable for use in forming linear polarizers for use in forming polarizing filters, such as the non-display path polarizing filter 155. Circular polarizers are formed by adding a quarter wave-plate retarder in series with a linear polarizer.

[0091] In operation, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is included in the non-display information optical path 111 to block polarized electromagnetic radiation included in the display information 103. For example, if the display information 103 includes left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation and the non-display information 105 includes right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to substantially block the left-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation while having substantially no effect on the right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation of the non-display information 105. The non-display information 105 passes through the non-display information optical path 111 substantially unchanged.

[0092] The display path bandpass filter 157 is selected to substantially block the non-display information 105 in the display information optical path 109. The display path bandpass filter 157 is not limited to a particular type of bandpass filter. In some embodiments, the display path bandpass filter 157 includes a thin film interference filter, such as a rugate filter. Bandpass filters, such as the display path bandpass filter 157, are formed by varying the refractive index in each of a plurality of thin films to selectively pass the desired wavelength bands and including the plurality of discrete thin film layers in a contact lens. Microlithographic processes can be applied to the plurality of thin films to pattern the bandpass filters. The plurality of discrete thin film layers may be introduced into the contact lens during the molding of the lens.

[0093] In operation, the display path bandpass filter 157 included in the display information optical path 109 is selected to substantially block broad spectral bandwidth electromagnetic radiation included in the non-display information 105. If the display information 103 includes narrow spectral bandwidth electromagnetic radiation substantially matched to the passband of the display path bandpass filter 157, the display path bandpass filter 157 has substantially no effect on the display information 103. The display information 103 passes through the display information optical path 109 substantially unchanged.

[0094] The display path polarizing filter 159 is selected to substantially block the non-display information 105 in the display information optical path 109. The display path polarizing filter 159 is not limited to a particular type of polarizing filter. In some embodiments, the display path polarizing filter 159 includes a linearly polarized filter.

[0095] In operation, the display path polarizing filter 159 is included in the display information optical path 109 to substantially block electromagnetic radiation included in the non-display information 105. If the display information 103 includes right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation and the display path polarizing filter 159 is selected to transmit right-handed circularly polarized electromagnetic radiation, the display path polarizing filter 159 has substantially no effect on the display information 103. The display information 103 passes through the display information optical path 109 substantially unchanged.

[0096] In some embodiments, in operation the apparatus 151 processes a combination of spectral bandwidths and polarizations in the display information 103 and the non-display information 105. In some embodiments, the display information 103 includes display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth and the non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth. In other embodiments, the display information 103 includes display electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization and the non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-display information polarization. In further embodiments, the display information 103 includes display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth and a display information polarization and the non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth. In additional embodiments, the display information 103 includes display information including display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth and a display information polarization and the non-display information 105 including non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth and a non-display information polarization.

[0097] FIG. 1E shows a block diagram of an apparatus 161 including the apparatus 101 (shown in FIG. 1A), wherein the one or more filters 115 includes the non-display path polarizing filter 155 (shown in FIG. 1D) and further including the display 143 (shown in FIG. 1C in accordance with some embodiments The apparatus 101 includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one or more filters 115 and the non-display information path optical power 117. The display information 103 includes electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization. The non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-display information polarization.

[0098] The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to block the display information 103. In some embodiments, the display information 103 includes electromagnetic radiation having the display information polarization. To block the display information 103, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to block electromagnetic radiation having the display information polarization. In some embodiments, the non-display information 105 includes the non-display electromagnetic radiation having the non-display information polarization. The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is selected to pass the non-display electromagnetic radiation having the non-display information polarization.

[0099] FIG. 2A shows a block diagram of an apparatus 201 to receive and process the display information 103 and the non-display information 105 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 201 includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105.

[0100] The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes one or more controllable optical materials 203 and the non-display information path optical power 117.

[0101] The one or more controllable optical materials 203 include materials having one or more controllable optical properties. In some embodiments, the one or more controllable optical materials 203 include photochromic materials. The controllable optical properties, such as opacity, may be controlled by providing the photochromic material with an electromagnetic signal, such as an optical signal, for example, to increase or decrease the opacity of the photochromic material.

[0102] In some embodiments, the one or more controllable optical materials 203 include an electrochromic material. The one or more controllable optical properties, such as opacity, may be controlled by providing the electrochromic material with an electromagnetic signal, such as a radio frequency signal, for example, to increase or decrease the opacity of the electrochromic material.

[0103] In operation, the one or more controllable optical materials 203 included in the non-display information optical path 111 block or transmit information in the non-display information optical path 111. When at least one of the one or more controllable optical materials 203 is set to block information in the non-display information optical path 111, substantially only display information 103 in the display information optical path 109 passes through the substrate 107.

[0104] Neither the display information path optical power 113 nor the non-display information path optical power 117 is limited to a particular power. In some embodiments, the apparatus 201 includes a combination of optical powers. In some embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes substantially zero power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes substantially zero power. In other embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes substantially zero power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes a normal power. In further embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes a close power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes substantially zero power. In additional embodiments, the display information path optical power 113 includes a close power and the non-display information path optical power 117 includes normal power. In additional embodiments, the non-display information path includes two or more optical powers. For example, some embodiments may use the two or more optical powers for correction of presbyopia or for enabling the eye to properly focused for two or more distances other than the display path.

[0105] FIG. 2B shows a block diagram of the apparatus 201 (shown in FIG. 2A) coupled to the human visual system 131 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 201 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one or more controllable optical materials 203 and the non-display information path optical power 117.

