AR Visor Optical Shutter for Light Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Holographic waveguides in augmented reality visors face challenges with light emission, which can compromise night operations and security, especially in bright daylight or secure environments, as traditional mitigation techniques fail to provide adequate light occlusion and ballistic protection.
Innovation Solution
An optical shutter system integrated with a ballistic visor, capable of full transmittance, partial transmittance, and full occlusion, is used in conjunction with a see-through waveguide and a display source, controlled by a sensor and switching circuit to manage illumination based on environmental security levels, ensuring zero light emission in secure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional occluded displays use physical barriers to block light emissions, then light security is improved, but visibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical shutter transitions from a static physical barrier to a dynamic controllable element that can adjust its light blocking properties in real-time based on operational requirements, allowing full occlusion when security is needed and full transmittance when visibility is prioritized
Solution Approach 2:
The optical shutter changes its optical parameters (transmittance) dynamically between different states (full occlusion, partial transmittance, full transmittance) to resolve the contradiction between light security and visibility, rather than being fixed in one state
2Illumination intensity
If see-through AR waveguides allow ambient light transmission during bright daylight, then visibility is improved, but light security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical shutter provides dynamic control over ambient light transmission, allowing the system to switch between maximizing visibility during daylight and minimizing light signature for security, rather than being permanently fixed in one state
Solution Approach 2:
The optical shutter modifies the transmittance parameter of ambient light based on operational context, enabling the waveguide to adapt between high visibility mode and light security mode
3Illumination intensity
If optical shutters provide dimming to enhance holographic visibility, then visibility is improved, but light security capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical shutter system provides dynamic control with multiple discrete states (full occlusion, partial transmittance, full transmittance) rather than continuous dimming, enabling the system to achieve both visibility enhancement and complete light security when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The optical shutter changes its transmittance parameter to specific predefined states rather than providing continuous variable dimming, allowing the system to optimize for either visibility or complete occlusion based on operational requirements
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 system effectively reduces light emission from the visor, enhancing user safety by automatically adjusting transmittance and occlusion based on environmental conditions, ensuring secure operation and improved visibility of AR images.
Implementation Method 1
the optical shutter configured for a full transmittance, a partial transmittance, and a full occlusion of an illumination through the visor
Implementation Method 2
an optical shutter sensor operatively coupled with the optical shutter and configured for measuring 1) a controlled transmittance and 2) an ambient component
Implementation Method 3
a see-through waveguide is associated with the visor and a display source may be configured to present an image to the user via an illumination of the see-through waveguide
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A system and method (600) for augmented reality (AR) visor light security employs an optical shutter (134) to mitigate illumination escaping from a see-through waveguide (132) holographic AR display incorporated with a ballistic visor (130). Based on a security level of the environment, the user selects an auto or manual mode to command a full transmittance, partial transmittance, or full occlusion automatically set via ambient sensors within the system to remove glare and better view a contrast of AR images presented on the waveguide. In high security, the user relies solely on enhanced vision systems display on the waveguide for situational awareness and desire a full bi-directional occlusion of the optical shutter allowing zero emissions from the visor. An optical shutter sensor (140) continuously measures the current level of occlusion to ensure it matches a commanded occlusion and if not, the system disables the display source and removes the occlusion.