Augmented Reality Methods and Systems Including Optical Merging of a Plurality of Component Optical Images

摘要

The present disclosure provides augmented reality methods and systems where two or more component optical images are optically overlaid via one or more beam splitters to form composite optical images. In some embodiments a second component optical image is an electronic optical image (an image from an electronically controlled emission source) while the first component optical image is one of a physical optical image (an image of a physical object from which diffuse reflection occurs), an electronic optical image, an emission optical image (an image from a non-electronic source that emits radiation), or a hybrid optical image (composed, of at least two of a physical optical image, and electronic optical image, or an emission optical image). In some embodiments the first and second component optical images are used to provide feedback concerning the quality of the overlaying and appropriate correction factors to improve the overlay quality.

主权项

1. A method of providing composite optical images to an observer wherein the composite optical images are comprised of a first set of component optical images of a source or object along with, a second set of component optical images configured to be displayed in relationship to the first set of component optical images, the method comprising:
directing the first set of component optical images from a source or an object to a first beam splitter and thereafter directing a first split first component of the first set of component optical images to a first image capture viewing location path; directing a second set of component optical images from an electronic image display device to a second beam splitter and thereafter directing a second split second component of the second set of component optical images to a viewing location along a second viewing location path having at least a terminal portion that overlays a terminal portion of the first viewing location path; and using a portion of data created from the first component optical image captured by the first image capture device in generating electronic image data that is provided to an electronic image display device to create an updated second set of component optical images.