Ambient Light Coupling Feature for Hidden HMD Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional head-mounted displays (HMDs) face challenges with ambient light sensors being visibly external, prone to dirt, and limited in directional sensitivity, which affects aesthetics, maintenance, and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an ambient light sensor within the spectacle frame of HMDs, utilizing a coupling feature such as a reflective element or light guide to direct ambient light from various directions onto the sensor, ensuring it is not visible externally and maintaining transparency for the user's view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the ambient light sensor is mounted on the outer surface of the HMD, then sufficient ambient light can be coupled into the sensor, but the sensor becomes clearly visible and affects aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The ambient light sensor is nested inside the spectacle frame, hidden from external view. The display element acts as a container that houses the sensor while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of traditional glasses from the outside.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling feature (light guide or reflective element) is introduced as an intermediary component to transfer ambient light from the external environment to the hidden sensor inside the frame, enabling the sensor to receive sufficient light without being exposed on the outer surface.
2Measurement precision
If the ambient light sensor is mounted on the outer surface of the HMD, then the sensor can detect ambient light effectively, but it gets dirty frequently and requires regular cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested inside the spectacle frame, protected from direct contact with the external environment. This internal positioning shields the sensor from dust, dirt, and contaminants that would otherwise accumulate on an externally mounted sensor, reducing maintenance requirements.
3Shape
If the ambient light sensor is mounted inside the spectacle frame, then aesthetics are improved and maintenance is reduced, but the sensor can only receive light from limited directions
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling feature serves as an optical intermediary that collects ambient light from multiple external directions and redirects it toward the sensor. This mediator component expands the effective light-receiving angles without requiring the sensor to be exposed on the outer surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling feature utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement and optical path manipulation to redirect light from various directions onto the sensor, effectively increasing the angular acceptance without compromising the hidden positioning of the sensor.
4Shape
If the ambient light sensor is hidden inside the spectacle frame, then the HMD appearance resembles traditional glasses, but it requires complex optical coupling features
Solution Approach 1:
The display element serves multiple functions: it acts as the transparent display medium, serves as the housing structure for the sensor, and functions as the optical coupling feature through its edge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated coupling components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling feature utilizes optical properties (reflectivity or light guiding) rather than adding visible structural elements. The feature is designed to be optically effective while remaining aesthetically invisible or minimal, maintaining the traditional glasses appearance.
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
The solution provides a robust, low-maintenance, and aesthetically pleasing HMD with enhanced ambient light detection capabilities, allowing for efficient brightness control without compromising the user's field of view or requiring frequent cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a coupling feature such as a reflective element or light guide to direct ambient light from various directions onto the sensor
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a coupling feature such as a reflective element or light guide to direct ambient light from various directions onto the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a head-mounted-display and a sensor included in a fixation component of the head-mounted-display, wherein the sensor is configured for the detection of ambient light, wherein the display element has a coupling feature configured for a direction of ambient light impinging on the coupling feature onto the sensor.