Directional Light Beams for HMD Angle Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current head-mountable display (HMD) technologies face challenges in providing a seamless integration of virtual and real-world views, with some HMDs completely obscuring the user's environment and others failing to effectively superimpose virtual images onto the real world, lacking in flexibility and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The development of a head-mountable apparatus that allows for partial or full immersion experiences by using a combination of display elements, optical components, and motion sensing technologies to create a virtual image that can be superimposed over the real world view, with options for wireless or cabled connections to video and audio signal sources, enabling flexible positioning and aesthetic design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a partially reflective mirror is used to superimpose virtual image on real world view, then the user can see both virtual content and real environment, but the device complexity increases due to additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the display device and optical components into an integrated head-mountable apparatus where the display element, waveguide, and exit pupil are positioned in close proximity. This merging reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to superimpose virtual images on the real world view through the waveguide's total internal reflection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide serves multiple functions: it acts as both the optical medium for total internal reflection and the structural component that guides the virtual image to the user's eye. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate optical components, thereby simplifying the overall device while maintaining viewing flexibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If display devices are positioned directly in front of user's eyes with lenses, then the user can focus on virtual images at comfortable distance, but the real world environment is completely obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical path by using a waveguide that directs light from a side-mounted display element to the user's eye through total internal reflection. This segmentation allows the display to be positioned away from the direct line of sight, enabling the user to see both the virtual image and the real world environment simultaneously without complete obscuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveguide acts as an intermediary optical element that transfers the virtual image from the side-mounted display element to the user's eye. This intermediary mechanism allows the virtual image to be superimposed on the real world view without requiring the display to be positioned directly in front of the eye, thus maintaining environmental awareness while achieving proper focus.
3Reliability
If motion sensing technologies are added to track head movements, then the realism of virtual reality is enhanced, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical motion sensing systems with a simplified optical tracking mechanism. By using the movement of the exit pupil relative to the waveguide as a natural indicator of head motion, the system achieves motion tracking functionality without adding significant weight, as the optical components are already present for image guidance.
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 engage in immersive experiences while maintaining awareness of their surroundings, with adjustable display configurations and motion tracking capabilities that enhance the realism of virtual and augmented reality applications.
Implementation Method 1
a waveguide arrangement employing total internal reflection is used to convey a displayed image from a display device disposed to the side of the user's head
Data Source
AI summary
An angular detection arrangement for a head mountable display (HMD) comprising a light source or reflective marking and an optical detector, one of the light source or reflective marking and the optical detector being disposed at the HMD and the other being disposed at a fixed point, the light source or reflective marking comprising a directional light source or reflective marking and a substantially non-directional light source or reflective marking such that the separation between the directional and non-directional light sources or reflective markings as detected at the optical detector is dependent upon the relative orientation of the HMD and the fixed point.