[0106] In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 has an aperture 119. The aperture 119 may be sized to assist in focusing the display information 103. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 is sized to increase the depth of focus in the display information optical path 109. In some embodiments, the aperture 119 has a diameter of about one millimeter.

[0107] In operation, the display information optical path 109 and the non-display information optical path 111 assist the human visual system 131 in forming a focused image of the display information 103 at the retina 133 and a focused image of the non-display information 105 at the retina 133. The display information optical path 109 in cooperation with the human visual system 131, including the human lens 134, substantially focuses the display information 103 at the retina 133 to form a retinal display information image 135. The non-display information optical path 111 in cooperation with the human visual system 131, including the human lens 134, substantially focuses the non-display information 105 at the retina 133 to form a retinal non-display information image 137. At least one of the one or more controllable optical materials 203 in the non-display information optical path 111 substantially blocks the display information 103 from entering the human visual system 131 from the non-display information optical path 111.

[0108] FIG. 2C shows a block diagram of an apparatus 211 including the apparatus 201 (shown in FIG. 2A), and further including the display 143 (shown in FIG. 1C) to provide the display information 103 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 201 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113. The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one or more controllable optical materials 203 and the non-display information path optical power 117. In some embodiments, the display information 103 includes information provided by the display 143.

[0109] FIG. 2D shows a block diagram of an apparatus 221 including the apparatus 201 (shown in FIG. 2A), wherein at least one of the one or more controllable optical materials 203 includes a photochromic material 223 or an electrochromic material 225 and further including the display 143 to provide the display information 103 and one or more optical material activation signals 227 in accordance with some embodiments. The apparatus 201 (dashed lines) includes the substrate 107 including the display information optical path 109 to receive the display information 103 and including the non-display information optical path 111 to receive the non-display information 105. The display information optical path 109 includes the display information path optical power 113.

[0110] The non-display information optical path 111 includes the one more controllable optical materials 203 and the non-display information path optical power 117. In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 includes the display path bandpass filter 157. In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 includes the display path polarizing filter 159.

[0111] The one or more material activation signals 227 provide control information to the one or more controllable optical materials 203. In some embodiments, the one or more material activation signals 227 provide control information to the photochromic material 223. An optical signal is an exemplary signal suitable for use in providing control information to the photochromic material 223. In some embodiments, the one or more material activation signals 227 provide control information to the electrochromic material 225. A radio frequency signal is an exemplary signal suitable for use in providing control information to the electrochromic material 225. In some embodiments, the one or more material activation signals 227 are provided by the display 143.

[0112] In operation, one or more of the photochromic material 223 and the electrochromic material 225 are included in the non-display information optical path 111 to block or transmit information in the non-display information optical path 111. When at least one of the one or more of the photochromic material 223 and the electrochromic material 225 is set to block information in the non-display information optical path 111, substantially only display information 103 in the display information optical path 109 passes through the substrate 107.

[0113] FIG. 3 shows an apparatus 301 comprising a substrate 303 including an optical path 305 having one or more zone plates 307 to receive the display information 103 and the non-display information 105 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0114] The substrate 303 is not limited to being formed from a particular material or combination of materials. Any materials suitable for use in forming optical components, such as lenses, may be used in forming the substrate 303. Exemplary materials suitable for use in forming the substrate 303 include gels such as silicone hydrogels, glasses, plastics, and polymers such as polymethyl, methacrylate and polymacon. The substrate 303 is not limited to a particular type of optical component. In some embodiments, the substrate 303 includes a lens, such as a contact lens, formed from one or more of the exemplary materials.

[0115] The formation of the one or more zone plates 307 is not limited to a particular process or set of processes. In some embodiments, each of the one or more zone plates 307 is formed by patterning an interference filter, such as a rugate filter, in concentric rings in one of the one or more zone plates 307. The patterning of a rugate filter is not limited to a particular type of patterning. In some embodiments, the patterning includes binary patterning. In other embodiments, the patterning includes sinusoidal patterning. The refractive index of the rugate filter may vary continuously and periodically.

[0116] The one or more zone plates 307, in some embodiments, include three zone plates stacked substantially one on top of the other in the optical path 305 included in the substrate 303. In some embodiments, a display that provides the display information 103 includes the primary colors red, green, and blue and the one or more zone plates 307 are selected to filter the primary colors. To filter the colors red, green, and blue, one of the one or more zone plates 307 may include a rugate filter formed to filter the color red. A second of the one or more zone plates 307 may include a rugate filter formed to filter the color green, while a third of the one or more zone plates 307 may include a rugate filter formed to filter the color blue. The rugate filter formed to filter the color red includes rings that block red and rings that pass all other colors. The rugate filter formed to filter the color green includes rings that block green and rings that pass all other colors, whereas the rugate filter formed to filter the color blue includes rings that block blue and rings that pass all other colors.

[0117] In some embodiments, the display information 103 is substantially collimated by the one or more zone plates 307. To collimate the display information 103, the one or more zone plates 307 are formed to have a focal length of between about five and about two hundred millimeters.

[0118] In operation, the apparatus 301 processes the display information 103 and the non-display information 105 substantially simultaneously. The display information 103 is diffracted and substantially focused as the display information 103 passes through the optical path 305. The non-display information 105 passes through the optical path 305 substantially unchanged. The display information 103 and the non-display information 105 are focused to substantially the same focal point at substantially the same time. For a focal point located at a retina of a human visual system, the brain superimposes the two images.

