Patent attributes
A head-mounted computing device having a waveguide optical engine assembly is disclosed. The waveguide is enclosed in a housing to limit or minimize exposure of the waveguide to ambient light. Further, the waveguide optical engine assembly comprises a compact footprint by allowing the other components of the waveguide optical engine assembly, such as a microprojector, a prism assembly, and the like, to be placed behind a rear surface of the waveguide. In addition to the compact footprint of the waveguide optical assembly, the configuration of the waveguide optical assembly disclosed, allows for maximization of advantages provided by the waveguide as related to eye box and eye relief. Additionally, the power requirements of the waveguide are greatly reduced, which also results in a prolonged battery life powering the head-mounted computing device.