System and method for foveated image generation using an optical combiner

A computer-implemented method, comprising:

• redirecting a first set of light rays towards an eye, wherein the first set of light rays are redirected by an optical combiner and produce a peripheral image;
• generating a second set of light rays by a light engine to intersect a first region of the optical combiner;
• redirecting the second set of light rays towards the eye, wherein the second set of light rays converge at a nodal point within 1 mm of a rotational center the eye and produce an inset foveal image positioned within at least a portion of the peripheral image;
• and
• offsetting an origin of the second set of light rays by the light engine to move the intersection of the second set of light rays with the optical combiner from the first region to a second region of the optical combiner in response to a change in a gaze direction of the eye.

A non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform steps comprising:

• redirecting a first set of light rays towards an eye, wherein the first set of light rays are redirected by an optical combiner and produce a peripheral image;
• generating a second set of light rays by a light engine to intersect a first region of the optical combiner;
• redirecting the second set of light rays towards the eye, wherein the second set of light rays converge at a nodal point within 1 mm of a rotational center of the eye and produce an inset foveal image positioned within at least a portion of the peripheral image;
• and
• offsetting an origin of the second set of light rays by the light engine to move the intersection of the second set of light rays with the optical combiner from the first region to a second region of the optical combiner in response to a change in a gaze direction of the eye.