[0119] The apparatus 301, in some embodiments, includes a display 309. In some embodiments, the display 309 provides display information 103 including display electromagnetic radiation having at least one characteristic feature. The non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation lacking the at least one characteristic feature. In some embodiments, the display 309 provides the display information 103 including display electromagnetic radiation having a narrow spectral bandwidth. The non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a broad spectral bandwidth. In some embodiments, the display 309 provides the display information 103 including display electromagnetic radiation having a display information polarization. The non-display information 105 includes non-display electromagnetic radiation having a non-display information polarization different from the display information polarization.

[0120] The optical path 305 is not limited to a particular optical power. In some embodiments, the optical path 305 provides substantially zero optical power 313 for the non-display information 103. In some embodiments, the optical path 305 provides a normal optical power 315 for the non-display information 105. In additional embodiments, the non-display information path includes two or more optical powers. For example, some embodiments may use the two or more optical powers for correction of presbyopia or for enabling the eye to properly focused for two or more distances other than the display path.

[0121] In some embodiments, the apparatus 301 includes a filter 317 substantially surrounding around the optical path 305. In some embodiments, when the apparatus 301 is used in combination with a human visual system, the filter 317 includes a substantially opaque filter to substantially block the display information 103 outside the optical path 305 from entering the human visual system. In some embodiments, when the apparatus 301 is used in combination with a human visual system, the filter 317 includes a non-display path polarizing filter to substantially block the display information 103 outside the optical path 305 from entering the human visual system. In some embodiments, when the apparatus 301 is used in combination with a human visual system, the filter 317 includes a notch filter to substantially block the display information 103 outside the optical path 305 from entering the human visual system.

[0122] FIGS. 4A and 4B (diametrical section of contact lens 401 shown in 4A) show illustrations of a contact lens 401 including the display information optical path 109 and the non-display information optical path 111 in accordance with some embodiments. The display information optical path 109 forms a substantially cylindrical path through a central area-of the contact lens 401. The diameter of the display information optical path 109 may be sized to increase the depth of focus and thereby assist in focusing light from a display, such as a head-mounted display, to a retina in a wearer's visual system. In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 includes a focusing element 403, such as a lens, to assist the wearer's visual system in focusing light rays to the retina. In some embodiments, the display information optical path 109 includes a wavelength selective filter, a polarization selective filter, or a variable opacity filter including one or more controllable optical materials such as electrochromic or photochromic materials.

[0123] The non-display information optical path 111 forms a substantially annular ring surrounding the display information optical path 109. The non-display information optical path 111 may also include a non-display information path optical power to assist the wearer's visual system in focusing light rays from objects located at a greater distance from the wearer's visual system than the display. The non-display information path optical power assists the wearer's visual system by providing an appropriate power to correct for deficiencies in the wearer's visual system. For example, for a nearsighted wearer, the non-display information optical path 111 may include an optical power to correct for the wearer's nearsightedness and permit the nearsighted wearer to clearly view objects more distant from the wearer's visual system than the display. In some embodiments, the non-display information optical path 111 includes (i) a wavelength selective filter (including a wavelength selectivity different from the selectivity of the wavelength selective filter of the display information optical path 109), (ii) a polarization selective filter (including a polarization selectivity different from the polarization selectivity of the polarization selective filter of the display information optical path 109), or (iii) a variable opacity filter.

[0124] In operation, the contact lens 401 substantially conforms to the shape of a wearer's cornea. The display information optical path 109 receives and passes or transmits light rays from the display to the wearer. The non-display information optical path 111 receives and passes or transmits light rays from objects more distant from the wearer's visual system than the display.

[0125] FIG. 5 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by the contact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processing non-display information using wavelength filters in accordance with some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the display 143 includes a display notch filter 501 and an organic light emitting diode display 503. In some embodiments, the contact lens 401 includes (i) display path bandpass filter 157, such as a narrow band bandpass filter, (ii) focusing element 505 to provide display information path optical power, and (iii) one or more filters 115, such as one or more notch filters. The human visual system 131 includes an iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

[0126] In operation, the light rays 509 received from objects more distant from the contact lens 401 than the display 143 encounter the display 143, the contact lens 401, and the human visual system 131. At the display 143, the display notch filter 501 filters the light rays 509. The wavelengths of the light rays 509 that correspond to the wavelength notches of display notch filter 501 are substantially removed by the display notch filter 501, allowing light rays 511 to pass. The light rays 511 pass through the display 143 substantially unaltered. At the contact lens 401, the light rays 511 are substantially blocked by the display path bandpass filter 157 and substantially passed by the one or more filters 115. At the human visual system 131, one or more of the light rays 511 pass through the iris 507 to form light rays 513. The human lens 134 focuses the light rays 513 to the retina 133.

[0127] Shadow 515 is created by the light rays blocked by the display path bandpass filter 157. The display path bandpass filter 157 slightly reduces the image intensity at the retina 133 when compared to an image formed at the retina 133 in the absence of the display path bandpass filter 157. Otherwise, the image at the retina 133 is substantially unaltered by the display path bandpass filter 157. The focusing element 505 has substantially no affect on the light rays 513 reaching the retina 133, as the light rays 511 received at the focusing element 505 are blocked by the display path bandpass filter 157.

[0128] In the absence of the display 143, a wearer of the contact lens 401 sees a normal; real world environment except that the light rays 511 now include the wavelengths substantially blocked by the display notch filter 501 when the display 143 is in use. At the contact lens 401, the wavelengths blocked at the display notch filter 501 when the display 143 is in use are passed by the display path bandpass filter 157 and defocused by the focusing element 505.

