AR HMD External Stereo Screens Depth Layering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional augmented reality (AR) systems have limitations in providing virtual objects at varying depths due to a fixed display plane and mismatched lateral disparity, leading to ambiguous depth perception and viewing discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an AR system that incorporates external stereo screens and a 3D screen viewing assembly in the AR head-mounted display (HMD), allowing for additional depth layers by projecting stereo content using various technologies such as interference-filter-based, polarization-based, or shutter-based methods, which can differ from the fixed focal length of the HMD's optical system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed focal distance is used in the HMD optical system, then the display plane is stable and simple, but the depth representation becomes ambiguous and viewing comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the display system into two independent parts: the HMD optical system for close-up virtual objects at a fixed focal distance, and external stereo screens for distant objects at variable depths. This segmentation allows each subsystem to operate optimally without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and depth perception accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external stereo screens as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the fixed HMD display plane and the variable depth requirements. These screens act as a mediator that can display objects at multiple depth planes, thereby improving depth representation without complicating the HMD optical system itself.
2Ease of operation
If lateral disparity is matched to the HMD focal distance, then the HMD display is comfortable for viewing, but the depth representation of objects at other distances becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the disparity characteristics to local regions: the HMD optical system uses fixed focal distance optimized for close-up viewing comfort, while external stereo screens use variable depth optimization for distant objects. Each region receives appropriately matched disparity characteristics for its specific depth range, resolving the contradiction between viewing comfort and depth accuracy.
3Device complexity
If a single display plane is used in the HMD, then the system is simple and straightforward, but the field of view and immersion are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional single display plane to a three-dimensional multi-plane display architecture by incorporating external stereo screens. This dimensional expansion adds depth variability to the display system, significantly increasing the instantaneous field of view and immersion experience without substantially complicating the overall system architecture.
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
This configuration enhances the AR experience by providing comfortable and accurate representation of different viewing distances, increasing the angular viewing range and immersion, and allowing for the enlargement of the instantaneous field of view up to 160 degrees or more.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction of an AR system that incorporates external stereo screens and a 3D screen viewing assembly in the AR head-mounted display (HMD), allowing for additional depth layers by projecting stereo content using various technologies such as interference-filter-based, polarization-based, or shutter-based methods
Implementation Method 2
The introduction of an AR system that incorporates external stereo screens and a 3D screen viewing assembly in the AR head-mounted display (HMD), allowing for additional depth layers by projecting stereo content using various technologies such as interference-filter-based, polarization-based, or shutter-based methods
Data Source
AI summary
An augmented reality (AR) system that enhances an AR participant's experience by providing a visual effect with added depth. The AR system displays previously achieved by an AR HMD are augmented with a second layer of accessible depth. This added depth is achieved by including, in the AR space/real world environment, external stereo screens upon which 3D stereo content is projected by one or more 3D projectors. The AR HMD is equipped with an external 3D screen viewing assembly so the AR HMD allows an AR participant wearing the AR HMD to view images on the external stereo screens in stereo. The external stereo screens can be used to produce 3D imagery that may differ in depth from the depth of the fixed focal length images displayed to the viewer by the AR HMD. The AR system enlarges the AR participant's simultaneous angular viewing range to 55 to 160 degrees.