Clip-On AR Module for Spectacles with Lateral Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Augmented Reality (AR) devices for eyewear are cumbersome, expensive, and often obstruct peripheral vision due to side-mounted modules that require complex alignment mechanisms and increased eye motion boxes to accommodate varying pupillary distances, leading to bulkier and heavier designs.
Innovation Solution
A detachable AR module that clips onto the front of spectacles, utilizing a compact alignment mechanism to position the see-through display accurately without obstructing peripheral vision, allowing for a small eye motion box and lightweight, cost-effective optics, and can be used with conventional spectacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If side-mounted modules are used with increased eye motion box to accommodate varying pupillary distances, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable mounting mechanism that allows the AR module to be adjusted laterally along the spectacle frame. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt to different pupillary distances and eye locations without requiring a complex optical design with increased eye motion box. The module can be shifted left or right to align with the user's eye, providing versatility while maintaining a compact optical path.
2Loss of information
If side-mounted modules are used to provide AR functionality, then AR information overlay capability is improved, but peripheral vision is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from side-mounted configuration (lateral dimension) to front-mounted configuration (anterior dimension). By positioning the AR module on the front of the spectacle frame rather than on the side arms, the system achieves AR information overlay without obstructing the user's peripheral vision. The module is mounted centrally on the front frame, allowing light to pass through the spectacle lenses without blocking the peripheral field of view.
3Stability of the object's composition
If temple piece mounting is used for AR module, then structural integration is improved, but device weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the AR module from the temple pieces (side arms) and mounts it independently on the front frame. This segmentation allows the AR functionality to be added without modifying the temple structure, keeping the spectacle frame lightweight and simple. The module can be attached to the front frame using a clip or mounting mechanism that does not require heavy temple piece integration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex alignment mechanisms are added to accommodate varying eye locations, then adaptability to different users is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple movable mounting mechanism that allows lateral adjustment of the AR module along the front frame. This dynamic positioning capability provides alignment adaptability for varying eye locations without requiring complex mechanical alignment systems. The module can be shifted left or right to align with the user's eye, offering versatility while maintaining a compact and simple alignment mechanism.
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 a compact, low-cost, and user-friendly AR solution that maintains peripheral vision while providing accurate alignment and overlay of AR information on the real scene, suitable for various users without the need for temple-mounted components.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient arm may be engaged in the knuckle to provide resilient engagement with the spectacle frame
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3c
Figure 3d~4a
AI summary
A detachable spectacles-mounted augmented reality (AR) device and clip-on unit wherein the device has a housing (31) configured for detachably supporting the clip-on unit, an exit window (30) and an entrance window (30') in the housing through which the user observes a scene, a communications interface (71, 74) for coupling to a hand-held device, and a camera (37) inside the housing for imaging the scene observed by the user through a camera window (36) and configured to convey an image of the scene to the hand-held device. A line-of-sight guide unit (39) displays at least one marker at the user's field of view for directing a line of sight of the user toward a designated feature in the scene, and optics (40) within the housing projects the marker at a distance for superimposing on to the scene viewed by the user.