[0129] FIG. 6 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by the contact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processing display information using wavelength filters in accordance with some embodiments. The display 143 includes the display notch filter 501 and the organic light emitting diode display 503. The contact lens 401 includes (i) the display path bandpass filter 157, such as a narrow bandwidth bandpass filter, (ii) the focusing element 505 to provide display information path optical power, and (iii) the one or more filters 115. The human visual system 131 includes the iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

[0130] In operation, light rays 601 and 602 are provided by the organic light emitting diode display 503. The light rays 602 are blocked by the display notch filter 501. Thus, the light rays 602 are not visible to a viewer looking at a wearer of the contact lens 401. The light rays 601 are received at the contact lens 401 and the human visual system 131. The light rays 601 are blocked by the one or more filters 115, for example, a notch filter, but are passed as light rays 603 by the display path bandpass filter 157. The focusing element 505, such as a focusing lens, provides optical power to assist the human lens 134 to focus the light rays 603 to the retina 133. The light rays 603 are substantially unaffected by the iris 507.

[0131] In some embodiments, the display 143 is occluded or partially occluded. In such embodiments, a material having an opacity is included in the display 143 to provide the occlusion or partial occlusion. When the material is included in the display 143 on the side of display 143 facing away from the contact lens 401, some or all of the non-display information or ambient light rays are blocked. In such embodiments, the display notch filter 501 is not required.

[0132] FIG. 7 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by the contact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processing to combine non-display information and display information using wavelength filters in accordance with some embodiments. The display 143 includes the display notch filter 501 and the organic light emitting diode display 503. The contact lens 401 includes the display path bandpass filter 157, the focusing element 505 to provide display information path optical power, and the one or more filters 115. The human visual system 131 includes the iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

[0133] In operation, the light rays 509 received from objects more distant from the contact lens 401 than the display 143 are processed as described above in the description of FIG. 5 to provide light rays 511 and 513. The light rays 601 and 602 provided by the display 143 are processed as described above in the description of FIG. 6 to provide light rays 603. The light rays 603 come to a focus at substantially the same spot on the retina 133 as the light rays 513. The wearer's brain combines the retinal images provided by the light rays 603 and the light rays 509 to form a superimposed image.

[0134] FIG. 8 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by the contact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processing non-display information using polarizing filters in accordance with some embodiments. The display 143 includes the organic light emitting diode display 503, a display polarizing filter 801, and display shutters 803 and 805. The contact lens 401 includes a display path filter 807, such as a display path bandpass filter or a display path polarizing filter, the focusing element 505 to provide display information path optical power, and the non-display path polarizing filter 155. The human visual system 131 includes the iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

[0135] In operation, the light rays 809 are polarized by the display polarizing filter 801 to form light rays 811. The shutters 803 and 805 are switched to the same polarization as the display polarizing filter 801. Thus, the light rays 811 pass through the shutters 803 and 805 substantially unaltered. The organic light emitting diode display 503 is set to an “off” state and is therefore substantially translucent to the light rays 811. Thus, the light rays 811 also pass through the organic light emitting diode display 503 substantially unaltered. The light rays 811 are substantially blocked by the display path filter 807. In some embodiments, the display path filter 807 includes the display path bandpass filter 157 (shown in FIG. 1D). In some embodiments, the display path filter 807 includes the display path polarizing filter 159 (shown in FIG. 1D) having a polarization different from the polarization of the shutters 803 and 805. The non-display path polarizing filter 155 has the same polarization as the shutters 803 and 805. Thus, the light rays 811 pass through the non-display path polarizing filter 155 substantially unaltered. At the human visual system 131, the iris 507 limits the light rays passing through the iris 507 to light rays 813. The human lens 134 focuses the light rays 813 at the retina 133.

[0136] Shadow 815 is created by the light rays blocked by the display path filter 807. The display path filter 807 slightly reduces the image intensity at the retina 133 when compared to an image formed at the retina 133 in the absence of the display path filter 807. Otherwise, the image at the retina 133 is substantially unaltered by the display path filter 807. The focusing element 505 has substantially no affect on the light rays 811 reaching the retina 133, as the light rays 811 passing through the focusing element 505 are substantially blocked by the display path filter 807.

[0137] In the absence of the display 143, a wearer of the contact lens 401 sees a normal, real world environment except that the light rays 811 are polarized. For the display path filter 807 including either a polarizing filter or a bandpass filter, the light rays passing through the display path filter 807 are defocused by the focusing element 505 before reaching retina 133.

[0138] FIG. 9 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by the contact lens 401 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processing display information using polarizing filters in accordance with some embodiments. The display 143 includes the display polarizing filter 801, the display shutter 803, the organic light emitting diode display 503, and the display shutter 805. The contact lens 401 includes the non-display path polarizing filter 155, the display path filter 807, such as a display path bandpass filter or a display path polarizing filter, and the focusing element 505 to provide display information path optical power. The human visual system 131 includes the iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina. 133.

[0139] In operation, the display polarizing filter 801 polarizes the light rays 809 to form light rays 811. The shutter 803 is switched to a polarization to substantially block the light rays 811, and the organic light emitting diode display 503 is set to an “on” state. The organic light emitting diode display 503 provides the light rays 601 and 602, while the shutter 803 polarizes the light rays 602 to form light rays 901. The display polarizing filter 801 is set to a polarization to substantially block the light rays 901. Thus, the light rays 901 are not visible to a viewer looking at a wearer of the display 143. The shutter 805 polarizes the light rays 601 to form light rays 903. The non-display path polarizing filter 155 is set to a polarization to substantially block the light rays 903. For the display path filter 807 set to substantially the same polarization as the shutter 805, the display path filter 807 passes the light rays 903 substantially unaltered. The focusing element 505, such as a focusing lens, provides optical power to assist the human lens 134 to focus the light rays 905 to the retina 133. Thus, the focusing element 505 may provide an optical power to assist the human lens 134 in focusing the light rays 903 at the retina 133. The human lens 134 in combination with the focusing element 505 processes the light rays 903 to form light rays 905. The iris 507 has substantially no affect on the light rays 905 substantially focused at the retina 133.

