Adjustable Pinhole Optical System for Undistorted AR Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted displays (HMDs) used in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) obstruct the user's view of the outside world and suffer from video distortion due to camera-based image capture methods.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a display unit and pinhole units that allow users to see the outside environment without distortion by adjusting the size of overlapping regions between pinholes, achieved through a mechanism of pinhole plates and adjusting units that include wheels and serrated portions for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a camera-based image capture method is used to show the outside environment to the user, then the user can see the outside world while wearing the HMD, but video distortion and image distortion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the camera component from the system and extracts only the essential function of viewing the outside environment. Instead of using a camera to capture and display images, the invention uses pinholes to directly allow light from the outside environment to reach the user's eyes, eliminating the source of image distortion while preserving the viewing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified optical copy of the outside environment view through pinholes. Rather than capturing the environment with a camera and displaying it through a screen (which introduces distortion), the system creates direct optical paths through pinholes that allow users to see the real environment without intermediate image capture and display steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a camera is used to capture images for AR/MR functionality, then virtual and real objects can be combined, but the captured images suffer from distortion and do not match actual sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the camera from the system architecture, extracting only the viewing function. By eliminating the image capture and display chain, the system avoids all associated distortions while maintaining the ability to overlay virtual content with the real environment viewed through pinholes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical camera-based image capture system with a direct optical viewing system using pinholes. This substitution eliminates the need for image sensors, processors, and displays that introduce distortion, providing accurate representation of the real environment for AR/MR applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pinhole plates are made adjustable to allow users to see outside environment, then viewing flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pinhole viewing system into separate adjustable components (first pinhole plate and second pinhole plate) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to be adjusted separately to achieve optimal viewing conditions while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustability to the pinhole plates, transforming them from fixed components to dynamic, repositionable elements. The first and second pinhole plates can be adjusted relative to each other and to the display unit, allowing users to customize viewing parameters while the system adapts to different usage scenarios.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to view the outside environment without distortion, eliminating the need for cameras and reducing manufacturing costs, while providing clear and undistorted views through adjustable pinhole configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a first unit positioned in front of the display unit and having a plurality of first pinholes; a second unit positioned between the display unit and the first unit and having a plurality of second pinholes
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device comprises: a display unit; a first unit positioned in front of the display unit and having a plurality of first pinholes; a second unit positioned between the display unit and the first unit and having a plurality of second pinholes; and an adjusting unit that adjusts the size of overlapping regions between the first pinholes and the second pinholes by changing the position of the second unit relative to the first unit.