[0140] If the display 143 is occluded or partially occluded, the display polarization filter 801 is not required. Instead, in some embodiments, a material having an opacity is included on the side of the display 143 facing away from the contact lens 401 to block some or all of the light rays 509 including the non-display information.

[0141] In some embodiments, a quarter wave-plate is included in the shutter 805 to convert the light rays 601 having a linear polarization to a circular polarization. To support the processing of circularly polarized radiation, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 includes a filter to provide transmission of right-handed circularly polarized radiation. Also, to support the processing of circularly polarized radiation, the display path filter 807 includes a filter to provide transmission of left-handed circularly polarized radiation. In operation, to process the non-display information, the shutter 805 including the quarter wave-plate is set to pass right-handed circularly polarized radiation. In operation, to process the display information the shutter 805 including the quarter wave plate is set to pass left-handed circularly polarized radiation. In some embodiments, the display path filter 807 includes a display path bandpass filter.

[0142] A filter providing transmission of circularly polarized radiation, unlike a filter providing for transmission of linearly polarized radiation, does not require rotational alignment of the contact lens 401 with the human visual system 131. However, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 is not limited to a filter for processing circularly polarized radiation. In some embodiments, the non-display path polarizing filter 155 includes a filter to provide transmission of linearly polarized radiation.

[0143] Referring to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, in some embodiments the shutters 803 and 805 are switched between one polarization state and another polarization state in synchronization with the setting of the organic light emitting diode display 503 to an “on” state and an “off” state. For example, when the organic light emitting diode display 503 is set to an “on” state, the shutters 803 and 805 are switched to the state as described for FIG. 9 to process the display information provided by the light rays 601 and 602 from the organic light emitting diode display 503. And, for example, when the organic light emitting diode display 503 is set to an “off” state, the shutters 803 and 805 are switched to the state as described for FIG. 8 to process non-display information provided by the light rays 809. The switching rate is set to a frequency that allows the brain of a wearer of the contact lens 401 to form a single image from the superposition of the images of the display information and the non-display information.

[0144] Polarizing shutters, such as shutters 803 and 805, can utilize liquid crystal display panels that re-orient their liquid crystals in response to an applied electric field. When the crystals are oriented in one direction, they pass electromagnetic radiation having a particular polarization. Changing the electric field to orient the crystals in a second direction causes electromagnetic radiation having a second polarization to be passed.

[0145] FIGS. 10A and 10B (diametrical section of illustration shown in 10A) show illustrations of a contact lens 1001 including one or more zone plate filters 1003 in accordance with some embodiments. In certain embodiments, the one or more zone plate filters 1003 are formed by patterning a rugate filter in concentric rings of a diffraction zone plate, which focuses light using diffraction to cause constructive interference at a focal point to create an image. A rugate filter includes optical interference films of varying thickness. The refractive index of the optical interference film varies as a function of the film's optical thickness. The use of a rugate filter in forming a zone plate results in a zone plate that operates on a particular set of wavelengths, for example, a narrow band of wavelengths. In some embodiments, the patterning of the zone plate is binary. Binary patterning includes substantially opaque and transparent rings of substantially equal areas. In some embodiments, the patterning is sinusoid. Sinusoid patterning includes rings having substantially gradual variations in opacity. In some embodiments, the contact lens 1001 includes a notch filter 1005 forming substantially an annular ring around the one or more zone plate filters 1003.

[0146] FIG. 11 shows an illustration of the display 143 optically coupled by the contact lens 1001 to the human visual system 131 to illustrate processing display information and non-display information using the one or more zone plate filters 1003 in accordance with some embodiments. The display 143 includes the display notch filter 501 and the organic light emitting diode display 503. The contact lens 1001 includes the one or more zone plate filters 1003. In some embodiments, the contact lens 1001 includes the notch filter 1005. The human visual system 131 includes the iris 507, the human lens 134, and the retina 133.

[0147] In operation, the light rays 509 providing non-display information received from objects more distant from the contact lens 1001 than the display 143 encounter the display 143, the contact lens 1001, and the human visual system 131. At the display 143, the display notch filter 501 filters the light rays 509. The wavelengths of the light rays 509 that correspond to the wavelength notches of the display notch filter 501 are substantially removed by the display notch filter 501, passing the light rays 511. The light rays 511 pass through the display 143 substantially unaltered. At the contact lens 1001, the light rays 511 pass through the one or more zone plate filters 1003 and the notch filter 1005 substantially unaltered. At the human visual system 131, the iris 507 may block some of the light rays 511, passing light rays 1007. The human lens 134 focuses the light rays 1007 including the non-display information at the retina 133.

[0148] In operation, the organic light emitting diode display 503 provides light rays 601 and 602. The light rays 602 are directed away from the contact lens 1001 and are substantially blocked by the display notch filter 501. Thus, the light rays 602 are not visible to a viewer looking at a wearer of the display 143. The light rays 601 are directed toward the contact lens 1001 including the notch filter 1005 and the one or more zone plate filters 1003. At the notch filter 1005, the light rays 601 are substantially blocked. At the one or more zone plate filters 1003, the light rays 601 are diffracted to form the light rays 1009. The human lens 134 focuses the light rays 1009 including the display information at the retina 133.

[0149] In operation, the light rays 509 received from objects more distant from the contact lens 1001 than the display 143 are processed as described above to provide the light rays 1007 including the non-display information to the retina 133. The light rays 601 provided by the display 143 are processed as described above to provide the light rays 1009 including the display information to the retina 133. The light rays 1007 and the light rays 1009 are focused at substantially the same spot at the retina 133 at substantially the same time. Thus, the brain of the wearer of the contact lens 1001 combines the retinal image provided by the light rays 1007 including the non-display information and the retinal image provided by the light rays 1009 including the display information to form a superimposed image including the display information and the non-display information.

[0150] In the absence of the display 143, a wearer of the contact lens 1001 sees a normal, real world environment except the light rays 511 now include the wavelengths substantially blocked by the display notch filter 501. At the contact lens 1001, the wavelengths blocked at the display notch filter 501 when the display 143 is present are diffracted by the one or more zone plate filters 1003 and defocused by the human lens 134.

[0151] If the display 143 is occluded or partially occluded, the display notch filter 501 is not required. Instead, in some embodiments, a material having an opacity is included on the side of the display 143 facing away from the contact lens 1001 to block some or all of the light rays 509 including the non-display information.

[0152] FIG. 12 shows an illustration of an apparatus 1201 including a substrate 1203, a substantially transparent pixel unit 1205, and an organic light emitting diode unit 1207 in accordance with some embodiments. The substrate 1203 includes a pattern 1209 of pixel sites including a first pattern of one or more first pixel sites 1211 and a second pattern of one or more second pixel sites 1213. The substantially transparent pixel unit 1205 is located at substantially each of the one or more first pixel sites 1211. The organic light emitting diode pixel unit 1207 including a filter 1215 is located at substantially each of the one or more second pixel sites 1213. The filter 1215 is located on the substrate 1203 to enable filtering of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the organic light emitting diode unit before the electromagnetic radiation reaches a viewer. To filter the electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, emitted by the organic light emitting diode pixel unit 1207, the area of the filter 1215 is substantially equal to or greater than the area of the organic light emitting diode pixel unit 1207. In some embodiments, the filter 1215 is a narrow band filter. In other embodiments, the filter 1215 is a polarizing filter. The pattern 1209 of pixel sites is not limited to a particular pattern. In some embodiments, the pattern 1209 of pixel sites includes a checkerboard pattern including the first pattern of the one or more first pixel sites 1211 alternating with the second pattern of the one or more second pixel sites 1213. The sites are not limited to a particular shape and the shapes shown are only for schematic illustration.

[0153] FIG. 13 shows a flow diagram of a method 1301 including enabling and disabling transmission of display information and transmission of non-display information in accordance with some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the method 1301 enables transmission of display information from a display and switches one or more shutters to a first polarization to polarize the display information (block 1303), and disables transmission of the display information from the display and switches the one or more shutters to a second polarization different from the first polarization to enable transmission of the non-display information through the one or more shutters (block 1305). In some embodiments, the method 1301 includes receiving the display information and the non-display information at a contact lens. In some embodiments, the method 1301 includes substantially blocking the display information at a non-display information optical path included in the contact lens and substantially transmitting the display information at a display information optical path included in the contact lens.

[0154] FIG. 14 shows a flow diagram of a method 1401 including polarizing display and non-display information and illuminating a contact lens with the polarized display and non-display information in accordance with some embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the method 1401 (i) polarizes non-display information to form polarized non-display information and polarizes display information to form polarized display information (block 1403), (ii) illuminates a contact lens with the polarized non-display information while not illuminating the contact lens with the polarized display information (block 1405), and (iii) illuminates the contact lens with the polarized display information while not illuminating the contact lens with the polarized non-display information (block 1407). In some embodiments, the method 1401 includes substantially blocking the polarized display information at the non-display information path at the contact lens.

[0155] FIG. 15 shows an example configuration of a display optically coupled by a contact lens assembly to the human visual system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The example configuration 1510 depicts an eye 1511 optically coupled to a display 1525 via a contact lens assembly 1512. As shown, the contact lens assembly 1512 combines the non-display information with display information. The non-display information is provided by ambient light 1513, which may originate from outside of eyewear 1522, while display information is provided by the light 1519 emitted from display 1525. Display 1525 is disposed on eyewear 1522 and, depending on the embodiment, can be implemented using a color or non-color organic light emitting diode display, liquid crystal display, LCOS panel, DLP panel, e-ink, electroluminescent display, and other display technology. Though the display 1525 is shown as positioned off-axis with respect to the axial alignment of eye 1511 and below the eye's line of sight, some embodiments may position the display in alternative locations, such as along the axial alignment of eye 1511 or somewhere above or on the side of the eye's line of sight.

[0156] In some embodiments, the display is positioned 45 degrees below the axial alignment of an eye. In some embodiments, the display is positioned at approximately 30 degrees below the axial alignment of an eye. In further embodiments, the contact lens assembly is configured with a lenslet (e.g., small lens) with sufficient power to focus on a display positioned at a predetermined distance from the human visual system (e.g., human eye). For example, in the illustrated example, if the display 1525 was positioned 15 mm (millimeters) from the eye, the lenslet 1528 (e.g., small lens) would be configured with an optical power in the display information optical path capable of focusing on an image approximately 15 mm away from the eye. In doing so, the eye would be capable of properly focusing on the images produced by the display 1525. Display 1525 may be implemented by a variety of different display technologies including, but not limited to, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLED) panes, liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) panels (e.g., LCOS used in a micro-projection setup), or some combination thereof. Additionally, the size, shape, angular position, distance from the eye, brightness, and pixel density of display 1525 can vary from embodiment to embodiment.

[0157] As depicted, contact lens assembly 1512 comprises a lenslet 1528 (e.g., small lens), one or more filters 1534, and optical path optics 1531. The optical path optics 1531 is configured to deflect, or bend, the light 1519 emitted from the display 1525 into the lenslet 1528, which focuses the light 1519 into the eye 1511. In doing so, light 1519 is deflected such it is nominally perpendicular to the eye 1511, thereby allowing the eye 1511 to see the image carried by light 1519 (and emitted by display 1525) as a virtual image 1516 (also referred to as a retinal image). For some embodiments, the virtual image 1516 is perceived as if the image is directly in the eye's line of sight. In other words, optical path optics 1530 deflects the display information emitted by display 1525 (i.e., image created by light 1519) such that the display information either superimposes itself over or replaces the non-display information provided by ambient light 1513. In some embodiments, the image produced by superimposing the display image onto the real world image is a see-through image, where both non-display information and display information may be viewed simultaneously. For example, in some embodiments, the display information may be geosynchronous position system (GPS) location information superimposed in one of the corners of the non-display information. In various embodiments, a see-through image can be configured such that it is occluded from perception at predetermined gaze directions of the eye 1511. For further embodiments, the one or more filters 1534 as depicted function to block the light 1519 emitted from the display 1525, while allowing passage of ambient light 1513 originating from the real world. In still other embodiments, the virtual image 1516 is perceived as if the image is off axis with respect to the eye's line of sight.

[0158] FIG. 16 shows an example contact lens assembly 1633 that includes optical path optics 1641 comprising a single-bounce reflective array in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 16, the contact lens assembly 1633 is depicted as having a lenslet 1637 positioned closest to the eye, and optical path optics 1641 positioned furthest from the eye and used to deflect an image emitted by a off-axis display panel (e.g., display 1525) into the human visual system (e.g., the eye). In alternative embodiments, the lenslet 1637 is placed further from the eye than optical path optics 1641. The illustrated embodiment implements the optical path optics 1641 as an array of reflectors configured to deflect (by reflection) light rays (i.e., image) emitted by the off-access display panel into the human visual system via the lenslet 1637. The light rays exiting the array of reflectors 1641 are nominally perpendicular with respect to the human visual system. Lenslet 1637, in turn, focuses those nominally perpendicular light rays into the eye such that they can be properly perceived. Where the display image is inverted (e.g., up-side-down) after deflection by the array of reflectors, some embodiments may compensate for the inversion by configuring the display panel to emit an inverted image at the beginning of the display information optical path, such that the virtual image that results after deflection is in a properly intended orientation (e.g., right-side-up).

[0159] The particular array of reflectors 1641 illustrated is a single-bounce configuration, where the light rays from the display are reflected only once in order for them to be deflected to the lenslet 1637. As will be described later in this description, alternative embodiments may comprise an array of reflectors were the light ray is reflected more than once before it is deflected to the lenslet and reaches the human visual system. As shown in magnified view 1644, during operation the array of reflectors 1641 deflect into lenslet 1637 light rays 1653 from the top of a display panel, light rays 1656 from the bottom of a display panel, and light rays 1659 from the center of a display panel. Additionally, the array of reflectors 1641 are configured with a reflective surface on the bottom 1647, and a black surface on the top 1650 to absorb possible stray light rays. Though the angle of deflection for the reflectors is illustrated as 22.5 degrees, embodiments may utilize other angles of deflection for the array of reflectors.

[0160] It should be noted that for some embodiments of the invention that utilize a reflector or an array of reflectors to deflect light rays from an off-axis display panel (e.g., display 1525), the reflector may be a standard mirror that reflects all light, regardless of the light rays polarization or bandwidth. Alternatively, some or all of the reflectors utilized may be a partial mirror that reflects only part of all polarizations and bandwidths of light. In further embodiments, the type of reflector utilized may be (i) reflective polarizers, which only reflect light rays of a particular polarization, (ii) narrow bandwidth reflectors, which only reflect light rays of a certain narrow bandwidth, or (iii) wide bandwidth reflectors, which only reflect rights rays of certain wide bandwidth. In yet further embodiments, the reflector or reflectors utilized may be some combination of the reflector types disclosed above. In addition, after reading this description, one of ordinary skill the art will appreciate that reflector types described herein are merely examples of types that may be utilized in some embodiments, and that other types of reflectors may be utilized in accordance with the present invention.

[0161] Turning now to FIG. 17, an illustration of an example contact lens assembly 1763 is shown, where the assembly 1763 includes lenslet 1769 and optical path optics 1772. In this illustrated embodiment, the optical path optics 1772 is implemented as a double-bounce array of reflectors, as illustrated in magnified view 1775. Lenslet 1769, like those previously described, is positioned closest to the eye and focuses the display image deflected by the array of reflectors 1772 into the human visual system (e.g., the eye). In addition, the optical path optics 1772, similar to optical path optics 1641, is positioned furthest from the eye and is used to deflect an image emitted by an off-axis display panel (e.g., display 1525) into the human visual system (e.g., the eye). However, unlike optical path optics 1641, optical path optics 1772 is implemented as a double-bounce array of reflectors. As depicted in magnified view 1775, the illustrated array of reflectors 1772 comprises two arrays of reflectors, an array of reflectors 1773 at a first angle and an array of reflectors 1774 at a second angle. The first reflection occurs at the array of reflectors 1773, where the indirect light rays 1776 (represented as dashed lines) from an off-axis display panel are captured and deflected onto the array of reflectors 1774. The second reflection occurs at the array of reflectors 1774, where light rays entering the array 1774 from the array of reflectors 1773 are deflected to lenslet 1769.

[0162] Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the array of reflectors 1773 is positioned with respect to the array of reflectors 1774 such that light rays 1791 from direct viewing (i.e., non-display information) are allowed to pass through array of reflectors 1772 and into the human visual system. In some embodiments, the array of reflectors 1773 is configured with a reflector on the bottom surface 1784, and a black surface on the top 1787 to absorb stray light rays. Conversely, the array of reflectors 1774 is configured with a reflector on the top 1778, and a black surface on the bottom 1781 to absorb light rays not deflected first by the array of reflectors 1773. Though the angle of deflection for the array of reflectors 1774 is illustrated as 22.5 degrees, embodiments may utilize other angles of deflection for the array of reflectors.

[0163] FIG. 18 shows an example contact lens assembly comprising a double-bounce reflective array in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, contact lens assembly 1813 comprises a lenslet 1816 and optical path optics 1819. The optical path optics 1819 is an array of reflectors which, like the array 1772 depicted in FIG. 17, is a double-bounce array of reflectors comprising an array of reflectors 1820 at a first angle and an array of reflectors 1822 at a second angle. The array of reflectors 1819 functions similarly to array 1772 in that indirect light rays (represented by the lines) from an off-axis display panel (e.g., display 1525) are captured and deflected onto the array of reflectors 1822. However, unlike array 1772, the array of reflectors 1820 is not positioned with respect to array of angled reflectors 1822 to allow light rays from direct viewing (i.e., non-display information) to pass through the array of reflectors 1819.

[0164] FIG. 19 shows an example contact lens assembly comprising a refractive array in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. Referring now to FIG. 19, a contact assembly 1913 is depicted. As seen in magnified view 1921, the contact assembly 1913 comprises a lenslet 1916, which focuses light rays incident to it into the human visual system (e.g., the eye), and optical path optics 1919, which deflects light rays 1931 emitted by an off-axis display panel into the lenslet 1916. Specifically, in this illustrated embodiment, the refractive array 1919 implements the deflection of light rays through prisms 1927. The prisms 1927 cause the light rays incident it (1931) to refract toward the lenslet 1916. As also illustrated, the prisms 1927 are positioned with such spacing as to allow light rays 1924 from direct viewing (i.e., non-display information) to pass through refractive array 1919 and into the human visual system. Conversely, alternative embodiments may lack such spacing to allow light rays from directing viewing to pass through. Dispersed light rays 1934 also pass through refractive array 1919, but are not deflected toward the lenslet 1916 like light rays 1931.

[0165] In various embodiments that implement a refractive array (e.g., array 1919) in accordance with this invention, the prisms may cause a divergence, or separation, of colors for light rays incident to them. Such occurrences are illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21.

[0166] FIG. 20 shows a single prism 2010 where a light ray 2013 incident to the prism is separated into three light rays of different colors. This is due to the difference of refraction between the different colors of light ray 2013 as they enter the prism 2010. As shown, the three light rays of different colors are divergent with respect to one another as they exit prism 2010. In order to counter this divergent effect, some embodiments comprise two prisms, prism 2110 and prism 2113, as depicted in FIG. 21. FIG. 21 shows how two prisms may be arranged in accordance with the present invention such that when display 2116 emits light ray 2119, prism 2113 directs light ray 2119 upward toward prism 2110 as separate light rays 2121 of different colors. Light rays 2121, in turn, enter prism 2110 where they are refracted such that the light rays 2124 exiting the prism converge. In some embodiments, the prism 2110 converges light rays 2124 such that they are parallel with respect to each other. Prism 2110 may be embedded in a contact lens in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the prism 2113 is mounted to the display 2116. Optionally, in some embodiments, lenslet 1916 converges the light rays 2124 of different colors into a single light ray having normal color, which is then received and perceived by the human visual system.

[0167] FIG. 22 shows an example display 2218 emitting rays of light as individual, divergent light rays 2221 of separate colors in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, contact lens assembly 2216 comprises a lenslet 2219, one or more filters 2215, and optical path optics 2212. In some embodiments where the optical path optics 2212 includes a refractive array with prisms configured similar to prism 2110 depicted in FIG. 21, display 2218 may be configured with a front mounted prism (e.g., prism 2116) such that light rays 2221 are directed upward from display 2218 toward contact lens 2216, where the light rays 2221 are then converged by refractive array 2212. Alternatively, in some such the embodiments, the display 2218 with an algorithm that causes the display to emit separate light rays 2221 having different colors. Specifically, in some embodiments, the image on the display 2218 is split vertically into three colors planes, where one plane is used for each of the RGB colors. These planes are vertically offset such that the light rays emitted by the display 2218 compensates for the opposite separation occurring within the one or more prisms due to refraction. For example, the algorithm may be used in conjunction with or in place of a front mounted prism 2113. In such embodiments, due to the separation of colors by display 2218, the light rays exiting refractive array 2212 are parallel with respect to one another, like those depicted in FIG. 21 (e.g., light rays 2124).

[0168] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to implement the desired features of the present invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0169] Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

[0170] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

[0171] A group of items linked with the conjunction “and” should not be read as requiring that each and every one of those items be present in the grouping, but rather should be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Similarly, a group of items linked with the conjunction “or” should not be read as requiring mutual exclusivity among that group, but rather should also be read as “and/or” unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, although items, elements or components of the invention may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural is contemplated to be within the scope thereof unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated.

[0172] The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed in multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

[0173] Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.